ATSAMD20E15B-MU - SAM D20E 32KB Flash Cortex-M0+ MCU | Microchip
MPN: ATSAMD20E15B-MU ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $2.5 | $2.50 |
| 10 | $2.2 | $22.00 |
| 100 | $1.85 | $185.00 |
| 500 | $1.55 | $775.00 |
| 1,000 | $1.32 | $1,320.00 |
| 3,000 | $1.1 | $3,300.00 |
ATSAMD20E15B-MU Overview
A microcontroller (MCU) is a single-chip computer that integrates a CPU core, program memory (Flash), data memory (SRAM), and programmable peripherals. The Cortex-M0+ is ARM's smallest and most energy-efficient application processor core, designed for deterministic embedded workloads. Within the power-management hierarchy, MCUs sit at the system-control tier above discrete logic and below application processors; they orchestrate sensors, user I/O, and low-bandwidth communications in battery-powered and industrial systems. The SAM D20 family is positioned by Microchip as the low-power entry point of the SAM Cortex-M lineup.
Key features of the ATSAMD20E15B-MU include its 2.46 CoreMark/MHz performance, a single-cycle hardware multiplier, a SleepWalking peripheral event system, and an on-chip 32 kHz RTC oscillator with PLL-derived system clock. The device supports 1.62 V to 3.6 V supply operation, has a built-in brown-out detector, and provides up to 22 GPIO lines with peripheral multiplexing.
Typical applications include home automation nodes, smart metering endpoints, consumer appliances, IoT sensor hubs, low-power wireless sensor platforms, and industrial control peripherals. The integrated PTC eliminates the need for an external touch-sensing IC in capacitive button, slider, and wheel designs.
When designing with this part, observe the VQFN thermal pad soldering guidelines and ensure the SERCOM pin-mux is reviewed before PCB layout. Programming and debugging are supported through the SWD interface, requiring only two pins (SWDIO, SWDCLK) plus GND.
This page consolidates distributor pricing, drop-in alternative ordering, and practical design notes for the ATSAMD20E15B-MU that are not collated in the manufacturer datasheet, including verified pin-compatible SAM D20 family members and recommended companion analog parts.
Drop-in alternatives for ATSAMD20E15B-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 ATSAMD20E15B-MU (same form factor and footprint) — differing in ADC, Package, Operating Temperature, MSL Level, SRAM.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
ATSAMD20E15B-AUT
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$2.52 / Unit
View Datasheet →ATSAMD20E14B-MUT
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$0.95 / Unit
View Datasheet →ATSAMD20E14B-AU
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1.45 / Unit
View Datasheet →ATSAMD20E15A-AN
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1.55 / Unit
View Datasheet →ATSAMD20E15B-MUT
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1.62 / Unit
View Datasheet →ATSAMD20E15B-MU Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Core Architecture | ARM Cortex-M0+ |
| Maximum CPU Frequency | 48 MHz |
| Flash Program Memory | 32 KB (32K x 8) |
| SRAM | 4 KB |
| Supply Voltage (VDD) | 1.62 V to 3.6 V |
| ADC | 12-bit, up to 10 channels |
| DAC | 10-bit, 1 channel |
| Peripheral Touch Controller (PTC) | 256-channel |
| SERCOM Modules | 6 |
| GPIO Count | 22 |
| Real-Time Clock (RTC) | Yes, with 32 kHz domain |
| Operating Temperature Range | -40C to +85C (Industrial) |
| Package | 32-pin VQFN (5x5 mm) with exposed pad |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| Debug Interface | Serial Wire Debug (SWD) |
| Performance | 2.46 CoreMark/MHz |
| RoHS Status | Compliant |
ATSAMD20E15B-MU Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | PA00 — GPIO / SERCOM1 PAD0 / ADC AIN0 |
| Pin 2 | PA01 — GPIO / SERCOM1 PAD1 / ADC AIN1 |
| Pin 3 | PA02 — GPIO / SERCOM0 PAD0 / ADC AIN2 |
| Pin 4 | PA03 — GPIO / SERCOM0 PAD1 / ADC AIN3 / DAC VOUT |
| Pin 5 | PA04 — GPIO / SERCOM0 PAD2 / ADC AIN4 |
| Pin 6 | PA05 — GPIO / SERCOM0 PAD3 / ADC AIN5 |
| Pin 7 | PA06 — GPIO / SERCOM2 PAD0 / ADC AIN6 |
| Pin 8 | PA07 — GPIO / SERCOM2 PAD1 / ADC AIN7 |
| Pin 9 | VDD — Digital supply voltage |
| Pin 10 | GND — Digital ground |
| Pin 11 | PA08 — GPIO / SERCOM2 PAD2 / PTC Y0 |
| Pin 12 | PA09 — GPIO / SERCOM2 PAD3 / PTC Y1 |
| Pin 13 | PA10 — GPIO / SERCOM0 PAD2 / PTC Y2 |
| Pin 14 | PA11 — GPIO / SERCOM0 PAD3 / PTC Y3 |
| Pin 15 | PA14 — GPIO / SERCOM2 PAD2 / PTC X0 |
| Pin 16 | PA15 — GPIO / SERCOM2 PAD3 / PTC X1 |
| Pin 17 | PA16 — GPIO / SERCOM1 PAD0 / PTC X2 |
| Pin 18 | PA17 — GPIO / SERCOM1 PAD1 / PTC X3 |
| Pin 19 | PA18 — GPIO / SERCOM1 PAD2 / PTC X4 |
| Pin 20 | PA19 — GPIO / SERCOM1 PAD3 / PTC X5 |
| Pin 21 | PA20 — GPIO / SERCOM5 PAD2 / PTC X6 |
| Pin 22 | PA21 — GPIO / SERCOM5 PAD3 / PTC X7 |
| Pin 23 | PA22 — GPIO / SERCOM3 PAD0 / PTC X8 |
| Pin 24 | PA23 — GPIO / SERCOM3 PAD1 / PTC X9 |
| Pin 25 | PA24 — GPIO / SERCOM3 PAD2 / PTC X10 |
| Pin 26 | PA25 — GPIO / SERCOM3 PAD3 / PTC X11 |
| Pin 27 | RESET — Reset input, active low |
| Pin 28 | SWDIO — Serial Wire Debug I/O |
| Pin 29 | SWDCLK — Serial Wire Debug clock |
| Pin 30 | AVSS — Analog ground |
| Pin 31 | AVDD — Analog supply voltage |
| Pin 32 | PA27 — GPIO / SERCOM4 PAD3 / PTC Y14 |
Typical Applications
ATSAMD20E15B-MU is suitable for 6 applications: Home Automation Sensor Hubs, Smart Metering Endpoints, Wearable Fitness Bands, Industrial Control Peripherals, Capacitive Touch User Interfaces, IoT Edge Sensor Nodes.
Home Automation Sensor Hubs
The ATSAMD20E15B-MU fits home-automation sensor hubs because its 48 MHz Cortex-M0+ core and 32 KB Flash handle Zigbee/Thread-friendly protocol stacks, while the integrated 256-channel Peripheral Touch Controller eliminates the need for a dedicated touch-sensing IC in wall switches and dimmers. The 6 SERCOM modules map simultaneously to UART for sensor I/O, I2C for environmental sensors, and SPI for wireless transceivers. Standby current under 5 uA in deep-sleep mode with RTC running enables multi-year battery life on coin cells. The industrial temperature grade (-40C to +85C) suits unheated garage and outdoor enclosures.
Recommended
Smart Metering Endpoints
The ATSAMD20E15B-MU's 32 KB Flash and 4 KB SRAM are sufficient for utility metering firmware (IEC 62056-21 / DLMS/COSEM light profiles), and its 12-bit ADC with internal reference and PGA enables direct sensing of shunt-resistor current and divider voltage in single-phase meters. The hardware RTC with 32 kHz domain supports time-of-use billing without external RTC ICs. SERCOM channels can drive UART for optical ports, M-Bus, or wireless M-Bus modules. Brown-out detection at 1.62 V protects against coin-cell brown-out during transmit bursts.
Recommended
Wearable Fitness Bands
For wearable fitness bands, the ATSAMD20E15B-MU offers an unmatched combination of low power, small 5x5 mm VQFN footprint, and integrated peripherals that fit wristband PCBs. The 256-channel PTC supports capacitive touch buttons and slider gestures without external hardware, and the 12-bit ADC reads Li-ion battery voltage and charger current. SERCOM channels drive SPI displays and BLE modules while deep-sleep power consumption extends battery life to two weeks between charges. The exposed thermal pad keeps the die cool under continuous BLE transmit loads.
Recommended
Industrial Control Peripherals
The ATSAMD20E15B-MU is well suited to industrial peripherals such as sensor transmitters, valve controllers, and HMI panels that need industrial-grade reliability and a wide supply range. Its 1.62-3.6 V VDD tolerance accommodates 3.3 V and 5 V industrial backplanes with level shifters, and the 22 GPIO pins are remappable through the SERCOM and EVENT system to drive multiple communication buses simultaneously. The hardware cryptographic AES module (where present on SAM D20 family) enables secure OTA firmware updates. Operating temperature of -40C to +85C covers IEC 60068-2-1 industrial environments.
Recommended
Capacitive Touch User Interfaces
For capacitive touch user interfaces (touch keypads, sliders, proximity sensors), the ATSAMD20E15B-MU integrates the dedicated 256-channel Peripheral Touch Controller with hardware-driven acquisition, debounce, and moisture suppression. Designers get reliable touch performance without an external touch IC, reducing BOM cost and PCB area. The 12-bit ADC and 10-bit DAC support LED backlight control and audio feedback, while six SERCOM channels drive the host MCU, display, and external memory. The 32 KB Flash stores QTouch library, gesture recognition, and application logic.
Recommended
IoT Edge Sensor Nodes
The ATSAMD20E15B-MU is ideal for battery-powered IoT edge sensor nodes that aggregate temperature, humidity, motion, and air-quality data and forward it via Sub-GHz, BLE, or LoRa transceivers. Its 48 MHz performance runs sensor-fusion algorithms, while 4 KB SRAM is sufficient for FIFO buffering of time-series samples. The SleepWalking peripheral event system wakes the CPU only when a pre-configured sensor threshold is crossed, minimising average current draw. Wide 1.62-3.6 V supply tolerance lets it run directly from 2xAA alkaline or single Li-SOCl2 cells.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for ATSAMD20E15B-MU — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | ATSAMD20E15B-AUT | ATSAMD20E14B-MU | ATSAMD20E14B-AU | ATSAMD20E15A-AN | ATSAMD20E15B-MUT |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Package | 32-pin VQFN (5x5) | 32-pin VQFN (5x5) - same | 32-pin VQFN (5x5) - same | 32-pin VQFN (5x5) - same | 32-pin VQFN (5x5) - same | 32-pin VQFN (5x5) - same |
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology - same | Microchip Technology - same | Microchip Technology - same | Microchip Technology - same | Microchip Technology - same |
| Core | ARM Cortex-M0+ | ARM Cortex-M0+ | ARM Cortex-M0+ | ARM Cortex-M0+ | ARM Cortex-M0+ | ARM Cortex-M0+ |
| Max CPU Frequency | 48 MHz | 48 MHz | 48 MHz | 48 MHz | 48 MHz | 48 MHz |
| Flash | 32 KB | 32 KB | 16 KB | 16 KB | 32 KB | 32 KB |
| SRAM | 4 KB | 4 KB | 2 KB | 2 KB | 4 KB | 4 KB |
| Silicon Revision | B (latest) | B | B | B | A (older) | B |
| SERCOM Channels | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 |
Key Differentiators
- Latest B-revision silicon with ADC and SERCOM errata fixed (vs ATSAMD20E15A-AN)
- Highest memory configuration in 32-VQFN footprint (vs ATSAMD20E14B-MU)
- Integrated 256-channel Peripheral Touch Controller (vs Discrete touch IC solutions)
Design Notes
The ATSAMD20E15B-MU exposed thermal pad (EP) on the bottom of the VQFN package must be soldered directly to the ground plane for electrical performance and thermal dissipation. Use an array of thermal vias (typically 9 vias in a 3x3 grid, 0.3 mm diameter, 0.2 mm drill) to stitch the EP to internal ground planes. Failure to solder the EP can cause erratic ADC readings and SERCOM signal-integrity issues. Keep the SERCOM traces short and avoid routing them under the crystal traces.
Place a 100 nF X7R decoupling capacitor as close as possible to each VDD pin (pin 9 on 32-VQFN), plus a bulk 4.7 uF ceramic on AVDD (pin 31) to support ADC reference stability. The SAM D20 has separate analog and digital supply pins - tying AVDD to VDD is acceptable for digital-heavy designs, but separate filtered AVDD is recommended when using the ADC or DAC at full resolution. Add a ferrite bead on AVDD for noise-sensitive analog applications.
Do not leave unused SERCOM pins floating - configure them as outputs or enable the internal pull-up. Floating SERCOM pads can draw additional supply current during deep-sleep. Also note that the SWD pins (SWDIO, SWDCLK) must not be repurposed for general GPIO in production unless the BOOTPROT fuse is configured to disable SWD - many designers accidentally lose debug access. Verify pin multiplexing in the I/O Multiplexing table of the SAM D20 datasheet before committing to PCB layout.
Compliance Information
RoHS compliant per Microchip product page and Partstack terminal-form data (NO LEAD). Industrial temperature grade. Not AEC-Q100 qualified - choose ATSAMx20 automotive variants for automotive applications.
