What Is the ATmega2560? Arduino Mega's MCU: Specs and Uses
The ATmega2560 is the 8-bit AVR microcontroller of the Arduino Mega 2560. With 256 KB flash, 8 KB SRAM, 4 KB EEPROM, 86 GPIO, 16 ADC channels and 4 UARTs, it is used for big, highly connected projects (e.g. 3D-printer RAMPS) where the ATmega328P falls short. 16 MHz, 8-bit; no wireless.
The ATmega2560 is the 8-bit AVR microcontroller at the heart of the Arduino Mega 2560. With plenty of GPIO, many UARTs and large flash, it is used for big projects where the ATmega328P runs out of pins/memory. For the concept, see what is a microcontroller (MCU).
What is the ATmega2560 used for?
Many sensors/actuators, 3D-printer control boards (RAMPS), multi-channel data acquisition and multiple serial devices. Its 86 GPIO and 4 hardware UARTs go beyond the ATmega328P's limits in highly connected projects.
Specifications
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Core | 8-bit AVR, 16 MHz |
| Flash / SRAM / EEPROM | 256 KB / 8 KB / 4 KB |
| GPIO | 86 |
| ADC / UART | 16-channel 10-bit / 4× UART |
| Package | TQFP-100 |
Limitations
- 8-bit; for heavy processing/speed use a 32-bit part (STM32/ESP32).
- No wireless.
- TQFP-100 package; hard to hand-solder (used as a board).
Equivalents
- ATmega328P: the smaller Arduino Uno/Nano MCU.
- ATmega1280: the half-flash relative.
- STM32F103: a 32-bit alternative.
Find it in our catalog
Use the ATmega2560 search.