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Low voltage microcontroller

Started by kcsl, Nov 25, 2022, 05:12 PM

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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
There's no room for optimism in software or hardware engineering.

trastikata

#1
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
There's no room for optimism in software or hardware engineering.

trastikata

Joe,

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


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
There's no room for optimism in software or hardware engineering.

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

Quote from: JONW on Nov 28, 2022, 01:14 PMAnother 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