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Microchip Technology ATSAMR21G17A-MFT
- Part No.:
- ATSAMR21G17A-MFT
- Manufacturer:
- Microchip Technology
- Category:
- RF Transceiver ICs
- Package:
- 48-VFQFN Exposed Pad
- Datasheet:
-
ATSAMR21G17A-MFT.pdf
- Description:
- IC RF TXRX+MCU ISM>1GHZ 48QFN
- Quantity:
- Payment:
- Shipping:
Inventory:1,138
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Product details
Overview
ATSAMR21G17A-MFT 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-MFT datasheet, ATSAMR21G17A-MFT pinout, ATSAMR21G17A-MFT application, or ATSAMR21G17A-MFT equivalent, key selection criteria include its QFN48 package with 28 GPIOs, integrated AT86RF233-compatible RF front-end, hardware-assisted MAC, -99dBm RX sensitivity, +4dBm TX output, and support for IEEE 802.15.4-compliant protocols.
Technical Context
The ATSAMR21G17A-MFT 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.
It integrates a dedicated 2.4GHz transceiver subsystem with hardware-accelerated frame handling-including SFD detection, spreading/de-spreading, CRC-16 computation, auto-acknowledge, and auto-retry-alongside a 32.768kHz crystal oscillator (XOSC32K) and dual PLLs (DFLL48M and FDPLL96M) for precise clock domain management across MCU and RF subsystems.
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 link budget requirements for 100m+ indoor range. |
| Power Management | Idle & standby sleep modes; SleepWalking peripherals - allows autonomous ADC sampling or RF wake-up without CPU involvement, extending battery life in sensor endpoints. |
| Analog Peripherals | 8-channel 12-bit 350ksps ADC with programmable gain (1/2x–16x) and hardware oversampling to 16-bit - supports precision environmental sensing with on-chip signal conditioning. |
| Connectivity | 5 SERCOM modules (configurable as USART/I²C/SPI/LIN), full-speed USB 2.0 device/host, 3 TCC timers with PWM dead-time control - enables multi-protocol gateway functionality and motor/lighting control. |
| Operating Range | 1.8V–3.6V supply, -40°C to +85°C industrial grade - suitable for unregulated battery-powered deployments in harsh environments. |
Pinout & Package
ATSAMR21G17A-MFT is housed in a 48-pin QFN package (7mm × 7mm, 0.5mm pitch) with an exposed thermal pad internally connected to GND. The package complies with JEDEC MO-220, MSL3 moisture sensitivity level, and supports standard reflow per J-STD-20.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| PA00 / PA01 | XIN32 / XOUT32 | 32.768kHz crystal oscillator inputs - provide low-power RTC clock source independent of main system clock. |
| XTAL1 / XTAL2 | 16MHz RF crystal interface | Direct connection to integrated AT86RF233 RF transceiver oscillator - no external RF clock synthesis required. |
| RFP / RFN | Differential RF antenna interface | 50Ω matched differential RF output/input pins - require balun and matching network for single-ended antenna connection. |
| PA24 / PA25 | USB_DP / USB_DM | Full-speed USB 2.0 differential pair - supports embedded host/device operation without external PHY. |
| PA30 / PA31 | SWCLK / SWDIO | Two-pin Serial Wire Debug interface - enables non-intrusive programming and real-time debugging via standard ARM debug probes. |
| PA14 / PA15 | SERCOM4/PAD[2] / SERCOM4/PAD[3] | Dedicated SPI interface to internal AT86RF233 - fixed mapping eliminates software configuration overhead for RF control. |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Hardware-Assisted MAC | Auto-acknowledge and auto-retry reduce host CPU load and improve packet delivery reliability in noisy 2.4GHz environments. |
| Peripheral Touch Controller (PTC) | Supports up to 48 capacitive touch channels - enables robust human-machine interface for battery-operated controls without external ICs. |
| Event System | 12-channel asynchronous event routing - allows peripherals like ADC, TC, and TCC to trigger actions directly, minimizing interrupt latency and CPU wake-ups. |
| TCC Timer Units | Three 16-bit TCCs with complementary PWM outputs and configurable dead-time - enable precise motor phase control and LED dimming with hardware fault protection. |
| Integrated Security | Hardware AES engine and True Random Number Generator - accelerate secure boot, encrypted OTA updates, and key derivation in resource-constrained edge devices. |
Applications
| Smart Home Sensor Node | Industrial Wireless Monitor |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Battery-powered temperature/humidity/motion sensor transmitting data every 5 minutes to a central hub via IEEE 802.15.4 mesh network. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Primary SoC executing sensor fusion, RF protocol stack, and low-power scheduler; RTC provides accurate wake-up timing. Use Value: SleepWalking enables autonomous ADC sampling and RF transmit initiation without waking CPU, achieving >5-year battery life on two AA cells. | Use Scenario: DIN-rail mounted vibration/temperature monitor in factory machinery, reporting anomalies via wireless backhaul to PLC or cloud gateway. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Real-time data acquisition controller with hardware CRC and timestamping; TCC timers synchronize analog capture with mechanical rotation events. Use Value: Hardware oversampling (to 16-bit) and programmable gain allow direct connection to piezoelectric sensors without external signal conditioning circuitry. |
| Wireless Lighting Control | Secure Asset Tracker |
Use Scenario: DALI-2 or 0–10V lighting node receiving commands over Zigbee PRO and driving high-efficiency LED drivers. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: RF transceiver + PWM generator; TCC units produce synchronized multi-channel PWM with dead-time insertion for gate driver safety. Use Value: Complementary PWM outputs with configurable dead-time prevent shoot-through in half-bridge LED drivers, eliminating need for external logic. | Use Scenario: GPS-denied indoor asset tracker using RSSI-based proximity detection and encrypted BLE beacon scanning. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Secure cryptographic co-processor and low-power RF receiver; AES engine handles session key encryption before transmission. Use Value: Integrated TRNG and hardware AES reduce BOM cost and attack surface compared to discrete crypto IC + MCU solutions. |
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. 128KB / 16KB - doubles code space for complex stacks or dual-firmware OTA. | Required for Thread/Zigbee 3.0 certification with full stack + application; not needed for basic sensor firmware. | Select when future firmware growth or concurrent protocol support (e.g., BLE + 802.15.4) is anticipated. |
| NRF52840-QIAA | ARM Cortex-M4F core, Bluetooth 5.0 + 802.15.4 + NFC; no integrated 32.768kHz XOSC or hardware AES - requires external crystal and crypto SW. | Better suited for BLE-centric designs; lacks native IEEE 802.15.4 MAC acceleration and RTC calendar function. | Choose for Bluetooth-rich ecosystems; avoid if IEEE 802.15.4 deterministic timing or long-term RTC calendar is mandatory. |
Compared with ATSAMR21G17A-MFT, the ATSAMR21G18A-MFT offers headroom for feature expansion while maintaining identical pinout and RF performance, whereas the NRF52840-QIAA trades hardware MAC and RTC depth for broader wireless protocol flexibility and higher CPU throughput at the cost of increased power and external component dependencies.
Availability
ATSAMR21G17A-MFT is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for smart home sensor nodes, industrial wireless monitors, wireless lighting controllers, and secure asset trackers requiring stable component supply and long-term production continuity.
Supply support for ATSAMR21G17A-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 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, IEEE 802.15.4-compliant wireless embedded systems - integrating RF, security, and intelligent peripherals into a single chip to eliminate external transceivers and reduce system-level design complexity.
FAQ
What is the RF transceiver architecture used in the ATSAMR21G17A-MFT?
The ATSAMR21G17A-MFT integrates a hardware-accelerated 2.4GHz ISM band transceiver derived from the AT86RF233, supporting IEEE 802.15.4 physical layer with SFD detection, spreading/de-spreading, CRC-16 computation, auto-acknowledge, and auto-retry. It uses a dedicated 16MHz crystal (XTAL1/XTAL2) and differential RF pins (RFP/RFN) requiring external balun and matching network.
Does the ATSAMR21G17A-MFT support hardware AES encryption?
Yes, the ATSAMR21G17A-MFT includes a dedicated hardware AES engine compliant with FIPS-197, supporting ECB, CBC, CFB, OFB, and CTR modes with key sizes of 128, 192, and 256 bits. It also integrates a True Random Number Generator (TRNG) for secure key generation - both features are accessible via the Peripheral Access Controller (PAC) without CPU intervention.
How many general-purpose I/O pins does the ATSAMR21G17A-MFT provide?
The ATSAMR21G17A-MFT provides 28 programmable I/O pins in its 48-pin QFN package. These include dedicated functions such as USB_DP/DM, SWCLK/SWDIO, RF differential pair, and multiple SERCOM/TC/TCC multiplexed signals. All pins support peripheral function multiplexing via PORT PMUX registers and can be configured as digital inputs/outputs with configurable pull-up/down.
What sleep modes are supported by the ATSAMR21G17A-MFT and how do they differ?
The ATSAMR21G17A-MFT supports two software-selectable sleep modes: idle mode stops the CPU while keeping all peripherals active, and standby mode stops all clocks except those explicitly enabled (e.g., 32kHz RTC oscillator). Standby mode enables SleepWalking - allowing peripherals like ADC or TC to autonomously sample, process, and trigger events without waking the CPU until a threshold or completion condition occurs.
Is the ATSAMR21G17A-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 and pinout. Differences are limited to Flash (64KB/128KB/256KB) and SRAM (8KB/16KB/32KB) capacities - enabling seamless migration within the same PCB layout through firmware-only updates.
ATSAMR21G17A-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:
- 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-MFT FAQ
1.How can I place an order for ATSAMR21G17A-MFT through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for ATSAMR21G17A-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 ATSAMR21G17A-MFT reliable?
The price and inventory of ATSAMR21G17A-MFT are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for ATSAMR21G17A-MFT is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for ATSAMR21G17A-MFT?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for ATSAMR21G17A-MFT transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for ATSAMR21G17A-MFT?
ATSAMR21G17A-MFT orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your ATSAMR21G17A-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 ATSAMR21G17A-MFT?
For technical support, including ATSAMR21G17A-MFT datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your ATSAMR21G17A-MFT requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that ATSAMR21G17A-MFT is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All ATSAMR21G17A-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 ATSAMR21G17A-MFT meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of ATSAMR21G17A-MFT?
All ATSAMR21G17A-MFT units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with ATSAMR21G17A-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 ATSAMR21G17A-MFT part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for ATSAMR21G17A-MFT:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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