8-bit MCUs That Can Operate Under 1.8 V

Sleep modes and idle modes in general-purpose microcontrollers have allowed embedded processors to reduce real-time energy consumption and tackle many battery- and low-powered designs. However, as embedded systems become increasingly complex, it takes additional logic to implement a denser, more sophisticated micro core as well as the higher-end peripherals we expect to see today.
As a result, even in standby modes, static power draw can be an issue when trying to reduce energy, especially if long sleep times are required.

8-bit MCUs That Can Operate Under 1.8 VOne factor in reducing energy and extending run-time is operating voltage. While many 5 V systems are still around and supported, the majority of designs today have migrated to the 3.3, 2.5, and 1.8 V arenas. With voltage being directly proportional to power draw, you can see that a static 5 V system will burn almost three times the power of a 1.8 V system. This is even more the case with switching circuits, since power draw is also proportional to switching frequency. This article examines 8-bit microcontrollers with simpler architectures and lower-than- average voltage cores that can operate under 1.8 V. While these levels may not work with most external peripherals, it does allow lower power, long-term sleep/hibernation modes that can extend battery life to its limits.

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