ATMEGA8515-16MI Equivalent & Substitute Parts

Part Overview

The ATMEGA8515-16MI is an 8-bit AVR microcontroller manufactured by Microchip Technology, featuring 8KB of FLASH program memory, 512 bytes of EEPROM, and 512 bytes of RAM. Operating at 16MHz with a supply voltage range of 4.5V to 5.5V, this device integrates 35 I/O pins and comprehensive peripherals including SPI, UART/USART, PWM, and watchdog timer functionality in a 44-VQFN surface mount package.

The ATMEGA8515-16MI is classified as obsolete. Identifying equivalent and substitute parts is necessary to ensure design continuity, maintain supply chain reliability, and support legacy system maintenance or redesign initiatives.

Key Parameters

Parameter	Value
Core Processor	AVR
Core Size	8-Bit
Speed	16MHz
Program Memory Size	8KB (4K x 16)
Program Memory Type	FLASH
EEPROM Size	512 x 8
RAM Size	512 x 8
Number of I/O	35
Voltage - Supply (Vcc/Vdd)	4.5V ~ 5.5V
Operating Temperature	-40°C ~ 85°C (TA)
Mounting Type	Surface Mount
Package / Case	44-VQFN (7x7)
Connectivity	EBI/EMI, SPI, UART/USART
Peripherals	Brown-out Detect/Reset, POR, PWM, WDT

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

Substitution of the ATMEGA8515-16MI is determined by strict equivalence across the following critical parameters:

Core processor architecture (AVR)
Core size (8-Bit)
Operating frequency (16MHz)
Program memory capacity and type (8KB FLASH)
EEPROM and RAM capacity (512 x 8 each)
I/O pin count (35)
Supply voltage range (4.5V ~ 5.5V)
Operating temperature range (-40°C ~ 85°C)
Package type and form factor (44-VQFN, 7x7mm)
Connectivity interfaces (EBI/EMI, SPI, UART/USART)
Peripheral feature set (Brown-out Detect/Reset, POR, PWM, WDT)

The ATMEGA8515-16MU qualifies as a direct substitute based on identical electrical specifications, memory configuration, I/O architecture, and package form factor. The primary distinction is packaging format (Tray vs. Tube) and product lifecycle status.

Parameter Comparison

Parameter	ATMEGA8515-16MI	ATMEGA8515-16MU	Match
Manufacturer	Microchip Technology	Microchip Technology	✓
Core Processor	AVR	AVR	✓
Core Size	8-Bit	8-Bit	✓
Speed	16MHz	16MHz	✓
Program Memory Size	8KB (4K x 16)	8KB (4K x 16)	✓
Program Memory Type	FLASH	FLASH	✓
EEPROM Size	512 x 8	512 x 8	✓
RAM Size	512 x 8	512 x 8	✓
Number of I/O	35	35	✓
Voltage - Supply (Vcc/Vdd)	4.5V ~ 5.5V	4.5V ~ 5.5V	✓
Operating Temperature	-40°C ~ 85°C (TA)	-40°C ~ 85°C (TA)	✓
Mounting Type	Surface Mount	Surface Mount	✓
Package / Case	44-VQFN (7x7)	44-VQFN (7x7)	✓
Connectivity	EBI/EMI, SPI, UART/USART	EBI/EMI, SPI, UART/USART	✓
Peripherals	Brown-out Detect/Reset, POR, PWM, WDT	Brown-out Detect/Reset, POR, PWM, WDT	✓
Product Status	Obsolete	Active	Different
RoHS Status	RoHS non-compliant	ROHS3 Compliant	Different
Packaging Format	Tube	Tray	Different

Engineering Selection Recommendations

The ATMEGA8515-16MU is a direct functional equivalent to the ATMEGA8515-16MI. Both devices share identical electrical specifications, memory architecture, I/O configuration, and package form factor.

Key considerations for selection:

The ATMEGA8515-16MI is classified as obsolete, while the ATMEGA8515-16MU maintains active product status with ongoing manufacturer support and availability.
The ATMEGA8515-16MU is ROHS3 compliant, whereas the ATMEGA8515-16MI is RoHS non-compliant. For applications subject to RoHS regulations or environmental compliance requirements, the ATMEGA8515-16MU is the appropriate selection.
Packaging format differs: ATMEGA8515-16MI is supplied in Tube format, while ATMEGA8515-16MU is supplied in Tray format. Verify packaging compatibility with assembly and procurement workflows.
The ATMEGA8515-16MU has been verified as programmable by DiGi-Electronics, confirming functional compatibility and development tool support.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can the ATMEGA8515-16MU be used as a direct replacement for the ATMEGA8515-16MI in existing designs?

A: Yes. Both devices are electrically and functionally identical across all specified parameters including processor architecture, memory configuration, I/O count, supply voltage, operating temperature range, and package form factor. No circuit modifications are required for substitution.

Q: What is the difference between the ATMEGA8515-16MI and ATMEGA8515-16MU?

A: The primary differences are product lifecycle status (Obsolete vs. Active), RoHS compliance (non-compliant vs. ROHS3 compliant), and packaging format (Tube vs. Tray). Electrical and functional specifications are identical.

Q: Why is the ATMEGA8515-16MI classified as obsolete?

A: The ATMEGA8515-16MI has reached end-of-life status with Microchip Technology. The ATMEGA8515-16MU represents the active equivalent in the product line.

Q: Are there any compatibility issues with the 44-VQFN package between these parts?

A: No. Both devices use the identical 44-VQFN (7x7mm) package with exposed pad. PCB footprints, land patterns, and assembly processes are fully compatible.

Q: Does the packaging format (Tube vs. Tray) affect electrical performance?

A: No. Packaging format is a logistics and handling consideration only. Electrical performance and functional specifications are unaffected by whether the device is supplied in Tube or Tray format.

Q: Is the ATMEGA8515-16MU suitable for new designs?

A: Yes. The ATMEGA8515-16MU is an active product with full manufacturer support, making it appropriate for new design implementations. Its ROHS3 compliance also satisfies modern environmental and regulatory requirements.

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