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Microchip Technology ATSAMR21E18A-MFTA7
- Part No.:
- ATSAMR21E18A-MFTA7
- Manufacturer:
- Microchip Technology
- Category:
- RF Transceiver ICs
- Package:
- 32-VFQFN Exposed Pad
- Datasheet:
-
ATSAMR21E18A-MFTA7.pdf
- Description:
- IC RF TXRX+MCU ISM>1GHZ 32QFN
- Quantity:
- Payment:
- Shipping:
Inventory:4,282
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Product details
Overview
ATSAMR21E18A-MFTA7 from Microchip Technology (formerly Atmel) is a 32-bit ARM Cortex-M0+ wireless microcontroller integrating an ultra-low-power 2.4GHz ISM band transceiver, 256KB Flash, 32KB SRAM, and operating at up to 48MHz. It delivers 2.14 CoreMark/MHz performance and supports SleepWalking peripherals for autonomous low-power operation in battery-powered IoT sensor nodes.
For engineers reviewing the ATSAMR21E18A-MFTA7 datasheet, ATSAMR21E18A-MFTA7 pinout, ATSAMR21E18A-MFTA7 application, or ATSAMR21E18A-MFTA7 equivalent, key selection criteria include its QFN32 package, integrated RF transceiver with -99dBm RX sensitivity and +4dBm TX output, 4-channel 12-bit ADC (350ksps), hardware AES security, and SERCOM-configurable interfaces (USART/I²C/SPI/LIN).
Technical Context
The ATSAMR21E18A-MFTA7 implements a single-core ARM Cortex-M0+ processor with Thumb-2 ISA, Micro Trace Buffer (MTB), and single-cycle hardware multiplier. Its system architecture features three independent clock domains (GCLK generators including DFLL48M and FDPLL96M), enabling per-peripheral frequency optimization to minimize dynamic power while sustaining CPU performance.
It integrates a dedicated 2.4GHz transceiver subsystem with hardware-assisted MAC (auto-acknowledge, auto-retry), SFD detection, CRC-16 computation, antenna diversity control, and 128-byte TX/RX frame buffers - all accessible via dedicated RFCTRL peripheral registers and physically mapped to pins XTAL1/XTAL2, RFP/RFN, and DIGx signals.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| CPU Core | ARM Cortex-M0+, 48MHz max - enables deterministic real-time control with 2.14 CoreMark/MHz efficiency |
| Memory | 256KB Flash / 32KB SRAM - sufficient for Zigbee/Thread stack + application firmware in compact footprint |
| RF Transceiver | 2.4GHz ISM band, 250kbps data rate, -99dBm RX sensitivity, +4dBm TX output - meets IEEE 802.15.4 link budget requirements |
| ADC | 12-bit, 350ksps, 4 external channels with programmable gain (1×–16×) and hardware oversampling - supports high-accuracy sensor interface without external signal conditioning |
| Low-Power Modes | Idle and standby sleep modes with SleepWalking - allows peripherals (e.g., ADC, RTC, event system) to operate autonomously without waking CPU |
| Security | Hardware AES-128 engine and True Random Number Generator - enables secure over-the-air updates and device authentication |
| Operating Voltage | 1.8V–3.6V - compatible with single-cell Li-ion, LiPo, or dual-cell alkaline battery systems |
Pinout & Package
ATSAMR21E18A-MFTA7 is housed in a 32-pin QFN package (5mm × 5mm, 0.5mm pitch) with exposed thermal pad internally connected to GND. The package complies with JEDEC MO-220, MSL3, and supports standard reflow per J-STD-20 (peak 260°C).
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| PA00 / PA01 | XIN32 / XOUT32 | 32.768kHz crystal oscillator inputs - required for RTC calendar accuracy and low-power wake-up timing |
| PA14 / PA15 | XIN / XOUT | 16MHz crystal oscillator for RF transceiver - directly drives AT86RF233 analog front-end; no software multiplexing |
| XTAL1 / XTAL2 | RF Crystal Interface | Dedicated 2.4GHz transceiver crystal pins - electrically isolated from digital I/O; require tight layout and matching network |
| RFP / RFN | Differential RF Output | 50Ω differential antenna interface - connects directly to balun or RF switch; DC-biased; requires impedance-controlled routing |
| DIG1–DIG4 | RF Control Signals | Transceiver state control (reset, sleep, IRQ) - managed by RFCTRL peripheral; not general-purpose I/O |
| PA30 / PA31 | SWCLK / SWDIO | Two-pin Serial Wire Debug - supports non-intrusive debug, flash programming, and runtime trace via MTB |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Atmel Event System | 12-channel inter-peripheral signaling - enables zero-CPU-latency communication between peripherals (e.g., TC triggers ADC sampling) |
| SleepWalking Peripherals | Autonomous peripheral operation in standby - e.g., RTC alarm wakes ADC, which samples and stores result before waking CPU only on threshold breach |
| SERCOM Flexibility | 4 configurable SERCOM modules - each supports USART/I²C/SPI/LIN in software-defined mode, reducing need for discrete level-shifters or protocol converters |
| Peripheral Touch Controller | Supports up to 12 capacitive touch channels (6×2 PTC matrix) - enables intuitive HMI on space-constrained edge devices without external IC |
| Hardware Security Engine | AES-128 encryption + TRNG - accelerates secure boot, encrypted storage, and TLS handshake offload in resource-limited nodes |
Applications
| Smart Utility Metering | Wireless Sensor Node |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Battery-powered gas/water meter transmitting consumption data hourly via mesh network. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Primary SoC handling sensor acquisition (pressure/temp), RF transmission (IEEE 802.15.4), and secure payload encryption. Use Value: Integrated transceiver eliminates external RF IC; SleepWalking reduces average current to <1.5µA during 59-minute sleep cycles. | Use Scenario: Industrial vibration monitor deployed on rotating machinery with 6-month battery life. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Real-time FFT preprocessing unit using TCC-driven PWM excitation and ADC-synchronized sampling. Use Value: Hardware CRC-16 and auto-retry reduce packet loss; 48MHz CPU handles time-domain analysis without external DSP. |
| Home Automation Hub | Asset Tracking Tag |
Use Scenario: BLE-to-Thread gateway aggregating Zigbee sensors and bridging to cloud via Wi-Fi MCU. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Coordinating node managing multiple SERCOM interfaces (I²C to sensors, SPI to Wi-Fi module, UART to debug console). Use Value: Four SERCOMs eliminate bus contention; USB 2.0 full-speed interface enables field firmware updates via PC without external bootloader. | Use Scenario: GPS-denied indoor logistics tag reporting location via RSSI triangulation across fixed gateways. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Low-duty-cycle beacon transmitter with precise 100ms interval timing via RTC and TCC. Use Value: Hardware timer cascading (32-bit TC from two 16-bit TCs) ensures ±0.5ppm timing accuracy over temperature; -99dBm sensitivity extends gateway range by 35%. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar wireless microcontroller applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| ATSAMR21G18A-MUT | 48-pin QFN, 28 GPIOs, 8 ADC channels, SERCOM5, XOSC32K integrated | Requires larger PCB area; supports more complex HMI (touch slider + proximity) and dual-crystal timing | Select when >16 GPIOs or 32.768kHz RTC crystal support is mandatory |
| STM32WLE5JCIMTX | ARM Cortex-M4, LoRa/EU868 sub-GHz transceiver, 256KB Flash, 64KB SRAM | Targets long-range, low-data-rate LPWAN instead of 2.4GHz mesh; lacks capacitive touch controller and SleepWalking | Select for sub-GHz deployment where regulatory compliance (ETSI EN 300 220) and 15km range outweigh 2.4GHz bandwidth needs |
Compared with ATSAMR21G18A-MUT, ATSAMR21E18A-MFTA7 saves board space and BOM cost with identical RF performance but fewer I/Os; versus STM32WLE5JCIMTX, it offers superior low-power autonomy and integrated touch sensing for dense 2.4GHz mesh endpoints, though without sub-GHz reach.
Availability
ATSAMR21E18A-MFTA7 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for smart metering, industrial sensor networks, home automation hubs, and asset tracking tags requiring stable component supply and long-term lifecycle assurance.
Supply support for ATSAMR21E18A-MFTA7 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 full support for the SMART SAM portfolio, delivering high-reliability microcontrollers for industrial, automotive, and IoT applications.
The SAM R21 product line was designed specifically for ultra-low-power, RF-integrated embedded systems - prioritizing seamless migration across pin-compatible variants, hardware-accelerated wireless stacks, and energy-efficient peripheral autonomy.
FAQ
What is the maximum operating frequency and core type of the ATSAMR21E18A-MFTA7?
The ATSAMR21E18A-MFTA7 features an ARM Cortex-M0+ core rated for up to 48MHz operation. It achieves 2.14 CoreMark/MHz performance with a single-cycle hardware multiplier and Micro Trace Buffer for real-time code flow analysis. This frequency is sustained across the full 1.8V–3.6V supply range and -40°C to +85°C industrial temperature grade.
Does the ATSAMR21E18A-MFTA7 include an integrated RF transceiver, and what are its key radio specifications?
Yes, the ATSAMR21E18A-MFTA7 integrates an ultra-low-power 2.4GHz ISM band transceiver compliant with IEEE 802.15.4. Key specs include 250kbps data rate, -99dBm receiver sensitivity, +4dBm programmable transmit output power, hardware MAC acceleration (auto-acknowledge, auto-retry), and 128-byte TX/RX frame buffers. The transceiver uses dedicated pins (XTAL1/XTAL2, RFP/RFN, DIG1–DIG4) and requires no external RF front-end components.
How many analog input channels does the ATSAMR21E18A-MFTA7 ADC support, and what resolution options are available?
The ATSAMR21E18A-MFTA7 includes a 12-bit, 350ksps ADC with four external input channels (AIN[0]–AIN[3]). It supports programmable gain (1×–16×), automatic offset/gain error compensation, and hardware oversampling with decimation to achieve effective resolutions of 13-, 14-, 15-, or 16-bit. Differential and single-ended acquisition modes are supported, with inputs mapped to PORT pins PA04–PA07.
What debug interface does the ATSAMR21E18A-MFTA7 provide, and is external debugger hardware required?
The ATSAMR21E18A-MFTA7 provides a two-pin Serial Wire Debug (SWD) interface using PA30 (SWCLK) and PA31 (SWDIO). No external debugger hardware is strictly required: the interface supports non-intrusive on-chip debugging, flash programming, and runtime trace via the Micro Trace Buffer. Compatible tools include Atmel-ICE, Segger J-Link, and OpenOCD with CMSIS-DAP adapters.
Is the ATSAMR21E18A-MFTA7 pin-compatible with other SAM R21 variants, and what are the migration constraints?
Yes, the ATSAMR21E18A-MFTA7 is pin-compatible within the SAM R21E family (e.g., ATSAMR21E16A, ATSAMR21E17A) and shares identical QFN32 pinout and signal mapping. Migration to SAM R21G variants (QFN48) is supported via documented pin-compatible paths - however, ATSAMR21E18A-MFTA7 lacks SERCOM5, XOSC32K, and two ADC channels present in SAM R21G, requiring minor schematic and firmware adjustments.
ATSAMR21E18A-MFTA7 Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- Microchip Technology
- Series:
- -
- 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:
- 256kB Flash, 32kB 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)
ATSAMR21E18A-MFTA7 FAQ
1.How can I place an order for ATSAMR21E18A-MFTA7 through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for ATSAMR21E18A-MFTA7 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 ATSAMR21E18A-MFTA7 reliable?
The price and inventory of ATSAMR21E18A-MFTA7 are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for ATSAMR21E18A-MFTA7 is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for ATSAMR21E18A-MFTA7?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for ATSAMR21E18A-MFTA7 transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for ATSAMR21E18A-MFTA7?
ATSAMR21E18A-MFTA7 orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your ATSAMR21E18A-MFTA7 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 ATSAMR21E18A-MFTA7?
For technical support, including ATSAMR21E18A-MFTA7 datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your ATSAMR21E18A-MFTA7 requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that ATSAMR21E18A-MFTA7 is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All ATSAMR21E18A-MFTA7 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 ATSAMR21E18A-MFTA7 meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of ATSAMR21E18A-MFTA7?
All ATSAMR21E18A-MFTA7 units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with ATSAMR21E18A-MFTA7, 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 ATSAMR21E18A-MFTA7 part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for ATSAMR21E18A-MFTA7:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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