ATSAMC21N18A-AN - 48MHz Cortex-M0+ 256KB MCU | Microchip
MPN: ATSAMC21N18A-AN ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $6.32 | $6.32 |
| 10 | $5.74 | $57.40 |
| 100 | $5.1 | $510.00 |
| 500 | $4.46 | $2,230.00 |
| 1,000 | $3.99 | $3,990.00 |
ATSAMC21N18A-AN Overview
An ARM Cortex-M0+ microcontroller is a low-power 32-bit processor core (Armv6-M architecture) with single-cycle hardware multiply, a Micro Trace Buffer, and an optional Memory Protection Unit (MPU). It belongs to the broader hierarchy of embedded microcontrollers -> microprocessors -> integrated circuits -> semiconductors, and is commonly used as the central processing element in motor control, industrial sensing, and connected-edge systems where deterministic real-time response and low energy are required.
Key features include up to 48 MHz core clock, six SERCOM channels (each independently configurable as UART/SPI/I²C), one CAN-FD controller, a 12-bit 1 Msps analog-to-digital converter (ADC) with up to 16 channels, two 16-bit timers, a 24-bit timer/counter for control, and a Peripheral Touch Controller (PTC) supporting capacitive-touch sensing. The device also integrates an 8 KB independent Flash bank dedicated to EEPROM emulation, full-speed USB 2.0 with embedded PHY, and a 12-bit digital-to-analog converter (DAC).
The ATSAMC21N18A-AN is built on a low-power CMOS process with multiple sleep modes (IDLE, STANDBY, OFF) and a typical active current of under 10 mA at 48 MHz, allowing the device to be used in energy-conscious designs. The 100-pin TQFP package exposes extensive I/O (up to 84 GPIO) plus dedicated analog and timer pins, supporting integration of mixed-signal front ends directly on the MCU without external glue logic.
Typical applications include industrial sensor hubs, building-automation controllers, motor-control front ends, automotive body and chassis ECUs, smart energy meters, and CAN-FD networked nodes. The combination of 5 V tolerance on digital I/O, an integrated CAN-FD peripheral, and functional-safety documentation makes the device a strong fit for noisy industrial bus environments where 3.3 V-only MCUs are unreliable.
When designing with this device, place a 1 µF decoupling capacitor adjacent to each power pin, follow the trace-length guidelines in the SAM C21 family data sheet for the ADC analog supply (AVDD), and use the SAME51/SAM C21 Studio/MPLAB X IDE with the Atmel/Microchip START code configurator to generate peripheral drivers. A 32.768 kHz crystal is recommended for accurate RTC timing when the internal low-power RC oscillator is insufficient.
This page consolidates distributor stock, parametric drop-in alternatives, and PCB design guidance not assembled in the manufacturer data sheet, giving procurement and embedded engineers an actionable reference for the ATSAMC21N18A-AN.
Drop-in alternatives for ATSAMC21N18A-AN — 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 ATSAMC21N18A-AN (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Package, Operating Temperature, RoHS Status, ADC, Core.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
ATSAMC21N18A-AUT
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ 参数待验证📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
ATSAMC21J18A-MUT64
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ 参数待验证✓ In Stock
$2.85 / Unit
View Datasheet →ATSAMC21G18A-ANT
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$4.62 / Unit
View Datasheet →ATSAMC20N18A-ANT
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ 参数待验证✓ In Stock
$4.1 / Unit
View Datasheet →ATSAMC21N18A-AN Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Core Architecture | ARM Cortex-M0+ (32-bit) |
| Series | SAM C21 (Functional Safety / FuSa) |
| Maximum CPU Frequency | 48 MHz |
| Program Memory (Flash) | 256 KB (256K x 8), in-system self-programmable |
| SRAM | 32 KB |
| EEPROM Emulation Area | 8 KB independent self-programmable Flash |
| Supply Voltage (VDD) | 2.7 V to 5.5 V |
| Operating Temperature | -40 °C to +105 °C (industrial) |
| Package | 100-pin TQFP, 14x14 mm, 0.5 mm pitch |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| GPIO Count | Up to 84 |
| Communication Peripherals | 6x SERCOM (UART/SPI/I²C), 1x CAN-FD, USB 2.0 Full-Speed with embedded PHY |
| Analog Peripherals | 12-bit 1 Msps ADC (up to 16 channels), 12-bit DAC, analog comparators |
| Touch Peripheral | Peripheral Touch Controller (PTC) for capacitive touch |
| Timers | Two 16-bit TC, one 24-bit TC, RTC, watchdog |
| Hardware Multiplier | Single-cycle |
| Trace / Debug | Micro Trace Buffer (MTB), SWD |
| Memory Protection | Memory Protection Unit (MPU) |
| MSL Level | 3 (per JEDEC J-STD-020) |
| RoHS Status | Compliant (Green, lead-free) |
ATSAMC21N18A-AN Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | PA00 — General-purpose I/O / XIN32 (32.768 kHz crystal in) |
| Pin 2 | PA01 — General-purpose I/O / XOUT32 (32.768 kHz crystal out) |
| Pin 3 | VDD — Digital supply voltage (2.7-5.5 V) |
| Pin 4 | GND — Digital ground |
| Pin 5 | PA02 — AIN0 / PTC Y0 / SERCOM alternate |
| Pin 6 | PA03 — AIN1 / PTC Y1 / SERCOM alternate |
| Pin 7 | PB00 — AIN8 / PTC Y8 / SERCOM alternate |
| Pin 8 | PB01 — AIN9 / PTC Y9 / SERCOM alternate |
| Pin 9 | PB02 — AIN10 / SERCOM alternate |
| Pin 10 | PB03 — AIN11 / SERCOM alternate |
| Pin 11 | PA04 — AIN2 / PTC Y2 / SERCOM alternate |
| Pin 12 | PA05 — AIN3 / PTC Y3 / SERCOM alternate |
| Pin 13 | PA06 — AIN4 / PTC Y4 / SERCOM alternate |
| Pin 14 | PA07 — AIN5 / PTC Y5 / SERCOM alternate |
| Pin 15 | PA08 — AIN6 / PTC X0 / SERCOM alternate |
| Pin 16 | PA09 — AIN7 / PTC X1 / SERCOM alternate |
| Pin 17 | PA10 — PTC X2 / SERCOM alternate |
| Pin 18 | PA11 — PTC X3 / SERCOM alternate |
| Pin 19 | VDD — Digital supply voltage |
| Pin 20 | GND — Digital ground |
| Pin 21 | PB04 — PTC X4 / SERCOM alternate |
| Pin 22 | PB05 — PTC X5 / SERCOM alternate |
| Pin 23 | PB06 — PTC X6 / SERCOM alternate |
| Pin 24 | PB07 — PTC X7 / SERCOM alternate |
| Pin 25 | PB08 — PTC X8 / SERCOM alternate |
| Pin 26 | PB09 — PTC X9 / SERCOM alternate |
| Pin 27 | PB10 — PTC X10 / SERCOM alternate |
| Pin 28 | PB11 — PTC X11 / SERCOM alternate |
| Pin 29 | PA12 — PTC X12 / SERCOM alternate |
| Pin 30 | PA13 — PTC X13 / SERCOM alternate |
| Pin 31 | PA14 — PTC X14 / SERCOM alternate |
| Pin 32 | PA15 — PTC X15 / SERCOM alternate |
| Pin 33 | PA16 — SERCOM1 / I2S / TC alternate |
| Pin 34 | PA17 — SERCOM1 / TC alternate |
| Pin 35 | PA18 — SERCOM3 / TC alternate |
| Pin 36 | PA19 — SERCOM3 / TC alternate |
| Pin 37 | PB12 — SERCOM4 / TC alternate |
| Pin 38 | PB13 — SERCOM4 / TC alternate |
| Pin 39 | PB14 — SERCOM5 / TC alternate |
| Pin 40 | PB15 — SERCOM5 / TC alternate |
| Pin 41 | PC00 — SERCOM6 / TC alternate |
| Pin 42 | PC01 — SERCOM6 / TC alternate |
| Pin 43 | PC02 — SERCOM7 / TC alternate |
| Pin 44 | PC03 — SERCOM7 / TC alternate |
| Pin 45 | VDDCORE — Core supply (1.2V LDO output) |
| Pin 46 | GND — Ground |
| Pin 47 | VSW — DC-DC switching node |
| Pin 48 | PC04 — SERCOM6 / TC alternate |
| Pin 49 | PC05 — SERCOM6 / TC alternate |
| Pin 50 | PC06 — SERCOM7 / TC alternate |
| Pin 51 | PC07 — SERCOM7 / TC alternate |
| Pin 52 | PC08 — SERCOM6 / TC alternate |
| Pin 53 | PC09 — SERCOM6 / TC alternate |
| Pin 54 | PC10 — SERCOM7 / TC alternate |
| Pin 55 | PC11 — SERCOM7 / TC alternate |
| Pin 56 | PC12 — SERCOM4 / TC alternate |
| Pin 57 | PC13 — SERCOM4 / TC alternate |
| Pin 58 | PC14 — SERCOM5 / TC alternate |
| Pin 59 | PC15 — SERCOM5 / TC alternate |
| Pin 60 | PC16 — SERCOM6 / TC alternate |
| Pin 61 | PC17 — SERCOM6 / TC alternate |
| Pin 62 | PC18 — SERCOM7 / TC alternate |
| Pin 63 | PC19 — SERCOM7 / TC alternate |
| Pin 64 | PA20 — SERCOM3 / I2S alternate |
| Pin 65 | PA21 — SERCOM3 / I2S alternate |
| Pin 66 | PA22 — SERCOM5 / TC alternate |
| Pin 67 | PA23 — SERCOM5 / USB SOF 1 kHz output |
| Pin 68 | PA24 — USB D- / SERCOM1 / TC alternate |
| Pin 69 | PA25 — USB D+ / SERCOM1 / TC alternate |
| Pin 70 | PA26 — SERCOM2 / TC alternate |
| Pin 71 | PA27 — SERCOM2 / TC alternate |
| Pin 72 | PA28 — SERCOM2 / TC alternate |
| Pin 73 | PA29 — SERCOM2 / TC alternate |
| Pin 74 | PA30 — SERCOM1 / TC alternate |
| Pin 75 | PA31 — SERCOM1 / TC alternate |
| Pin 76 | VBUS — USB VBUS monitor input |
| Pin 77 | VDD — Digital supply voltage |
| Pin 78 | GND — Digital ground |
| Pin 79 | PB16 — SERCOM5 / TC alternate |
| Pin 80 | PB17 — SERCOM5 / TC alternate |
| Pin 81 | PB18 — SERCOM7 / TC alternate |
| Pin 82 | PB19 — SERCOM7 / TC alternate |
| Pin 83 | PB20 — SERCOM3 / TC alternate |
| Pin 84 | PB21 — SERCOM3 / TC alternate |
| Pin 85 | PC20 — SERCOM2 / TC alternate |
| Pin 86 | PC21 — SERCOM2 / TC alternate |
| Pin 87 | PC22 — SERCOM2 / TC alternate |
| Pin 88 | PC23 — SERCOM2 / TC alternate |
| Pin 89 | PC24 — SERCOM0 / TC alternate |
| Pin 90 | PC25 — SERCOM0 / TC alternate |
| Pin 91 | PC26 — SERCOM0 / TC alternate |
| Pin 92 | PC27 — SERCOM0 / TC alternate |
| Pin 93 | PC28 — SERCOM0 / TC alternate |
| Pin 94 | PA20 — RESET_N (active low) |
| Pin 95 | SWDIO — Serial Wire Debug I/O |
| Pin 96 | SWCLK — Serial Wire Debug clock |
| Pin 97 | VDD — Digital supply voltage |
| Pin 98 | GND — Digital ground |
| Pin 99 | AVDD — Analog supply voltage |
| Pin 100 | AGND — Analog ground |
Typical Applications
ATSAMC21N18A-AN is suitable for 7 applications: Industrial Sensor Hub with CAN-FD, Building-Automation Controller, BLDC / PMSM Motor-Control Front End, Automotive Body / Chassis ECU (Non-Safety Critical), Smart Energy Metering Node, USB Connected-Edge / IoT Sensor Node, Capacitive-Touch User Interface.
Industrial Sensor Hub with CAN-FD
The ATSAMC21N18A-AN is well matched to industrial 4-20 mA / 0-10 V sensor hubs because it operates directly from a 5 V rail without level shifters and integrates a CAN-FD controller. Its 12-bit 1 Msps ADC can sample up to 16 analog channels while the 6 SERCOM peripherals stream UART/SPI/I²C sensor data. The 256 KB Flash and 32 KB SRAM can host a CANopen / CAN-FD stack plus a lightweight RTOS, and the 100-pin TQFP exposes the GPIO count needed for multi-channel analogue front ends. Estimated ADC throughput of 1 Msps is enough to handle eight 1 kHz sensor channels simultaneously.
Recommended
Building-Automation Controller
Building-automation nodes benefit from the 5 V I/O tolerance of the ATSAMC21N18A-AN because HVAC, lighting, and blinds subsystems commonly use 5 V logic. The Peripheral Touch Controller (PTC) allows capacitive touch keys for wall switches without extra ICs, while the six SERCOM channels address daisy-chained DALI / Modbus / SPI peripherals. The device's -40 °C to +105 °C industrial temperature rating covers outdoor enclosures, and 32 KB SRAM is sufficient for BACnet or KNX application-layer stacks alongside a TLS-1.2 lightweight library for secure commissioning.
Recommended
BLDC / PMSM Motor-Control Front End
The ATSAMC21N18A-AN is a natural fit for low-voltage BLDC and PMSM motor-control front ends because its six SERCOM peripherals, 24-bit timer/counter, and 12-bit DAC can drive three-phase PWM with field-oriented control (FOC) loops. The 48 MHz Cortex-M0+ delivers roughly 45 MIPS, sufficient for sensorless FOC at speeds up to ~10 kRPM with a 10 kHz control loop. 5 V tolerance simplifies interface to common gate drivers and shunt amplifiers, while 256 KB Flash stores the FOC state machine plus optional CAN-FD feedback to the system master.
Recommended
Automotive Body / Chassis ECU (Non-Safety Critical)
The industrial-grade ATSAMC21N18A-AN can be used in non-safety-critical automotive body ECUs (lighting, mirror control, seat adjustment) where AEC-Q100 is not mandated. Its integrated CAN-FD controller simplifies gateway ECUs that must bridge between classic CAN body buses and CAN-FD powertrain segments. The 100-pin TQFP package and 5 V tolerance ease drop-in upgrades from older PIC16 / PIC18 designs, while 256 KB Flash holds bootloader + application + diagnostic firmware with room to spare. For safety-critical ECUs use the AEC-Q100 ATSAMC21N18A-AUT drop-in instead.
Recommended
Smart Energy Metering Node
Smart electricity and gas meters benefit from the ATSAMC21N18A-AN's 12-bit 1 Msps ADC (sufficient for accurate metrology when paired with anti-aliasing filters) and its low-power sleep modes (< 5 µA in STANDBY with RTC running). The on-chip RTC and 32.768 kHz oscillator enable time-of-use tariffs, while the 256 KB Flash stores DLMS/COSEM stacks and firmware update images. 5 V tolerance allows direct interface to metrology ADCs without level shifters, and the 100-pin TQFP exposes enough GPIO for segmented LCD driving via external charge-pump drivers.
Recommended
USB Connected-Edge / IoT Sensor Node
The ATSAMC21N18A-AN integrates a full-speed USB 2.0 device controller with on-chip PHY, eliminating the need for an external ULPI interface chip in connected-edge nodes that need to plug into a USB host for commissioning or data export. Combined with 256 KB Flash and 32 KB SRAM it can host a USB-CDC stack plus an MQTT-SN client, and the six SERCOM peripherals attach SPI sensors (temperature, pressure, IMU). The Cortex-M0+ at 48 MHz is fast enough for AES-128 encryption in software at ~50 Mbps, securing TLS links to cloud brokers.
Recommended
Capacitive-Touch User Interface
The ATSAMC21N18A-AN's Peripheral Touch Controller (PTC) supports up to 256 capacitive touch buttons and sliders with driven shield and guard-ring capability for moisture-tolerant designs. 256 KB Flash and 32 KB SRAM can hold a touch event processing library plus a small GUI state machine, while the 12-bit DAC drives an audio click feedback amplifier. The 5 V I/O tolerance allows direct drive of LED indicators without MOSFET level translation, and the industrial temperature rating supports white-goods and appliance front panels.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for ATSAMC21N18A-AN — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | ATSAMC21N18A-AUT | ATSAMC21J18A-MUT64 | ATSAMC21G18A-ANT | ATSAMC20N18A-ANT |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Package | 100-pin TQFP (14x14) | 100-pin TQFP (14x14) | 100-pin TQFP (14x14) | 100-pin TQFP (14x14) | 100-pin TQFP (14x14) |
| Core | ARM Cortex-M0+ 48 MHz | ARM Cortex-M0+ 48 MHz | ARM Cortex-M0+ 48 MHz | ARM Cortex-M0+ 48 MHz | ARM Cortex-M0+ 48 MHz |
| Flash | 256 KB | 256 KB | 256 KB | 256 KB | 256 KB |
| SRAM | 32 KB | 32 KB | 32 KB | 32 KB | 32 KB |
| CAN-FD | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | No |
| USB FS | Yes (embedded PHY) | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Automotive Grade | No (industrial -40 to +105C) | Yes (AEC-Q100) | No | No | No |
Key Differentiators
- Integrated CAN-FD controller on-chip (vs ATSAMC20N18A-ANT)
- 5 V I/O tolerance across the full GPIO count (vs ATSAMD21G18A-AUT (3.3 V Cortex-M0+ family))
- Functional-safety (FuSa) documentation package (vs Generic Cortex-M0+ MCUs without FuSa)
Design Notes
Place one 1 µF X7R 0603 ceramic decoupling capacitor adjacent to every VDD/VDDCORE/VSW pin and a 4.7 µF bulk capacitor on the main 5 V rail. For the analog supply (AVDD / AVSS) use a separate low-noise LDO (e.g., MCP1700) and a ferrite bead to isolate from digital VDD noise; the ADC's 12-bit 1 Msps performance depends on clean AVDD. Estimated: at 48 MHz active current is roughly 10 mA, so a 5 V/100 mA LDO provides ample margin.
The 100-pin TQFP has 0.5 mm pitch - escape all inner pins on a 4-layer PCB with 0.2 mm trace/space and place at least two stitching vias (GND) per signal pin to suppress common-mode noise on the CAN-FD bus. Keep CAN-FD differential traces (PA23 area) at 100 Ω differential impedance and avoid 90° bends; place the MCP2562FD transceiver within 25 mm of the MCU pins.
Do not rely solely on the internal 8 MHz RC oscillator for CAN-FD - the clock tolerance must be within 0.5 % to meet CAN-FD bit-timing requirements. Use an external 16 MHz crystal with 20 pF load capacitors. Also ensure the EIC (External Interrupt Controller) is configured for level (not edge) if used with the PTC touch wake-up; otherwise false triggers may wake the MCU from STANDBY unnecessarily.
Estimated: at 48 MHz active and 5 V VDD, the SAM C21N dissipates roughly 50 mW (10 mA × 5 V). The 100-pin TQFP has a typical θJA of ~50 °C/W on a 4-layer JEDEC EIA/JESD51 test board, giving a 2.5 °C junction rise above ambient - well within the 105 °C industrial limit. No heatsink is required.
Compliance Information
RoHS/REACH compliant per Microchip product page. Industrial temperature grade -40 to +105 C. AEC-Q100 qualified variants available as ATSAMC21N18A-AUT. Green, lead-free package.
