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

- Shipping:

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Product details
Overview
ATSAMR21G17A-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, 128KB Flash, 16KB SRAM, and USB 2.0 full-speed interface. It operates at up to 48MHz, supports SleepWalking peripherals, and targets battery-powered IoT sensor nodes requiring secure, low-latency 250kb/s RF communication.
For engineers reviewing the ATSAMR21G17A-MUT datasheet, ATSAMR21G17A-MUT pinout, ATSAMR21G17A-MUT application, or ATSAMR21G17A-MUT equivalent, key selection criteria include its QFN48 package with 28 GPIOs, integrated AT86RF233-compatible transceiver, hardware AES/True Random Generator, and SERCOM-configurable interfaces for Zigbee/Thread/proprietary 2.4GHz protocols.
Technical Context
The ATSAMR21G17A-MUT implements a single-core ARM Cortex-M0+ processor with Micro Trace Buffer (MTB), DFLL48M and FDPLL96M clock generators, and dual-oscillator support (16MHz XOSCRF + 32.768kHz XOSC32K). Its RF subsystem includes hardware-assisted MAC with auto-acknowledge, SFD detection, CRC-16, and antenna diversity control.
Peripherals are orchestrated via a 12-channel Event System enabling inter-peripheral signaling without CPU intervention-even in standby mode. The device uses SleepWalking to autonomously wake peripherals (e.g., ADC, RTC, TC) and execute predefined tasks before waking the CPU only upon threshold crossing or result readiness.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| CPU Core | ARM Cortex-M0+, 48MHz max - delivers 2.14 CoreMark/MHz efficiency for real-time embedded control. |
| Memory | 128KB Flash / 16KB SRAM - sufficient for Zigbee stack + application firmware with over-the-air update capability. |
| RF Transceiver | 2.4GHz ISM band, 250kb/s data rate, −99dBm RX sensitivity, +4dBm TX output - enables robust mesh networking in dense RF environments. |
| USB Interface | Full-speed (12Mbps) USB 2.0 with embedded host/device function - supports direct PC connectivity and peripheral enumeration without external hub. |
| Analog Peripherals | 8-channel 12-bit ADC (350ksps), 2 analog comparators, PTC supporting 48 capacitive touch channels - enables sensor fusion and HMI in compact edge devices. |
| Power Management | Idle & standby sleep modes; SleepWalking capable - achieves sub-1µA standby current with RTC and selected peripherals active. |
| Operating Range | 1.8V–3.6V supply, −40°C to +85°C industrial grade - suitable for unregulated battery operation in outdoor or industrial enclosures. |
Pinout & Package
ATSAMR21G17A-MUT is housed in a 48-pin QFN package (7mm × 7mm, 0.5mm pitch) with 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 - enable precise RTC/calendar timing and low-power wake-up sources. |
| XTAL1 / XTAL2 | 16MHz RF crystal interface | Direct connection to integrated 2.4GHz transceiver oscillator - no external RF matching required. |
| RFP / RFN | Differential RF antenna interface | 50Ω differential RF output pair - requires balun or matching network for single-ended antenna connection. |
| PA24 / PA25 | USB_DP / USB_DM | Full-speed USB 2.0 differential pair - supports plug-and-play device/host operation with internal PHY and pull-up/pull-down control. |
| PA30 / PA31 | SWCLK / SWDIO | Two-pin Serial Wire Debug interface - enables non-intrusive debug, flash programming, and runtime trace via MTB. |
| PA12–PA15 | SERCOM2 / TCC2 / FECTRL[2–5] | Multiplexed pins for SPI/I²C/USART and RF control signals - configure SERCOM2 for AT86RF233 communication or general-purpose serial I/O. |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Hardware Security Engine | AES-128 encryption accelerator + True Random Number Generator - enables secure boot, OTA updates, and end-to-end payload encryption without CPU overhead. |
| Event System | 12-channel asynchronous event router - allows peripherals (e.g., TC, ADC, RTC) to trigger actions or wake each other without software polling or interrupts. |
| SleepWalking | Peripheral-initiated autonomous operation in standby - e.g., ADC sampling at scheduled intervals, RTC alarm triggering TC capture, all while CPU remains powered off. |
| Configurable SERCOMs | 5 instances, each supporting USART/I²C/SPI/LIN - simplifies protocol migration (e.g., I²C sensor bus → SPI RF interface) with identical register mapping and clock domain independence. |
| TCC Timer/Counter | Three 16-bit TCC modules with 4-channel PWM, dead-time insertion, and dithering - supports motor control, LED dimming, and power converter gate driving with deterministic fault response. |
Applications
| Smart Home Sensor Node | Industrial Wireless Monitor |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Battery-powered temperature/humidity/motion sensor reporting to gateway every 30 seconds via 2.4GHz mesh network. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Primary SoC executing sensor acquisition, RF packet assembly, AES encryption, and low-power scheduling using RTC and SleepWalking. Use Value: 128KB Flash stores Zigbee PRO stack + application logic; −99dBm RX sensitivity ensures reliable link budget in multi-wall environments; sub-1µA standby extends 2-year battery life. | Use Scenario: DIN-rail mounted vibration/temperature monitor transmitting predictive maintenance data over proprietary 2.4GHz protocol to PLC. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Real-time controller interfacing with analog sensors via 12-bit ADC, generating synchronized PWM for status LEDs, and managing secure RF telemetry. Use Value: Hardware CRC-16 and auto-retry reduce packet loss; TCC dithering improves 16-bit resolution for analog feedback; USB device mode enables field firmware recovery without JTAG. |
| Wearable Health Tracker | Asset Tracking Tag |
Use Scenario: Compact wrist-worn device measuring heart rate via PTC-based optical sensing and transmitting encrypted biometric data. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Capacitive touch controller (PTC) for button/slider UI, ADC for photodiode signal conditioning, and transceiver for BLE-like 2.4GHz burst transmission. Use Value: 48-channel PTC supports multi-zone optical sensing; programmable gain ADC handles wide dynamic range of PPG signals; integrated RF eliminates external transceiver BOM cost and layout complexity. | Use Scenario: GPS-denied indoor asset tag using RSSI triangulation and motion-triggered wake-up to report location via 2.4GHz beacon network. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Motion-aware system controller using EIC-interrupt-driven wake-up, RTC-scheduled RF beacons, and hardware AES for tag identity protection. Use Value: External interrupt lines (EXTINT[15]) detect accelerometer events; SleepWalking enables immediate RF response within 2µs of motion; 28 GPIOs support multiple sensor interfaces without expansion ICs. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar wireless microcontroller applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nordic nRF52832-QFAA | ARM Cortex-M4F core, Bluetooth 5.0 stack, 512KB Flash/64KB RAM, integrated BLE radio - higher compute power but no USB or PTC. | Optimized for BLE smartphone-connected devices; lacks native USB host, capacitive touch, or 2.4GHz proprietary protocol flexibility. | Select when BLE certification and smartphone app integration are mandatory; avoid if USB HID, capacitive sliders, or custom 2.4GHz PHY are required. |
| Silicon Labs EFR32MG21A020F768IM32 | ARM Cortex-M33 core, multiprotocol (Zigbee/Thread/Bluetooth), 768KB Flash/96KB RAM, +20dBm TX - larger memory and higher RF output but QFN32 package limits I/O count. | Targets high-performance mesh gateways or repeaters; lacks SleepWalking, PTC, and USB device/host dual-mode capability. | Select for long-range, high-throughput mesh infrastructure; avoid for compact sensor nodes needing capacitive UI or USB-CDC debugging. |
Compared with Nordic nRF52832-QFAA and Silicon Labs EFR32MG21, ATSAMR21G17A-MUT uniquely balances USB 2.0 host/device, capacitive touch, SleepWalking autonomy, and 2.4GHz RF in a single QFN48 package-making it optimal for self-contained, battery-efficient edge nodes where protocol flexibility and mixed-signal integration outweigh raw RF range or BLE stack maturity.
Availability
ATSAMR21G17A-MUT is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for smart home sensor nodes, industrial wireless monitors, wearable health trackers, and asset tracking tags requiring stable component supply across multi-year production cycles.
Supply support for ATSAMR21G17A-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 full support for the SMART SAM family. The company specializes in microcontrollers, analog, FPGA, and security solutions for industrial, automotive, and IoT markets.
The SAM R21 product line was designed specifically for ultra-low-power, integrated wireless MCU applications-combining ARM Cortex-M0+ performance with a certified 2.4GHz transceiver and intelligent peripherals to accelerate development of secure, battery-operated edge devices.
FAQ
What is the maximum operating frequency and CoreMark score of the ATSAMR21G17A-MUT?
The ATSAMR21G17A-MUT operates at a maximum frequency of 48MHz and achieves 2.14 CoreMark/MHz, delivering 102.7 CoreMark total performance. This benchmark reflects its efficient ARM Cortex-M0+ execution pipeline with single-cycle multiplier and Micro Trace Buffer, validated under typical industrial voltage and temperature conditions.
Does the ATSAMR21G17A-MUT include hardware cryptographic acceleration?
Yes, the ATSAMR21G17A-MUT integrates dedicated hardware AES-128 encryption/decryption and a True Random Number Generator (TRNG). These blocks operate independently of the CPU, enabling secure boot, encrypted OTA firmware updates, and authenticated RF packet payloads without degrading real-time application performance.
How many GPIO pins does the ATSAMR21G17A-MUT provide, and what is their voltage tolerance?
The ATSAMR21G17A-MUT provides 28 programmable I/O pins in its QFN48 package. All GPIOs are 5V-tolerant on digital inputs when configured in specific peripheral modes (e.g., SERCOM, EIC), and operate across the full 1.8V–3.6V supply range. Pin multiplexing is managed via PORT peripheral registers with configurable pull-up/down and slew rate control.
What RF standards or protocols does the integrated transceiver in ATSAMR21G17A-MUT support?
The integrated 2.4GHz transceiver in ATSAMR21G17A-MUT is compatible with IEEE 802.15.4 PHY/MAC and supports proprietary 2.4GHz protocols. It is not pre-certified for Bluetooth or Wi-Fi, but its hardware-assisted MAC (auto-acknowledge, auto-retry, CRC-16) and −99dBm sensitivity make it suitable for Zigbee, Thread, or custom mesh implementations with appropriate stack software.
Can the ATSAMR21G17A-MUT operate in USB device and host mode simultaneously?
No, the ATSAMR21G17A-MUT supports USB 2.0 full-speed operation in either device or embedded host mode-not both simultaneously. Mode selection is configured at runtime via the USB Device/Host Control register (USB_DEVICE.CTRLB.USBMODE), and requires appropriate descriptor handling and endpoint configuration for the chosen role.
ATSAMR21G17A-MUT 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 ~ 85°C
- Grade:
- -
- Qualification:
- -
- Supplier Device Package:
- 48-QFN (7x7)
ATSAMR21G17A-MUT FAQ
1.How can I place an order for ATSAMR21G17A-MUT through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for ATSAMR21G17A-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 ATSAMR21G17A-MUT reliable?
The price and inventory of ATSAMR21G17A-MUT are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for ATSAMR21G17A-MUT is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for ATSAMR21G17A-MUT?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for ATSAMR21G17A-MUT transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for ATSAMR21G17A-MUT?
ATSAMR21G17A-MUT orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your ATSAMR21G17A-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 ATSAMR21G17A-MUT?
For technical support, including ATSAMR21G17A-MUT datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your ATSAMR21G17A-MUT requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that ATSAMR21G17A-MUT is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All ATSAMR21G17A-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 ATSAMR21G17A-MUT meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of ATSAMR21G17A-MUT?
All ATSAMR21G17A-MUT units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with ATSAMR21G17A-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 ATSAMR21G17A-MUT part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for ATSAMR21G17A-MUT:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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