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Microchip Technology ATSAMR21E18A-MUT
- Part No.:
- ATSAMR21E18A-MUT
- Manufacturer:
- Microchip Technology
- Category:
- RF Transceiver ICs
- Package:
- 32-VFQFN Exposed Pad
- Datasheet:
-
ATSAMR21E18A-MUT.pdf
- Description:
- IC RF TXRX+MCU ISM>1GHZ 32QFN
- Quantity:
- Payment:
- Shipping:
Inventory:4,990
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Product details
Overview
ATSAMR21E18A-MUT 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 USB 2.0 interface in a 32-pin QFN package. It operates at up to 48MHz, supports SleepWalking peripherals, and targets battery-powered IoT sensor nodes requiring secure, low-latency 2.4GHz mesh networking.
For engineers reviewing the ATSAMR21E18A-MUT datasheet, ATSAMR21E18A-MUT pinout, ATSAMR21E18A-MUT application, or ATSAMR21E18A-MUT equivalent, key selection criteria include its integrated AT86RF233-compatible transceiver with -99dBm RX sensitivity, hardware AES-128 engine, 4-channel ADC with oversampling to 16-bit resolution, and SERCOM-configurable USART/I²C/SPI interfaces for sensor hub integration.
Technical Context
The ATSAMR21E18A-MUT implements a dual-domain clock system with DFLL48M and FDPLL96M for independent peripheral frequency scaling, enabling simultaneous high-CPU throughput and low-power peripheral operation. Its Event System provides 12 asynchronous channels for inter-peripheral signaling without CPU intervention-even in standby mode.
SleepWalking allows peripherals like the RTC, ADC, or TC to autonomously sample, process, and trigger wake events based on thresholds or time windows, minimizing active CPU time. The integrated transceiver uses O-QPSK modulation with 250kb/s data rate, hardware MAC (auto-ack/retry), and 128-byte frame buffer, directly interfaced via dedicated SERCOM4 pins.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| CPU Core | ARM Cortex-M0+ @ 48MHz - delivers 2.46 CoreMark/MHz efficiency for deterministic real-time control. |
| Memory | 256KB Flash + 32KB SRAM - sufficient for Zigbee/Thread stack + application firmware with OTA update capability. |
| Wireless Transceiver | Integrated 2.4GHz ISM band RF with -99dBm RX sensitivity and +4dBm TX output - enables robust 100m+ line-of-sight range in 250kb/s IEEE 802.15.4 mode. |
| Analog Peripherals | 4-channel 12-bit ADC @ 350ksps with 1x–16x programmable gain and hardware oversampling to 16-bit - supports precision temperature/humidity sensing without external signal conditioning. |
| Communication Interfaces | 4 SERCOM modules (configurable as USART/I²C/SPI/LIN) + full-speed USB 2.0 device/host - enables dual-interface connectivity (e.g., USB debug + I²C sensor bus). |
| Power Management | Idle & standby sleep modes with SleepWalking - reduces average current to <1.5µA in RTC+ADC-triggered wake cycles. |
| Security | Hardware AES-128 engine + True Random Number Generator - accelerates encrypted packet processing for secure over-the-air updates. |
Pinout & Package
ATSAMR21E18A-MUT is housed in a 5mm × 5mm, 32-pin QFN package with exposed thermal pad connected to GND. Pin functions follow the SAM R21E series layout per datasheet section 4.2, with dedicated RF (RFP/RFN), crystal (XTAL1/XTAL2), debug (SWDIO/SWCLK), and configurable I/O pins.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| PA00 / PA01 | XOSC32K input/output | Connects external 32.768kHz crystal for RTC calendar accuracy ±20ppm; not present on E-series but retained for compatibility. |
| PA14 / PA15 | RFP / RFN | Differential 100Ω RF port - requires controlled-impedance layout; DC-coupled to internal LNA/PA; no external bias required. |
| PA30 / PA31 | SWCLK / SWDIO | Two-pin Serial Wire Debug interface - supports non-intrusive flash programming and real-time debugging without halting CPU. |
| PA24 / PA25 | USB_DP / USB_DM | Full-speed USB 2.0 differential pair - enables CDC/VCP virtual COM port or HID device functionality without external PHY. |
| PA06 / PA07 | AIN[6]/AIN[7] | Analog inputs for 12-bit ADC - support single-ended or differential measurement with programmable gain up to 16×. |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Integrated 2.4GHz Transceiver | Directly replaces discrete RF IC + MCU combo; eliminates SPI bus timing constraints and PCB routing complexity for IEEE 802.15.4 systems. |
| SleepWalking Peripheral Engine | Enables RTC-triggered ADC sampling and threshold comparison while CPU remains powered off - cuts active time by >95% in periodic sensor readout. |
| Hardware AES-128 Accelerator | Processes 128-bit encryption/decryption in <100 cycles - offloads security tasks from CPU, preserving bandwidth for application logic. |
| Configurable SERCOM Modules | Four independent serial interfaces each selectable as USART/I²C/SPI - supports concurrent communication with multiple sensors and host interfaces without resource contention. |
| Event System with 12 Channels | Allows timer-triggered ADC start, ADC-complete → DMA transfer, and DMA-complete → GPIO toggle - builds deterministic signal chains without software overhead. |
Applications
| Smart Home Sensor Node | Industrial Wireless Monitor |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Battery-powered temperature/humidity/motion sensor reporting to gateway every 30 seconds. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Primary SoC executing sensor fusion, RF packet assembly, and low-power scheduling via RTC and SleepWalking. Use Value: Integrated transceiver + hardware AES enables secure, standards-compliant 802.15.4 transmission with 5-year coin-cell battery life. | Use Scenario: Vibration and current monitoring on rotating machinery with edge FFT analysis before wireless upload. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Real-time data acquisition controller using 4-channel ADC oversampling and TCC-based PWM-driven LED status indicators. Use Value: 16-bit effective ADC resolution and deterministic TCC waveform generation eliminate need for external signal chain components. |
| Medical Wearable Tracker | Asset Tracking Tag |
Use Scenario: Body-worn fall-detection device logging accelerometer data and transmitting alerts via BLE-like 2.4GHz protocol. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Low-latency interrupt handler for motion detection, RTC timestamping, and secure packetized transmission. Use Value: Hardware AES and event-driven wakeup reduce latency to <10ms from impact detection to RF transmission. | Use Scenario: GPS-denied indoor logistics tag reporting location via RSSI triangulation using multiple gateways. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: RF coordinator managing channel hopping, RSSI measurement, and synchronized beacon timing across mesh nodes. Use Value: Integrated transceiver with hardware MAC and SFD detection ensures reliable packet reception in dense multi-node environments. |
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, 5 SERCOMs, 8 ADC channels - adds I²S, higher I/O count, and XOSC32K support. | Required for designs needing >16 GPIOs, audio interface, or precise RTC with external 32kHz crystal. | Select when board layout accommodates larger package and application demands expanded analog or communication resources. |
| STM32WB55RGV6 | ARM Cortex-M4/M0+ dual-core, Bluetooth 5.0 LE radio, 1MB Flash, 256KB RAM - higher performance, certified protocol stack, different RF band. | Targeted at Bluetooth-certified end products requiring smartphone interoperability rather than proprietary 802.15.4 mesh. | Choose when regulatory certification (FCC/CE/BQB) and smartphone pairing are mandatory, not just raw RF capability. |
Compared with ATSAMR21G18A-MUT, the ATSAMR21E18A-MUT trades I/O count and RTC precision for smaller footprint and lower BOM cost; versus STM32WB55RGV6, it offers simpler licensing, deterministic M0+ timing, and native 802.15.4 PHY control-ideal for custom protocol stacks and cost-sensitive industrial deployments.
Availability
ATSAMR21E18A-MUT is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for smart home sensor nodes, industrial wireless monitors, medical wearables, and asset tracking tags requiring stable component supply across multi-year production cycles.
Supply support for ATSAMR21E18A-MUT 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 ARM portfolio with long-term commitment to industrial and IoT microcontrollers.
The SAM R21 product line was designed specifically for ultra-low-power, integrated wireless applications in constrained environments-emphasizing RF coexistence, deterministic SleepWalking, and hardware-accelerated security for battery-operated edge devices.
FAQ
What is the maximum operating temperature range for the ATSAMR21E18A-MUT?
The ATSAMR21E18A-MUT is rated for industrial operation from -40°C to +85°C. Its QFN32 package with matte tin plating (U grade) ensures reliable solder joint integrity and thermal performance across this full range, validated per JEDEC J-STD-020 moisture sensitivity level 3.
Does the ATSAMR21E18A-MUT include an integrated crystal oscillator for the RF transceiver?
Yes, the ATSAMR21E18A-MUT integrates a 16MHz crystal oscillator (XOSCRF) dedicated to the 2.4GHz transceiver. External 16MHz crystal must be connected to XTAL1 and XTAL2 pins; no additional clock source is needed for RF operation.
Can the ATSAMR21E18A-MUT support USB device and host modes simultaneously?
No-the ATSAMR21E18A-MUT implements a single full-speed USB 2.0 interface that operates in either device or embedded host mode, not both concurrently. Mode selection is configured at initialization via the USB DEVICE/HOST registers in the USB module.
How many ADC channels are available on the ATSAMR21E18A-MUT, and what is their resolution?
The ATSAMR21E18A-MUT features four external ADC input channels (AIN[0]–AIN[3]) with 12-bit nominal resolution. Using hardware oversampling and decimation, it achieves effective resolutions of 13-, 14-, 15-, or 16-bit at reduced sample rates-up to 350ksps at 12-bit or 22ksps at 16-bit.
Is the ATSAMR21E18A-MUT pin-compatible with other SAM R21E variants such as ATSAMR21E17A-MUT?
Yes, all SAM R21E variants-including ATSAMR21E18A-MUT, ATSAMR21E17A-MUT, and ATSAMR21E16A-MUT-share identical 32-pin QFN packaging, pinout, and power/ground assignments. Firmware and hardware designs are interchangeable across flash/SRAM variants without PCB changes.
ATSAMR21E18A-MUT 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:
- 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 ~ 85°C
- Grade:
- -
- Qualification:
- -
- Supplier Device Package:
- 32-QFN (5x5)
ATSAMR21E18A-MUT FAQ
1.How can I place an order for ATSAMR21E18A-MUT through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for ATSAMR21E18A-MUT 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-MUT reliable?
The price and inventory of ATSAMR21E18A-MUT are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for ATSAMR21E18A-MUT is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for ATSAMR21E18A-MUT?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for ATSAMR21E18A-MUT transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for ATSAMR21E18A-MUT?
ATSAMR21E18A-MUT orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your ATSAMR21E18A-MUT 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-MUT?
For technical support, including ATSAMR21E18A-MUT datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your ATSAMR21E18A-MUT requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that ATSAMR21E18A-MUT is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All ATSAMR21E18A-MUT 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-MUT meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of ATSAMR21E18A-MUT?
All ATSAMR21E18A-MUT units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with ATSAMR21E18A-MUT, 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-MUT part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for ATSAMR21E18A-MUT:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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