What is the difference between Atmel and AVR?

Understanding Atmel and AVR

Atmel and AVR are two terms that are often used interchangeably in the world of microcontrollers, but they actually refer to different things. Atmel is a company that manufactures microcontrollers, while AVR is a specific family of microcontrollers that Atmel produces. In this article, we’ll explore the differences between Atmel and AVR in detail.

What is Atmel?

Atmel Corporation is a leading manufacturer of microcontrollers, founded in 1984. The company was acquired by Microchip Technology in 2016. Atmel produces a wide range of microcontrollers, including the AVR family, as well as other families such as SAM (ARM-based) and 8051.

What is AVR?

AVR is a family of microcontrollers developed by Atmel. The name “AVR” is an acronym for “Alf-Egil Bogen Vegard Wollan RISC processor”, named after the two engineers who designed the architecture. AVR microcontrollers are based on a modified Harvard architecture and are known for their low power consumption, high performance, and ease of use.

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Key Differences between Atmel and AVR

While Atmel and AVR are closely related, there are some key differences between the two:

Scope: Atmel is a company that produces a wide range of microcontrollers, while AVR is a specific family of microcontrollers produced by Atmel.
Architecture: AVR microcontrollers are based on a modified Harvard architecture, while Atmel produces other microcontroller families with different architectures, such as ARM and 8051.
Features: AVR microcontrollers are known for their low power consumption, high performance, and ease of use. Other Atmel microcontroller families may have different features and target different applications.

The AVR Microcontroller Family

The AVR family of microcontrollers is one of the most popular and widely used in the world. Let’s take a closer look at some of the key features and characteristics of AVR microcontrollers.

AVR Architecture

AVR microcontrollers are based on a modified Harvard architecture, which means that they have separate memory spaces for program and data. This allows for faster execution and more efficient use of memory compared to von Neumann architecture, which uses a single memory space for both program and data.

AVR microcontrollers also feature a RISC (Reduced Instruction Set Computing) architecture, which means that they have a smaller number of instructions compared to CISC (Complex Instruction Set Computing) architectures. This allows for faster execution and simpler hardware design.

AVR Families and Series

The AVR family of microcontrollers is divided into several subfamilies and series, each with different features and target applications. Some of the most popular AVR subfamilies include:

Subfamily	Description
ATtiny	Small, low-power microcontrollers with limited memory and peripherals. Ideal for simple, battery-powered applications.
ATmega	Larger microcontrollers with more memory and peripherals. Suitable for a wide range of applications, from simple to complex.
ATxmega	High-performance microcontrollers with advanced features such as DMA, cryptography, and event system. Ideal for demanding applications.

Within each subfamily, there are several series of microcontrollers with different features and packages. For example, the ATmega series includes the ATmega328, which is used in the popular Arduino Uno board, as well as the ATmega2560, which is used in the Arduino Mega board.

AVR Programming

AVR microcontrollers can be programmed using a variety of languages and tools, including:

Assembly: Low-level language that provides direct access to the microcontroller’s hardware.
C/C++: High-level languages that allow for more abstract and portable code.
Arduino IDE: An open-source development environment that provides a simplified interface for programming AVR microcontrollers.
Atmel Studio: A professional development environment provided by Atmel for programming their microcontrollers.

AVR microcontrollers can be programmed using a variety of interfaces, including:

ISP (In-System Programming): Allows for programming the microcontroller while it is mounted on the target board.
JTAG (Joint Test Action Group): Provides advanced debugging capabilities in addition to programming.
UPDI (Unified Program and Debug Interface): A newer interface that combines programming and debugging capabilities into a single wire.

Applications of AVR Microcontrollers

AVR microcontrollers are used in a wide range of applications, from simple hobby projects to complex industrial systems. Some of the most common applications include:

Embedded Systems: AVR microcontrollers are often used as the main control unit in embedded systems, such as home appliances, automotive electronics, and medical devices.
Internet of Things (IoT): AVR microcontrollers are well-suited for IoT applications due to their low power consumption and ease of use. They can be used to create smart sensors, actuators, and communication devices.
Robotics: AVR microcontrollers are commonly used in robotics applications, from simple educational robots to advanced industrial robots.
Audio and Video Processing: AVR microcontrollers can be used for digital signal processing tasks, such as audio and video compression and filtering.
Automotive: AVR microcontrollers are used in various automotive applications, such as engine control, infotainment systems, and body electronics.

Choosing between Atmel and AVR

When choosing between Atmel and AVR, it’s important to consider your specific requirements and constraints. If you need a microcontroller for a simple, low-power application, an AVR microcontroller from the ATtiny subfamily may be sufficient. If you need more advanced features and performance, you may want to consider an ATmega or ATxmega microcontroller.

If you have specific requirements that are not met by the AVR family, you may want to consider other Atmel microcontroller families, such as SAM (ARM-based) or 8051. Atmel provides a wide range of microcontrollers to suit different applications and budgets.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is the difference between Atmel and Microchip?
Atmel Corporation was acquired by Microchip Technology in 2016. Microchip is a larger company that produces a wider range of semiconductors and electronics, while Atmel focused primarily on microcontrollers.
Can I use Arduino with non-AVR microcontrollers?
While Arduino is primarily associated with AVR microcontrollers, it can also be used with other microcontroller families, such as ARM and ESP32. However, using non-AVR microcontrollers with Arduino may require additional configuration and setup.
What is the difference between ATmega and ATtiny?
ATmega and ATtiny are two subfamilies of AVR microcontrollers. ATmega microcontrollers are larger and more feature-rich, while ATtiny microcontrollers are smaller and more focused on low-power applications.
How do I choose the right AVR microcontroller for my project?
When choosing an AVR microcontroller, consider factors such as the required performance, memory, peripherals, and power consumption. You can use Atmel’s product selector tool or consult with an experienced engineer to help make the right choice.
Can I use AVR microcontrollers for commercial products?
Yes, AVR microcontrollers are commonly used in commercial products across a wide range of industries. However, it’s important to consider factors such as licensing, supply chain, and support when using AVR microcontrollers in commercial applications.

Conclusion

In this article, we’ve explored the differences between Atmel and AVR, two terms that are often used interchangeably but actually refer to different things. Atmel is a company that produces a wide range of microcontrollers, while AVR is a specific family of microcontrollers produced by Atmel.

We’ve looked at the key features and characteristics of AVR microcontrollers, including their modified Harvard architecture, RISC instruction set, and various subfamilies and series. We’ve also explored the different programming languages and interfaces used with AVR microcontrollers, as well as some of the most common applications.

When choosing between Atmel and AVR, it’s important to consider your specific requirements and constraints. Atmel provides a wide range of microcontrollers to suit different applications and budgets, while AVR microcontrollers are known for their low power consumption, high performance, and ease of use.