Atmel chip differences

[IvoS]

What is the difference between "A" version and non "A" version, and why does it cost less..?
http://www.mouser.com/Semiconductors/Integrated-Circuits-ICs/Embedded-Processors-Controllers/Microcontrollers-MCU/8-bit-Microcontrollers-MCU/_/N-a86lo?P=1z0z63x&Keyword=attiny44&FS=True

[ataradov]

A versions are made using finer process, so take less silicon. Non-A versions are likely to be old stock, so they are probably were purchased by Mouser at a higher price, and they want to make their money back.

There should be no functional differences as long as your device is within specified ratings. I've seen boards where A version would fail if installed instead of non-A version, but in all of those cases absolute maximum ratings were exceeded (hi to all the people, who think that it is OK to overclock the micro).

[miguelvp]

Non-A seems to be older stock probably was more expensive to manufacture. Seems the A is better but I'm not going to go through the whole datasheets, but you should.

A:

• Operating Voltage:
– 1.8 – 5.5V
• Speed Grade:
– 0 – 4 MHz @ 1.8 – 5.5V
– 0 – 10 MHz @ 2.7 – 5.5V
– 0 – 20 MHz @ 4.5 – 5.5V
• Industrial Temperature Range: -40°C to +85°C
• Low Power Consumption
– Active Mode:
• 210 µA at 1.8V and 1 MHz
– Idle Mode:
• 33 µA at 1.8V and 1 MHz
– Power-down Mode:
• 0.1 µA at 1.8V and 25°C

non-A:

• Operating Voltage:
– 1.8 – 5.5V for ATtiny24V/44V/84V
– 2.7 – 5.5V for ATtiny24/44/84
• Speed Grade
– ATtiny24V/44V/84V
• 0 – 4 MHz @ 1.8 – 5.5V
• 0 – 10 MHz @ 2.7 – 5.5V
– ATtiny24/44/84
• 0 – 10 MHz @ 2.7 – 5.5V
• 0 – 20 MHz @ 4.5 – 5.5V
• Industrial Temperature Range: -40°C to +85°C
• Low Power Consumption
– Active Mode (1 MHz System Clock): 300 µA @ 1.8V
– Power-Down Mode: 0.1 µA @ 1.8V

[Bruce Abbott]

The A version draws less current and has an enhanced power-on reset circuit. See app note AVR526.
 

[matseng]

Non-A seems to be older stock probably was more expensive to manufacture.

Both have a "Factory lead time" of two weeks - which might mean that Atmel either have their own "old stock" on hand or are still manufacturing the Non-A part.

[JoeN]

Buy from these guys instead, save yourself a boatload of money?   

http://www.newark.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/Search?catalogId=15003&langId=-1&storeId=10194&gs=true&st=ATTINY44