37.1 ATmega8A, rev. L

  • First Analog Comparator conversion may be delayed
  • Interrupts may be lost when writing the timer registers in the asynchronous timer
  • Signature may be Erased in Serial Programming Mode
  • CKOPT Does not Enable Internal Capacitors on XTALn/TOSCn Pins when 32kHz Oscillator is Used to Clock the Asynchronous Timer/Counter2
  • Reading EEPROM by using ST or STS to set EERE bit triggers unexpected interrupt request
  1. First Analog Comparator conversion may be delayed

    If the device is powered by a slow rising VCC, the first Analog Comparator conversion will take longer than expected on some devices.

    Problem Fix / Workaround:

    When the device has been powered or reset, disable then enable theAnalog Comparator before the first conversion.

  2. Interrupts may be lost when writing the timer registers in the asynchronous timer

    The interrupt will be lost if a timer register that is synchronous timer clock is written when the asynchronous Timer/Counter register (TCNTx) is 0x00.

    Problem Fix / Workaround:

    Always check that the asynchronous Timer/Counter register neither have the value 0xFF nor 0x00 before writing to the asynchronous Timer Control Register (TCCRx), asynchronous Timer Counter Register (TCNTx), or asynchronous Output Compare Register (OCRx).

  3. Signature may be Erased in Serial Programming Mode

    If the signature bytes are read before a chiperase command is completed, the signature may be erased causing the device ID and calibration bytes to disappear. This is critical, especially, if the part is running on internal RC oscillator.

    Problem Fix / Workaround:

    Ensure that the chiperase command has exceeded before applying the next command.

  4. CKOPT Does not Enable Internal Capacitors on XTALn/TOSCn Pins when 32kHz Oscillator is Used to Clock the Asynchronous Timer/Counter2

    When the internal RC Oscillator is used as the main clock source, it is possible to run the Timer/Counter2 asynchronously by connecting a 32kHz Oscillator between XTAL1/TOSC1 and XTAL2/TOSC2. But when the internal RC Oscillator is selected as the main clock source, the CKOPT Fuse does not control the internal capacitors on XTAL1/TOSC1 and XTAL2/TOSC2. As long as there are no capacitors connected to XTAL1/TOSC1 and XTAL2/TOSC2, safe operation of the Oscillator is not guaranteed.

    Problem Fix / Workaround:

    Use external capacitors in the range of 20 - 36 pF on XTAL1/TOSC1 and XTAL2/TOSC2. This will be fixed in ATmega8A Rev. G where the CKOPT Fuse will control internal capacitors also when internal RC Oscillator is selected as main clock source. For ATmega8A Rev. G, CKOPT = 0 (programmed) will enable the internal capacitors on XTAL1 and XTAL2. Customers who want compatibility between Rev. G and older revisions, must ensure that CKOPT is unprogrammed (CKOPT = 1).

  5. Reading EEPROM by using ST or STS to set EERE bit triggers unexpected interrupt request.

    Reading EEPROM by using the ST or STS command to set the EERE bit in the EECR register triggers an unexpected EEPROM interrupt request.

    Problem Fix / Workaround:

    Always use OUT or SBI to set EERE in EECR.