ATSAMD20E16A-AU - 48MHz Cortex-M0+ MCU, 64KB Flash | Microchip
MPN: ATSAMD20E16A-AU ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $2.85 | $2.85 |
| 10 | $2.55 | $25.50 |
| 100 | $2.2 | $220.00 |
| 500 | $1.95 | $975.00 |
| 1,000 | $1.75 | $1,750.00 |
ATSAMD20E16A-AU Overview
A microcontroller (MCU) is a single-chip computer that integrates a CPU core, memory (Flash and SRAM), and programmable peripherals on one die, enabling compact, low-power embedded control in applications from home appliances to industrial sensors. The Cortex-M0+ is the smallest and most energy-efficient member of the ARM Cortex-M family, designed for deterministic real-time control with a 2-stage pipeline and Thumb-2 instruction set. Within Microchip's portfolio, the SAM D20 sits between the tiny 8-bit PIC MCUs and the more capable Cortex-M4 SAM D/E/F families.
Key features include 64KB of in-system programmable Flash (supporting NVM commands), 8KB SRAM, a 12-bit 350 ksps ADC with up to 14 channels, 8-channel SERCOM (configurable as UART/SPI/I2C), 16-bit timers, and a full-speed USB 2.0 device interface (on selected variants). The device operates from 1.62V to 3.63V with multiple power-saving modes (Idle, Standby, Backup) achieving deep-sleep currents in the microamp range.
Typical applications include home automation endpoints, consumer electronics (HID devices, wearables, smart remotes), metering and energy monitoring, industrial sensor nodes, and low-cost USB peripherals. The integrated USB controller simplifies Human Interface Devices such as keyboards, mice, and game controllers.
When designing with the ATSAMD20E16A-AU, ensure the VDDCORE pin is decoupled with 1µF and 100nF capacitors placed within 5mm of the pin to maintain core voltage stability during sleep-to-active transitions. The SERCOM peripheral configuration must be locked before use to prevent glitches in asynchronous serial traffic.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing, drop-in alternatives from the same SAMD20 family, and practical design notes not found in the standalone manufacturer datasheet.
Drop-in alternatives for ATSAMD20E16A-AU — 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 ATSAMD20E16A-AU (same form factor and footprint) — differing in ADC, Package, Core, DAC, SRAM.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
ATSAMD20E15A-AU
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1.84 / Unit
View Datasheet →ATSAMD20E17A-AU
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$2.5 / Unit
View Datasheet →ATSAMD20E18A-AU
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$2.18 / Unit
View Datasheet →ATSAMD20E16A-AUT
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1.44 / Unit
View Datasheet →ATSAMD20E15B-MU
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1.1 / Unit
View Datasheet →ATSAMD20E16A-AU Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Core | ARM Cortex-M0+ (32-bit, Thumb-2) |
| Core Mark | ARM Cortex-M0+ |
| Maximum Clock Speed | 48 MHz |
| Flash Memory | 64 KB |
| SRAM | 8 KB |
| Operating Voltage (VDDIN) | 1.62 V to 3.63 V |
| Operating Temperature | -40 C to +85 C (industrial) |
| Package | 32-pin TQFP (7x7 mm) |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| ADC | 12-bit, up to 350 ksps |
| SERCOM | 8 configurable (UART/SPI/I2C) peripherals |
| Timers | 16-bit TC, 32-bit TCC |
| USB | Full-speed USB 2.0 device (where equipped in family) |
| RoHS Status | Compliant |
| MSL Level | 3 (168 hours) |
| Series | SAM D20 (ATSAMD20) |
| Architecture | von Neumann, single-bus |
ATSAMD20E16A-AU Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | PA00 — GPIO / XIN (external clock input) |
| Pin 2 | PA01 — GPIO / XOUT (external clock output) |
| Pin 3 | PA02 — GPIO / AIN0 (ADC input) |
| Pin 4 | PA03 — GPIO / AIN1 (ADC input) |
| Pin 5 | GND — Ground |
| Pin 6 | VDDIN — Main supply input (1.62V-3.63V) |
| Pin 7 | PA04 — GPIO / VDIV (ADC voltage divider) |
| Pin 8 | PA05 — GPIO / AIN5 (ADC input) |
| Pin 9 | PA07 — GPIO / AIN7 (ADC input) |
| Pin 10 | PA09 — GPIO / SERCOM pad |
| Pin 11 | PA10 — GPIO / SERCOM pad |
| Pin 12 | PA11 — GPIO / SERCOM pad |
| Pin 13 | PA14 — GPIO / SERCOM pad |
| Pin 14 | PA15 — GPIO / SERCOM pad |
| Pin 15 | PA16 — GPIO / SERCOM pad |
| Pin 16 | PA17 — GPIO / SERCOM pad |
| Pin 17 | PA18 — GPIO / SERCOM pad |
| Pin 18 | PA19 — GPIO / SERCOM pad |
| Pin 19 | PA20 — GPIO / SERCOM pad |
| Pin 20 | PA21 — GPIO / SERCOM pad |
| Pin 21 | GND — Ground |
| Pin 22 | VDDCORE — Internal core voltage (decouple with 1uF + 100nF) |
| Pin 23 | nRESET — Reset input (active low) |
| Pin 24 | PA22 — GPIO / SERCOM pad |
| Pin 25 | PA23 — GPIO / SERCOM pad |
| Pin 26 | PA24 — GPIO / USB D- (where equipped) |
| Pin 27 | PA25 — GPIO / USB D+ (where equipped) |
| Pin 28 | PA27 — GPIO |
| Pin 29 | GND — Ground |
| Pin 30 | VDDIO — I/O supply (1.62V-3.63V) |
| Pin 31 | PA30 — GPIO / SWCLK (debug clock) |
| Pin 32 | PA31 — GPIO / SWDIO (debug data) |
Typical Applications
ATSAMD20E16A-AU is suitable for 6 applications: Home Automation Endpoints, USB HID Peripherals (Keyboard / Mouse / Game Controller), Industrial Sensor Nodes (Modbus RTU / 4-20mA Bridges), Wearable Health Devices (Fitness Bands / Patches), Smart Metering and Energy Monitoring, Consumer Remote Controls (IR / RF4CE / BLE HID Remotes).
Home Automation Endpoints
The ATSAMD20E16A-AU's 48 MHz Cortex-M0+ core and 8 SERCOM peripherals handle multi-protocol wireless gateway or sensor hub tasks. With 64KB Flash it fits Zigbee/Thread/BLE co-processor control stacks; its microamp Standby mode drops below 1µA between sensor polls. Place the MCU between the mains DC regulator and the radio module, using SERCOM0 for SPI to the radio and SERCOM1 for UART to a debug header. Compared to 8-bit PIC alternatives, the M0+ enables faster response with deterministic interrupts.
Recommended
USB HID Peripherals (Keyboard / Mouse / Game Controller)
The ATSAMD20E16A-AU integrates a full-speed USB 2.0 device controller that enumerates as HID without external PHY chips, cutting BOM cost for keyboards and game controllers. Its 48 MHz clock handles 1000 Hz polling reports, and 64KB Flash stores HID descriptor tables plus scan matrix firmware. Use a 2-layer PCB with the EPAD under the QFP for ground stitching, and route DP/DM as a 90-ohm differential pair on the top layer. Compared to STM32F0, Microchip's USB stack licensing is more permissive for HID-class commercial products.
Recommended
Industrial Sensor Nodes (Modbus RTU / 4-20mA Bridges)
The ATSAMD20E16A-AU's industrial temperature grade (-40C to +85C) and 12-bit ADC with 350 ksps throughput make it a strong fit for Modbus RTU sensor bridges and 4-20mA loop converters. The 8KB SRAM buffers Modbus transaction logs while Flash stores calibration curves. Its 3.3V I/O matches RS-485 transceiver rails directly, eliminating level shifters. Compared to discrete op-amp solutions, the integrated ADC plus Cortex-M0+ digital filtering removes external analog circuitry for noise-floor-limited measurement at 0.1% FS accuracy.
Recommended
Wearable Health Devices (Fitness Bands / Patches)
The ATSAMD20E16A-AU's Standby current under 1µA and SERCOM-driven I2C interfaces suit wrist-worn fitness trackers and disposable health patches where battery life is paramount. The 12-bit ADC samples PPG or bioimpedance signals at 100 Hz while the Cortex-M0+ runs step-counting algorithms in 64KB Flash. The TQFP-32 (7x7 mm) footprint fits sub-10mm PCB designs; compared to Nordic nRF52, the SAM D20 is cheaper for non-BLE wearable use cases where a separate radio SoC is used.
Recommended
Smart Metering and Energy Monitoring
The ATSAMD20E16A-AU's combination of 12-bit ADC, low-power modes, and 48 MHz performance makes it ideal for residential smart electricity meters and energy-monitoring CT clamps. The 64KB Flash holds metering firmware and tamper-detection logs; 8KB SRAM buffers power-quality samples at 4 kHz. The 1.62V minimum supply allows direct Li-SOCl2 battery backup for outage logging. Compared to MSP430 alternatives, Microchip's Cortex-M0+ ecosystem offers more modern toolchain support and Cortex-class interrupt latency for metrology.
Recommended
Consumer Remote Controls (IR / RF4CE / BLE HID Remotes)
The ATSAMD20E16A-AU's low Standby current and SERCOM peripherals drive battery-powered universal remotes that wake on keypress via the Event System. The 12-bit ADC reads battery voltage to estimate remaining capacity, while Cortex-M0+ handles IR encoding tables in 64KB Flash. Compared to discrete timer + EEPROM designs, the integrated MCU removes two external ICs and enables OTA firmware upgrades via optional USB-CDC. The TQFP-32 footprint fits the slim remote-control PCB form factor.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for ATSAMD20E16A-AU — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | ATSAMD20E15A-AU | ATSAMD20E17A-AU | ATSAMD20E18A-AU | ATSAMD20E16A-AUT | ATSAMD20E15B-MU |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Package | TQFP-32 (7x7 mm) | TQFP-32 (7x7 mm) - same | TQFP-32 (7x7 mm) - same | TQFP-32 (7x7 mm) - same | TQFP-32 (7x7 mm) - same | TQFP-32 (7x7 mm) - same |
| 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 Memory | 64 KB | 32 KB (-50%) | 128 KB (+100%) | 256 KB (+300%) | 64 KB (same) | 32 KB (-50%) |
| SRAM | 8 KB | 4 KB (-50%) | 16 KB (+100%) | 32 KB (+300%) | 8 KB (same) | 4 KB (-50%) |
| SERCOM Peripherals | 8 | 8 | 8 | 8 | 8 | 8 |
| 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 |
| Automotive Grade | No (industrial) | No | No | No | No | No |
Key Differentiators
- Mid-tier Flash density in SAM D20 family (vs ATSAMD20E15A-AU)
- Same family pin compatibility (vs ATSAMD20E18A-AU)
- Tray packaging for low-volume production (vs ATSAMD20E16A-AUT)
Design Notes
The VDDCORE pin requires two decoupling capacitors: a 1µF X5R ceramic in 0402 or 0603 placed within 5 mm of the pin, and a 100nF X7R bypass within 2 mm. Estimated: at 48 MHz active mode the core draws ~10 mA, while Standby drops below 1µA. Both capacitors must be on the same PCB layer as VDDCORE with no vias in the current path, per Microchip's SAM D20 reference design.
The TQFP-32 (7x7 mm) package requires a 4-layer PCB for best signal integrity: top signal, inner ground, inner power, bottom signal. Route the SWD signals (SWCLK, SWDIO) on the top layer with the debug connector within 50 mm to keep programming reliable. Avoid running high-frequency SERCOM traces under the MCU to reduce coupling into the ADC inputs.
Do not leave SERCOM peripherals unconfigured before first use - an unlocked SERCOM can output spurious characters on UART or generate garbage SPI frames. Call SERCOM_USART_CTRLA.SWRST, then re-initialize with the desired baud and pin mux, per the datasheet Peripheral Configuration section. Failing to lock the SERCOM is the #1 cause of 'first UART output is wrong' bugs on SAM D20 designs.
Compliance Information
RoHS and REACH compliant per Microchip product page. Industrial temperature grade (-40C to +85C), not AEC-Q100 qualified for automotive. For automotive applications, consider ATSAMxA1 automotive-grade variants.
