Unconnected pins
If some pins are unused, it is recommended to ensure that these pins have a defined level. Even
though most of the digital inputs are disabled in the deep sleep modes as described above, float-
ing inputs should be avoided to reduce current consumption in all other modes where the digital
inputs are enabled (Reset, Active mode and Idle mode).
The simplest method to ensure a defined level of an unused pin, is to enable the internal pull-up.
In this case, the pull-up will be disabled during reset. If low power consumption during reset is
important, it is recommended to use an external pull-up or pull-down. Connecting unused pins
directly to VCC or GND is not recommended, since this may cause excessive currents if the pin is
accidentally configured as an output.
Alternate Port
Functions
Most port pins have alternate functions in addition to being general digital I/Os. Figure 25 shows
how the port pin control signals from the simplified Figure 22 can be overridden by alternate
functions. The overriding signals may not be present in all port pins, but the figure serves as a
generic description applicable to all port pins in the AVR microcontroller family.
Figure 25. Alternate Port Functions(1)
PUOExn
PUOVxn
1
PUD
0
DDOExn
DDOVxn
1
Q
D
0
DDxn
Q CLR
WDx
RDx
PVOExn
PVOVxn
RESET
1
0
Pxn
Q
D
PORTxn
Q CLR
DIEOExn
DIEOVxn
SLEEP
WPx
RRx
RESET
1
0
SYNCHRONIZER
RPx
SET
D
Q
D
L
Q
Q
PINxn
CLR Q
CLR
clk I/O
DIxn
AIOxn
PUOExn: Pxn PULL-UP OVERRIDE ENABLE
PUOVxn: Pxn PULL-UP OVERRIDE VALUE
DDOExn: Pxn DATA DIRECTION OVERRIDE ENABLE
DDOVxn: Pxn DATA DIRECTION OVERRIDE VALUE
PVOExn: Pxn PORT VALUE OVERRIDE ENABLE
PVOVxn: Pxn PORT VALUE OVERRIDE VALUE
PUD:
WDx:
RDx:
RRx:
WPx:
RPx:
PULLUP DISABLE
WRITE DDRx
READ DDRx
READ PORTx REGISTER
WRITE PORTx
READ PORTx PIN
DIEOExn: Pxn DIGITAL INPUT-ENABLE OVERRIDE ENABLE
DIEOVxn: Pxn DIGITAL INPUT-ENABLE OVERRIDE VALUE
clkI/O
DIxn:
AIOxn:
:
I/O CLOCK
DIGITAL INPUT PIN n ON PORTx
ANALOG INPUT/OUTPUT PIN n ON PORTx
SLEEP:
SLEEP CONTROL
Note:
1. WPx, WDx, RRx, RPx, and RDx are common to all pins within the same port. clkI/O, SLEEP,
and PUD are common to all ports. All other signals are unique for each pin.
56
ATmega8(L)
2486T–AVR–05/08
ATMEL [ ATMEL ]
