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Microchip Technology ATSAMR21E16A-MFT
- Part No.:
- ATSAMR21E16A-MFT
- Manufacturer:
- Microchip Technology
- Category:
- RF Transceiver ICs
- Package:
- 32-VFQFN Exposed Pad
- Datasheet:
-
ATSAMR21E16A-MFT.pdf
- Description:
- IC RF TXRX+MCU ISM>1GHZ 32QFN
- Quantity:
- Payment:
- Shipping:
Inventory:3,895
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Product details
Overview
ATSAMR21E16A-MFT from Microchip Technology (formerly Atmel) is a 32-bit ARM Cortex-M0+ wireless microcontroller in a 32-pin QFN package, integrating 64KB Flash, 8KB SRAM, and an ultra-low-power 2.4GHz ISM band transceiver with -99dBm RX sensitivity and +4dBm TX output. It operates at up to 48MHz, supports SleepWalking peripherals, and targets battery-powered IoT sensor nodes and mesh network endpoints.
For engineers reviewing the ATSAMR21E16A-MFT datasheet, ATSAMR21E16A-MFT pinout, ATSAMR21E16A-MFT application, or ATSAMR21E16A-MFT equivalent, key selection criteria include its integrated RF transceiver with hardware-assisted MAC, 16 GPIOs, 4-channel 12-bit ADC with oversampling, SERCOM-configurable interfaces (USART/I²C/SPI), and support for capacitive touch via PTC.
Technical Context
The ATSAMR21E16A-MFT implements a single-core ARM Cortex-M0+ processor with Thumb-2 ISA, 2.14 CoreMark/MHz performance, and a Micro Trace Buffer for non-intrusive debug. Its system architecture features three independent clock domains (GCLK, DFLL48M, FDPLL96M), enabling dynamic peripheral clock scaling to minimize power while maintaining CPU throughput.
RF functionality is delivered through an integrated 2.4GHz transceiver derived from the AT86RF233, supporting IEEE 802.15.4-compliant PHY with hardware CRC-16, SFD detection, auto-acknowledge, and antenna diversity control. The transceiver is tightly coupled to SERCOM4 and dedicated FECTRL pins, with RF I/O routed to RFP/RFN pins and crystal oscillator inputs at XTAL1/XTAL2.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| CPU Core | ARM Cortex-M0+, 48MHz max - enables deterministic real-time control with low interrupt latency and single-cycle multiplier. |
| Memory | 64KB Flash / 8KB SRAM - sufficient for Zigbee/Thread stack + application logic in compact edge-node firmware. |
| RF Transceiver | 2.4GHz ISM band, 250kbps data rate, -99dBm sensitivity, +4dBm output - meets IEEE 802.15.4 link budget requirements for 100m+ indoor range. |
| Analog Peripherals | 4-channel 12-bit ADC @ 350ksps with 1–16x programmable gain and hardware oversampling to 16-bit - supports precision sensor signal acquisition without external signal conditioning. |
| Digital Interfaces | 4 SERCOM modules (configurable as USART/I²C/SPI), USB 2.0 FS device/host, 12-channel DMA - enables concurrent wired/wireless communication with zero-CPU overhead data movement. |
| Power Management | Idle & standby sleep modes; SleepWalking peripherals wake autonomously - reduces average current to <1µA in deep-sleep with periodic sensor sampling. |
| Operating Range | 1.8V–3.6V supply, -40°C to +85°C industrial grade - suitable for unregulated battery operation (e.g., two AA cells) in harsh environments. |
Pinout & Package
ATSAMR21E16A-MFT uses a 32-pin QFN package (5mm × 5mm, 0.5mm pitch) with exposed thermal pad connected to GND. Pin functions are multiplexed across PORT A only; no PORT B/C signals are available in this variant. Critical RF and clock pins are fixed: XTAL1/XTAL2 for 16MHz RF crystal, RFP/RFN for differential RF I/O, and PA30/PA31 for SWD debug.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| PA00/PA01 | XIN32/XOUT32 | 32.768kHz crystal oscillator inputs - optional for RTC calendar accuracy; not present in E-series per configuration summary. |
| PA14/PA15 | XIN/XOUT | 16MHz crystal oscillator for RF transceiver - mandatory for 2.4GHz operation; drives internal PLL synthesizer. |
| PA24/PA25 | USB_DP/USB_DM | Full-speed USB 2.0 differential pair - supports device enumeration and host-side firmware updates without external PHY. |
| PA30/PA31 | SWCLK/SWDIO | Two-pin Serial Wire Debug interface - enables programming, breakpoint debugging, and real-time trace via MTB. |
| RFP/RFN | RF Differential Output/Input | Direct connection to internal transceiver RF front-end - requires 50Ω matched PCB trace and external balun/antenna matching network. |
| RESET | Active-Low Reset Input | Asynchronous reset pin with internal pull-up - compatible with standard push-button or supervisor IC reset circuits. |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Hardware-Assisted MAC | Auto-acknowledge, auto-retry, and frame filtering offload 802.15.4 MAC layer processing from CPU - reduces active time and extends battery life in beacon-enabled networks. |
| SleepWalking Peripherals | ADC, TC, and SERCOM can sample sensors, time events, or receive UART bytes while CPU remains in standby - eliminates wake-up latency and enables sub-µA average current operation. |
| Peripheral Touch Controller (PTC) | Supports up to 12 capacitive touch channels (6×2 X/Y matrix) - enables button/slider UI on space-constrained PCBs without external touch IC. |
| Configurable SERCOM Modules | Four SERCOMs each support USART (with LIN slave), I²C (up to 3.4MHz), or SPI - allows flexible sensor bus topology and protocol translation (e.g., I²C sensor → UART-to-cloud). |
| Integrated Security | AES-128 engine and True Random Number Generator - enables secure over-the-air (OTA) firmware updates and cryptographic key generation within trusted execution environment. |
Applications
| Smart Home Sensor Node | Industrial Wireless Monitor |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Battery-powered temperature/humidity sensor reporting via Zigbee or proprietary 2.4GHz mesh network every 5 minutes. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Primary MCU + RF transceiver; RTC triggers periodic wake-up; SleepWalking ADC acquires sensor data autonomously. Use Value: 64KB Flash stores lightweight Zigbee stack; -99dBm sensitivity ensures reliable multi-hop routing; 1.8V operation extends CR2032 battery life to >2 years. |
Use Scenario: DIN-rail mounted vibration monitor in factory machinery, transmitting FFT data via 2.4GHz to gateway every 30 seconds. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Real-time signal processor and RF transmitter; TCC timers generate precise PWM excitation; SERCOM SPI reads MEMS accelerometer. Use Value: 48MHz CPU handles 128-point FFT in <1ms; hardware CRC-16 ensures data integrity; industrial temp range (-40°C to +85°C) guarantees uptime in motor enclosures. |
| Wireless Lighting Control | Asset Tracking Tag |
Use Scenario: LED driver node receiving dimming commands over 2.4GHz mesh, controlling PWM output to RGBW LEDs. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: RF endpoint and lighting controller; TCC modules generate synchronized 4-channel PWM with dead-time insertion. Use Value: Four TCC waveform outputs drive high-efficiency LED drivers; hardware fault protection prevents shoot-through; integrated transceiver eliminates external RF IC BOM cost. |
Use Scenario: Small-form-factor logistics tag using BLE-like 2.4GHz protocol to broadcast location ID and temperature every 10 minutes. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Ultra-low-power beacon transmitter; SleepWalking RTC wakes CPU only for packet assembly; RF transceiver handles modulation/demodulation. Use Value: Sub-1µA standby current enables 5-year coin-cell operation; 4-channel ADC monitors battery voltage and ambient temperature; compact QFN32 fits <10cm² PCB area. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar wireless microcontroller applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| ATSAMR21G16A-MFT | 48-pin QFN, 28 GPIOs, 8 ADC channels, XOSC32K support, SERCOM5 | Requires larger PCB footprint; supports RTC calendar with external 32.768kHz crystal and more complex sensor fusion | Select when >16 GPIOs, full 8-channel ADC, or precise RTC calendar functionality is required. |
| STM32WLE5JC | ARM Cortex-M4, LoRa/Sub-GHz + 2.4GHz dual-band, 256KB Flash, 64KB SRAM | Supports long-range LPWAN (LoRa) alongside 2.4GHz; higher compute headroom but higher active power | Select when hybrid connectivity (sub-GHz + 2.4GHz) or advanced DSP (e.g., audio analytics) is needed. |
Compared with ATSAMR21G16A-MFT, the ATSAMR21E16A-MFT trades I/O count and RTC precision for smaller size and lower system cost; versus STM32WLE5JC, it offers lower power and simpler software stack at the expense of multi-band flexibility and processing headroom.
Availability
ATSAMR21E16A-MFT is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for smart home sensor nodes, industrial wireless monitors, wireless lighting controllers, and asset tracking tags requiring stable component supply and long-term production continuity.
Supply support for ATSAMR21E16A-MFT includes scheduled delivery planning, volume procurement assistance, BOM continuity management, traceable sourcing, and lifecycle availability coordination for OEM customers, industrial embedded developers, connected-device designers, and electronics production programs.
Manufacturer
Microchip Technology acquired Atmel in 2016 and maintains the SMART SAM portfolio as a core offering for ultra-low-power wireless MCUs targeting IoT edge devices.
The SAM R21 product line was designed specifically for battery-operated 2.4GHz mesh networking applications, emphasizing RF integration, SleepWalking autonomy, and minimal external component count to reduce system BOM and PCB area.
FAQ
What is the maximum operating frequency and process technology of the ATSAMR21E16A-MFT?
The ATSAMR21E16A-MFT operates at a maximum CPU frequency of 48MHz using a low-power CMOS process optimized for 1.8V–3.6V operation. Its ARM Cortex-M0+ core achieves 2.14 CoreMark/MHz, and the integrated 2.4GHz transceiver uses a proven RF process derived from the AT86RF233 silicon. This combination delivers high computational efficiency and RF reliability in the ATSAMR21E16A-MFT.
Does the ATSAMR21E16A-MFT include a 32.768kHz crystal oscillator for RTC calendar functions?
No, the ATSAMR21E16A-MFT does not support an external 32.768kHz crystal oscillator (XOSC32K). As confirmed in the Configuration Summary (page 4), the SAM R21E variant omits XOSC32K - only the SAM R21G series includes this feature. The ATSAMR21E16A-MFT relies on its internal 32kHz ultra-low-power oscillator (OSCULP32K) for basic RTC timing, but lacks calendar-grade accuracy without external crystal support.
How many SERCOM modules are available on the ATSAMR21E16A-MFT, and what interfaces can they support?
The ATSAMR21E16A-MFT includes four SERCOM modules (SERCOM0–SERCOM3), each configurable as USART (with LIN slave mode), I²C (up to 3.4MHz), or SPI. SERCOM4 is internally hardwired to the AT86RF233 transceiver and not available for general-purpose use. This gives the ATSAMR21E16A-MFT flexible wired peripheral connectivity while reserving dedicated bandwidth for RF communication.
What is the RF transceiver architecture in the ATSAMR21E16A-MFT, and does it support IEEE 802.15.4?
The ATSAMR21E16A-MFT integrates a derivative of the AT86RF233 2.4GHz transceiver with hardware-assisted MAC features including auto-acknowledge, auto-retry, SFD detection, and CRC-16 computation. It fully supports IEEE 802.15.4 PHY and MAC layers, enabling Zigbee, Thread, and proprietary protocols. The RF I/O is routed to dedicated RFP/RFN pins, and the transceiver is clocked by the 16MHz crystal on PA14/PA15 - all confirmed in the Block Diagram and Pinout sections of the datasheet summary.
Can the ATSAMR21E16A-MFT perform analog measurements with oversampling to increase resolution?
Yes, the ATSAMR21E16A-MFT includes a 12-bit, 350ksps ADC with hardware oversampling and decimation that supports effective resolutions of 13-, 14-, 15-, or 16-bit. With up to four external input channels and programmable gain (1x–16x), it enables high-accuracy sensor readings - such as thermistor or strain gauge measurements - without external op-amps or external ADCs, directly within the ATSAMR21E16A-MFT.
ATSAMR21E16A-MFT Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- Microchip Technology
- Series:
- SMART™ SAM R21
- Package/Case:
- 32-VFQFN Exposed Pad
- Packaging:
- Tape & Reel (TR)
- Product Status:
- Active
- Programmable:
- Not Verified
- Type:
- TxRx + MCU
- RF Family/Standard:
- General ISM > 1GHz
- Protocol:
- -
- Modulation:
- O-QPSK
- Frequency:
- 2.4GHz
- Data Rate (Max):
- 250kbps
- Power - Output:
- 4dBm
- Sensitivity:
- -99dBm
- Memory Size:
- 64kB Flash, 8kB SRAM
- Serial Interfaces:
- I2C, SPI, UART, USART, USB
- GPIO:
- 16
- Voltage - Supply:
- 1.8V ~ 3.6V
- Current - Receiving:
- 11.3mA ~ 11.8mA
- Current - Transmitting:
- 7.2mA ~ 13.8mA
- Operating Temperature:
- -40°C ~ 125°C
- Grade:
- -
- Qualification:
- -
- Supplier Device Package:
- 32-QFN (5x5)
ATSAMR21E16A-MFT FAQ
1.How can I place an order for ATSAMR21E16A-MFT through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for ATSAMR21E16A-MFT on Aetrix. Our sales agent will provide a competitive quotation and guide you through the order confirmation once you accept the terms.
2.Are the price and stock information for ATSAMR21E16A-MFT reliable?
The price and inventory of ATSAMR21E16A-MFT are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for ATSAMR21E16A-MFT is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for ATSAMR21E16A-MFT?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for ATSAMR21E16A-MFT transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for ATSAMR21E16A-MFT?
ATSAMR21E16A-MFT orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your ATSAMR21E16A-MFT order is processed, you will receive an email with the shipment details and tracking number.
Note: Tracking information may take up to 24 hours to appear. Express delivery typically takes 3–5 business days.
5.How can I obtain technical support or documentation for ATSAMR21E16A-MFT?
For technical support, including ATSAMR21E16A-MFT datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your ATSAMR21E16A-MFT requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that ATSAMR21E16A-MFT is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All ATSAMR21E16A-MFT products on Aetrix are procured from qualified distributors and authorized channels. Our dedicated quality assurance team conducts strict verification, including traceability checks and, if necessary, third-party testing. This ensures that ATSAMR21E16A-MFT meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of ATSAMR21E16A-MFT?
All ATSAMR21E16A-MFT units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with ATSAMR21E16A-MFT, returns or replacements are accepted under the following conditions:
1.Quantity discrepancies, incorrect items, or visible external defects (such as breakage or corrosion), acknowledged by Aetrix.
2.The issue is reported within 90 days of delivery.
3.The ATSAMR21E16A-MFT part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for ATSAMR21E16A-MFT:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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