Non Volatile and Data Memories

The ATmega16 is equipped with three main memory sections: flash electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), static random access memory (SRAM), and byteaddressable EEPROM for data storage.

InSystem Programmable Flash EEPROM

Bulk programmable flash EEPROM’s used to store programs. It can be erased and programmed as a single unit. Also, should a program require a large table of constants, it may be included as a global variable within a program and programmed into flash EEPROM with the rest of the program. Flash EEPROM is nonvolatile, meaning memory contents are retained when microcontroller power is lost. The

ATmega16 is equipped with 16K bytes of onboard reprogrammable flash memory. This memory component is organized into 8K locations, with 16 bits at each location. The flash EEPROM is in-system programmable. In-system programmability means the microcontroller can be programmed while resident within a circuit. It does not have to be removed from the circuit for programming. Instead, a host personal computer (PC) connected via a cable to a microcontroller downloads the program to the microcontroller.

Byte Addressable EEPROM

Byte-addressable memory is used to permanently store and recall variables during program execution. It too is nonvolatile. It is especially useful for logging system malfunctions and fault data during program execution. It is also useful for storing data that must be retained during a power failure but might need to be changed periodically. Examples where this type of memory is used are found in applications to store system parameters, electronic lock combinations, and automatic garage door electronic unlock sequences. The ATmega16 is equipped with 512 bytes of EEPROM.

Static Random Access Memory

SRAM is volatile. That is, if the microcontroller loses power, the contents of SRAM memory are lost. It can be written to and read from during program execution. The ATmega16 is equipped with 1000 bytes (actually 1120) of SRAM. A small portion (96 locations) of the SRAM is set aside for the general-purpose registers used by the CPU and also for the I/O and peripheral subsystems aboard the microcontroller.

Programmable Lock Bits

To provide for memory security from tampering, the ATmega16 is equipped with six memory lock bits. These lock bits are programmed using the Atmel STK500 programming board. The lock bits may be configured for the following options:

• No memory lock features enabled.

• No further programming of memory is allowed using parallel or serial programming techniques.

• No further programming or verification of memory is allowed using parallel or serial programming techniques.