Dear members of the forum, I am looking for the cheapest MCU with the following constraints:

Program Memory Type and size: Flash, 3K
SRAM bytes: 128 bytes
Watchdog timer: yes, programmable
Sleep modes: yes, sleep mode powerr down needed
Temperature Range (C): -40 to 85
Operating Voltage Range (V): 2.5 to 5.5 Volts
I/O: 1 digital output

This kind of micro is just supposed to blink a led using sleep mode for the lowest power consumption possible, thus no particoular constraints of CPU speed is requested. However, if you need any additional spec feel free to ask.
For my proto PCB, I have used the following MCU: ATtiny45 with good results. However, I was wondering if a cheaper MCU could exist. Do you have any idea?

Thanks in advance for anyone who could help!

 

How many do you plan on making?

 

Dear Albert, thank you for your reply. The idea is to find the cheapest MCU that mets the constraints for mass production.

 

Volume is everything when negotiating with vendors.

Are you making 1K or 1M,~ number you think you are going to sell ?

And product lifetime affect choice ?

8 or 16 bit ?

Regards, Dana.

 

Can you use PIC12F series MUCs ?

 

Volume is everything when negotiating with vendors.
Are you making 1K or 1M,~ number you think you are going to sell ?
And product lifetime affect choice ?
8 or 16 bit ?
Regards, Dana.

Hi Dana, thank you for your replies.
1. The numbers would be greater than 1M.
2. From what I can see from the web, there's an average of 10/15 years of longevity for the MCU. This would be way more than needed for the average use of this device.
3. I think 8 bit architecture is enough

@jayanthd thank for your suggestions, I will take a look to the datasheet/price of that MCU!

 

microChipDirect.com is the place to check the prices of Microchip microcontrollers.

 

With those kinds of volume you should be talking direct to
the vendors, involve their RSM (Regional Sales Manager)
in the discussion. And forward pricing should be discussed.

In the back of my ratty mind I recall there was a swiss vendor that
made ultra low cost UPs for watch, lock applications, cannot seem
to remember who it was...20 cent like parts......

I would contact Microchip, Cypress (PSOC 1 and 4 devices), Freescale
8 bit low end....ST ......ROHM.

Make the vendors work for you....


Regards, Dana.

 

Go to any of the major industrial supplier's websites (Digikey, Farnell, Mouser) and you can do a parametric search.

If price is your top criteria, ATtiny5 sells for US$0.14 in 100 quantity.
ATtiny414 is US$0.47.