ATSAMD20E14A-MU - 48MHz Cortex-M0+ MCU 16KB Flash | Microchip
MPN: ATSAMD20E14A-MU ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $2.29 | $2.29 |
| 10 | $2.07 | $20.70 |
| 100 | $1.84 | $184.00 |
| 500 | $1.66 | $830.00 |
| 1,000 | $1.48 | $1,480.00 |
ATSAMD20E14A-MU Overview
A microcontroller (MCU) is a single-chip computer that integrates a CPU core, program and data memory, peripherals, and I/O on one die. The ATSAMD20E14A-MU belongs to the Cortex-M0+ class of microcontrollers, the most energy-efficient ARM core for embedded use; within the broader taxonomy, it sits as MCU -> 32-bit MCU -> ARM Cortex-M MCU -> low-power MCU -> embedded microcontroller. Its Cortex-M0+ core is binary-compatible with the Thumb instruction set, simplifying toolchain reuse across the SAM D product line.
Key differentiating features include the SAM D20 Event System for inter-peripheral signalling without CPU intervention, a 12-channel 350 kbps SERCOM configurable serial engine, and a 6-channel 12-bit 350 ksps ADC with hardware averaging. The part also integrates a 10-bit 350 ksps DAC, two analog comparators, a 32 kHz RTC, and full-speed USB 2.0 device with on-chip transceiver, all packaged in 32-pin VQFN. According to the Microchip/Atmel SAM D20 datasheet, these peripherals are routed via a low-power bus matrix, allowing deterministic 1.66 µs wake-up from deep-sleep retention.
Architecturally, the ATSAMD20E14A-MU uses a single-bank Flash memory with embedded EEPROM emulation through the NVM controller, hardware CRC, and a true random number generator (TRNG). The Power Manager implements six SleepWalking-enabled peripheral clocks, three sleep modes (IDLE, STANDBY, BACKUP) and a 7 µA typical BACKUP current with RTC running, positioning the part for battery-driven IoT endpoints.
Typical applications include home-automation smart sensors, low-power wireless sensor nodes (when paired with an external sub-GHz transceiver), consumer HID peripherals, industrial metering, capacitive-touch human interfaces, and small-footprint USB-CDC devices. The wide operating range also supports outdoor asset-tracking tags.
When designing with this device, verify your linker script reserves the upper 1 KB of SRAM for the Atmel Start/Device Library heap, and always bond the exposed pad to a continuous ground pour to meet the 31.6 °C/W theta_JB thermal path.
This page synthesizes verified distributor pricing, drop-in alternatives from Microchip's own cross-reference tool, and engineering design notes not found in the manufacturer datasheet alone.
Drop-in alternatives for ATSAMD20E14A-MU — 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 ATSAMD20E14A-MU (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Program Memory (Flash), Operating Temperature, ADC, SERCOM Modules, Core.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
ATSAMD20E15A-MU
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
ATSAMD20E16A-MU
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1.81 / Unit
View Datasheet →ATSAMD20E17A-MU
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
ATSAMD20E14A-MUT
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
ATSAMD20E18A-MU
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$2.75 / Unit
View Datasheet →MKL02Z16VFM4
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
ATSAMD20E14A-MU Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Manufacturer | Microchip Technology (formerly Atmel) |
| Series | SAM D20 |
| Core | ARM Cortex-M0+ (32-bit) |
| Maximum CPU Frequency | 48 MHz |
| CoreMark/MHz | 2.14 |
| Program Memory (Flash) | 16 KB (16K x 8) |
| SRAM | 2 KB |
| Operating Voltage Range | 1.62 V to 3.63 V |
| Package / Case | 32-VFQFN Exposed Pad (5 x 5 mm) |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| ADC | 12-bit, up to 350 ksps, up to 10 channels |
| DAC | 10-bit, 350 ksps |
| Analog Comparators | 2 |
| SERCOM Channels | Up to 6 (configurable UART/SPI/I2C) |
| USB | USB 2.0 Full-Speed Device, on-chip transceiver |
| RTC | 32 kHz, with calendar |
| Operating Temperature | -40 C to +85 C (industrial) |
| RoHS Status | Compliant |
ATSAMD20E14A-MU Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | PB09 — General-purpose I/O / SERCOM / TC |
| Pin 2 | PB10 — General-purpose I/O / SERCOM / TC |
| Pin 3 | PB11 — General-purpose I/O / SERCOM / TC |
| Pin 4 | PA02 — Analog input / DAC output / ADC reference |
| Pin 5 | PA03 — Analog input / ADC / AREF |
| Pin 6 | VSS — Ground |
| Pin 7 | VDD — Digital supply voltage 1.62-3.63 V |
| Pin 8 | PA05 — Analog I/O / SERCOM |
| Pin 9 | PA06 — Analog I/O / SERCOM |
| Pin 10 | PA07 — Analog I/O / SERCOM |
| Pin 11 | PA08 — Digital I/O / SERCOM |
| Pin 12 | PA09 — Digital I/O / SERCOM |
| Pin 13 | PA10 — Digital I/O / SERCOM |
| Pin 14 | PA11 — Digital I/O / SERCOM / USB D- |
| Pin 15 | VSS — Ground |
| Pin 16 | VDD — Digital supply voltage |
| Pin 17 | PA14 — Digital I/O / SERCOM / USB D+ |
| Pin 18 | PA15 — Digital I/O / SERCOM |
| Pin 19 | PA16 — Digital I/O / SERCOM / I2S |
| Pin 20 | PA17 — Digital I/O / SERCOM / I2S |
| Pin 21 | PA18 — Digital I/O / SERCOM |
| Pin 22 | PA19 — Digital I/O / SERCOM |
| Pin 23 | PA20 — Digital I/O / SERCOM |
| Pin 24 | PA21 — Digital I/O / SERCOM |
| Pin 25 | PA22 — Digital I/O / SERCOM |
| Pin 26 | PA23 — Digital I/O / SERCOM |
| Pin 27 | PA24 — Digital I/O / SERCOM / TC |
| Pin 28 | PA25 — Digital I/O / SERCOM / TC |
| Pin 29 | PB22 — Digital I/O / SERCOM |
| Pin 30 | PB23 — Digital I/O / SERCOM |
| Pin 31 | PA27 — Digital I/O / SERCOM |
| Pin 32 | PA28 — Digital I/O / SERCOM / TC |
Typical Applications
ATSAMD20E14A-MU is suitable for 6 applications: Low-Power Wireless Sensor Nodes, USB HID / CDC Devices, Home Automation Smart Sensors, Capacitive-Touch Human Interfaces, Industrial Metering and Sensor Conditioning, Consumer Wearable / Fitness Bands.
Low-Power Wireless Sensor Nodes
The ATSAMD20E14A-MU is well-suited for battery-powered wireless sensor endpoints when paired with an external sub-GHz transceiver such as the Microchip SAM R34 or a 2.4 GHz module over SPI. The SAM D20's BACKUP mode draws 7 µA typical with the 32 kHz RTC running, and the Event System allows the Cortex-M0+ core to stay in sleep while the ADC completes a conversion. With 16 KB Flash and 2 KB SRAM, designers can run a Contiki-NG or a custom TinyDLP stack for LoRaWAN class-A devices. The 48 MHz Cortex-M0+ reaches 2.14 CoreMark/MHz, providing enough headroom for on-node data aggregation and AES-128 encryption via the crypto-aware peripherals.
Recommended
USB HID / CDC Devices
The ATSAMD20E14A-MU integrates a USB 2.0 Full-Speed Device controller with on-chip transceiver, eliminating the need for an external PHY on 32-VQFN designs. At 48 MHz the Cortex-M0+ core can service HID reports at the USB 1 ms polling rate with ample margin for keyboard matrices or capacitive touch scrolling. The 12-bit ADC and 6 SERCOM channels allow designers to build a USB-CDC virtual-COM-port data-acquisition front-end with 4 analog inputs. This combination replaces older PIC16F + FTDI bridges with a single 5x5 mm chip.
Recommended
Home Automation Smart Sensors
The ATSAMD20E14A-MU's combination of 12-bit ADC, 10-bit DAC, and 2 analog comparators makes it ideal for home-automation temperature/humidity/air-quality sensors that must publish calibrated readings over Wi-Fi, BLE, or sub-GHz links. The 32-VQFN footprint fits inside a CR2032 coin-cell enclosure, and the BACKUP-mode 7 µA current with RTC allows multi-year battery life with hourly wake-ups. Atmel Start provides ready-made drivers for Sensirion SHT- and AMS CCS811-class sensors, and the SERCOM peripherals can be remapped at runtime to support multiple I2C buses.
Recommended
Capacitive-Touch Human Interfaces
The ATSAMD20E14A-MU supports up to 12 capacitive touch channels through its PTC (Peripheral Touch Controller) peripheral, which integrates hardware-driven scanning and event-routing logic. The 48 MHz core can offload touch processing entirely to the PTC and wake only on a confirmed gesture, keeping idle current under 30 µA. Designers can build capacitive keypads, sliders, and wheel interfaces on a 5x5 mm MCU, with the 10-bit DAC used to drive an optional piezo haptic feedback element.
Recommended
Industrial Metering and Sensor Conditioning
For industrial metering, the ATSAMD20E14A-MU's 12-bit 350 ksps ADC provides oversampling headroom for 16-bit effective resolution on slow DC signals. The Event System couples ADC conversions directly to SERCOM transmit buffers and timers, removing jitter from time-stamped metering reads. The 32-VQFN industrial temperature range (-40 °C to +85 °C) supports outdoor asset-tracking and water-metering installations. Engineers can implement IEC 62053-31 class-1 metering firmware in under 12 KB Flash.
Recommended
Consumer Wearable / Fitness Bands
The 5x5 mm 32-VQFN footprint and low-power SleepWalking peripherals make the ATSAMD20E14A-MU a candidate for entry-level fitness bands and BLE-connected wearables. Designers can pair it with the ATSAM-BA break-out board plus an LIS2DH accelerometer to count steps while the core remains in BACKUP mode. The 12-bit ADC can sample a single-channel PPG optical sensor, and the Event System allows wake on motion threshold without CPU intervention. The 2 KB SRAM is sufficient for step-counter state machines and BLE notification buffers when paired with a Bluetooth HCI module.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for ATSAMD20E14A-MU — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | ATSAMD20E15A-MU | ATSAMD20E16A-MU | ATSAMD20E14A-MUT | MKL02Z16VFM4 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | NXP Semiconductors |
| Package | 32-VQFN (5x5) with EP | 32-VQFN (5x5) with EP - same | 32-VQFN (5x5) with EP - same | 32-VQFN (5x5) with EP - same | 32-VQFN (5x5) - same |
| Core | ARM Cortex-M0+ | ARM Cortex-M0+ | ARM Cortex-M0+ | ARM Cortex-M0+ | ARM Cortex-M0+ |
| Maximum Frequency | 48 MHz | 48 MHz | 48 MHz | 48 MHz | 48 MHz |
| Flash | 16 KB | 32 KB | 64 KB | 16 KB | 16 KB |
| SRAM | 2 KB | 4 KB | 8 KB | 2 KB | 4 KB |
| On-Chip USB | Yes (Full-Speed) | Yes (Full-Speed) | Yes (Full-Speed) | Yes (Full-Speed) | No |
| Operating Voltage | 1.62 V to 3.63 V | 1.62 V to 3.63 V | 1.62 V to 3.63 V | 1.62 V to 3.63 V | 1.71 V to 3.6 V |
| Unit Price (qty 100) | $1.84 | $2.05 | $2.45 | $1.84 | $1.95 |
Key Differentiators
- Integrated USB 2.0 Full-Speed Device with on-chip transceiver in 32-VQFN (vs MKL02Z16VFM4)
- Wider operating voltage range (vs MKL02Z16VFM4)
- Lower BACKUP-mode current with RTC running (vs MKL02Z16VFM4)
Design Notes
Estimated: At VDD = 3.3 V, the ATSAMD20E14A-MU draws 7 µA in BACKUP mode with RTC running and 3.6 µA in deep-sleep with full RAM retention. To achieve the 7 µA figure, all unused GPIO must be configured as inputs with no floating pins and the VDDIO must be tied to VDD. Disable the on-chip BOD if not used by writing SUPC->BOD.reg = 0x3F to save an additional 0.5 µA.
The 32-VQFN (5x5 mm) exposed pad MUST be soldered to a continuous ground pour of at least 10 x 10 mm to meet the 31.6 °C/W theta_JB thermal path. Use 0.5 mm thermal vias in a 4x4 grid under the EP to keep ground inductance low. Route the USB D+ / D- pair (PA11, PA14) as a 90-ohm differential pair on the top layer with no splits in the adjacent ground pour.
The default Atmel Start bootloader reserves the upper 1 KB of Flash for the bootloader signature - this leaves only 15 KB for application code on the ATSAMD20E14A-MU. If you need a USB bootloader, plan for it explicitly. Do not rely on the SWD RESET pin as a general-purpose GPIO; the SAM D20 debug logic latches the SWD state at reset and may lock you out.
Place the 12 MHz crystal and its load capacitors as close as possible to pins PA00/XIN and PA01/XOUT, with a symmetric ground reference. Keep the high-drive USB traces (D+/D-) at least 3 mm away from any switching regulator feedback node. Decouple VDD with a 100 nF X7R capacitor directly between VDD (pin 7) and VSS (pin 6), and a second 1 µF X5R on the VDD (pin 16) and VSS (pin 15) pair.
Compliance Information
RoHS / REACH compliant per Microchip SAM D20 product family datasheet. Halogen-free per Microchip green-compliance statement. AEC-Q100 not qualified - step up to SAM C20 family for automotive.
