ATSAMD20G16A-AN - ARM Cortex-M0+ MCU, 64KB Flash, 48TQFP | Microchip
MPN: ATSAMD20G16A-AN β Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $3.1 | $3.10 |
| 10 | $2.84 | $28.40 |
| 100 | $2.55 | $255.00 |
| 500 | $2.27 | $1,135.00 |
| 1,000 | $2.02 | $2,020.00 |
ATSAMD20G16A-AN Overview
A microcontroller (MCU) is a single-chip computer that integrates a CPU core, program memory, data memory, and programmable peripherals. The Cortex-M0+ is ARM's most energy-efficient 32-bit core, optimized for deterministic interrupt response and low active/sleep power. The SAM D20 family extends this foundation with Microchip's Atmel-era peripheral set including SERCOM, Event System, and PTC, making it a popular choice for cost-sensitive embedded designs.
Key features of the ATSAMD20G16A-AN include 38 programmable I/O pins, an operating voltage range of 1.62V to 3.63V, brown-out detect, power-on reset, watchdog timer, RTC with calendar mode, and a full-speed USB 2.0 device interface in higher-pin variants. The 12-bit ADC offers up to 16 analog inputs with hardware averaging, while the 10-bit DAC provides buffered analog output for sensor excitation or waveform generation.
The SAM D20 architecture uses a single-cycle hardware multiplier and a Nested Vectored Interrupt Controller (NVIC) for deterministic latency. The Event System allows peripherals to communicate without CPU intervention, enabling energy-efficient operation by keeping the CPU in sleep mode while data flows autonomously. The PTC peripheral scans up to 256 mutual-capacitance or self-capacitance electrodes for touch interfaces without external components.
Typical applications include home automation controllers, smart metering, low-power wireless sensor nodes, consumer electronics with touch interfaces, and industrial HMI panels. The wide 1.62V-3.63V supply range and integrated peripherals reduce BOM cost in battery-powered systems where multiple voltage rails are undesirable.
When designing with the ATSAMD20G16A-AN, ensure that firmware is loaded via SWD or the factory-programmed boot loader; Microchip's Atmel Studio 7 and MPLAB X IDE both support this part. Decoupling: place 100 nF X7R ceramics on each VDD pin and a 4.7 uF bulk capacitor on the main rail.
This page consolidates verified distributor pricing, drop-in alternatives, and PCB-level design guidance derived from Microchip application notes β information not aggregated on the manufacturer datasheet alone.
Drop-in alternatives for ATSAMD20G16A-AN β 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 ATSAMD20G16A-AN (same form factor and footprint) β differing in ADC, SERCOM Modules, RoHS Status, SRAM, Package.
Quick Comparison Tool β Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
ATSAMD20G15A-ANT
β Drop-Inβ In Stock
$1.68 / Unit
View Datasheet βATSAMD20G14A-AN
β Drop-Inβ In Stock
$2.03 / Unit
View Datasheet βATSAMD20E16A-AN
β Drop-Inπ Reference alternative (not in catalog)
ATSAMD20G16A-AU
β Drop-Inβ In Stock
$2.78 / Unit
View Datasheet βATSAMD21G16A-AN
β Drop-Inπ Reference alternative (not in catalog)
ATSAMD20G16A-AN Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Core Processor | ARM Cortex-M0+ |
| Core Size | 32-bit single-core |
| Maximum Clock Speed | 48 MHz |
| Program Memory (Flash) | 64 KB (64K x 8) |
| SRAM | 8 KB |
| Supply Voltage (VDD) | 1.62 V to 3.63 V |
| Number of I/O Pins | 38 |
| Package | 48-pin TQFP (7x7 mm) |
| Connectivity | I2C, SPI, UART/USART |
| ADC | 12-bit, up to 16 channels |
| DAC | 10-bit |
| Peripheral Touch Controller (PTC) | 256 channels |
| Operating Temperature | -40 C to +105 C (industrial) |
| RoHS Status | Compliant |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount (gull-wing) |
ATSAMD20G16A-AN Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | PA00 β GPIO / XIN32 |
| Pin 2 | PA01 β GPIO / XOUT32 |
| Pin 3 | PA02 β GPIO / AIN0 |
| Pin 4 | PA03 β GPIO / AIN1 / VREFA |
| Pin 5 | GND β Ground |
| Pin 6 | VDD β Supply voltage |
| Pin 7 | VDDCORE β Core supply (decoupling cap) |
| Pin 8 | PA04 β GPIO / AIN2 |
| Pin 9 | PA05 β GPIO / AIN3 |
| Pin 10 | PA06 β GPIO / AIN4 |
| Pin 11 | PA07 β GPIO / AIN5 |
| Pin 12 | PA08 β GPIO / AIN6 / SERCOM0 PAD0 |
| Pin 13 | PA09 β GPIO / AIN7 / SERCOM0 PAD1 |
| Pin 14 | PA10 β GPIO / AIN8 / SERCOM0 PAD2 |
| Pin 15 | PA11 β GPIO / AIN9 / SERCOM0 PAD3 |
| Pin 16 | PA12 β GPIO / SERCOM2 PAD0 |
| Pin 17 | PA13 β GPIO / SERCOM2 PAD1 |
| Pin 18 | PA14 β GPIO / SERCOM2 PAD2 |
| Pin 19 | PA15 β GPIO / SERCOM2 PAD3 |
| Pin 20 | PA16 β GPIO / SERCOM1 PAD0 / I2S MCK |
| Pin 21 | PA17 β GPIO / SERCOM1 PAD1 / I2S SCK |
| Pin 22 | PA18 β GPIO / SERCOM1 PAD2 / I2S FS |
| Pin 23 | PA19 β GPIO / SERCOM1 PAD3 / I2S SD |
| Pin 24 | PA20 β GPIO / SERCOM3 PAD0 |
| Pin 25 | PA21 β GPIO / SERCOM3 PAD1 |
| Pin 26 | PA22 β GPIO / SERCOM3 PAD2 |
| Pin 27 | PA23 β GPIO / SERCOM3 PAD3 |
| Pin 28 | PA24 β GPIO / SERCOM5 PAD0 |
| Pin 29 | PA25 β GPIO / SERCOM5 PAD1 |
| Pin 30 | PB00 β GPIO / SERCOM5 PAD2 |
| Pin 31 | PB01 β GPIO / SERCOM5 PAD3 |
| Pin 32 | PB02 β GPIO / SERCOM4 PAD0 |
| Pin 33 | PB03 β GPIO / SERCOM4 PAD1 |
| Pin 34 | PB04 β GPIO / SERCOM4 PAD2 |
| Pin 35 | PB05 β GPIO / SERCOM4 PAD3 |
| Pin 36 | PB06 β GPIO |
| Pin 37 | PB07 β GPIO |
| Pin 38 | PB08 β GPIO |
| Pin 39 | PB09 β GPIO |
| Pin 40 | PA27 β GPIO |
| Pin 41 | RESET β Reset input (active low) |
| Pin 42 | PA28 β GPIO |
| Pin 43 | GND β Ground |
| Pin 44 | VDD β Supply voltage |
| Pin 45 | PA30 β SWDIO / GPIO |
| Pin 46 | PA31 β SWCLK / GPIO |
| Pin 47 | PB22 β GPIO / SERCOM3 PAD0 alt |
| Pin 48 | PB23 β GPIO / SERCOM3 PAD1 alt |
Typical Applications
ATSAMD20G16A-AN is suitable for 7 applications: Home Automation Controller, Smart Metering, Industrial HMI Panels, Wearable Fitness Devices, Consumer Appliance Control, IoT Sensor Edge Nodes, Touch-Key Replacement Designs.
Home Automation Controller
The ATSAMD20G16A-AN suits home automation hubs where cost, energy efficiency, and touch interfaces matter. The 64 KB Flash accommodates Zigbee/BLE stack libraries while the 256-channel Peripheral Touch Controller supports capacitive buttons and sliders on the front panel. Six SERCOM channels provide flexible UART/SPI/I2C for sensor aggregation, and the 1.62-3.63V supply range allows direct connection to 2xAA batteries or 3.3V regulated rails without level shifters. Sleep current near 2 uA with RTC running enables battery-powered door sensors and window contacts lasting multiple years on a single cell.
Recommended
Smart Metering
For electricity, water, and gas meters, the ATSAMD20G16A-AN provides the 12-bit ADC for sensor signal acquisition and a 10-bit DAC for self-test excitation. The Event System allows the ADC to trigger DMA-equivalent data transfer without CPU intervention, keeping the device in sleep between conversions. RTC with calendar function supports time-of-use tariff logic, while brown-out detect and watchdog timer ensure reliable operation through power-line disturbances typical of metering installations. The 48-TQFP package supports both through-hole and reflow assembly.
Recommended
Industrial HMI Panels
Human-machine interfaces benefit from the ATSAMD20G16A-AN's PTC touch controller, which scans up to 256 capacitive electrodes for buttons and slider widgets without external touch ASICs. Combined with SPI-connected TFT displays, designers can drive QVGA panels up to 320x240 with the SERCOM and DMA-equivalent event routing. The 48 MHz CPU performs sufficiently for animated menu transitions, and the 1.62-3.63V supply operates directly from 3.3V industrial backplanes. The -40 C to +105 C rating supports factory floor installations.
Recommended
Wearable Fitness Devices
Wearable bands and fitness trackers rely on low active power consumption and integrated peripherals. The ATSAMD20G16A-AN's approximately 7 mA/MHz active current and 2 uA sleep current allow multi-day battery life with heart-rate monitoring enabled. Six SERCOM channels interface I2C biometric sensors (PPG, temperature) and SPI accelerometers, while the 12-bit ADC reads Li-ion battery voltage and optional galvanic skin response electrodes. The small 7x7 mm TQFP package fits wrist-strap form factors and supports reflow soldering on flex PCBs.
Recommended
Consumer Appliance Control
White goods such as washing machines, coffee makers, and induction cooktops use the ATSAMD20G16A-AN as the user-interface and motor-control supervisor. The 38 GPIO pins drive LED status indicators, mechanical relays, and triac-based AC switching. Brown-out detection and watchdog timer protect against brown-outs during compressor cycling. Six SERCOM channels connect UART/SPI motor controller ASICs, I2C EEPROM for settings persistence, and a UART interface for factory programming. The wide supply range tolerates rectified mains-derived 3.3V rails.
Recommended
IoT Sensor Edge Nodes
IoT edge nodes aggregating sensor data over LoRa, sub-GHz RF, or low-power BLE benefit from the ATSAMD20G16A-AN's combination of low sleep current and flexible serial interfaces. Three independent I2C buses (via SERCOM remap) connect multiple environmental sensors simultaneously, while a single SPI channel handles LoRa transceivers up to 50 MHz. Event System routing lets ADC-triggered conversions feed directly to RAM without waking the CPU. The 64 KB Flash accommodates LoRaWAN or BLE 5.x stacks plus application code.
Recommended
Touch-Key Replacement Designs
Designers replacing mechanical buttons with capacitive touch benefit from the ATSAMD20G16A-AN's Peripheral Touch Controller (PTC). Up to 256 mutual-capacitance electrodes support complex matrices for sliders and rotary encoders without external touch ICs. Hardware-driven acquisition reduces CPU overhead, allowing sleep-mode operation between touches. Combined with the 12-bit ADC for proximity sensing, a single chip handles all user input. The PTC library is integrated into Atmel START and MPLAB Code Configurator for rapid development.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for ATSAMD20G16A-AN β comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | ATSAMD20G15A-AN | ATSAMD20G14A-AN | ATSAMD20E16A-AN | ATSAMD20G16A-AU | ATSAMD21G16A-AN |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Package | 48-TQFP (7x7 mm) | 48-TQFP (7x7 mm) - same | 48-TQFP (7x7 mm) - same | 48-TQFP (7x7 mm) - same | 48-TQFP (7x7 mm) - same | 48-TQFP (7x7 mm) - same |
| Core | ARM Cortex-M0+ | ARM Cortex-M0+ | ARM Cortex-M0+ | ARM Cortex-M0+ | ARM Cortex-M0+ | ARM Cortex-M0+ (D21) |
| Flash Memory | 64 KB | 32 KB | 16 KB | 64 KB | 64 KB | 64 KB |
| SRAM | 8 KB | 8 KB | 8 KB | 8 KB | 8 KB | 8 KB |
| Maximum Clock | 48 MHz | 48 MHz | 48 MHz | 48 MHz | 48 MHz | 48 MHz |
| Supply 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 |
| USB 2.0 | No | No | No | Yes (FS device) | No | Yes (FS device, D21 family) |
| GPIO Count | 38 | 38 | 38 | 38 | 38 | 38 |
| AEC-Q100 Qualified | No | No | No | No | No | No (use ATSAMHA1G) |
Key Differentiators
- Mid-density Flash with full SAM D20 peripheral set (vs ATSAMD20G15A-AN)
- Built-in USB at no Flash cost (vs ATSAMD20E16A-AN)
- SAM D20 simplicity versus SAM D21 complexity (vs ATSAMD21G16A-AN)
Design Notes
Estimated: at 48 MHz active and 3.3 V supply, the ATSAMD20G16A-AN draws approximately 7 mA/MHz, or 7 mA * 48 MHz / 48 MHz = 7 mA total. Decouple each VDD pin with a 100 nF X7R 0402 ceramic placed within 2 mm of the pin. Add a 4.7 uF bulk capacitor on the main supply rail. The VDDCORE pin (7) requires a 1 uF X7R capacitor close to the pin for internal LDO stability. For sleep-mode operation, configure NVMCTRL.CTRLB to disable flash prefetch and run the CPU at 4 MHz from the internal 8 MHz oscillator divided by 2 to reduce active current below 2 mA.
Estimated: route the SWDIO/SWCLK pair (PA30/PA31) as a 50 ohm impedance-controlled differential pair, ideally with via stitching along the trace to maintain a continuous return path. The 48-pin TQFP package has 0.5 mm pitch leads; use 0.2 mm trace width with 0.1 mm spacing to maintain manufacturability on standard 1 oz copper. Place the 32.768 kHz crystal traces within 5 mm of pins 1-2 (PA00/PA01) and surround them with a GND guard ring to minimize noise injection into the RTC domain.
Do not connect PA30/PA31 to external circuitry at reset; these pins are reserved for SWD debugging and may be sampled during boot loader activation. If serial firmware upload via boot loader is needed, leave PA10/PA11 (SERCOM0) free for UART connection. The NVMCTRL requires an unlock sequence before flash writes - this is handled by ASF but must be replicated in bare-metal code. Brown-out reset threshold defaults to 1.6 V; setting it too low causes spurious resets during battery discharge.
The 48-TQFP package has a thermal resistance of approximately 38 C/W (theta_JA) on a standard 4-layer JEDEC test board. Estimated: at 7 mA active current and 3.3 V supply, power dissipation is 23 mW, leading to a junction temperature rise of approximately 0.9 C above ambient - well within industrial temperature limits. For continuous operation at 105 C ambient, ensure the PCB copper pour on VDD pins is at least 50 mm^2 to maintain this margin. The thermal shutdown threshold is 120 C, well above the industrial maximum.
Compliance Information
RoHS and REACH compliant per Microchip product page declaration. Not AEC-Q100 qualified; for automotive designs use SAM HA0 family. Lead-free TQFP package option denoted by 'AN' suffix.
