ATSAMD20E16A-MNT - 48MHz Cortex-M0+ MCU 64KB Flash | Microchip
MPN: ATSAMD20E16A-MNT ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $3.1 | $3.10 |
| 10 | $2.8 | $28.00 |
| 100 | $2.55 | $255.00 |
| 500 | $2.3 | $1,150.00 |
| 1,000 | $2.05 | $2,050.00 |
| 3,000 | $1.85 | $5,550.00 |
ATSAMD20E16A-MNT 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 SAM D20 family sits within Microchip's ARM Cortex-M0+ portfolio, positioned as a low-power general-purpose MCU hierarchy: Cortex-M0+ -> ARM Cortex-M -> 32-bit microcontroller -> embedded MCU -> semiconductor. The ATSAMD20E16A-MNT belongs to the SAM D20E sub-family, which targets compact 32-pin designs requiring balanced performance, low active and sleep current, and rich peripheral integration.
Key features include a 48MHz maximum CPU clock, 1.62V to 3.63V operating voltage range, six SERCOM modules (each configurable as UART, SPI, or I2C), 10-bit ADC and DAC, 16-bit timers, RTC, and full-speed USB device support. The integrated event system and peripheral touch controller (PTC) enable responsive sensor and user-interface implementations without burdening the CPU.
Technically, the device achieves 2.14 CoreMark/MHz efficiency typical of the Cortex-M0+ architecture, with single-cycle I/O access and a low-latency interrupt controller. The 32-VQFN package (5x5 mm) exposes 24 GPIO lines with peripheral multiplexing, supports -40C to +105C industrial operating range (per the MNT suffix), and uses an exposed pad for thermal dissipation.
Typical applications include home automation endpoints, smart metering, industrial sensor nodes, consumer electronics with touch UI, and low-power IoT devices. The combination of six SERCOM instances, USB device, and ADC/DAC on-chip reduces external component count.
When designing with this part, verify that the 32-VQFN exposed pad is soldered to a sufficient copper pour for thermal and electrical grounding. Use Microchip's Atmel Studio / MPLAB X IDE with the ASF or Harmony 3 frameworks for peripheral configuration; legacy code targeting the ATSAMD20 series is broadly portable across the family.
Drop-in alternatives for ATSAMD20E16A-MNT — 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-MNT (same form factor and footprint) — differing in ADC, Package, Program Memory (Flash), SERCOM Modules, SRAM.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
ATSAMD20E16A-AUT
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ Specs Unverified✓ In Stock
$1.44 / Unit
View Datasheet →ATSAMD20E15B-MU
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ Specs Unverified✓ In Stock
$1.1 / Unit
View Datasheet →ATSAMC20E16A-MNT
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ Specs Unverified✓ In Stock
$1.85 / Unit
View Datasheet →ATSAMC20E15A-MNT
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ Specs Unverified✓ In Stock
$1.42 / Unit
View Datasheet →ATSAMD20E14B-AU
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ Specs Unverified✓ In Stock
$1.45 / Unit
View Datasheet →ATSAMD20E16A-MNT Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Core Architecture | ARM Cortex-M0+ |
| CPU Bit Width | 32-bit |
| Maximum CPU Frequency | 48 MHz |
| CoreMark/MHz | 2.14 |
| Program Flash Memory | 64 KB (64K x 8) |
| SRAM | 8 KB |
| Operating Voltage Range | 1.62 V to 3.63 V |
| SERCOM Modules | 6 (configurable UART/SPI/I2C) |
| ADC | 10-bit (channels per pin count) |
| DAC | 10-bit |
| USB | Full-speed USB Device |
| Timers | 16-bit TC modules |
| Operating Temperature Range | -40C to +105C |
| Package | 32-pin VQFN (5x5 mm) |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| RoHS Status | Compliant |
ATSAMD20E16A-MNT Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | PA00 — GPIO / SERCOM1[0] / TCC2[0] |
| Pin 2 | PA01 — GPIO / SERCOM1[1] / TCC2[1] |
| Pin 3 | PA02 — GPIO / SERCOM0[0] / ADC_AIN0 / DAC_VOUT |
| Pin 4 | PA03 — GPIO / SERCOM0[1] / ADC_AIN1 / REF_VREFA |
| Pin 5 | PA04 — GPIO / SERCOM0[2] / ADC_AIN2 / VREFB |
| Pin 6 | PA05 — GPIO / SERCOM0[3] / ADC_AIN3 |
| Pin 7 | PA06 — GPIO / SERCOM2[0] / ADC_AIN4 / PTC_X0 |
| Pin 8 | PA07 — GPIO / SERCOM2[1] / ADC_AIN5 / PTC_X1 |
| Pin 9 | VDDIO — Digital I/O supply voltage |
| Pin 10 | GND — Ground |
| Pin 11 | PA08 — GPIO / SERCOM2[2] / ADC_AIN6 / USB_DM |
| Pin 12 | PA09 — GPIO / SERCOM2[3] / ADC_AIN7 / USB_DP |
| Pin 13 | PA10 — GPIO / SERCOM0[2] / ADC_AIN8 / TCC1[0] |
| Pin 14 | PA11 — GPIO / SERCOM0[3] / ADC_AIN9 / TCC1[1] |
| Pin 15 | PA14 — GPIO / SERCOM2[2] / TCC0[4] |
| Pin 16 | PA15 — GPIO / SERCOM2[3] / TCC0[5] |
| Pin 17 | PA16 — GPIO / SERCOM1[0] / TCC2[0] / I2S_SDI |
| Pin 18 | PA17 — GPIO / SERCOM1[1] / TCC2[1] / I2S_SDO |
| Pin 19 | PA18 — GPIO / SERCOM1[2] / TC3[0] |
| Pin 20 | PA19 — GPIO / SERCOM1[3] / TC3[1] |
| Pin 21 | PA20 — GPIO / SERCOM3[0] / TC4[0] |
| Pin 22 | PA21 — GPIO / SERCOM3[1] / TC4[1] |
| Pin 23 | PA22 — GPIO / SERCOM3[2] / TC5[0] / I2S_FS |
| Pin 24 | PA23 — GPIO / SERCOM3[3] / TC5[1] / I2S_SCK |
| Pin 25 | PA24 — GPIO / SERCOM5[2] / USB_DM |
| Pin 26 | PA25 — GPIO / SERCOM5[3] / USB_DP |
| Pin 27 | VDDCORE — Internal core voltage (decoupling cap) |
| Pin 28 | GND — Ground |
| Pin 29 | PA27 — GPIO / SERCOM5[1] / GCLK_IO[1] |
| Pin 30 | PA28 — GPIO / SERCOM5[0] / GCLK_IO[0] |
| Pin 31 | RESET — Reset input, active low |
| Pin 32 | VDDIN — Voltage regulator input supply |
Typical Applications
ATSAMD20E16A-MNT is suitable for 6 applications: Home Automation Endpoints, Smart Metering, Industrial Sensor Nodes, Consumer Electronics with Touch UI, Low-Power IoT Devices, USB Peripheral Devices.
Home Automation Endpoints
The ATSAMD20E16A-MNT's 48MHz Cortex-M0+ core, 64KB flash, and 6 SERCOM interfaces (UART/SPI/I2C) make it well-suited for smart home devices such as wireless sensor nodes, smart switches, and HVAC controllers. The 1.62V-3.63V operating range allows direct battery or USB power input. The integrated 10-bit ADC reads temperature, humidity, and occupancy sensors, while SERCOM channels drive external radios or displays. The 32-VQFN footprint enables compact PCB designs that fit behind wall switches. Compared to 8-bit MCUs, the Cortex-M0+ delivers 2.14 CoreMark/MHz, enabling responsive user interfaces with the same power budget.
Recommended
Smart Metering
The ATSAMD20E16A-MNT fits smart electricity, water, and gas meters with its low-power Sleep modes and 10-bit ADC for analog front-end sampling. The 64KB flash stores metering algorithms and calibration data, while 8KB SRAM buffers measurement samples. USB device support simplifies factory calibration and firmware updates. The -40C to +105C industrial temperature rating handles outdoor meter enclosures. Compared to discrete ADC plus MCU designs, the integrated ADC and Cortex-M0+ reduce BOM and PCB area. Six SERCOM interfaces connect to communication modules (Wi-Fi, PLC, or RF).
Recommended
Industrial Sensor Nodes
The ATSAMD20E16A-MNT powers industrial 4-20mA loop-powered sensors, Modbus RTU nodes, and machine monitoring endpoints. The 1.62V minimum supply voltage supports 3.3V industrial rails with regulation headroom. Six SERCOM instances allow simultaneous SPI sensor, I2C EEPROM, and UART communication links. The 48MHz clock provides deterministic response for control loops. The 32-VQFN package fits within sealed sensor housings. Compared to larger QFP packages, the 5x5 mm VQFN enables miniaturized sensor form factors. Extended -40C to +105C operation handles factory floor environments.
Recommended
Consumer Electronics with Touch UI
The ATSAMD20E16A-MNT's integrated Peripheral Touch Controller (PTC) supports capacitive touch buttons, sliders, and proximity sensors without external touch ICs. Combined with 64KB flash for UI logic and 8KB SRAM for display buffers, the device drives small TFT or OLED displays via SERCOM-configured SPI. The 48MHz core executes graphics rendering smoothly. The 32-VQFN footprint fits inside compact consumer product enclosures like coffee makers, kitchen scales, and audio peripherals. Compared to touch IC plus separate MCU architectures, the integrated approach reduces system cost and PCB area.
Recommended
Low-Power IoT Devices
The ATSAMD20E16A-MNT is appropriate for battery-powered IoT devices with its deep-sleep current and event system that wakes peripherals without CPU intervention. The 1.62V minimum voltage supports single-cell Li-FeS2 or alkaline battery chemistries directly. The 64KB flash accommodates BLE stack or LoRaWAN libraries, while SERCOM channels connect to radio modules. USB device enables charging and firmware updates via standard cables. The 32-VQFN footprint suits wearable and portable form factors. Compared to higher-performance Cortex-M4 devices, the M0+ delivers sufficient throughput at lower power.
Recommended
USB Peripheral Devices
The ATSAMD20E16A-MNT's integrated full-speed USB device controller enables HID-class peripherals, USB-to-UART bridges, and USB data loggers. The 64KB flash fits USB stack and application code, while 8KB SRAM handles USB endpoint buffers and protocol state. The Cortex-M0+ core processes USB transactions with deterministic latency at 48MHz. The 32-VQFN package integrates into compact dongle and cable assemblies. Compared to external USB interface chips plus MCU designs, the integrated USB reduces component count and BOM cost. The 1.62V-3.63V supply supports bus-powered 5V designs with internal LDO.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for ATSAMD20E16A-MNT — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | ATSAMD20E16A-AUT | ATSAMD20E15B-MU | ATSAMC20E16A-MNT | ATSAMC20E15A-MNT | ATSAMD20E14B-AU |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Package | QFN-32 (5x5 mm) | QFN-32 - same | QFN-32 (MU) - same footprint | QFN-32 (MNT) - same | QFN-32 (MNT) - same | QFN-32 (AU) - same footprint |
| Core | ARM Cortex-M0+ | ARM Cortex-M0+ | ARM Cortex-M0+ | ARM Cortex-M0+ | ARM Cortex-M0+ | ARM Cortex-M0+ |
| Max Clock Speed | 48 MHz | 48 MHz | 48 MHz | 48 MHz | 48 MHz | 48 MHz |
| Flash Memory | 64 KB | 64 KB | 32 KB (-50%) | 64 KB | 32 KB (-50%) | 16 KB (-75%) |
| SRAM | 8 KB | 8 KB | 4 KB (-50%) | 8 KB | 4 KB (-50%) | 4 KB (-50%) |
| Operating Voltage | 1.62V to 3.63V | 1.62V to 3.63V | 1.62V to 3.63V | 2.7V to 5.5V (wider) | 2.7V to 5.5V (wider) | 1.62V to 3.63V |
| USB | Full-speed Device | Full-speed Device | Full-speed Device | No USB (safety focused) | No USB | Full-speed Device |
| Operating Temperature | -40C to +105C (industrial) | -40C to +85C (automotive grade) | -40C to +85C | -40C to +105C | -40C to +105C | -40C to +85C |
| Functional Safety | Standard (no Class B) | Standard | Standard | IEC 60730 Class B libraries | IEC 60730 Class B libraries | Standard |
Key Differentiators
- Industrial temperature range -40C to +105C (vs ATSAMD20E16A-AUT)
- Full 64KB flash and 8KB SRAM configuration (vs ATSAMD20E15B-MU)
- Integrated USB device controller (vs ATSAMC20E16A-MNT)
Design Notes
The 32-VQFN package has an exposed thermal pad (pin 33) that MUST be soldered to a ground plane for electrical grounding and thermal dissipation. Use an array of thermal vias under the pad to conduct heat to inner ground layers. Recommended land pattern follows IPC-7351 nominal-density guidelines with 0.5 mm pitch. Decoupling capacitors: place 100nF X7R as close as possible to VDDIN, VDDIO, and VDDCORE pins, with an additional 4.7uF bulk capacitor on VDDIN. Estimated: this layout typically keeps ripple below 50 mVpp on VDDIO under 48MHz operation.
The ATSAMD20E16A-MNT includes an internal voltage regulator that converts VDDIN (1.62V-3.63V) to VDDCORE (1.2V typical). The VDDCORE pin requires a 1uF X7R decoupling capacitor to ground. Brown-out detectors (BOD33 and BOD12) monitor supply voltage; configure thresholds via fuses to match application requirements. For battery-powered designs, leverage the SAM D20's Sleep and Standby modes to reduce current below 5uA in deep sleep. Estimated: typical active current at 48MHz is 7-10 mA, dropping to under 3 mA at 8MHz.
Do not confuse the SAM D20 (ATSAMD20) family with the SAM C20 (ATSAMC20) family - they differ in voltage range, USB availability, and functional safety libraries. When migrating code from ATSAM3X/4X or SAM D21 platforms, verify SERCOM numbering and pin multiplexing as the SAM D20E uses a different peripheral mapping. The PA08/PA09 USB pins require careful PCB routing with 90-ohm differential impedance. Watchdog timer must be enabled in safety-critical applications to recover from firmware lockups.
SERCOM peripheral assignment is configurable at runtime via the PORT multiplexer; multiple peripheral functions can share pins but only one is active at a time. When using USB, route PA24/PA25 (or PA08/PA09 on some variants) as a 90-ohm differential pair with matched length and continuous ground reference. For SPI interfaces above 10 MHz, keep traces short and add source-series termination to reduce reflections. I2C buses require external pull-up resistors (typically 2.2k-10k) on SDA and SCL lines.
Compliance Information
RoHS compliant per Microchip product page. Not AEC-Q100 qualified - choose ATSAMD20E16A-AUT for automotive applications. Lead-free and halogen-free per Microchip environmental compliance documentation.
