Microchip Technology ATSAMR21G17A-MF
- Part No.:
- ATSAMR21G17A-MF
- Manufacturer:
- Microchip Technology
- Category:
- RF Transceiver ICs
- Package:
- 48-VFQFN Exposed Pad
- Datasheet:
-
ATSAMR21G17A-MF.pdf
- Description:
- IC RF TXRX+MCU ISM>1GHZ 48QFN
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

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Product details
Overview
ATSAMR21G17A-MF from Microchip Technology (formerly Atmel) is a 32-bit ARM Cortex-M0+ wireless microcontroller integrating an ultra-low-power 2.4GHz ISM band transceiver, 128KB Flash, 16KB 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 ATSAMR21G17A-MF datasheet, ATSAMR21G17A-MF pinout, ATSAMR21G17A-MF application, or ATSAMR21G17A-MF equivalent, key selection criteria include its integrated RF transceiver with -99dBm RX sensitivity and +4dBm TX output, hardware-assisted MAC, 8-channel 12-bit ADC with oversampling up to 16-bit resolution, and QFN48 package with 28 programmable I/O pins.
Technical Context
The ATSAMR21G17A-MF 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 AHB-APB bridges, a 12-channel DMA controller, and a 12-channel Event System enabling inter-peripheral signaling without CPU intervention.
RF functionality is delivered via an integrated AT86RF233-compatible 2.4GHz transceiver with hardware-accelerated frame handling (SFD detection, CRC-16, auto-acknowledge, auto-retry), 128-byte TX/RX frame buffer, and antenna diversity support. Clocking includes DFLL48M and FDPLL96M for precise frequency synthesis across multiple domains.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| CPU Core | ARM Cortex-M0+, 48MHz max - enables deterministic real-time control with Thumb-2 instruction efficiency and low gate count. |
| Memory | 128KB Flash / 16KB SRAM - sufficient for Zigbee/Thread stack + application firmware with over-the-air update capability. |
| RF Transceiver | 2.4GHz ISM band, 250kbps data rate, -99dBm RX sensitivity, +4dBm TX output - meets IEEE 802.15.4-2011 PHY requirements for robust mesh networking. |
| ADC | 12-bit, 350ksps, 8 external channels with 1/2x–16x programmable gain and hardware oversampling to 16-bit - supports high-accuracy analog sensing without external signal conditioning. |
| Low-Power Modes | Idle and standby sleep modes with SleepWalking - allows peripherals like RTC, ADC, or SERCOM to operate autonomously while CPU remains powered down. |
| Package | QFN48, 7mm × 7mm, 0.5mm pitch - provides 28 GPIOs and dedicated RF pins (RFP/RFN) with exposed thermal pad for thermal management in compact designs. |
| Operating Voltage | 1.8V–3.6V - compatible with single-cell Li-ion, LiPo, or dual-cell alkaline battery systems without external regulators. |
Pinout & Package
ATSAMR21G17A-MF is housed in a 48-pin QFN package (7mm × 7mm, 0.5mm pitch) with an exposed thermal pad internally connected to GND. The pad must be soldered to PCB ground for mechanical stability and thermal dissipation; it is not a substitute for functional GND pins.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| PA00/PA01 | XIN32/XOUT32 | 32.768kHz crystal oscillator inputs - enable precise RTC/calendar timing and low-power wake-up from standby mode. |
| XTAL1/XTAL2 | 16MHz RF crystal interface | Direct connection to internal XOSCRF oscillator - required for RF transceiver frequency stability per IEEE 802.15.4. |
| RFP/RFN | Differential RF antenna interface | 50Ω matched differential outputs - connect directly to balun or RF switch for 2.4GHz ISM band transmission/reception. |
| PA24/PA25 | USB_DP/USB_DM | Full-speed USB 2.0 interface - supports device/host enumeration and firmware updates without external PHY. |
| PA30/PA31 | SWCLK/SWDIO | Two-pin Serial Wire Debug interface - enables non-intrusive on-chip debugging and flash programming via standard ARM debug probes. |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Hardware-assisted MAC | Auto-acknowledge, auto-retry, and CRC-16 computation offload RF protocol processing from CPU, reducing latency and power in mesh networks. |
| SleepWalking peripherals | RTC, ADC, or SERCOM can execute predefined tasks (e.g., periodic sampling, UART receive) without waking CPU - extends battery life in sensor endpoints. |
| Peripheral Touch Controller (PTC) | Supports up to 48 capacitive touch channels - enables intuitive HMI on battery-powered devices without external touch ICs. |
| Configurable SERCOM modules | Five SERCOMs each configurable as USART, SPI, I²C (up to 3.4MHz), or LIN slave - simplifies interface consolidation and reduces BOM count. |
| TCC timer units | Three 16-bit Timer/Counters for Control with complementary PWM outputs, dead-time insertion, and dithering - suitable for motor control and LED dimming. |
Applications
| Smart Home Sensor Node | Industrial Wireless Monitor |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Battery-powered temperature/humidity/motion sensor transmitting data every 5 minutes to a gateway via Zigbee or proprietary 2.4GHz protocol. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Single-chip SoC providing MCU execution, RF packet assembly/transmission, and autonomous wake-up via RTC-triggered ADC sampling. Use Value: Eliminates external transceiver and voltage regulator, reducing bill-of-materials and PCB area while achieving >5-year battery life using SleepWalking and ultra-low RX current. | Use Scenario: DIN-rail mounted condition monitor collecting vibration, current, and ambient temperature in factory machinery with edge preprocessing before LoRaWAN upload. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Real-time data acquisition hub with synchronized multi-channel ADC sampling, FFT-ready TCC timers, and RF link management. Use Value: Hardware CRC and DMA-accelerated ADC transfers ensure deterministic sampling intervals and reliable packet integrity without CPU overhead. |
| Wireless Lighting Controller | Medical Wearable Endpoint |
Use Scenario: DALI-2 or Bluetooth Mesh-enabled LED driver board controlling color-tuning and dimming via wireless command reception and PWM generation. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: RF receiver + PWM waveform generator with fault-protected complementary outputs driving MOSFET half-bridges. Use Value: Integrated TCC units deliver precise, jitter-free PWM with configurable dead-time and fast decay - critical for flicker-free dimming and thermal safety. | Use Scenario: Disposable ECG patch transmitting biopotential data via BLE-compatible 2.4GHz protocol with onboard signal conditioning and encryption. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Analog front-end (ADC + AC comparators), secure data engine (AES-128), and low-power RF transmitter. Use Value: On-die AES and true random number generator enable HIPAA-compliant data encryption without external crypto IC, meeting medical device security requirements. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar wireless microcontroller applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| ATSAMR21G18A-MF | 256KB Flash / 32KB SRAM vs. 128KB / 16KB - doubles code space for complex stacks or OTA image storage. | Required for full Thread/Zigbee certification stacks with bootloader and application partitioning. | Select when firmware complexity exceeds 128KB or dual-bank OTA updates are mandatory. |
| NRF52840-QIAA | ARM Cortex-M4F core, Bluetooth 5.0/802.15.4/Thread support, but no integrated USB or PTC - requires external components for touch or USB-CDC. | Better suited for BLE-centric applications; lacks native capacitive touch and USB device/host flexibility. | Choose for Bluetooth-focused designs where USB connectivity and touch UI are secondary. |
Compared with ATSAMR21G17A-MF, ATSAMR21G18A-MF offers higher memory headroom for certified protocol stacks, while NRF52840-QIAA provides superior BLE throughput and M4F DSP capability but demands additional components for USB or touch interfaces.
Availability
ATSAMR21G17A-MF is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for smart home sensor nodes, industrial wireless monitors, wireless lighting controllers, and medical wearable endpoints requiring stable component supply and long-term production support.
Supply support for ATSAMR21G17A-MF 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 wireless sensor networks, integrating RF, security, and intelligent peripherals into a single chip to reduce system complexity and power consumption in battery-operated endpoints.
FAQ
What is the maximum operating frequency and CoreMark performance of the ATSAMR21G17A-MF?
The ATSAMR21G17A-MF operates at a maximum CPU frequency of 48MHz and achieves 2.14 CoreMark/MHz, resulting in a total CoreMark score of approximately 103. This reflects efficient Thumb-2 instruction execution and single-cycle multiplier performance suitable for real-time sensor fusion and protocol stack processing in the ATSAMR21G17A-MF.
Does the ATSAMR21G17A-MF include hardware security features?
Yes, the ATSAMR21G17A-MF integrates AES-128 encryption hardware acceleration and a True Random Number Generator (TRNG). These features enable secure boot, encrypted firmware updates, and cryptographic key generation directly within the ATSAMR21G17A-MF without external security ICs, meeting basic requirements for IoT device authentication and data confidentiality.
What RF standards does the integrated transceiver in the ATSAMR21G17A-MF support?
The ATSAMR21G17A-MF integrates an ultra-low-power 2.4GHz ISM band transceiver compliant with IEEE 802.15.4-2011 physical layer specifications. It supports 250kbps O-QPSK modulation and includes hardware-assisted MAC functions (auto-acknowledge, auto-retry, CRC-16), making it suitable for Zigbee, Thread, and proprietary 2.4GHz protocols - all implemented natively in the ATSAMR21G17A-MF.
How many analog input channels and what resolution does the ADC in the ATSAMR21G17A-MF support?
The ATSAMR21G17A-MF features an 8-channel, 12-bit ADC with a maximum sampling rate of 350ksps. It supports hardware oversampling and decimation to achieve effective resolutions of 13-, 14-, 15-, or 16-bit, with programmable gain from 0.5x to 16x. This ADC configuration enables high-precision sensor interfacing directly within the ATSAMR21G17A-MF.
What debug interface is supported by the ATSAMR21G17A-MF, and how is it implemented?
The ATSAMR21G17A-MF supports a two-pin Serial Wire Debug (SWD) interface using PA30 (SWCLK) and PA31 (SWDIO). This interface enables non-intrusive on-chip debugging, flash programming, and real-time trace via MTB - all accessible through standard ARM-compliant debug probes without requiring JTAG pins, simplifying PCB layout for the ATSAMR21G17A-MF.
ATSAMR21G17A-MF Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- Microchip Technology
- Series:
- SMART™ SAM R21
- Package/Case:
- 48-VFQFN Exposed Pad
- Packaging:
- Tray
- 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:
- 128kB Flash, 16kB 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)
ATSAMR21G17A-MF FAQ
1.How can I place an order for ATSAMR21G17A-MF through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for ATSAMR21G17A-MF 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 ATSAMR21G17A-MF reliable?
The price and inventory of ATSAMR21G17A-MF are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for ATSAMR21G17A-MF is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for ATSAMR21G17A-MF?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for ATSAMR21G17A-MF transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for ATSAMR21G17A-MF?
ATSAMR21G17A-MF orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your ATSAMR21G17A-MF 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 ATSAMR21G17A-MF?
For technical support, including ATSAMR21G17A-MF datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your ATSAMR21G17A-MF requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that ATSAMR21G17A-MF is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All ATSAMR21G17A-MF 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 ATSAMR21G17A-MF meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of ATSAMR21G17A-MF?
All ATSAMR21G17A-MF units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with ATSAMR21G17A-MF, 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 ATSAMR21G17A-MF part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for ATSAMR21G17A-MF:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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