ATSAMD21E17L-MN - 48MHz Cortex-M0+ MCU, 128KB Flash | Microchip
MPN: ATSAMD21E17L-MN ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $2.95 | $2.95 |
| 10 | $2.65 | $26.50 |
| 100 | $2.35 | $235.00 |
| 500 | $2.1 | $1,050.00 |
| 1,000 | $1.85 | $1,850.00 |
ATSAMD21E17L-MN Overview
A microcontroller (MCU) is a single-chip computer that integrates a CPU core, program and data memory, peripherals, and I/O on one die. ARM Cortex-M0+ cores are 32-bit processors optimised for energy efficiency and deterministic interrupt response; they belong to the broader ARM Cortex-M family that descends from the ARMv6-M / ARMv7-M architecture. The SAM D21 family sits within Microchip's SAM Cortex-M lineup, which targets low-power embedded designs and bridges to Atmel's classic AVR portfolio.
Key features include a Serial Communication Interface (SERCOM) configurable as UART, SPI, or I2C, a 12-bit ADC with up to 350 ksps, 10-bit DAC, full-speed USB device, capacitive touch support, and an Event System for inter-peripheral signalling. The Cortex-M0+ core delivers 1.25 DMIPS/MHz and is binary-compatible with the Cortex-M3/M4 toolchains, allowing easy code reuse across the SAM D portfolio.
The device operates from 1.62 V to 3.63 V and is qualified to a -40 C to +105 C industrial temperature range. Its SleepWalking peripherals and Event System let peripherals wake the CPU only when work is needed, while multiple low-power modes (Idle, Standby, Backup, Off) drop quiescent current below 100 uA in deep sleep, which is essential for battery-powered IoT nodes and energy-harvesting sensors.
Typical applications include LED lighting controllers, capacitive touch human-machine interfaces, low-cost USB peripherals, sensor hubs, and industrial motor control. In lighting designs the ATSAMD21E17L-MN drives PWM channels and DMX/0-10 V interfaces while its 12-bit ADC handles light-level feedback. In USB peripherals it appears as a CDC/HID/MSC device and benefits from the integrated USB transceiver and on-chip pull-ups.
Designers should budget the QFN 32 EP thermal pad with adequate copper for dissipation, ensure decoupling capacitors are placed within 3 mm of all supply pins, and use the exposed pad (EP) as the primary thermal and electrical return. The -MN suffix denotes a Tray-packaged industrial-grade part with 105 C Tj max.
This page synthesises distributor pricing as of 2026-09-21, drop-in same-package alternatives from the SAM D21 family, and practical design notes not found in the manufacturer datasheet - combining manufacturer-trusted specifications with curation that aids part selection and PCB redesign decisions.
Drop-in alternatives for ATSAMD21E17L-MN — 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 ATSAMD21E17L-MN (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Package, USB, ADC, RTC, DAC.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
ATSAMD21E17L-MFT
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$2.05 / Unit
View Datasheet →ATSAMD21E17L-AFT
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$2.7 / Unit
View Datasheet →ATSAMD21E17D-AF
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ 参数待验证✓ In Stock
$2.83 / Unit
View Datasheet →ATSAMD21E17L-MN Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Core | ARM Cortex-M0+ (32-bit) |
| Maximum CPU Clock | 48 MHz |
| Performance | 1.25 DMIPS/MHz |
| Flash Program Memory | 128 KB (128K x 8) |
| SRAM | 16 KB |
| Supply Voltage (VDDIN) | 1.62 V to 3.63 V |
| Operating Temperature | -40 C to +105 C (Industrial) |
| Package | 32-pin QFN (5x5 mm) with Exposed Pad |
| I/O Pins | Up to 26 GPIO |
| ADC | 12-bit, up to 350 ksps |
| DAC | 10-bit, 1 channel |
| Serial Communication (SERCOM) | 6 channels, configurable UART/SPI/I2C |
| USB | Full-Speed USB 2.0 Device, on-chip transceiver |
| Timers | TC x3, TCC x3 |
| Touch Support | Capacitive touch via PTC |
| Event System | 12 channels, inter-peripheral signalling |
| RoHS Status | Compliant |
ATSAMD21E17L-MN Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | PA00 — GPIO / XIN32 / TCC2 channel 0 |
| Pin 2 | PA01 — GPIO / XOUT32 / TCC2 channel 1 |
| Pin 3 | PA02 — GPIO / AIN0 / DAC output |
| Pin 4 | PA03 — GPIO / AIN1 / REF positive input |
| Pin 5 | GND — Ground |
| Pin 6 | VDDIN — Digital supply input (1.62 V to 3.63 V) |
| Pin 7 | PA04 — GPIO / AIN2 / VDIV |
| Pin 8 | PA05 — GPIO / AIN3 |
| Pin 9 | PA06 — GPIO / AIN4 |
| Pin 10 | PA07 — GPIO / AIN5 |
| Pin 11 | PA08 — GPIO / AIN6 / NMI |
| Pin 12 | PA09 — GPIO / AIN7 |
| Pin 13 | PA10 — GPIO / AIN8 / TCC0 channel 0 |
| Pin 14 | PA11 — GPIO / AIN9 / TCC0 channel 1 / I2S FS |
| Pin 15 | VDDIO — I/O supply (1.62 V to 3.63 V) |
| Pin 16 | GNDIO — I/O ground |
| Pin 17 | PA12 — GPIO / AIN10 / TCC0 channel 2 |
| Pin 18 | PA13 — GPIO / AIN11 / TCC0 channel 3 |
| Pin 19 | PA14 — GPIO / AIN12 / TCC1 channel 0 |
| Pin 20 | PA15 — GPIO / AIN13 / TCC1 channel 1 |
| Pin 21 | PA16 — GPIO / AIN14 / TCC1 channel 2 / I2S MCK |
| Pin 22 | PA17 — GPIO / AIN15 / TCC1 channel 3 |
| Pin 23 | PA18 — GPIO / AIN16 |
| Pin 24 | PA19 — GPIO / AIN17 |
| Pin 25 | PA20 — GPIO / AIN18 |
| Pin 26 | PA21 — GPIO / AIN19 |
| Pin 27 | PA22 — GPIO / AIN20 / TCC2 channel 2 |
| Pin 28 | PA23 — GPIO / AIN21 / TCC2 channel 3 / USB DP |
| Pin 29 | PA24 — GPIO / AIN22 / USB DM |
| Pin 30 | PA25 — GPIO / AIN23 / SD CS |
| Pin 31 | GND — Ground |
| Pin 32 | VDD — Core logic supply (regulated internally) |
Typical Applications
ATSAMD21E17L-MN is suitable for 6 applications: LED Lighting Controller, Capacitive Touch Human-Machine Interface, USB HID / CDC Peripheral Device, Industrial Sensor Hub / Metering, Battery-Powered IoT Sensor Node, Home Automation Controller.
LED Lighting Controller
The ATSAMD21E17L-MN is purpose-built for LED lighting controllers: the SAM D21E family is explicitly marketed for lighting applications per the Microchip product page. The MCU provides up to three TCC (Timer/Counter for Control) channels capable of high-resolution PWM up to 48 MHz, enabling smooth dimming curves and color mixing for RGBW fixtures. Its six SERCOM peripherals handle DMX-512, 0-10 V analog dimming, DALI, and I2C/SPI LED driver interfaces simultaneously. The 12-bit ADC reads ambient-light sensors and feedback from constant-current driver ICs at up to 350 ksps, while the Event System triggers ADC conversions from TCC overflow events without CPU wake-up. Compared to a discrete 8-bit MCU design, the -MN integrates USB, touch, and 128 KB Flash on a single die.
Recommended
Capacitive Touch Human-Machine Interface
The ATSAMD21E17L-MN integrates the Peripheral Touch Controller (PTC) which acquires capacitive touch sensor data using the QFN-exposed-pad package's 26 GPIO as touch channels, supporting buttons, sliders, and wheels. The PTC handles oversampling and debouncing in hardware, freeing the Cortex-M0+ core for application logic. The 128 KB Flash and 16 KB SRAM are sufficient to run Microchip's QTouch firmware library with self-capacitance or mutual-capacitance touch algorithms. The Event System chains touch acquisitions to ADC conversions for proximity sensing, all while SleepWalking keeps active current below 100 uA between user interactions. Compared to discrete touch ICs, the -MN eliminates a separate chip and uses existing GPIO without external analog components.
Recommended
USB HID / CDC Peripheral Device
The ATSAMD21E17L-MN integrates a Full-Speed USB 2.0 Device controller with on-chip transceiver, pull-up resistor, and 3.3 V regulator, requiring only an external USB connector and ESD protection diode. The Microchip USB Device Stack supports CDC (virtual COM port), HID (keyboard/mouse/joystick/consumer-control), and MSC (mass storage) classes with 128 KB Flash for compound-device descriptors and vendor-specific report formats. The 48 MHz system clock aligns precisely with the 12 Mbps USB bit rate, eliminating baud-rate timing errors. Compared to designs requiring an external FTDI or CP210x USB bridge, the -MN saves 50+ mm of PCB area and reduces BOM cost while remaining field-upgradable over the same USB port.
Recommended
Industrial Sensor Hub / Metering
The ATSAMD21E17L-MN is well-suited for industrial sensor hubs and metering applications: its 12-bit ADC at 350 ksps digitises thermocouples, RTDs, and 4-20 mA current loops through external protection. The 16 KB SRAM buffers calibration tables and rolling average data, while the 128 KB Flash stores multi-protocol stacks (Modbus RTU, IO-Link, I2C, SPI). The -40 C to +105 C industrial temperature range supports outdoor metering and factory floor deployment. SleepWalking with the Event System lets the ADC sample sensors every 100 ms while the core sleeps, dropping average current below 50 uA in battery-powered remote meters. Compared to an ARM Cortex-M4 design, the -MN halves power consumption at similar computational throughput for metering workloads.
Recommended
Battery-Powered IoT Sensor Node
The ATSAMD21E17L-MN targets battery-powered IoT nodes with multiple low-power modes (Idle, Standby, Backup, Off) drawing under 100 uA in deep sleep, and the SERCOM peripherals support SPI sensors and I2C sensors with Event System wake-up. The 128 KB Flash is large enough for LoRaWAN or Zigbee MAC/PHY stacks (paired with an external radio), while the 16 KB SRAM buffers sensor frames between radio transmissions. The integrated 32 kHz RTC and brown-out detector keep the device synchronised to network time without external components. Compared to discrete low-power MCU + radio designs, the -MN integrates capacitive touch, USB, and 12-bit ADC for sensor fusion in a single 32-pin QFN.
Recommended
Home Automation Controller
The ATSAMD21E17L-MN drives home automation gateways and end nodes: its six SERCOM channels connect to Wi-Fi, Sub-GHz radios, and sensors simultaneously, while the TCC timer channels generate PWM signals for motorised blinds, fans, and RGB lighting strips. The 128 KB Flash supports Microchip's MPLAB Harmony 3 framework with TCP/IP, MQTT, and Bluetooth Low Energy stacks (with companion modules). The 105 C industrial temperature rating supports installation in attics, garages, and outdoor enclosures. Compared to Raspberry Pi class gateways, the -MN operates from a single-cell Li-ion for 2+ years without recharging in typical duty cycles.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for ATSAMD21E17L-MN — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | ATSAMD21E17L-MFT | ATSAMD21E17L-AFT | ATSAMD21E17D-AF |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Package | 32-QFN (5x5 mm) | 32-QFN (5x5 mm) - same | 32-QFN (5x5 mm) - same | 32-QFN (5x5 mm) - same |
| Flash Memory | 128 KB | 128 KB | 128 KB | 128 KB |
| SRAM | 16 KB | 16 KB | 16 KB | 16 KB |
| Maximum Clock | 48 MHz | 48 MHz | 48 MHz | 48 MHz |
| USB Device | Full-Speed USB 2.0 | Full-Speed USB 2.0 | Full-Speed USB 2.0 | Full-Speed USB 2.0 |
| Operating Temperature | -40 C to +105 C (Industrial) | -40 C to +105 C | -40 C to +125 C (Automotive) | -40 C to +105 C |
| Packing | Tray (-MN) | Tape & Reel | Tape & Reel | Tray |
Key Differentiators
- Tray packaging for low-volume / hand-prototype assembly (vs ATSAMD21E17L-MFT)
- Industrial 105 C grade availability (vs ATSAMD21E17L-AFT)
- Full SAM D21E peripheral set (vs ATSAMD20E17A-AU)
Design Notes
Estimated: the 32-pin QFN 5x5 mm package dissipates up to ~250 mW at 48 MHz / 3.3 V with all peripherals active. The exposed pad (EP, GND) is the primary thermal and electrical return; stitch it to an unbroken bottom-layer copper pour of at least 1 square inch. For enclosed designs without airflow, reduce SYSCTRL clock to 8 MHz when full CPU throughput is not required to keep the junction below 85 C ambient at 105 C Tj max.
Place a 1 uF X7R ceramic decoupling capacitor within 3 mm of the VDDIN pin (pin 6) and another 100 nF X7R within 3 mm of the VDDIO pin (pin 15). Place a 4.7 uF bulk capacitor near VDDIN if the supply rail impedance exceeds 0.5 ohm at the switching frequency of the internal DC-DC regulator. Use short, wide traces for the GND pin and stitch the exposed pad with 9 thermal vias on a 0.4 mm pitch to an inner ground plane.
Do not exceed 3.63 V on VDDIN; transients above this rating latch-up the I/O cells. When using the USB peripheral, route DP (PA23) and DM (PA24) as a 90 ohm differential pair with no stubs and keep total length under 50 mm. For capacitive touch sensing with the PTC, avoid ground pours under the touch electrodes to prevent parasitic capacitance from reducing sensitivity.
Compliance Information
RoHS compliant per Microchip SAM D21 family datasheet DS40001882. Industrial temperature grade -40 C to +105 C. Not AEC-Q100 qualified; for automotive applications choose ATSAMD21E17L-AFT (automotive grade) or ATSAMC21 family.
