SPIDER Automation Microchip ATMEGA168PB-XMINI Evaluation Kit | ATmega168PB 8-Bit MCU
Description
SPIDER Automation Microchip ATMEGA168PB-XMINI Evaluation Kit provides engineers, developers, and embedded hobbyists with an effective evaluation platform for the 8-bit ATmega168PB megaAVR microcontroller. Engineered for seamless prototyping, the kit features a fully integrated on-board debugger that links directly with Atmel Studio (version 6.2 and later) for comprehensive source-level debugging and automatic board identification without requiring external programming hardware.
Designed to accelerate custom design integration, the Xplained Mini evaluation board exposes all target MCU signals and peripheral pins. Powered via USB and running on a 16MHz target clock, it includes a virtual COM port (CDC) for serial monitoring, an onboard green status LED, a mechanical user pushbutton, Arduino shield-compatible footprints, a target SPI bus header, and support for Xplained Pro extension headers, offering exceptional versatility for benchtop testing and modular circuit development.
Key Features
- ATmega168PB Microcontroller: Powered by Microchip’s efficient 8-bit megaAVR RISC architecture.
- Integrated On-Board Debugger: Built-in debugging circuitry delivering full source-level debugging support in Atmel Studio.
- Automatic Board Identification: Auto-ID feature enables instant recognition and setup within compatible development environments.
- Virtual COM Port (CDC): Onboard serial communication interface for real-time data streaming and terminal monitoring.
- Full Signal Access: Comprehensive breakout pinouts providing direct access to all target microcontroller signals and interfaces.
- 16MHz Target Clock: Operates at a robust 16MHz frequency for responsive instruction execution.
- Interactive User Peripherals: Includes a green status LED and a mechanical pushbutton for immediate input/output testing.
- Arduino Shield Compatibility: Standardized pin footprints allowing effortless stacking of compatible Arduino shields.
- Dedicated SPI Bus Header: Integrated footprint for direct SPI communication testing.
- Xplained Pro Extension Support: Easily strap in Xplained Pro extension headers for expanded modular functionality.
Benefits
- Tool-Free Development: Integrated debugger and USB power eliminate the need for separate programmer hardware or complex wiring setups.
- Streamlined Software Workflow: Auto-ID and native Atmel Studio support ensure a frictionless coding and debugging experience.
- Versatile Hardware Expansion: Arduino footprints and Xplained Pro headers simplify the addition of displays, wireless modules, and sensors.
- Flexible Custom Integration: Full signal breakout makes it easy to transition from evaluation board testing to custom PCB designs.
- Reliable Performance: Backed by Microchip engineering standards for robust industrial and consumer applications.
Applications
- Embedded Systems Prototyping: Testing and developing firmware routines for 8-bit megaAVR microcontroller projects.
- IoT & Sensor Node Development: Creating smart monitoring devices utilizing serial, SPI, and GPIO communication interfaces.
- Industrial Automation Logic: Small-scale control units, timer-based relay triggers, and data logging modules.
- Educational & R&D Training: Professional and academic platform for teaching embedded C programming and microcontroller architecture.
- Consumer Electronics & Gadgets: Custom hardware development for interactive appliances and DIY automation.
Package Includes
- 1 x MICROCHIP ATMEGA168PB-XMINI Evaluation Kit (ATMEGA168PB MCU, Xplained Mini, On-Board Debugger, Arduino Shield Compatible)
Technical Specifications
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| Brand / Series | SPIDER Automation / Microchip Xplained Mini Series |
| Item Type | Microcontroller Evaluation Kit & Debugger |
| Model Order Code / SKU | ATMEGA168PB-XMINI / SKU-SPIDER-ATMEGA168PB-XMINI |
| Silicon Manufacturer | Microchip Technology (Atmel) |
| Silicon Family Name / Series | ATmega / megaAVR |
| Primary Silicon Core Number | ATmega168PB |
| Core Architecture | 8-Bit megaAVR RISC |
| Max Clock Frequency | 16 MHz |
| Debugger & Serial Interface | On-Board Debugger with Atmel Studio Support, Auto-ID, and Virtual COM Port (CDC) |
| Onboard Peripherals | 1 x Green Status LED, 1 x Mechanical User Pushbutton |
| Expansion Footprints | Arduino Shield Compatible, Target SPI Bus Header, Xplained Pro Extension Headers |
| Power Supply | USB Powered |
| Package Shipping Weight | 0.030 kg (30 g) |
| Package Shipping Dimensions | 8 cm × 7 cm × 2 cm |
