ATSAMC21N18A-ANT - 48MHz Cortex-M0+ MCU 256KB Flash TQFP-100 | Microchip
MPN: ATSAMC21N18A-ANT ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $6.05 | $6.05 |
| 10 | $5.45 | $54.50 |
| 100 | $4.88 | $488.00 |
| 500 | $4.46 | $2,230.00 |
| 1,000 | $4.12 | $4,120.00 |
ATSAMC21N18A-ANT Overview
A microcontroller (MCU) is a single-chip computer that integrates a CPU core, program and data memory, peripherals, and I/O into one package. The Cortex-M0+ is the most energy-efficient core in the ARM Cortex-M family, designed for deterministic interrupt response, low gate count, and ultra-low power operation. Microcontrollers sit at the lowest tier of embedded compute, beneath microprocessors and application processors, and are the workhorse of industrial control, motor drive, and IoT edge nodes.
Key features of the ATSAMC21N18A-ANT include 256 KB Flash plus 8 KB independent Flash for EEPROM emulation, 32 KB SRAM, a Peripheral Touch Controller (PTC) for capacitive touch interfaces, advanced analog (12-bit ADC, 10-bit DAC, analog comparators, op-amps), and Functional Safety (FuSa) support. The device supports up to 6 SERCOM modules (UART/SPI/I2C configurable), one CAN-FD, USB, I2S, and up to 84 GPIO. Hardware features include a single-cycle multiplier, Micro Trace Buffer, and Memory Protection Unit (MPU).
The architecture pairs a 2-stage pipelined Cortex-M0+ core with a 7-channel DMA, dual-bank Flash with read-while-write, and a low-power RTC. The 5V-tolerant I/O bank and ESD protection (HBM 4 kV) target industrial robustness. The device operates from 2.7V to 5.5V, allowing direct connection to legacy 5V logic without level shifters.
Typical applications include industrial CAN-FD nodes, motor control (BLDC/PMSM FOC), smart energy metering, building automation, capacitive touch human-machine interfaces, and functional-safety subsystems. Automotive body and chassis modules are supported within the broader SAM C21 family. Compared with a discrete microcontroller plus external CAN transceiver, the integrated CAN-FD reduces BOM count and PCB area.
When designing with this part, allocate adequate decoupling on all VDD pins (100 nF + bulk), connect unused inputs to defined logic levels, and follow Microchip EMC guidelines for 5V noisy environments. The device is supported by MPLAB X IDE, Atmel Studio 7, and the MPLAB Harmony v3 framework with code generators for SERCOM, CAN-FD, and PTC peripherals.
Drop-in alternatives for ATSAMC21N18A-ANT — 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-ANT (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-AN
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$3.99 / Unit
View Datasheet →ATSAMC21N17A-ANT
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
ATSAMC21G18A-ANT
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ 参数待验证✓ In Stock
$4.62 / Unit
View Datasheet →ATSAMC21J18A-MUT64
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ 参数待验证✓ In Stock
$2.85 / Unit
View Datasheet →ATSAMC21N18A-ANT Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Core | ARM Cortex-M0+ (32-bit, single-core) |
| Maximum CPU Clock | 48 MHz |
| Flash Memory | 256 KB (in-system self-programmable) |
| EEPROM Emulation Flash | 8 KB (independent self-programmable) |
| SRAM | 32 KB |
| Supply Voltage (VDD) | 2.7 V to 5.5 V |
| Operating Temperature | -40C to +105C (industrial) |
| Package | 100-pin TQFP (14x14 mm) |
| GPIO Count | Up to 84 |
| Communication Interfaces | 6x SERCOM (UART/SPI/I2C), 1x CAN-FD, USB, I2S |
| Analog Peripherals | 12-bit ADC, 10-bit DAC, comparators, op-amps, PTC |
| DMA Channels | 7 |
| Multipliers | Single-cycle hardware multiplier |
| Memory Protection Unit (MPU) | Yes |
| Micro Trace Buffer | Yes |
| Functional Safety (FuSa) | Yes |
| RoHS Status | Compliant (Green) |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
ATSAMC21N18A-ANT 100-pin tqfp (14x14 mm) Pin Configuration Guide
Pin configuration for ATSAMC21N18A-ANT (100-pin tqfp (14x14 mm) package). This digital IC includes GPIO, communication interfaces (UART, SPI, I2C), and power pins. Refer to the manufacturer datasheet for alternate pin functions and configuration options. Essential for embedded system design and PCB layout.
No detailed pinout data available for ATSAMC21N18A-ANT.
Refer to the datasheet for full pin configuration.
Typical Applications
ATSAMC21N18A-ANT is suitable for 6 applications: Industrial CAN-FD Node, BLDC / PMSM Motor Control, Capacitive Touch HMI, Smart Energy Metering, Building Automation Controller, USB-CDC Service / Debug Port.
Industrial CAN-FD Node
The ATSAMC21N18A-ANT integrates a CAN-FD controller (ISO 11898-1:2015) with 5V-tolerant I/O and 84 GPIO, making it ideal for industrial CAN nodes such as PLC I/O modules, sensor concentrators, and building automation gateways. Its 256 KB Flash supports complex CANopen or J1939 protocol stacks, while 32 KB SRAM buffers inbound frames without dropping. Pair with an external CAN transceiver (e.g., MCP2562FD) for a complete isolated or non-isolated node.
Recommended
BLDC / PMSM Motor Control
The ATSAMC21N18A-ANT delivers 48 MHz Cortex-M0+ performance with a 12-bit ADC, 10-bit DAC, and analog comparators, sufficient to implement sensorless FOC on a BLDC or PMSM motor up to several hundred watts. Its 5V I/O eliminates level shifters to 5V gate drivers, and the integrated PTC frees GPIO for PWM channels. The 32 KB SRAM fits classic FOC libraries, while 256 KB Flash reserves room for application profiles and diagnostics.
Recommended
Capacitive Touch HMI
The integrated Peripheral Touch Controller (PTC) supports driven-shield and mutual-capacitance touch sensing without an external touch IC, enabling sealed glass-front HMIs for appliances, industrial controls, and medical devices. The 256 KB Flash accommodates touch algorithms and UI state machines, while the Cortex-M0+ core leaves headroom for host communication. The -40C to +105C rating suits outdoor and appliance-front environments.
Recommended
Smart Energy Metering
The ATSAMC21N18A-ANT's 12-bit ADC, dual op-amps, and analog comparators implement single-phase energy measurement for residential or industrial metering. The 5V supply range allows direct connection to mains-derived DC rails without LDO chains, and 256 KB Flash supports DLMS/COSEM or Modbus stacks. The RTC with calendar and the low-power run modes help meet standby targets under IEC 62053-21.
Recommended
Building Automation Controller
With 6 SERCOM channels (UART/SPI/I2C configurable), CAN-FD, and USB, the ATSAMC21N18A-ANT acts as a unified controller for HVAC, lighting, and access-control subsystems. The 84 GPIO handle multiple keypad/LED matrices, while the 5V-tolerant I/O directly drives relays without drivers. Functional Safety (FuSa) features support safety-integrity requirements for elevators, fire dampers, and certified appliances.
Recommended
USB-CDC Service / Debug Port
The integrated USB 2.0 Full-Speed peripheral with on-chip transceiver enables USB-CDC virtual COM ports for firmware updates, log streaming, or field service without external PHY. The 256 KB Flash supports USB MSD bootloaders (e.g., Microchip's Unified Bootloader Host application), and the 5V-tolerant PB22/PB23 USB pins simplify bus-powered designs with direct 5V VBUS sense without resistor dividers.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for ATSAMC21N18A-ANT — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | ATSAMC21N18A-AN | ATSAMC21N17A-ANT | ATSAMC21G18A-ANT | ATSAMC21J18A-MUT64 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Package | TQFP-100 (14x14) | TQFP-100 (14x14) - same | TQFP-100 (14x14) - same | TQFP-48 | QFN-64 |
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| 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 | 128 KB (-50%) | 256 KB | 256 KB |
| SRAM | 32 KB | 32 KB | 32 KB | 32 KB | 32 KB |
| CAN-FD | Yes (integrated) | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Supply Voltage | 2.7V - 5.5V (5V-tolerant I/O) | 2.7V - 5.5V | 2.7V - 5.5V | 2.7V - 5.5V | 2.7V - 5.5V |
| Operating Temperature | -40C to +105C | -40C to +105C | -40C to +105C | -40C to +105C | -40C to +105C |
| Packaging | Tape & Reel (-ANT) | Tray (-AN) | Tape & Reel | Tape & Reel | Tape & Reel |
| Pin Count | 100 | 100 | 100 | 48 (-52%) | 64 (-36%) |
Key Differentiators
- Integrated CAN-FD controller (ISO 11898-1:2015) (vs ATSAMC20N18A-ANT)
- 5V-tolerant I/O across all 84 GPIO (vs ATSAMC21J18A-MUT64)
- Higher memory variant with EEPROM emulation Flash (vs ATSAMC21N17A-ANT)
- Tape-and-reel packaging for high-volume production (vs ATSAMC21N18A-AN)
Design Notes
The ATSAMC21N18A-ANT requires decoupling on every VDD pin pair: 100 nF X7R ceramic placed within 3 mm of each VDD pin, plus a single 4.7 uF bulk capacitor on the main 3.3V or 5V rail. Per the manufacturer datasheet, separate analog and digital supply pins (VDDANA/VDDIO) must be decoupled independently to keep ADC noise below 1 LSB at 12-bit resolution.
Route the 48 MHz main crystal traces symmetrically with ground guard traces on both sides and keep the trace length under 5 mm. Place C_LOAD capacitors at the XIN/XOUT pins, not at the crystal body. For 5V noisy environments, add a ferrite bead on VDDANA to suppress switching noise from injecting into the ADC reference path.
Do not leave any unused GPIO floating - the SAM C21 datasheet mandates every unused I/O be configured as output low or input with internal pull enabled to avoid parasitic current draws of several hundred microamps per pin. Configure the NVMCTRL write protection lockbits before deployment to prevent accidental Flash corruption from runaway code.
Separate analog and digital ground planes with a single-point bridge under the VDDANA decoupling capacitor. Keep high-speed SERCOM SPI traces short (<50 mm) and add 33 ohm source-series termination if the trace exceeds 25 mm. The CAN-FD TX/RX lines to the external transceiver must be length-matched within 5 mm to maintain signal symmetry up to 5 Mbps.
Compliance Information
Industrial grade (-40C to +105C), not AEC-Q100 qualified for automotive. RoHS compliant and Green per Microchip product page.
