What is ATtiny85 used for?

This post covers the details and functionality of the ATtiny85, a popular microcontroller in embedded systems. Here, we will discuss its uses, differences compared to other microcontrollers, and how to use it with Arduino. If you’re looking for an in-depth understanding of the ATtiny85, you’re in the right place.

What is ATtiny85 used for?

The ATtiny85 is a small, versatile 8-bit microcontroller designed for simple, low-power applications. It is commonly used in projects that require a compact form factor and minimal components. Its primary use cases include:

Wearable devices: The small size and low power consumption make it ideal for wearable electronics.
IoT applications: The ATtiny85 is often used in Internet of Things (IoT) devices that require basic processing.
Simple automation projects: It is great for controlling LEDs, motors, sensors, and other peripherals.
Battery-powered gadgets: Its low power requirements make it suitable for battery-operated projects like sensors or portable devices.
Prototyping: Because it’s compatible with the Arduino IDE, it’s widely used for testing ideas in simple prototypes.

What is the difference between ATtiny85 and Atmega328P?

While both the ATtiny85 and Atmega328P are microcontrollers, they differ in terms of capabilities and use cases:

How are analog signals converted into digital signals?

Size and Pins: The ATtiny85 has only 8 pins, whereas the Atmega328P has 28 pins, allowing the Atmega328P to handle more I/O operations simultaneously.
Memory: The ATtiny85 comes with 8 KB of flash memory, while the Atmega328P has 32 KB. This means the Atmega328P can handle more complex programs and larger datasets.
Speed: The ATtiny85 can run at a maximum speed of 20 MHz, whereas the Atmega328P can go up to 16 MHz. Although the ATtiny85 may have a slightly higher maximum speed, the Atmega328P typically offers better overall performance due to its larger resources.
Power consumption: The ATtiny85 is more power-efficient compared to the Atmega328P, making it a better choice for low-power applications.
Cost: The ATtiny85 is generally more affordable, which is why it’s used in simpler, cost-sensitive projects.

What voltage is needed for ATtiny85?

The ATtiny85 operates at a voltage range of 2.7V to 5.5V, making it flexible for use in both low-voltage and standard 5V systems. The typical operating voltage for the ATtiny85 in most projects is either 3.3V or 5V, depending on the power source and peripheral components.

How to use ATtiny85 with Arduino?

To use the ATtiny85 with the Arduino IDE, follow these steps:

What is the function of a microcontroller on an Arduino board?

Install the ATtiny Core:
- Open the Arduino IDE and navigate to “File” > “Preferences”.
- In the “Additional Boards Manager URLs” section, add the following URL:
  https://raw.githubusercontent.com/damellis/attiny/ide-1.6.x-boards-manager/package_damellis_attiny_index.json.
- Go to “Tools” > “Board” > “Boards Manager” and install the ATtiny by David A. Mellis.
Wire the ATtiny85:
- Connect the ATtiny85 to your Arduino board (used as an ISP programmer) by wiring the pins accordingly:
  - Pin 1 (RST) to Arduino Pin 10
  - Pin 2 (D0) to Arduino Pin 11 (MOSI)
  - Pin 3 (D1) to Arduino Pin 12 (MISO)
  - Pin 4 (GND) to GND
  - Pin 5 (D2) to Arduino Pin 13 (SCK)
  - Pin 8 (VCC) to 5V or 3.3V (depending on the desired operating voltage)
Burn the Bootloader:
- In the Arduino IDE, select “Tools” > “Board” and choose “ATtiny85”.
- Set the processor to “ATtiny85” and clock to “8 MHz (internal)”.
- Go to “Tools” > “Programmer” and select “Arduino as ISP”.
- Select “Burn Bootloader” to upload the bootloader onto the ATtiny85.
Upload Code:
- Write your code in the Arduino IDE, select “Upload Using Programmer” from the “Sketch” menu, and the code will be uploaded to the ATtiny85.

What is the difference between ATtiny85 and ATtiny13?

Both the ATtiny85 and ATtiny13 are from the same family of microcontrollers, but there are key differences:

What are the four components of data flow diagrams?

Memory: The ATtiny13 has only 1 KB of flash memory, while the ATtiny85 has 8 KB. This allows the ATtiny85 to store more complex code and handle more variables.
Pinout: Both chips have the same pin count (8), but the ATtiny85 provides more flexibility and additional I/O functionalities.
Clock Speed: The ATtiny85 can run at up to 20 MHz, while the ATtiny13 is limited to 9.6 MHz.
Features: The ATtiny85 includes extra features like more timers and better PWM support, making it more suitable for applications requiring precise timing or analog outputs.

In conclusion, while the ATtiny13 is cheaper and simpler, the ATtiny85 offers significantly better performance and flexibility for more complex projects.

We hope this article helped you learn more about the ATtiny85 and how to integrate it into your projects. Whether you’re a hobbyist or a professional, the ATtiny85 is an excellent choice for low-power, compact applications.