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Microchip Technology ATSAMR21G16A-MFT
- Part No.:
- ATSAMR21G16A-MFT
- Manufacturer:
- Microchip Technology
- Category:
- RF Transceiver ICs
- Package:
- 48-VFQFN Exposed Pad
- Datasheet:
-
ATSAMR21G16A-MFT.pdf
- Description:
- IC RF TXRX+MCU ISM>1GHZ 48QFN
- Quantity:
- Payment:
- Shipping:
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Product details
Overview
ATSAMR21G16A-MFT from Microchip Technology (formerly Atmel) is a 48-pin QFN ARM Cortex-M0+ microcontroller with integrated 2.4GHz ISM-band transceiver, 64KB Flash, 8KB SRAM, and operation up to 48MHz. It delivers -99dBm RX sensitivity, +4dBm TX output, hardware-assisted MAC, and SleepWalking peripherals for ultra-low-power wireless sensor node applications in industrial monitoring and smart home systems.
For engineers reviewing the ATSAMR21G16A-MFT datasheet, ATSAMR21G16A-MFT pinout, ATSAMR21G16A-MFT application, or ATSAMR21G16A-MFT equivalent, key selection considerations include its 48-pin QFN package, integrated RF transceiver with 250kB/s data rate, 8-channel 12-bit ADC with oversampling, USB 2.0 full-speed interface, and support for capacitive touch via PTC.
Technical Context
The ATSAMR21G16A-MFT integrates an ARM Cortex-M0+ core with a dedicated 2.4GHz transceiver (AT86RF233-based), sharing SERCOM4 internally for SPI control. Its clock system includes DFLL48M and FDPLL96M for precise frequency synthesis, and independent clock domains enable peripheral-specific frequency scaling to minimize power.
SleepWalking allows peripherals like the RTC, ADC, or event system to operate autonomously in standby mode-triggering wake-up only on threshold crossing or result readiness-while the CPU remains off. The Event System provides 12 synchronous/asynchronous channels for inter-peripheral signaling without CPU intervention.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| CPU Core | ARM Cortex-M0+, 48MHz max - enables deterministic real-time control with Thumb-2 ISA compatibility and single-cycle multiplier. |
| Flash / SRAM | 64KB Flash / 8KB SRAM - sufficient for Zigbee/Thread stack + application logic with in-system reprogramming via SWD. |
| RF Transceiver | 2.4GHz ISM band, 250kB/s, -99dBm RX, +4dBm TX - supports IEEE 802.15.4-compliant mesh networking with hardware auto-ack and auto-retry. |
| ADC | 12-bit, 350ksps, 8-channel, programmable gain (1/2x–16x), oversampling to 16-bit - enables high-resolution analog sensing with built-in calibration. |
| USB Interface | Full-speed (12Mbps) USB 2.0 device/host - allows direct PC connectivity or embedded host functionality for peripheral management. |
| Low-Power Modes | Idle and standby modes with SleepWalking - peripherals execute tasks autonomously; CPU wakes only on critical events, reducing average current to µA range. |
| Operating Voltage | 1.8V–3.6V - compatible with single-cell Li-ion, coin cell, or energy-harvesting power sources. |
Pinout & Package
ATSAMR21G16A-MFT uses a 48-pin QFN package (7mm × 7mm, 0.5mm pitch) with exposed thermal pad connected to GND. Pin functions are multiplexed across PORT A/B and support SERCOM, TC/TCC, ADC, PTC, RFCTRL, and SWD interfaces.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| PA00 / PA01 | XIN32 / XOUT32 | 32.768kHz crystal oscillator inputs for RTC accuracy and low-power timing. |
| XTAL1 / XTAL2 | 16MHz RF crystal | Dedicated crystal connection for transceiver PLL stability; not software-multiplexed. |
| RFP / RFN | Differential RF antenna interface | 50Ω matched differential outputs feeding external balun or antenna matching network. |
| PA14 / PA15 | SERCOM4 MOSI/MISO | Internal SPI connection to integrated AT86RF233 transceiver; no external routing required. |
| PA30 / PA31 | SWCLK / SWDIO | Two-pin Serial Wire Debug interface supporting non-intrusive programming and real-time trace via MTB. |
| GND (Pins 13,14,20,29,35) | Digital/analog ground planes | Multiple dedicated GND pins isolate noise-sensitive analog/RF sections from digital switching domains. |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Integrated 2.4GHz Transceiver | Hardware-assisted MAC, SFD detection, CRC-16, and antenna diversity control reduce host CPU load and improve link reliability. |
| SleepWalking Peripherals | RTC, ADC, or event-triggered DMA can run in standby mode and wake CPU only when data is ready or thresholds are exceeded. |
| Peripheral Touch Controller (PTC) | Supports up to 48 capacitive touch channels (8×6 matrix) with proximity sensing-enables robust UI without external ICs. |
| Flexible SERCOM Modules | Five configurable SERCOMs support USART, UART, SPI, I²C (up to 3.4MHz), or LIN slave-maximizes interface reuse across designs. |
| Hardware Security | AES encryption engine and True Random Number Generator (TRNG) provide foundational security for secure boot and OTA updates. |
Applications
| Wireless Sensor Node | Smart Home Hub |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Battery-powered temperature/humidity/motion sensor deployed in HVAC ducts or ceiling cavities. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Primary MCU + RF transceiver handling sensor acquisition, local processing, and IEEE 802.15.4 packet transmission. Use Value: SleepWalking ADC and RTC enable scheduled sampling every 30s with sub-10µA average current; integrated transceiver eliminates external RF BOM cost and layout complexity. | Use Scenario: Central gateway aggregating data from multiple Zigbee/Thread end devices and bridging to Wi-Fi/Ethernet. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Dual-role USB host (for dongles) and device (for PC configuration), with SERCOMs managing multiple concurrent radio protocols. Use Value: Full-speed USB 2.0 and five SERCOMs allow simultaneous USB CDC, Zigbee coordinator, and BLE proxy functions without external protocol translators. |
| Industrial Condition Monitoring | Capacitive Touch Interface |
Use Scenario: Vibration and acoustic emission monitoring on rotating machinery in factory settings. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: High-fidelity analog front-end using 12-bit ADC with oversampling and TCC-driven PWM excitation for piezoelectric sensors. Use Value: 350ksps sampling + hardware decimation to 16-bit resolution captures transient faults; TCC dead-time control ensures safe excitation waveform generation. | Use Scenario: Appliance control panel with slider, wheel, and proximity wake-up for refrigerators or ovens. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Dedicated PTC peripheral scanning capacitive electrodes at ultra-low power while CPU sleeps. Use Value: 48-channel PTC supports complex UI layouts with <100nA sleep current per electrode; hardware de-bounce and noise filtering reduce firmware overhead. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar wireless microcontroller applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| ATSAMR21G18A-MFT | 256KB Flash / 32KB SRAM vs. 64KB / 8KB - same package, peripherals, and RF stack. | Required for larger protocol stacks (e.g., Matter over Thread) or complex edge-processing firmware. | Select when firmware size exceeds 64KB or future-proofing for feature expansion is needed. |
| NRF52840-QIAA | ARM Cortex-M4F @ 64MHz, Bluetooth 5.0/802.15.4, no USB host, 1MB Flash / 256KB RAM. | Optimized for BLE-centric use cases; lacks USB host, PTC, and hardware AES acceleration for Zigbee/Thread. | Prefer for BLE-only products; avoid if USB host, capacitive touch, or Zigbee-certified MAC is required. |
Compared with ATSAMR21G16A-MFT, ATSAMR21G18A-MFT offers scalable memory within identical RF/peripheral architecture, while NRF52840-QIAA trades USB host and PTC capability for higher BLE performance and larger memory-making it unsuitable for Zigbee coordinator or touch-enabled hub designs requiring the ATSAMR21G16A-MFT's specific feature set.
Availability
ATSAMR21G16A-MFT is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for wireless sensor nodes, smart home hubs, industrial condition monitoring, and capacitive touch interfaces requiring stable component supply and long-term industrial temperature support (-40°C to 85°C).
Supply support for ATSAMR21G16A-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 ARM portfolio, delivering highly integrated microcontrollers for low-power embedded and IoT applications.
The SAM R21 product line was designed specifically for battery-operated IEEE 802.15.4-based wireless systems, combining RF transceiver, security, capacitive touch, and ultra-low-power peripherals in a single chip to simplify design and reduce BOM count.
FAQ
What is the RF transceiver architecture used in the ATSAMR21G16A-MFT?
The ATSAMR21G16A-MFT integrates a 2.4GHz ISM-band transceiver derived from the AT86RF233, with hardware-assisted MAC, -99dBm RX sensitivity, +4dBm TX output, and 250kB/s data rate. It uses dedicated XTAL1/XTAL2 pins for the 16MHz RF crystal and connects internally to SERCOM4 for SPI control-no external transceiver IC is needed.
Does the ATSAMR21G16A-MFT support USB device and host modes simultaneously?
Yes, the ATSAMR21G16A-MFT features a full-speed USB 2.0 interface capable of operating in both device and embedded host modes. It supports eight endpoints and can concurrently manage USB CDC communication (as device) while enumerating and controlling USB HID peripherals (as host), enabling flexible connectivity in gateway applications.
How many capacitive touch channels does the ATSAMR21G16A-MFT support via its PTC?
The ATSAMR21G16A-MFT supports up to 48 capacitive touch channels using its Peripheral Touch Controller (PTC), configured as an 8×6 matrix (X[0–7], Y[0–5]). This enables sliders, wheels, buttons, and proximity sensing-all with hardware-accelerated scanning and noise rejection, without CPU intervention during active sensing.
What sleep modes and power-saving features does the ATSAMR21G16A-MFT offer?
The ATSAMR21G16A-MFT offers idle and standby sleep modes, plus SleepWalking-where peripherals like the RTC, ADC, or event system operate autonomously in standby and wake the CPU only on threshold crossing or completion. This achieves sub-10µA average current in sensor node applications with scheduled wake-ups.
Is the ATSAMR21G16A-MFT pin-compatible with other SAM R21 variants?
Yes, all SAM R21G variants-including ATSAMR21G16A-MFT, ATSAMR21G17A-MFT, and ATSAMR21G18A-MFT-share identical 48-pin QFN packaging, pinout, and peripheral mapping. Memory and feature differences (e.g., Flash/SRAM size) are implemented internally; no PCB redesign is required when upgrading within the G-series.
ATSAMR21G16A-MFT Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- Microchip Technology
- Series:
- SMART™ SAM R21
- Package/Case:
- 48-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:
- 28
- 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:
- 48-QFN (7x7)
ATSAMR21G16A-MFT FAQ
1.How can I place an order for ATSAMR21G16A-MFT through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for ATSAMR21G16A-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 ATSAMR21G16A-MFT reliable?
The price and inventory of ATSAMR21G16A-MFT are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for ATSAMR21G16A-MFT is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for ATSAMR21G16A-MFT?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for ATSAMR21G16A-MFT transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for ATSAMR21G16A-MFT?
ATSAMR21G16A-MFT orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your ATSAMR21G16A-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 ATSAMR21G16A-MFT?
For technical support, including ATSAMR21G16A-MFT datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your ATSAMR21G16A-MFT requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that ATSAMR21G16A-MFT is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All ATSAMR21G16A-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 ATSAMR21G16A-MFT meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of ATSAMR21G16A-MFT?
All ATSAMR21G16A-MFT units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with ATSAMR21G16A-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 ATSAMR21G16A-MFT part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for ATSAMR21G16A-MFT:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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