ATSAMD20E15A-AUT - Cortex-M0+ 48MHz 32KB Flash MCU | Microchip
MPN: ATSAMD20E15A-AUT ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $2.82 | $2.82 |
| 10 | $2.54 | $25.40 |
| 100 | $2.27 | $227.00 |
| 500 | $2.05 | $1,025.00 |
| 1,000 | $1.86 | $1,860.00 |
ATSAMD20E15A-AUT Overview
A microcontroller (MCU) is a single-chip computer that integrates a CPU core, program and data memory, peripherals, and I/O on one silicon die. The Cortex-M0+ is the most energy-efficient member of the ARM Cortex-M family, designed for deterministic real-time embedded control with a 2-stage pipeline, Thumb-2 instruction set, and a Nested Vectored Interrupt Controller (NVIC). Within the broader taxonomy, the ATSAMD20E15 belongs to the SAM D20 family of low-power Cortex-M0+ MCUs, which sits under the Microchip megaAVR/SAM umbrella of 8-bit and 32-bit embedded controllers.
Key features include the SERCOM-configurable serial interface (configurable as UART, SPI, or I2C), a 12-bit ADC with up to 16 channels, a 10-bit DAC, multiple 16-bit Timer/Counters (TC), a Real-Time Counter (RTC), and the Peripheral Event System for hardware-triggered inter-peripheral signaling without CPU intervention. The device operates from 1.62V to 3.63V, supports Sleep, Idle, Standby and Backup low-power modes, and integrates an 8-channel Direct Memory Access (DMAC) controller.
Architecturally, the SAMD20E series uses a single-cycle hardware multiplier, an internal 8 MHz and 32.768 kHz oscillator block, and a 6-channel SERCOM array that lets each peripheral be reassigned to most pins, simplifying PCB layout. The chip is supported by Microchip Studio (formerly Atmel Studio) and the MPLAB X IDE ecosystem, including ASF (Advanced Software Framework) and START code generators.
Typical applications include home automation endpoints, smart metering, consumer electronics HMI, industrial sensor nodes, low-power IoT edge devices, and battery-powered wearables where active current in the single-digit mA range and sub-microamp sleep currents extend battery life.
When designing with the SAMD20, choose your VDD rail between 1.62V and 3.63V and reserve the SWD pins (SWDIO/SWCLK) for in-system programming. Take advantage of the SERCOM multiplexer to keep PCB routing flexible, and use the Peripheral Event System to offload timing-critical tasks from the CPU.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing, drop-in SAM D20 family alternatives, and practical design notes not found in the standalone Microchip datasheet.
Drop-in alternatives for ATSAMD20E15A-AUT — 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 ATSAMD20E15A-AUT (same form factor and footprint) — differing in ADC, DAC, SRAM, Core, Core Architecture.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
ATSAMD20E15A-AU
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1.84 / Unit
View Datasheet →ATSAMD20E16A-AUT
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1.44 / Unit
View Datasheet →ATSAMD20E14B-AUT
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1.21 / Unit
View Datasheet →ATSAMD20E14B-AU
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1.45 / Unit
View Datasheet →ATSAMD20E14A-AN
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1.62 / Unit
View Datasheet →ATSAMD20E15A-AUT Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Core | ARM Cortex-M0+ (32-bit) |
| Maximum CPU Frequency | 48 MHz |
| Program Flash | 32 KB |
| SRAM | 4 KB |
| Package | 32-pin TQFP (7x7 mm) |
| Operating Voltage (VDD) | 1.62 V to 3.63 V |
| Operating Temperature | -40 C to +85 C (industrial) |
| DAC | 10-bit, 1 channel |
| Serial Interfaces (SERCOM) | Up to 6 configurable (UART/SPI/I2C) |
| Timers/Counters | Multiple 16-bit TC, 1 RTC |
| Low-Power Modes | Sleep, Idle, Standby, Backup |
| Programming/Debug | SWD (Serial Wire Debug) |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| RoHS Status | Compliant (per Microchip product page) |
ATSAMD20E15A-AUT Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | PA00 — GPIO / SERCOM1[0] / TCC2-WO[0] |
| Pin 2 | PA01 — GPIO / SERCOM1[1] / TCC2-WO[1] |
| Pin 3 | PA02 — GPIO / SERCOM0[0] / ADC-AIN[0] |
| Pin 4 | PA03 — GPIO / SERCOM0[1] / ADC-AIN[1] |
| Pin 5 | GND — Ground |
| Pin 6 | VDD — Digital supply voltage |
| Pin 7 | PA04 — GPIO / SERCOM0[2] / TCC0-WO[0] |
| Pin 8 | PA05 — GPIO / SERCOM0[3] / TCC0-WO[1] |
| Pin 9 | PA06 — GPIO / SERCOM0[4] / ADC-AIN[2] |
| Pin 10 | PA07 — GPIO / SERCOM0[5] / ADC-AIN[3] |
| Pin 11 | PA08 — GPIO / SERCOM2[0] / ADC-AIN[4] |
| Pin 12 | PA09 — GPIO / SERCOM2[1] / ADC-AIN[5] |
| Pin 13 | PA10 — GPIO / SERCOM2[2] / ADC-AIN[6] |
| Pin 14 | PA11 — GPIO / SERCOM2[3] / ADC-AIN[7] |
| Pin 15 | PA12 — GPIO / SERCOM4[0] / TCC0-WO[2] |
| Pin 16 | PA13 — GPIO / SERCOM4[1] / TCC0-WO[3] |
| Pin 17 | PA14 — GPIO / SERCOM4[2] / TCC0-WO[4] |
| Pin 18 | PA15 — GPIO / SERCOM4[3] / TCC0-WO[5] |
| Pin 19 | PA16 — GPIO / SERCOM1[0] / TCC1-WO[0] |
| Pin 20 | PA17 — GPIO / SERCOM1[1] / TCC1-WO[1] |
| Pin 21 | PA18 — GPIO / SERCOM1[2] / TCC1-WO[2] |
| Pin 22 | PA19 — GPIO / SERCOM1[3] / TCC1-WO[3] |
| Pin 23 | PA20 — GPIO / SERCOM5[2] / TCC0-WO[6] |
| Pin 24 | PA21 — GPIO / SERCOM5[3] / TCC0-WO[7] |
| Pin 25 | PA22 — GPIO / SERCOM3[0] / TCC2-WO[2] |
| Pin 26 | PA23 — GPIO / SERCOM3[1] / TCC2-WO[3] |
| Pin 27 | PA24 — GPIO / SERCOM3[2] / USB-DM (on USB parts) |
| Pin 28 | PA25 — GPIO / SERCOM3[3] / USB-DP (on USB parts) |
| Pin 29 | PA27 — GPIO / SERCOM5[1] |
| Pin 30 | RESET — Reset input, active low |
| Pin 31 | SWDIO — Serial Wire Debug data |
| Pin 32 | SWCLK — Serial Wire Debug clock |
Typical Applications
ATSAMD20E15A-AUT is suitable for 6 applications: Home Automation Endpoints, Smart Metering and Utility Monitoring, Industrial Sensor Nodes and IO-Link, Consumer Electronics HMI, Battery-Powered Wearables and Fitness Bands, Low-Power IoT Edge Devices.
Home Automation Endpoints
The ATSAMD20E15A-AUT is well suited to home automation endpoints such as smart switches, dimmer modules, and HVAC controllers. Its 32 KB Flash comfortably holds Zigbee or BLE Mesh application stacks (with an external radio), and the 48 MHz Cortex-M0+ core delivers responsive control loop latency. The 12-bit ADC and 10-bit DAC enable precise temperature, humidity, and lighting control, while SERCOM ports handle UART to radios and I2C to sensor hubs. Low-power Standby mode below 1 uA lets battery-powered sensors run for years on a single cell.
Recommended
Smart Metering and Utility Monitoring
The ATSAMD20E15A-AUT fits electricity, water, and gas metering nodes that demand 32-bit arithmetic for energy calculations plus long battery life. Its Cortex-M0+ core executes metering algorithms in real time, and the 12-bit ADC with internal reference captures analog front-end signals accurately. Six SERCOMs connect to PLC modems, NB-IoT modules, or LCD displays. Backup mode with RTC retains time-of-use data across main-battery replacement, and the industrial -40 C to +85 C range covers outdoor meter installations per utility spec.
Recommended
Industrial Sensor Nodes and IO-Link
The ATSAMD20E15A-AUT integrates the peripherals needed for industrial sensor nodes and IO-Link device transceivers. Its SERCOM ports provide UART to PHY chips, the 16-bit Timer/Counters drive PWM outputs and frequency measurement, and the Peripheral Event System offloads timestamp capture from the CPU. The wide 1.62 V to 3.63 V supply tolerates 24 V industrial rails after external regulation, while the -40 C to +85 C industrial range meets IEC 61010 environmental requirements for factory-floor equipment.
Recommended
Consumer Electronics HMI
The ATSAMD20E15A-AUT drives capacitive touch keypads, LED matrix indicators, and small TFT displays in consumer products. The Peripheral Event System and DMAC offload repetitive LED refresh and touch scanning, freeing the CPU for protocol and UI logic. Six SERCOMs connect to Wi-Fi/BLE modules, SPI displays, and I2C sensors simultaneously. The 10-bit DAC generates analog audio feedback for toys and appliances, and the chip's small TQFP-32 footprint (7x7 mm) suits space-constrained consumer enclosures.
Recommended
Battery-Powered Wearables and Fitness Bands
The ATSAMD20E15A-AUT is a strong fit for wearable bands, fitness trackers, and BLE peripherals where every microamp matters. Active current in the low single-digit mA at 48 MHz, combined with sub-microamp Standby currents, lets the device sip battery between sensor samples. The 12-bit ADC reads optical heart-rate and motion sensors, the SERCOM ports talk to BLE SoCs, and the Peripheral Event System wakes the CPU only on relevant interrupts. The 32 KB Flash holds lightweight sensor-fusion firmware without external memory.
Recommended
Low-Power IoT Edge Devices
The ATSAMD20E15A-AUT anchors low-power IoT edge nodes that aggregate sensor data and forward it over BLE, LoRa, or sub-GHz radios. The Cortex-M0+ runs at 48 MHz to compress and packetize data, then drops to Standby mode between transmissions. Six SERCOMs support concurrent SPI radio, I2C sensors, and UART debug. The Peripheral Event System and DMAC handle background ADC sampling without waking the CPU, and the wide 1.62 V to 3.63 V supply is compatible with single-cell Li-ion or 2xAA battery packs.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for ATSAMD20E15A-AUT — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | ATSAMD20E15A-AU | ATSAMD20E16A-AUT | ATSAMD20E14B-AUT | ATSAMD20E14B-AU | ATSAMD20E14A-AN |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Package | 32-TQFP (7x7 mm) | 32-TQFP (7x7 mm) - same | 32-TQFP (7x7 mm) - same | 32-TQFP (7x7 mm) - same | 32-TQFP (7x7 mm) - same | 32-TQFP (7x7 mm) - same |
| Brand | Microchip Technology | 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 | ARM Cortex-M0+ 48 MHz |
| Flash | 32 KB | 32 KB | 64 KB | 16 KB | 16 KB | 16 KB |
| SRAM | 4 KB | 4 KB | 8 KB | 4 KB | 4 KB | 4 KB |
| 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 | 1.62 V to 3.63 V | 1.62 V to 3.63 V |
| Operating Temperature | -40 C to +85 C | -40 C to +85 C | -40 C to +85 C | -40 C to +85 C | -40 C to +85 C | -40 C to +85 C |
| Shipping Form | Tape & Reel (AUT) | Tray (AU) | Tape & Reel (AUT) | Tape & Reel (AUT) | Tray (AU) | Tray (AN) |
Key Differentiators
- Wider 1.62 V-3.63 V supply range than typical Cortex-M0+ competitors (vs STM32L011F4)
- Configurable SERCOM multiplexer vs fixed-function UART/SPI/I2C pins (vs STM32L011F4)
- Larger 32 KB Flash compared to legacy ATSAMD20E14 (16 KB) family entry (vs ATSAMD20E14B-AUT)
Design Notes
Decouple VDD with a 100 nF ceramic capacitor placed within 3 mm of each VDD pin, plus a 4.7 uF bulk capacitor at the regulator output. The SAMD20E15 has a single VDD pin at position 6 in the TQFP-32; the device's internal voltage regulator requires that AVDD and VDDIO be tied to the same supply. For low-noise analog performance, route the DAC and ADC reference pins (PA03 for ADC, dedicated DAC pin) through a ferrite bead to an isolated analog rail.
Route the SWD signals (SWDIO pin 31 and SWCLK pin 32) as a short matched pair (less than 50 mm) to a 2x5 0.05-inch debug header. Keep GND on pin 5 as a low-impedance return with at least one via stitching it to an inner ground plane. The TQFP-32 package has an exposed pad (EP) on the bottom that should be soldered to a thermal pad with 9 ground vias for proper thermal and electrical performance, although the SAMD20E15 EP is primarily electrical ground rather than thermal.
Do not exceed the absolute maximum VDD of 3.63 V; even brief overvoltage events can damage the internal voltage regulator. Configure Flash wait states via the NVMCTRL peripheral when running the core above 24 MHz to avoid instruction-fetch failures. The SERCOM pads must be configured in the PORT peripheral before use, otherwise I/O reads will return undefined values. Finally, do not leave unused SERCOM clocks enabled in Standby mode - disable them via PM.STDBYCFG to achieve the lowest standby current.
Compliance Information
RoHS and lead-free compliance per Microchip product page; AEC-Q100 not qualified (industrial grade only).
