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Microchip Technology ATSAMR21G18A-MUTA6
- Part No.:
- ATSAMR21G18A-MUTA6
- Manufacturer:
- Microchip Technology
- Category:
- RF Transceiver ICs
- Package:
- 48-VFQFN Exposed Pad
- Datasheet:
-
ATSAMR21G18A-MUTA6.pdf
- Description:
- IC RF TXRX+MCU ISM>1GHZ 48QFN
- Quantity:
- Payment:
- Shipping:
Inventory:4,991
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Product details
Overview
ATSAMR21G18A-MUTA6 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 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 mesh networking.
For engineers reviewing the ATSAMR21G18A-MUTA6 datasheet, ATSAMR21G18A-MUTA6 pinout, ATSAMR21G18A-MUTA6 application, or ATSAMR21G18A-MUTA6 equivalent, key selection criteria include RF sensitivity (−99dBm), integrated hardware-assisted MAC, 48-pin QFN package with 28 GPIOs, and support for capacitive touch and 12-bit ADC with oversampling up to 16-bit resolution.
Technical Context
The ATSAMR21G18A-MUTA6 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 integrates the AT86RF233 transceiver via dedicated SERCOM4 with hardware CRC-16, SFD detection, and antenna diversity control.
Peripherals are orchestrated through a 12-channel Event System enabling autonomous inter-peripheral signaling in standby mode. The device uses a hierarchical clock architecture with three AHB-APB bridges, allowing independent peripheral clock gating and dynamic frequency scaling - critical for optimizing power across RF, analog, and digital domains.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| CPU Core | ARM Cortex-M0+, 48MHz max - delivers 2.14 CoreMark/MHz for deterministic real-time control in constrained firmware. |
| Memory | 256KB Flash / 32KB SRAM - sufficient for Zigbee/Thread stack + application logic without external memory. |
| RF Transceiver | 2.4GHz ISM band, −99dBm RX sensitivity, +4dBm TX output - enables >100m line-of-sight range in 250kb/s IEEE 802.15.4-compliant operation. |
| ADC | 12-bit, 350ksps, 8-channel with 1x–16x programmable gain and hardware oversampling to 16-bit - supports high-accuracy sensor signal conditioning. |
| USB Interface | Full-speed (12Mbps) USB 2.0 with embedded host/device capability - allows direct PC connectivity or peripheral bridging without external PHY. |
| Operating Voltage | 1.8V–3.6V - compatible with single-cell Li-ion, LiPo, or two-cell alkaline battery systems. |
| Temperature Range | −40°C to +85°C industrial grade - validated for deployment in uncontrolled indoor/outdoor environments. |
Pinout & Package
ATSAMR21G18A-MUTA6 is housed in a 48-pin QFN package (7mm × 7mm, 0.5mm pitch) with exposed thermal pad connected to GND. Pin functions follow the SAM R21G configuration: 28 programmable I/O pins, dedicated RF pins (RFP/RFN), crystal oscillator inputs (XTAL1/XTAL2), USB DP/DM, and dual SERCOM-configurable interfaces including SERCOM4 hardwired to AT86RF233.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| PA00 / PA01 | XOSC32K input/output | Connects external 32.768kHz crystal for RTC/calendar accuracy and low-power sleep timing. |
| XTAL1 / XTAL2 | 16MHz RF crystal oscillator | Drives integrated AT86RF233 transceiver; requires 16MHz ±10ppm crystal for compliant 2.4GHz channel spacing. |
| RFP / RFN | Differential RF antenna interface | 50Ω matched differential output; requires impedance-controlled PCB trace and balun for single-ended antenna connection. |
| PA24 / PA25 | USB_DP / USB_DM | Full-speed USB 2.0 differential pair; requires 27Ω series resistors and 1.5kΩ pull-up on DP for device enumeration. |
| PA30 / PA31 | SWCLK / SWDIO | Two-pin Serial Wire Debug interface - enables non-intrusive flash programming and real-time debugging with minimal board footprint. |
| PA14 / PA15 | SERCOM4 MOSI / MISO | Dedicated SPI interface internally routed to AT86RF233; no software configuration required for RF control. |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| SleepWalking Peripherals | Enables ADC sampling, timer-triggered RF wake-up, or PTC button scan while CPU remains in standby - reduces average current to sub-µA levels. |
| Hardware-Assisted MAC | Offloads IEEE 802.15.4 frame handling: auto-acknowledge, auto-retry, CRC-16, SFD detection - eliminates CPU overhead during packet transmission/reception. |
| Peripheral Touch Controller (PTC) | Supports 48-channel capacitive sensing (buttons/sliders/wheels) with noise immunity and proximity detection - replaces mechanical switches with robust, sealed user interfaces. |
| Event System | 12-channel asynchronous event router - allows TC timers to trigger ADC conversions or TCC PWM updates without CPU intervention, enabling deterministic real-time response. |
| Integrated Security | Hardware AES-128 engine and True Random Number Generator (TRNG) - accelerates secure boot, OTA updates, and encrypted sensor data transmission. |
Applications
| Smart Home Sensor Node | Industrial Wireless Monitor |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Battery-powered temperature/humidity/motion sensor reporting to Zigbee coordinator every 30 seconds. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Primary SoC executing sensor fusion, RF protocol stack, and ultra-low-power scheduling. Use Value: SleepWalking ADC + RTC alarm wakes CPU only for measurement/reporting; −99dBm sensitivity ensures reliable 2-hop mesh routing in dense building environments. | Use Scenario: DIN-rail mounted vibration/temperature monitor in factory machinery with local edge analytics. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Real-time data acquisition hub interfacing with analog sensors and transmitting via 2.4GHz to gateway. Use Value: 12-bit ADC with 16x gain and oversampling delivers <1% THD for motor current harmonics analysis; USB device mode enables field firmware updates without JTAG adapter. |
| Wireless Lighting Control | Medical Wearable Transmitter |
Use Scenario: DALI-to-2.4GHz bridge controlling LED drivers in commercial lighting systems. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Protocol translator with deterministic PWM generation for dimming control. Use Value: Three TCC modules generate synchronized, fault-protected complementary PWM outputs across multiple pins - enables precise, flicker-free LED dimming with dead-time insertion. | Use Scenario: ECG patch transmitting biopotential data to smartphone via BLE-compatible 2.4GHz link. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Signal acquisition and secure wireless transmitter with medical-grade analog front-end. Use Value: Differential ADC inputs with programmable gain reject common-mode noise; hardware AES encrypts patient data before RF transmission per HIPAA-aligned 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| ATSAMR21E18A-MUT | 32-pin QFN, 16 GPIOs, no XOSC32K, SERCOM4 not available - reduced RF integration and peripheral count. | Suitable for space-constrained, lower-I/O designs where RTC calendar function is not required. | Select when board area is critical and full 48-pin feature set is unnecessary; verify SERCOM4 dependency for AT86RF233 control. |
| nRF52840-QIAA | ARM Cortex-M4F, Bluetooth 5.0/802.15.4 multi-protocol, 1MB Flash/256KB RAM, but no integrated USB device controller. | Better suited for BLE-centric applications; requires external USB-UART bridge for PC connectivity. | Choose for Bluetooth LE mesh or concurrent protocol support; avoid if USB device functionality or legacy 802.15.4 stack compatibility is mandatory. |
Compared with ATSAMR21E18A-MUT, the ATSAMR21G18A-MUTA6 provides 12 additional GPIOs, integrated XOSC32K for RTC, and SERCOM4 hardwiring to AT86RF233 - making it optimal for full-featured 802.15.4 sensor hubs. Versus nRF52840-QIAA, it trades multi-protocol flexibility for deterministic USB device support and lower power in pure IEEE 802.15.4 deployments.
Availability
ATSAMR21G18A-MUTA6 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for smart home sensor nodes, industrial wireless monitors, wireless lighting controllers, and medical wearable transmitters requiring stable component supply and long-term production continuity.
Supply support for ATSAMR21G18A-MUTA6 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 ARM-based microcontroller portfolio, emphasizing reliability, longevity, and industrial-grade qualification.
The SAM R21 product line was designed specifically for ultra-low-power, IEEE 802.15.4-compliant wireless embedded applications - combining RF transceiver integration, advanced sleep modes, and hardware-accelerated security in a single-chip solution.
FAQ
What is the RF transceiver integrated into the ATSAMR21G18A-MUTA6?
The ATSAMR21G18A-MUTA6 integrates the AT86RF233 2.4GHz ISM band transceiver via dedicated SERCOM4 hardware interface. It supports IEEE 802.15.4 physical layer operation at 250kb/s, with −99dBm receiver sensitivity and +4dBm transmit output power. The transceiver includes hardware-assisted MAC features such as auto-acknowledge, auto-retry, CRC-16 computation, and SFD detection - all managed independently of the Cortex-M0+ core.
Does the ATSAMR21G18A-MUTA6 support USB device functionality out of the box?
Yes, the ATSAMR21G18A-MUTA6 includes a full-speed (12Mbps) USB 2.0 interface with embedded device capability. It supports all standard USB device classes (CDC, HID, MSC) using Microchip's ASF (Atmel Software Framework) libraries. No external PHY is required - the USB_DP and USB_DM pins (PA24/PA25) connect directly to a USB connector with appropriate termination and ESD protection.
How many GPIOs does the ATSAMR21G18A-MUTA6 provide, and are they all individually configurable?
The ATSAMR21G18A-MUTA6 provides 28 programmable general-purpose I/O pins in its 48-pin QFN package. Each GPIO supports multiple peripheral functions via configurable pin multiplexing (functions A–H), including SERCOM, TC/TCC, ADC, AC, PTC, and external interrupt. All pins can be individually configured for pull-up/down, slew rate, drive strength, and input filtering - verified in the PORT Function Multiplexing table of the official datasheet summary.
What sleep modes are supported by the ATSAMR21G18A-MUTA6, and how does SleepWalking work?
The ATSAMR21G18A-MUTA6 supports two software-selectable sleep modes: idle (CPU halted, peripherals active) and standby (all clocks stopped except selected ones). SleepWalking enables peripherals like ADC, RTC, or TCC to autonomously execute predefined tasks - e.g., trigger a conversion upon timer expiry or initiate RF transmission - without waking the CPU. The CPU resumes only when a threshold is crossed or result is ready, reducing average system power to sub-microamp levels.
Is the ATSAMR21G18A-MUTA6 pin-compatible with other SAM R21 variants?
Yes, the ATSAMR21G18A-MUTA6 is pin-compatible within the SAM R21G family (e.g., ATSAMR21G16A, ATSAMR21G17A) sharing the same 48-pin QFN package and identical pinout. However, it is not pin-compatible with the 32-pin SAM R21E series (e.g., ATSAMR21E18A), which has different pin assignments, fewer GPIOs, and lacks XOSC32K and SERCOM4 routing. Migration between G-series variants requires only firmware and minor layout adjustments.
ATSAMR21G18A-MUTA6 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):
- -
- Power - Output:
- 4dBm
- Sensitivity:
- -99dBm
- Memory Size:
- 256kB Flash, 32kB SRAM
- Serial Interfaces:
- I2C, I2S, SPI, UART
- 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-MUTA6 FAQ
1.How can I place an order for ATSAMR21G18A-MUTA6 through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for ATSAMR21G18A-MUTA6 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-MUTA6 reliable?
The price and inventory of ATSAMR21G18A-MUTA6 are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for ATSAMR21G18A-MUTA6 is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for ATSAMR21G18A-MUTA6?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for ATSAMR21G18A-MUTA6 transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for ATSAMR21G18A-MUTA6?
ATSAMR21G18A-MUTA6 orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your ATSAMR21G18A-MUTA6 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-MUTA6?
For technical support, including ATSAMR21G18A-MUTA6 datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your ATSAMR21G18A-MUTA6 requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that ATSAMR21G18A-MUTA6 is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All ATSAMR21G18A-MUTA6 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-MUTA6 meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of ATSAMR21G18A-MUTA6?
All ATSAMR21G18A-MUTA6 units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with ATSAMR21G18A-MUTA6, 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-MUTA6 part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for ATSAMR21G18A-MUTA6:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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