C8051F824-GS Equivalent & Substitute Parts

Part Overview

The C8051F824-GS is an 8-bit microcontroller from Silicon Labs' C8051F82x series, featuring an 8051 core processor with 8KB FLASH memory and 256 bytes of RAM. This device operates at 25MHz with integrated peripherals including SMBus/I2C, SPI, UART/USART, capacitive sensing, and a watchdog timer. The product is currently in Last Time Buy status, making identification of functionally equivalent alternatives essential for ongoing design support and production continuity.

Substiute Parts

C8051F824-GS

Silicon LabsIn Stock: 992C8051F824-GS Datasheet

Current PartRFQ

ATTINY87-SU

Microchip TechnologyIn Stock: 4067ATTINY87-SU Datasheet

SimilarRFQ

Key Parameters

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

The ATTINY87-SU from Microchip Technology qualifies as a functional substitute based on the following alignment of critical parameters:

Matching Parameters:

• 8-Bit core architecture
• 8KB FLASH program memory capacity
• 256+ bytes RAM (512 x 8 available)
• Surface mount packaging (SOIC family)
• Operating temperature range (-40°C ~ 85°C)
• RoHS3 compliance
• Integrated UART/USART, SPI, and I2C connectivity
• Watchdog timer and temperature sensor peripherals
• Internal oscillator

Substitution Basis: Both devices operate as 8-bit microcontrollers with equivalent memory configurations and peripheral feature sets. The ATTINY87-SU provides expanded I/O capability (16 vs. 13), additional RAM (512 x 8 vs. 256 x 8), and extended voltage tolerance (1.8V ~ 5.5V vs. 1.8V ~ 3.6V), making it suitable for applications requiring the C8051F824-GS functionality.

Parameter Comparison

Engineering Selection Recommendations

Primary Consideration: The C8051F824-GS is designated Last Time Buy, necessitating transition planning to active alternatives. The ATTINY87-SU is an active product from a major manufacturer with established supply continuity.

Compliance Alignment: Both devices maintain ROHS3 compliance and identical MSL ratings (3, 168 Hours), ensuring equivalent handling and environmental requirements.

Architectural Differences: The C8051F824-GS uses an 8051 core architecture while the ATTINY87-SU employs an AVR core. This difference requires firmware porting and development environment changes. The ATTINY87-SU operates at 16MHz versus the C8051F824-GS at 25MHz; applications with strict timing requirements must account for this 9MHz reduction.

Memory and I/O Expansion: The ATTINY87-SU provides 512 x 8 RAM (double the C8051F824-GS), 512 x 8 EEPROM, and 16 I/O pins versus 13, offering design flexibility for expanded functionality.

Package Footprint: The ATTINY87-SU uses a larger 20-SOIC package (0.295" width) compared to the 16-SOIC package (0.154" width) of the C8051F824-GS. PCB layout redesign is required.

Voltage Supply: The ATTINY87-SU supports extended voltage range (1.8V ~ 5.5V) versus the C8051F824-GS (1.8V ~ 3.6V), providing greater flexibility for mixed-voltage system designs.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can the ATTINY87-SU directly replace the C8051F824-GS without firmware changes?

A: No. The ATTINY87-SU uses an AVR processor architecture while the C8051F824-GS uses an 8051 architecture. Firmware must be ported to the new instruction set. Development tools and programming methods differ between the two platforms.

Q: What are the critical differences in package dimensions?

A: The C8051F824-GS uses a 16-SOIC package with 0.154" width, while the ATTINY87-SU uses a 20-SOIC package with 0.295" width. The ATTINY87-SU package is significantly larger and requires PCB layout redesign, including trace routing and component placement adjustments.

Q: Does the lower clock speed of the ATTINY87-SU (16MHz vs. 25MHz) affect application performance?

A: Applications dependent on the 25MHz clock speed require evaluation. The 16MHz speed of the ATTINY87-SU may be insufficient for time-critical operations. Timing-sensitive functions must be analyzed and potentially redesigned.

Q: Are the connectivity options equivalent between these devices?

A: Both devices support I2C, SPI, and UART/USART. The ATTINY87-SU adds LINbus and USI (Universal Serial Interface) capabilities. The C8051F824-GS includes SMBus (2-Wire) and capacitive sensing. Peripheral feature sets differ and must be evaluated against application requirements.

Q: What is the impact of the ATTINY87-SU's extended voltage range?

A: The ATTINY87-SU operates from 1.8V to 5.5V, compared to the C8051F824-GS range of 1.8V to 3.6V. This extended range allows the ATTINY87-SU to operate in systems with higher supply voltages, providing design flexibility for mixed-voltage applications.

Q: Is the additional RAM in the ATTINY87-SU (512 x 8 vs. 256 x 8) beneficial?

A: Yes. The doubled RAM capacity provides more headroom for data storage and stack operations. Applications with limited RAM in the C8051F824-GS may benefit from this expansion, though it does not guarantee compatibility without firmware adaptation.

Q: Are both devices equally available for new designs?

A: No. The C8051F824-GS is in Last Time Buy status with limited future availability. The ATTINY87-SU is an active product with established supply chains, making it the appropriate choice for new designs and long-term production support.