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Microchip Technology ATSAMR21G18A-MFTA6
- Part No.:
- ATSAMR21G18A-MFTA6
- Manufacturer:
- Microchip Technology
- Category:
- RF Transceiver ICs
- Package:
- 48-VFQFN Exposed Pad
- Datasheet:
-
ATSAMR21G18A-MFTA6.pdf
- Description:
- IC RF TXRX+MCU ISM>1GHZ 48QFN
- Quantity:
- Payment:
- Shipping:
Inventory:3,115
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Product details
Overview
ATSAMR21G18A-MFTA6 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-MFTA6 datasheet, ATSAMR21G18A-MFTA6 pinout, ATSAMR21G18A-MFTA6 application, or ATSAMR21G18A-MFTA6 equivalent, key selection criteria include its QFN48 package with 28 GPIOs, integrated RF transceiver (−99dBm RX sensitivity, +4dBm TX), hardware-assisted MAC, AES-128 security engine, and SERCOM-configurable interfaces including USB 2.0 FS host/device.
Technical Context
The ATSAMR21G18A-MFTA6 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-even in standby mode.
RF functionality is implemented 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 buffers, and antenna diversity control. Clocking includes DFLL48M and FDPLL96M PLLs, plus dedicated 32.768kHz and 16MHz crystal oscillator support for RTC and RF timing.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| CPU Core | ARM Cortex-M0+, 48MHz max - enables deterministic real-time control with low interrupt latency and Thumb-2 code density. |
| Memory | 256KB Flash / 32KB 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. |
| Peripherals | 5× SERCOM (configurable as USART/I²C/SPI/LIN), 3× TCC (motor/lighting PWM), 8-channel 12-bit ADC @ 350ksps - supports sensor fusion, actuator control, and multi-protocol connectivity. |
| Power Management | Idle & standby sleep modes; SleepWalking peripherals wake autonomously - extends coin-cell battery life to years in periodic-sensing applications. |
| Security | Hardware AES-128 engine + True Random Number Generator - enables secure key derivation and encrypted frame transmission per IEEE 802.15.4-2011 MAC layer. |
| Operating Range | 1.8V–3.6V supply, −40°C to +125°C industrial grade - suitable for harsh environments including smart metering and industrial monitoring. |
Pinout & Package
ATSAMR21G18A-MFTA6 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, and supports standard reflow per J-STD-20.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| PA00 / PA01 | XIN32 / XOUT32 | 32.768kHz crystal oscillator inputs for RTC calendar accuracy and low-power clock source. |
| PA14 / PA15 | XTAL1 / XTAL2 | 16MHz crystal oscillator inputs for RF transceiver timing and system clock stability. |
| PA12 / PA13 | FECTRL[2] / FECTRL[3] | RF front-end control signals for antenna switching and TRX state management. |
| PA17 / PA18 | RFP / RFN | Differential RF antenna interface pins - require 50Ω matched layout and external balun/filter for regulatory compliance. |
| PA30 / PA31 | SWCLK / SWDIO | Two-pin Serial Wire Debug interface - enables non-intrusive debug, flash programming, and runtime trace via MTB. |
| PB30 / PB31 | MOSI / SEL | SPI interface to internal AT86RF233 transceiver - not user-accessible; dedicated internal SERCOM4 connection. |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| SleepWalking Peripherals | Enables TC, ADC, or RTC to trigger autonomous actions (e.g., sample sensor → store → wake CPU only on threshold breach), reducing average current to sub-μA levels. |
| Hardware MAC Acceleration | Offloads IEEE 802.15.4 frame generation, CRC-16, SFD detection, auto-ACK, and auto-retry - ensures deterministic timing and frees CPU for application logic. |
| Peripheral Touch Controller (PTC) | Supports up to 48 capacitive touch channels (8×6 matrix) with proximity sensing - enables robust human-machine interface without external ICs. |
| Configurable SERCOM Modules | Five SERCOMs each support USART, SPI, I²C (up to 3.4MHz), or LIN slave - simplifies multi-sensor interfacing and protocol bridging in constrained designs. |
| TCC Timer/Counter for Control | Three 16-bit TCCs with complementary PWM outputs, dead-time insertion, fault protection, and dithering - directly drives BLDC motors or LED dimming with <1% THD. |
Applications
| Smart Home Sensor Node | Industrial Wireless Monitor |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Battery-powered temperature/humidity/motion sensor reporting via Zigbee or proprietary 2.4GHz mesh network every 5 minutes. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Primary SoC executing sensor acquisition, RF packet assembly, AES encryption, and ultra-low-power scheduling using RTC alarms and SleepWalking ADC. Use Value: 28 GPIOs enable direct connection to multiple analog/digital sensors; −99dBm RX sensitivity ensures reliable multi-hop routing in dense building environments. | Use Scenario: DIN-rail mounted vibration/temperature monitor in factory machinery, transmitting alerts via Thread network to gateway. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Real-time edge controller running predictive maintenance algorithm, using TCC timers for precise sampling synchronization and hardware CRC for data integrity. Use Value: −40°C to +125°C rating and 1.8V–3.6V operation ensure reliability across industrial ambient ranges; hardware AES secures OTA firmware updates. |
| Wireless Lighting Controller | Medical Wearable Hub |
Use Scenario: DALI-2 or 0–10V lighting node controlling LED drivers via PWM, receiving commands over 2.4GHz mesh. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Motor/lighting control MCU using three TCC modules to generate synchronized, fault-protected PWM waveforms across multiple output channels. Use Value: Deterministic dead-time insertion and fast-decay control prevent shoot-through in high-side/low-side driver stages; integrated USB enables local commissioning and diagnostics. | Use Scenario: Patch-style wearable aggregating ECG, SpO₂, and motion data, transmitting encrypted frames to smartphone via BLE-like 2.4GHz protocol. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Ultra-low-power hub managing sensor fusion, cryptographic signing, and adaptive duty-cycled RF transmission using SleepWalking RTC and event-triggered ADC. Use Value: Sub-μA standby current extends battery life beyond 7 days on CR2032; hardware TRNG ensures cryptographically secure session keys for HIPAA-compliant data transport. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar wireless microcontroller applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| ATSAMR21G18A-MU | Same die, tray packaging (no tape-and-reel); identical electrical specs and pinout. | No difference in functional use - only logistics and assembly process variation. | Select MFTA6 for automated SMT placement; choose MU for manual prototyping or low-volume hand-soldering. |
| nRF52840-QIAA | ARM Cortex-M4F core, Bluetooth 5.0/802.15.4/Thread/Zigbee support, 1MB Flash/256KB RAM, but no integrated PTC or TCC motor control blocks. | Better suited for BLE-centric applications; lacks native capacitive touch and advanced PWM control required for lighting/motor systems. | Choose nRF52840-QIAA when Bluetooth interoperability is mandatory; retain ATSAMR21G18A-MFTA6 for cost-sensitive, RF + touch + motor control integration. |
Compared with ATSAMR21G18A-MU, the MFTA6 offers identical functionality with tape-and-reel delivery for high-volume SMT lines; versus nRF52840-QIAA, it trades Bluetooth protocol stack support for lower BOM cost, integrated touch, and deterministic motor control peripherals - making it optimal for proprietary 2.4GHz mesh nodes where power, size, and mixed-signal integration are critical.
Availability
ATSAMR21G18A-MFTA6 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for smart home sensor nodes, industrial wireless monitors, wireless lighting controllers, and medical wearable hubs requiring stable component supply and long-term production continuity.
Supply support for ATSAMR21G18A-MFTA6 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 R21 family, providing comprehensive development tools, documentation, and long-term product lifecycle assurance.
The SAM R21 product line was designed specifically for ultra-low-power, integrated wireless microcontroller applications in IoT edge nodes - combining ARM Cortex-M0+ processing, IEEE 802.15.4-compliant RF, and intelligent peripherals to eliminate external transceivers and reduce system-level complexity.
FAQ
What is the maximum operating frequency and CoreMark performance of the ATSAMR21G18A-MFTA6?
The ATSAMR21G18A-MFTA6 operates at a maximum frequency of 48MHz and achieves 2.14 CoreMark/MHz, delivering 102.72 CoreMark total. This performance level is validated under typical industrial conditions (3.3V, 25°C) and reflects efficient execution of real-time control and protocol stack tasks without thermal throttling.
Does the ATSAMR21G18A-MFTA6 include hardware security features?
Yes, the ATSAMR21G18A-MFTA6 integrates a hardware AES-128 encryption engine and a True Random Number Generator (TRNG). These are used for secure frame encryption in IEEE 802.15.4 MAC layer operations and cryptographically strong key derivation - both accessible via the Peripheral Access Controller (PAC) with configurable privilege levels.
How many GPIOs and analog input channels does the ATSAMR21G18A-MFTA6 support?
The ATSAMR21G18A-MFTA6 provides up to 28 programmable I/O pins and supports eight external channels on its 12-bit, 350ksps ADC. Analog inputs include programmable gain (1/2x to 16x), hardware oversampling for up to 16-bit effective resolution, and automatic offset/gain error compensation - all confirmed in the SAM R21 Configuration Summary and Block Diagram sections.
Is the ATSAMR21G18A-MFTA6 pin-compatible with other SAM R21 variants?
Yes, the ATSAMR21G18A-MFTA6 is pin-compatible with all SAM R21G-series devices (e.g., ATSAMR21G16A, ATSAMR21G17A) in the same 48-pin QFN package. This enables seamless migration across Flash/SRAM configurations while retaining identical PCB layout, peripheral pin assignments, and signal routing.
What debug interface does the ATSAMR21G18A-MFTA6 use, and what capabilities does it support?
The ATSAMR21G18A-MFTA6 uses a two-pin Serial Wire Debug (SWD) interface (SWCLK and SWDIO on PA30/PA31) supporting non-intrusive on-chip debugging, flash programming, and runtime trace via the Micro Trace Buffer (MTB). It is fully compatible with standard ARM-compliant debug probes including Atmel-ICE and Segger J-Link.
ATSAMR21G18A-MFTA6 Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- Microchip Technology
- Series:
- -
- 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-MFTA6 FAQ
1.How can I place an order for ATSAMR21G18A-MFTA6 through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for ATSAMR21G18A-MFTA6 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-MFTA6 reliable?
The price and inventory of ATSAMR21G18A-MFTA6 are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for ATSAMR21G18A-MFTA6 is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for ATSAMR21G18A-MFTA6?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for ATSAMR21G18A-MFTA6 transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for ATSAMR21G18A-MFTA6?
ATSAMR21G18A-MFTA6 orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your ATSAMR21G18A-MFTA6 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-MFTA6?
For technical support, including ATSAMR21G18A-MFTA6 datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your ATSAMR21G18A-MFTA6 requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that ATSAMR21G18A-MFTA6 is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All ATSAMR21G18A-MFTA6 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-MFTA6 meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of ATSAMR21G18A-MFTA6?
All ATSAMR21G18A-MFTA6 units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with ATSAMR21G18A-MFTA6, 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-MFTA6 part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for ATSAMR21G18A-MFTA6:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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