Low voltage microcontroller

[kcsl]

Does anybody know of a microcontroller or microcontroller family that can run at 1.5v or lower?

I'm looking for something compatible to a low-end PIC or ATMEL device. Little bit of RAM and some program storage (Flash or OTP).
I've searched around but can't find anything.

Regards,
Joe

[trastikata]

DEL

[RGV250]

Not 1.5v but the 18F25K20 is 1.8 to 3.6v, I think a lot of the 3.6v ones can go to 1.8.

Bob

[Parmin]

Since the micro uses very low power to run, perhaps you can use the "Joule Thief" circuit to boost the voltage up.
Very simple 3 components, but I reckon a smoothing capacitor at the output would make it work better.

[kcsl]

Thanks everybody.

I stumbled onto the ATtiny43U device
These have onboard boost converters so can run from 0.7v to 1.8v, but they are a pricier than I'd hoped for... and they are unobtanium with a huge lead time, so separate onboard boost converter it is then.

Joe

[trastikata]

Joe,

there are some ATMEL devices rated at 1.6v if that's acceptable?

[ken_k]

https://www.silabs.com/mcu/8-bit-microcontrollers/c8051f90x-f91x
https://www.silabs.com/documents/public/data-sheets/C8051F91x-90x.pdf
https://www.findchips.com/search/C8051F90

I don't know if any of the above links are any good to you.

[kcsl]

Thanks for those links, Ken.
I'm rather impressed with the FindChips link... should make hunting down parts a bit easier in these troubled times.

Regards,
Joe

[Craig]

Joe have a look at the MP3120 ( 0.8V to 5V Input Range, 2.5V to 5V Output Range). I have used this recently in a circuit and it works like a dream and there is good stock available.
Regards
Craig

[JonW]

Another good device for light loads with great efficiency are the these from Ti. Added bonus is that they contain an LDO so the output is very clean for ADC use

https://www.digikey.com/en/products/base-product/texas-instruments/296/TPS610981/28924

[John Lawton]

Another good device for light loads with great efficiency are the these from Ti. Added bonus is that they contain an LDO so the output is very clean for ADC use

https://www.digikey.com/en/products/base-product/texas-instruments/296/TPS610981/28924

Those look handy. I'm reminded of the venerable ICL7660 which has a minimum Vin of 1.5V so doesn't quite meet this taxing requirement but if it did would only need 2 external capacitors and no inductors which makes things easier and it is pretty efficient too.

https://www.maximintegrated.com/en/products/power/charge-pumps/ICL7660.html