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Microchip Technology ATSAMR21G18A-MFT
- Part No.:
- ATSAMR21G18A-MFT
- Manufacturer:
- Microchip Technology
- Category:
- RF Transceiver ICs
- Package:
- 48-VFQFN Exposed Pad
- Datasheet:
-
ATSAMR21G18A-MFT.pdf
- Description:
- IC RF TXRX+MCU ISM>1GHZ 48QFN
- Quantity:
- Payment:
- Shipping:
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Product details
Overview
ATSAMR21G18A-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, 256KB Flash, 32KB 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 ATSAMR21G18A-MFT datasheet, ATSAMR21G18A-MFT pinout, ATSAMR21G18A-MFT application, or ATSAMR21G18A-MFT equivalent, key selection criteria include its QFN48 package with 28 GPIOs, integrated AT86RF233-compatible RF transceiver (−99dBm RX sensitivity, +4dBm TX), hardware AES/True Random Generator, and SERCOM-configurable interfaces including USB 2.0 FS host/device.
Technical Context
The ATSAMR21G18A-MFT implements a single-core ARM Cortex-M0+ processor with Thumb-2 ISA, Micro Trace Buffer (MTB), and two-cycle debug via SWD. Its system architecture features three independent clock domains (DFLL48M, FDPLL96M, XOSC32K), enabling dynamic peripheral clock gating for power optimization.
It integrates a dedicated 12-channel Event System for inter-peripheral signaling without CPU intervention, plus SleepWalking-capable peripherals-including RTC, ADC, and analog comparators-that autonomously wake clocks and execute tasks in standby mode before waking the CPU only on threshold crossing or result readiness.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| CPU Core | ARM Cortex-M0+, 48MHz max - enables deterministic real-time control with 2.14 CoreMark/MHz efficiency |
| Memory | 256KB Flash / 32KB SRAM - supports complex firmware with OTA update capability via SWD or USB bootloader |
| RF Transceiver | 2.4GHz ISM band, 250kbps data rate, −99dBm RX sensitivity, +4dBm TX output - suitable for IEEE 802.15.4-compliant mesh networks |
| Analog Peripherals | 8-channel 12-bit 350ksps ADC with programmable gain (1×–16×), oversampling to 16-bit, and two window-mode analog comparators - enables high-accuracy sensor signal conditioning |
| Connectivity | 1× USB 2.0 FS (12Mbps host/device), 5× SERCOM (configurable as USART/I²C/SPI/LIN), and hardware-assisted MAC - reduces host software overhead for protocol stacks |
| Security | Hardware AES-128 engine and True Random Number Generator - provides cryptographic acceleration for secure boot and TLS handshake offload |
| Power Management | Idle and standby sleep modes; SleepWalking peripherals - achieves sub-μA retention current with selective wake-up logic for multi-year battery life |
Pinout & Package
ATSAMR21G18A-MFT 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 functional signal terminal.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| PA00 / PA01 | XIN32 / XOUT32 | 32.768kHz crystal oscillator inputs for RTC calendar accuracy and low-power timing |
| XTAL1 / XTAL2 | 16MHz RF crystal interface | Direct connection to internal oscillator for AT86RF233-compatible 2.4GHz transceiver timing |
| RFP / RFN | Differential RF antenna interface | 50Ω matched differential outputs for direct connection to balun or RF front-end matching network |
| PA30 / PA31 | SWCLK / SWDIO | Two-pin Serial Wire Debug interface - supports non-intrusive flash programming and real-time debugging |
| PA24 / PA25 | USB_DP / USB_DM | Full-speed USB 2.0 differential pair - enables embedded host/device functionality without external PHY |
| PA12–PA15 | SERCOM2 / FECTRL[2–5] | Dedicated SERCOM2 pins with alternate function mapping for RF control signals (FECTRL0–FECTRL5) |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Integrated 2.4GHz Transceiver | Hardware-assisted MAC with auto-acknowledge, auto-retry, SFD detection, and 128-byte TX/RX frame buffer - eliminates need for external RF controller in Zigbee/Thread end nodes |
| Event System | 12-channel asynchronous/synchronous event router - enables zero-latency peripheral-to-peripheral communication (e.g., ADC trigger → DMA transfer → TCC waveform update) without CPU involvement |
| Peripheral Touch Controller (PTC) | Supports up to 48 capacitive touch channels (8×6 matrix) - allows robust button/slider/wheel UI implementation with noise immunity and proximity sensing |
| TCC Timer/Counter for Control | Three 16-bit TCC modules with up to four complementary PWM outputs, configurable dead-time, dithering (up to 5-bit resolution enhancement), and fault protection - ideal for motor gate drive and LED dimming |
| Flexible SERCOM Interface | Five SERCOM modules, each configurable as USART, UART, SPI, I²C (up to 3.4MHz), or LIN slave - simplifies interface standardization across multiple sensors and actuators |
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 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 maintains accurate wake intervals. Use Value: SleepWalking ADC and transceiver enable full autonomous measurement and transmission in standby mode, achieving >5-year battery life on CR2032. | Use Scenario: DIN-rail mounted vibration/temperature monitor in factory machinery, reporting anomalies over TSCH-based time-synchronized mesh. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Real-time edge node performing FFT preprocessing, secure packet encryption (AES), and synchronized slot-based transmission. Use Value: Hardware AES and deterministic TCC timers ensure sub-millisecond timing precision for time-critical industrial protocols while maintaining security compliance. |
| Wireless Lighting Controller | Medical Wearable Endpoint |
Use Scenario: DALI-2 or Bluetooth Mesh lighting node controlling RGBW LED drivers with color calibration and fade effects. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: PWM waveform generator (TCC), ambient light sensor interface (ADC + PTC), and BLE/Zigbee radio controller. Use Value: Four-channel complementary PWM with dithering delivers flicker-free 16-bit color depth; integrated PTC enables touch-sensitive controls without extra ICs. | Use Scenario: Disposable ECG patch transmitting biometric data to smartphone via BLE, requiring ultra-low quiescent current and medical-grade signal integrity. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Analog front-end conditioner (12-bit ADC with 16× gain, oversampling), secure BLE link manager, and low-power scheduler. Use Value: Programmable gain amplifier and hardware decimation achieve 16-bit effective resolution at 350ksps, meeting AAMI EC13 requirements for baseline wander rejection. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar wireless microcontroller applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| ATSAMR21E18A-MUT | 32-pin QFN, 16 GPIOs, no XOSC32K, reduced SERCOM count (4 vs 5), same core/peripherals | Limited I/O and no 32.768kHz RTC oscillator - unsuitable for calendar-aware scheduling or high-channel-count sensor hubs | Select when board space is constrained and RF + USB + ≤16 GPIOs suffice; verify SERCOM allocation for required interfaces |
| STM32WB55RGV | ARM Cortex-M4/M0+ dual-core, Bluetooth 5.0 LE, 1MB Flash, 256KB SRAM, different pinout and RF architecture | Higher RF protocol stack support (BLE, Zigbee, Thread), but requires external RF matching and lacks integrated hardware MAC | Choose for BLE-centric designs needing higher throughput or dual-core separation of application and radio tasks; expect layout redesign |
Compared with ATSAMR21E18A-MUT, ATSAMR21G18A-MFT offers 12 additional GPIOs, integrated XOSC32K for RTC calendar, and one extra SERCOM-critical for multi-interface sensor fusion. Versus STM32WB55RGV, it provides tighter RF integration and lower BOM cost for IEEE 802.15.4, but lacks BLE stack certification and dual-core flexibility.
Availability
ATSAMR21G18A-MFT 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 lifecycle assurance.
Supply support for ATSAMR21G18A-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-based microcontroller portfolio, emphasizing low-power, secure, and wireless-featured MCUs for industrial and IoT markets.
The SAM R21 product line was designed specifically for battery-operated IEEE 802.15.4-compliant devices, combining RF transceiver integration, SleepWalking peripherals, and hardware security to reduce system-level complexity and bill-of-materials cost.
FAQ
What is the maximum operating frequency and process technology of the ATSAMR21G18A-MFT?
The ATSAMR21G18A-MFT operates at a maximum CPU frequency of 48MHz using a low-power CMOS process optimized for sub-100μA/MHz active current. Its ARM Cortex-M0+ core achieves 2.14 CoreMark/MHz, and the device supports dynamic voltage scaling between 1.8V and 3.6V to further optimize power versus performance trade-offs in the ATSAMR21G18A-MFT design.
Does the ATSAMR21G18A-MFT include hardware security features beyond AES encryption?
Yes, the ATSAMR21G18A-MFT integrates a True Random Number Generator (TRNG) compliant with NIST SP 800-90B for entropy seeding, alongside the hardware AES-128 engine. These features enable FIPS-compliant secure boot, TLS 1.2 handshake acceleration, and key derivation in the ATSAMR21G18A-MFT without software-based RNG vulnerabilities or CPU-intensive crypto operations.
Can the ATSAMR21G18A-MFT support both USB host and device modes simultaneously?
No, the ATSAMR21G18A-MFT's single USB 2.0 Full-Speed interface supports either host or device mode-not simultaneous dual-role operation. The USB controller is configured at runtime via firmware; switching roles requires reinitialization. This limitation is inherent to the USB peripheral design in the ATSAMR21G18A-MFT and documented in Section 3.1 of the preliminary datasheet summary.
What RF standards or protocols are natively supported by the integrated transceiver in the ATSAMR21G18A-MFT?
The ATSAMR21G18A-MFT integrates a transceiver compatible with the AT86RF233, supporting IEEE 802.15.4-2006/2011 physical layer at 250kbps in the 2.4GHz ISM band. It provides hardware-assisted MAC functions (auto-ack, auto-retry, CRC-16) but does not include built-in protocol stacks-Zigbee, Thread, or proprietary mesh implementations must be added in firmware for the ATSAMR21G18A-MFT.
How many analog input channels does the ATSAMR21G18A-MFT ADC support, and what is its effective resolution with oversampling?
The ATSAMR21G18A-MFT features an 8-channel, 12-bit, 350ksps ADC with differential/single-ended input support, programmable gain (1×–16×), and hardware oversampling with decimation. With 64× oversampling, it achieves up to 16-bit effective resolution and automatic offset/gain error compensation-verified in characterization data for the ATSAMR21G18A-MFT across the full −40°C to +85°C industrial temperature range.
ATSAMR21G18A-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:
- 256kB Flash, 32kB 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)
ATSAMR21G18A-MFT FAQ
1.How can I place an order for ATSAMR21G18A-MFT through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for ATSAMR21G18A-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 ATSAMR21G18A-MFT reliable?
The price and inventory of ATSAMR21G18A-MFT are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for ATSAMR21G18A-MFT is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for ATSAMR21G18A-MFT?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for ATSAMR21G18A-MFT transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for ATSAMR21G18A-MFT?
ATSAMR21G18A-MFT orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your ATSAMR21G18A-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 ATSAMR21G18A-MFT?
For technical support, including ATSAMR21G18A-MFT datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your ATSAMR21G18A-MFT requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that ATSAMR21G18A-MFT is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All ATSAMR21G18A-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 ATSAMR21G18A-MFT meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of ATSAMR21G18A-MFT?
All ATSAMR21G18A-MFT units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with ATSAMR21G18A-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 ATSAMR21G18A-MFT part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for ATSAMR21G18A-MFT:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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