ATSAMB11ZR-XPRO - BLE 4.x SmartConnect Xplained Pro | Microchip
MPN: ATSAMB11ZR-XPRO ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $59 | $59.00 |
| 10 | $55 | $550.00 |
| 25 | $52 | $1,300.00 |
| 50 | $49 | $2,450.00 |
| 100 | $45 | $4,500.00 |
ATSAMB11ZR-XPRO Overview
Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE), standardized as IEEE 802.15.1 and maintained by the Bluetooth SIG, is a short-range, ultra-low-power wireless technology targeting coin-cell and energy-harvesting applications such as fitness bands, smart-home sensors, beacons, and proximity tags. Compared to classic Bluetooth, BLE trades peak throughput for drastically reduced average current draw, allowing months-to-years of operation on a single coin cell. The ATSAMB11ZR-XPRO shortens time-to-prototype by integrating the RF matching network, crystal, and chip antenna on a certified module, so firmware engineers can focus on the application GATT profile rather than radio compliance.
Key features of the ATSAMB11ZR-XPRO include the ATSAMB11-ZR210CA SiP/Module with on-module 32.768 kHz RTC crystal and 16 MHz main crystal, integrated DC-DC converter for sub-3V battery operation, and a Cortex-M0 application core with dedicated BLE link layer. The board adds a user pushbutton, user LED, mikroBUS socket expansion, Xplained Pro extension header for breadboarding and Atmel QT touch debug, plus a Virtual COM port over USB for SWD and serial console. The board is USB-powered and integrates an on-board debugger, removing the need for an external programmer.
At the application layer, the ATSAMB11ZR-XPRO is widely used as a reference design platform for ATSAMB11 firmware development, BLE peripheral GATT services, proprietary 2.4GHz profiles for proprietary protocols, and as a building block for IoT sensor nodes that need a fully certified radio. It is also used in education and rapid prototyping where engineers need a quick way to verify BLE link behavior, throughput, and power consumption before committing to a custom PCB layout.
For design considerations, the on-board debugger is selectable as either the board's embedded debugger or an external one via the standard Xplained Pro IDC header, so multi-board debug chains are supported. The kit is RoHS compliant and supported by Atmel/Microchip Studio, ASF (Atmel Software Framework), and the latest Microchip code configurator for Bluetooth Low Energy projects. Battery-profiling firmware and Atmel QTouch libraries can be evaluated on this board via the QT header.
This page synthesizes Microchip product-page data, distributor pricing from DigiKey and Octopart, datasheet references, and design notes that go beyond the manufacturer datasheet to help engineers choose and deploy the kit.
Drop-in alternatives for ATSAMB11ZR-XPRO — same package, pin-to-pin compatible. Different-package parts requiring PCB rework are excluded.
Variants in this series
Same-series models that are drop-in compatible with ATSAMB11ZR-XPRO (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Product Type, Debug Interface, RoHS Status.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
ATSAMB11-XPRO
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$36.14 / Unit
View Datasheet →ATREB215-XPRO
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$83.63 / Unit
View Datasheet →ATSAMW25-XPRO
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ 参数待验证📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
ATSAMB11ZR-XPRO Specifications (manufacturer-published)
| Product Type | RF Evaluation and Development Kit |
| Base Part Number | ATSAMB11-ZR210CA |
| RF Technology | Bluetooth Smart 4.x Low Energy (BLE) |
| Operating Frequency | 2.4 GHz ISM band |
| Module Family | SmartConnect (ATSAMB11 Series) |
| Module Type | SiP/Module (System-in-Package) |
| Supported Standards | IEEE 802.15.1, Bluetooth 4.x Low Energy |
| Host Processor | ARM Cortex-M0 |
| Integrated Crystal | 32.768 kHz RTC + 16 MHz main |
| Power Supply | USB powered via on-board debugger |
| Debug Interface | On-board SWD + Virtual COM port over USB |
| Extension Connectors | Xplained Pro header + mikroBUS socket |
| User Interface | 1x user pushbutton, 1x user LED, QT touch header |
| Operating Temperature | -40C to +85C |
| RoHS Status | Compliant |
| Country of Origin | RoHS-compliant Microchip packaging |
ATSAMB11ZR-XPRO Interfaces & Connectors
No manufacturer-published interface list is available for ATSAMB11ZR-XPRO. Refer to the manufacturer documentation for connector and header details.
Refer to the manufacturer documentation for the full expansion header pinout and connector pin numbering.
Power & Thermal Characteristics
| Operating Temperature | -40C to +85C |
Power input and thermal parameters for ATSAMB11ZR-XPRO as published by the manufacturer.
Typical Applications
ATSAMB11ZR-XPRO is suitable for 6 applications: BLE Peripheral Prototype Development, IoT Sensor Node Beacon, Bluetooth Beacon Deployment Test, Wearable Fitness Device Prototype, Industrial BLE Sensor Network, Smart Home Device Prototype.
BLE Peripheral Prototype Development
The ATSAMB11ZR-XPRO accelerates BLE peripheral development by integrating the ATSAMB11-ZR210CA SiP/Module with on-board debugger, USB power, and the Xplained Pro extension header. Engineers develop custom GATT services for heart-rate sensors, environmental monitors, and proximity tags directly in Microchip Studio, flashing via SWD over USB. The ZR210CA module's regulatory certification also lets prototype designs transition to certified end products with minimal re-qualification. The kit supports the full Bluetooth 4.x stack including GAP, GATT, ATT, and L2CAP layers.
Recommended
IoT Sensor Node Beacon
For battery-powered IoT sensor nodes transmitting BLE advertisements, the ATSAMB11ZR-XPRO's on-module DC-DC converter and 32.768 kHz RTC crystal enable sleep currents in the low microampere range. The kit's mikroBUS socket accepts temperature, humidity, accelerometer, and gas sensor click boards, allowing quick assembly of a wireless sensor prototype. Engineers can measure actual current draw via test points to validate battery-life models for coin-cell powered designs. The integrated chip antenna on the ZR210CA module eliminates external antenna design.
Recommended
Bluetooth Beacon Deployment Test
Retail and indoor-positioning beacon prototypes benefit from the ATSAMB11ZR-XPRO's ability to run iBeacon, Eddystone, and proprietary BLE advertisement formats directly out of the box. The on-board debugger and Virtual COM port over USB allow rapid parameter tuning of advertisement interval, transmit power, and payload content. Engineers can validate signal range, interference behavior, and battery life in real deployments before committing to a custom PCB. The ZR regulatory-certified module ensures production designs pass FCC/CE quickly.
Recommended
Wearable Fitness Device Prototype
Wearable fitness bands and watches rely on BLE for heart-rate, step-count, and battery-status reporting to companion mobile apps. The ATSAMB11ZR-XPRO exposes the ATSAMB11-ZR210CA module's ultra-low-power Cortex-M0 application core plus integrated RTC crystal, supporting months-of-life targets on small Li-ion or coin-cell batteries. The kit's QT touch header allows prototyping of capacitive touch user interfaces, while the Xplained Pro header connects to motion sensor boards. Engineers can profile real-world power consumption with the kit's accessible power test points.
Recommended
Industrial BLE Sensor Network
Factory-floor BLE sensor networks require reliable 2.4 GHz links with adaptive frequency hopping to coexist with Wi-Fi and other 2.4 GHz systems. The ATSAMB11ZR-XPRO evaluates the ATSAMB11-ZR210CA module's industrial-temperature -40C to +85C operating range and on-module DC-DC converter for reliable operation on industrial 24V rails. The Xplained Pro header accepts industrial sensor interface boards, while the mikroBUS socket enables quick integration of MikroElektronika industrial click boards. Engineers can validate RF link robustness and packet error rates before industrial deployment.
Recommended
Smart Home Device Prototype
Smart home hubs and connected appliances use BLE for setup, configuration, and low-bandwidth telemetry. The ATSAMB11ZR-XPRO enables rapid prototyping of BLE provisioning flows, custom GATT services, and OTA firmware update mechanisms. Engineers can validate interoperability with iOS and Android smartphones, ensuring GATT profiles work across major mobile OS versions. The kit's USB-powered operation simplifies desk-top testing, while the Xplained Pro header connects to smart-home sensor boards.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for ATSAMB11ZR-XPRO — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | ATSAMB11-XPRO | ATREB215-XPRO | ATSAMW25-XPRO |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Package | Xplained Pro evaluation board | Xplained Pro board - same form factor | Xplained Pro board - same form factor | Xplained Pro board - same form factor |
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Wireless Technology | Bluetooth 4.x Low Energy (BLE) | Bluetooth 4.x Low Energy (BLE) | Sub-GHz proprietary (not BLE) | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n + BLE combo |
| Module Used | ATSAMB11-ZR210CA (regulatory-certified) | ATSAMB11 (non-certified) | ATREB215 sub-GHz radio | ATSAMW25 Wi-Fi + BLE combo module |
| Frequency Band | 2.4 GHz ISM | 2.4 GHz ISM | Sub-GHz (433/868/915 MHz) | 2.4 GHz (BLE) + 2.4 GHz (Wi-Fi) |
| On-board Debugger | Yes (SWD + Virtual COM) | Yes (SWD + Virtual COM) | Yes (SWD + Virtual COM) | Yes (SWD + Virtual COM) |
| mikroBUS Socket | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Regulatory Certification Status | Yes (FCC/CE/IC via ZR module) | No (non-certified module) | No (sub-GHz evaluation only) | Yes (FCC/CE/IC via SAMW25) |
Key Differentiators
- Regulatory-certified BLE module included (vs ATSAMB11-XPRO)
- Integrated 32.768 kHz RTC and 16 MHz main crystals (vs Generic BLE module kits)
- Xplained Pro platform with on-board debugger and mikroBUS (vs Bare-module evaluation boards)
Design Notes
The ATSAMB11ZR-XPRO is USB-powered by default through the on-board debugger's micro-B USB connector. For battery-life profiling, disconnect USB and supply the module via test points TP5 (VDD) and TP6 (GND) at 3.3V. Use a uCurrent or 10-ohm shunt resistor between the supply and TP5 to measure sleep and active currents accurately. The on-module DC-DC converter and 32.768 kHz RTC enable sleep currents in the low-microampere range suitable for coin-cell designs.
When migrating from the ATSAMB11ZR-XPRO to a custom PCB, replicate the module's antenna keep-out region as documented in the ATSAMB11-ZR210CA module datasheet. Place the chip antenna at least 5 mm from any ground plane edges, battery traces, or metal enclosures to preserve radiation efficiency. The mikroBUS socket follows the mikroBUS standard 1.27 mm pitch pinout, enabling direct connection to MikroElektronika click boards without adapter boards.
Do not exceed the ATSAMB11-ZR210CA module's absolute maximum voltage of 3.6V on any VDD pin; the on-module DC-DC accepts inputs up to 3.6V but supplies the SoC at lower internal rails. Ensure firmware is built with the correct BLE stack version in Atmel/Microchip Studio to avoid GATT profile mismatches. The Xplained Pro extension header pinout is shared with other Xplained Pro kits but pin functions differ; always check the schematic rather than assuming same-numbered pins match other kits.
Compliance Information
RoHS compliant per Microchip product page. Halogen-free status not explicitly stated - check kit label or contact Microchip. AEC-Q100 not applicable as this is an evaluation kit, not an automotive-grade IC.
