This Product Selection Guide contains information to help select products in the Microcontrollers category on DigiKey.com
Microcontroller products are relatively complex, user-programmable digital logic devices. Closely related to devices considered microprocessors, the distinction between the two reduces largely to the manufacturer’s choice of noun, though by tradition microcontrollers integrate working memory, are more likely to incorporate mixed-signal peripherals, and tend to be used with simpler software paradigms oriented toward repetitive execution of a predefined series of tasks.
SelectionCharacteristics
DigiKey Programmable: For verified products, DigiKey can program/flash your compiled code or configuration variables prior to shipping. For unverified products, please inquire with ProgCent.Techs@digikey.com.
Core Processor: Identifies the microprocessor or processor technology that serves as the primary computational engine for a board or device.
Core Size: Describes a device’s processing core in terms of the maximum data word size that can be processed in a single operating cycle.
Speed: Indicate the clock frequency of the device. This directly influences the overall rate computations that can be done in the device.
Connectivity: Enumerates the standardized communication protocols for which a device provides hardware support.
Peripherals: Enumerates common functions that are incorporated within a device or specifically provisioned for by a device’s architecture.
Number of I/O: Indicates the number of device pins that are capable of being used for general-purpose digital input/output functions.
Program Memory Size: The amount of memory available on the chip for program storage.
Program Memory Type: Indicates what non-volatile memory technology is used for storage of a user’s device program.
EEPROM Size: Describes the size of the non-volatile memory element integrated into a device for purposes of configuration and program storage.
RAM Size: Indicates the amount of RAM (Random Access Memory) with which a device is equipped.
Voltage - Supply (Vcc/Vdd): Typically represented by a range, this indicates the low and high voltage limits which one can expect standard operation. Voltages outside this range may damage the device and other system components.
Data Converters: Indicates the quantity and resolution of mixed-signal I/O channels provided by the device. For example, “A/D 10x12b” describes a device having ten analog to digital converter channels with 12-bit resolution.
Oscillator Type: Indicates if a device operates using an internal or external clock source, or is capable of either/both.
Operating Temperature: Recommended operating temperature, typically given in a range or as a maximum. Exceeding these temperatures may affect performance or damage the device and other system components.
Mounting Type: Indicates how the device is attached.
Package / Case: Indicates the type of protective case used on an electronic component to allow easy handling, installation, and protection. This selection was determined to be the closest industry standard applicable to the supplier device packaging. Typically it is best to check the actual dimensions from the datasheet rather than depend on this terminology when designing your circuit.
Supplier Device Package: This is what the manufacturer calls the package of this device. They are manufacturer specific. It is typically best to use the actual dimensions from the datasheets rather than to go by this terminology when designing your circuit.
ProductExamples
| MFR PART # | ATTINY4-TSHR |
|---|---|
| DIGIKEY PART # | ATTINY4-TSHRTR-ND - Tape & Reel (TR) |
| MANUFACTURER | Microchip Technology |
| DESCRIPTION | AVR AVR® ATtiny Microcontroller IC 8-Bit 12MHz 512B (256 x 16) FLASH SOT-23-6 |
| DATASHEET | Click Here |
| MFR PART # | STM32F030R8T6 |
|---|---|
| DIGIKEY PART # | 497-14045-ND |
| MANUFACTURER | STMicroelectronics |
| DESCRIPTION | ARM® Cortex®-M0 STM32F0 Microcontroller IC 32-Bit Single-Core 48MHz 64KB (64K x 8) FLASH |
| DATASHEET | Click Here |
| MFR PART # | C8051F860-C-GSR |
|---|---|
| DIGIKEY PART # | 336-4822-2-ND - Tape & Reel (TR) |
| MANUFACTURER | Silicon Labs |
| DESCRIPTION | 8051 C8051F86x Microcontroller IC 8-Bit 25MHz 8KB (8K x 8) FLASH |
| DATASHEET | Click Here |
MediaLinks
Videos
TinyML: Getting Started with TensorFlow Lite for Microcontrollers
Intro to MicroPython – Maker.io Tutorial
Videos on Microcontrollers
Articles
Application-Specific MCUs Targeting Emerging Applications
Multicore Microcontrollers Drive Performance
Secure Microcontrollers Keep Data Safe
Product Training Modules
Product Training Module Search
Blogs
Functional Safety with Microcontrollers
Microcontrollers Design Safety-Critical Apps
Introduction to MicroPython (digikey.com)
TechForum
Implementing a Robust Microcontroller to FPGA SPI Interface: Part 1 - FPGA Challenges
Microcontroller Hardware Abstraction Layer (HAL) in Education
Effective interfacing between the sensor and the microcontroller