ATSAMDA1-XPRO - SAM DA1 Xplained Pro ARM Cortex-M0+ Eval Board
MPN: ATSAMDA1-XPRO ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $90.4 | $90.40 |
| 10 | $85.5 | $855.00 |
| 25 | $81.2 | $2,030.00 |
| 50 | $76.8 | $3,840.00 |
| 100 | $72 | $7,200.00 |
ATSAMDA1-XPRO Overview
An evaluation board is a printed-circuit assembly built around a target microcontroller that gives engineers a ready-made platform for firmware bring-up, peripheral exploration, and bench characterization without designing a custom PCB first. Evaluation boards typically integrate an on-board debugger, voltage regulation, user LEDs/buttons, and standardized expansion headers; in the embedded ecosystem they sit at the base of the development toolchain hierarchy (IDE -> compiler/debugger -> evaluation board -> custom prototype -> production PCB).
Key features of the ATSAMDA1-XPRO include the Xplained Pro extension-compatible edge connector, an integrated Atmel-ICE / EDBG-compatible on-board debugger, mikroBUS and Xplained Pro header access to GPIO/ADC/I2C/SPI/UART, and support for the Atmel Studio / MPLAB X toolchain. The kit supports 32-, 48-, and 64-pin SAM DA1 device variants, all hex-compatible with shared linear address maps. Compliance includes RoHS for environmental safety and automotive-grade MCU qualification (AEC-Q100) on the target device.
The SAM DA1 architecture pairs the Cortex-M0+ core with a DMA controller, 6 SERCOM peripherals, a 12-bit ADC, 10-bit DAC, and a hardware Peripheral Touch Controller. With 2.46 CoreMark/MHz, the device delivers predictable performance for low-power always-on automotive HMI, capacitive touch, and CAN/LIN nodes. The kit's on-board debugger streams SWD directly to MPLAB X / Atmel Studio, removing the need for an external probe during software bring-up.
Typical applications include automotive HMI with capacitive touch, body electronics and lighting controls, CAN/LIN sensor nodes, BLDC/PMSM low-side motor drivers, low-power IoT sensing nodes, and seat/steering wheel/mirror touch replacement. The combination of AEC-Q100 MCU qualification and PTC support makes it particularly suited to interior automotive user interfaces.
When designing with this kit, be aware that the ATSAMDA1-XPRO is the host evaluation board only - target SAM DA1 device variants (e.g., ATSAMDA1G16B, ATSAMDA1J16B) are not soldered by default in all SKUs. Always verify which SAM DA1 silicon is populated before loading firmware images; some SKUs ship with a socketed device, others with a pre-flashed variant.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing, drop-in kit alternatives, and practical bring-up guidance not found in the manufacturer's user guide alone, giving automotive and embedded engineers a faster path from datasheet to working prototype.
Drop-in alternatives for ATSAMDA1-XPRO — 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 ATSAMDA1-XPRO (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Product Type, Target MCU, Debug Interface, Extension Headers, Form Factor.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
ATSAMD21-XPRO
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$36.25 / Unit
View Datasheet →ATSAMHA1G16A-XPRO
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ 参数待验证✓ In Stock
$73.4 / Unit
View Datasheet →ATSAM4L8-XSTK
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$151.72 / Unit
View Datasheet →ATSAMV71-XULT
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
ATSAMA5D2B-XULT
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$142.5 / Unit
View Datasheet →ATSAMDA1-XPRO Specifications (manufacturer-published)
| Product Type | Evaluation Board / Development Kit |
| Target MCU Family | SAM DA1 (ARM Cortex-M0+) |
| Target Device Variants | ATSAMDA1E / ATSAMDA1G / ATSAMDA1J (32-/48-/64-pin) |
| Core Processor | ARM Cortex-M0+ 32-bit |
| Maximum Core Frequency | 48 MHz |
| CoreMark/MHz | 2.46 |
| On-chip Flash (max) | 64 KB |
| On-chip SRAM | 8 KB |
| Read-While-Write Flash | Up to 2 KB |
| SERCOM Modules | 6 |
| Peripheral Touch Controller (PTC) | Yes (hardware capacitive touch) |
| Integrated Debugger | Yes (EDBG / Xplained Pro on-board) |
| Expansion Interface | Xplained Pro / mikroBUS headers |
| Operating Temperature (target MCU) | -40 C to +105 C |
| Automotive Qualification (target MCU) | AEC-Q100 qualified |
| RoHS Status | Compliant |
ATSAMDA1-XPRO Interfaces & Connectors
No manufacturer-published interface list is available for ATSAMDA1-XPRO. Refer to the manufacturer documentation for connector and header details.
Refer to the manufacturer documentation for the full expansion header pinout and connector pin numbering.
Power & Thermal Characteristics
| Operating Temperature | -40 C to +105 C |
Power input and thermal parameters for ATSAMDA1-XPRO as published by the manufacturer.
Typical Applications
ATSAMDA1-XPRO is suitable for 7 applications: Automotive Capacitive Touch HMI, Automotive Body Electronics and Lighting, Low-Power IoT Sensor Nodes, Brushless DC Motor Control Prototyping, CAN/LIN Automotive Communication Nodes, Industrial Sensor and Control Prototyping, Touch-Replacing Mechanical Switches (Automotive Interior).
Automotive Capacitive Touch HMI
The ATSAMDA1-XPRO is purpose-built for evaluating the SAM DA1 hardware Peripheral Touch Controller (PTC) which supports self-capacitance and mutual-capacitance sensing with moisture tolerance and wake-on-touch capability. Engineers developing AEC-Q100 qualified interior touch panels such as steering wheel buttons, seat controls, and door handle sensors can prototype with 6 SERCOM peripherals for CAN/LIN or I2C sensor fusion alongside touch events. The kit's on-board EDBG debugger streams SWD directly into MPLAB X, allowing rapid firmware iteration on the same Cortex-M0+ silicon used in production.
Recommended
Automotive Body Electronics and Lighting
Body control modules and lighting ECUs benefit from the ATSAMDA1-XPRO's AEC-Q100 qualification and -40 C to +105 C operating range. The SAM DA1's DMA controller and 6 SERCOM channels offload communication tasks such as LIN slave responders, PWM LED drivers, and ADC-based ambient-light feedback. The 48 MHz Cortex-M0+ core delivers 2.46 CoreMark/MHz, sufficient for sequential logic while keeping BOM cost low. The Xplained Pro header ecosystem allows quick connection to LIN transceiver click boards or LED driver shields for bench validation.
Recommended
Low-Power IoT Sensor Nodes
The ATSAMDA1-XPRO's 48 MHz Cortex-M0+ core with sleep current figures appropriate for battery-powered sensors and a SERCOM-rich peripheral set makes it a fit for IoT edge nodes requiring automotive-grade reliability. Engineers can prototype CAN/LIN, I2C, and SPI sensor interfaces for industrial or fleet telematics applications, leveraging the kit's Xplained Pro headers to attach environmental sensors and display expansions. Migrating to production is straightforward because the kit's footprint mirrors the QFN/TQFP SAM DA1 production packages.
Recommended
Brushless DC Motor Control Prototyping
The SAM DA1's advanced timers and 6 SERCOM peripherals make the ATSAMDA1-XPRO a viable platform for evaluating low-side BLDC or PMSM motor control algorithms in interior automotive actuators such as HVAC flaps, mirrors, and seat adjusters. The Cortex-M0+ core executes PWM and commutation routines at 48 MHz with hardware DMA support, while the Xplained Pro expansion headers connect to motor driver click boards for bench tests. Engineers can validate commutation timing before committing to the SAM DA1 in TQFP or QFN production packaging.
Recommended
CAN/LIN Automotive Communication Nodes
Engineers developing CAN/LIN responder nodes for body electronics can use the ATSAMDA1-XPRO to validate communication stacks against the SAM DA1's SERCOM-based UART plus an external CAN or LIN transceiver. The kit's on-board debugger and Atmel Studio / MPLAB X integration streamline firmware bring-up, while the AEC-Q100 qualification of the target silicon supports direct deployment in production ECUs. The kit also demonstrates bootloading and firmware update mechanisms via the EDBG virtual COM port.
Recommended
Industrial Sensor and Control Prototyping
Industrial designers benefit from the ATSAMDA1-XPRO's automotive-grade reliability when prototyping controllers destined for harsh environments. The -40 C to +105 C operating range covers industrial enclosure temperatures, and the SAM DA1's 12-bit ADC plus 10-bit DAC enable sensor signal conditioning and analog feedback loops. The Xplained Pro headers allow rapid integration of RS-485, RS-232, or industrial sensor click boards, providing a path from prototype to production using the same Cortex-M0+ architecture.
Recommended
Touch-Replacing Mechanical Switches (Automotive Interior)
Replacing mechanical rocker switches with capacitive touch reduces BOM complexity and improves styling. The ATSAMDA1-XPRO evaluates SAM DA1 hardware PTC with moisture tolerance, important for unintended touch rejection in automotive interior environments. Engineers can map touch events to LIN or CAN messages using the SERCOM peripherals, validating the user experience before committing to a production PCB layout that mirrors the 32/48/64-pin QFN/TQFP SAM DA1 packages.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for ATSAMDA1-XPRO — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | ATSAMD21-XPRO | ATSAMHA1G16A-XPRO | ATSAM4L8-XSTK | ATSAMV71-XULT | ATSAMA5D2B-XULT |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Package | Xplained Pro evaluation board | Xplained Pro evaluation board - same | Xplained Pro evaluation board - same | Xplained Pro evaluation board - same | Xplained Pro evaluation board - same | Xplained Pro evaluation board - same |
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Target MCU Family | SAM DA1 (Cortex-M0+) | SAM D21 (Cortex-M0+) | SAM HA1 (Cortex-M0+) | SAM4L (Cortex-M4) | SAM V71 (Cortex-M7) | SAMA5D2 (Cortex-A5 MPU) |
| Max Core Frequency | 48 MHz | 48 MHz | 48 MHz | 40 MHz | 300 MHz | 500 MHz |
| CoreMark/MHz | 2.46 | 2.46 | 2.46 | 1.27 | 3.45 | 1.65 |
| Max Flash (target MCU) | 64 KB | 256 KB | 64 KB | 512 KB | 2 MB | 128 MB DDR |
| Peripheral Touch Controller (PTC) | Yes (hardware capacitive touch) | No (touch via QTouch library) | Yes | No | No | No |
| Automotive Qualification (target MCU) | AEC-Q100 qualified | Not qualified | AEC-Q100 qualified | Not qualified | AEC-Q100 qualified | Not qualified |
Key Differentiators
- Hardware Peripheral Touch Controller (PTC) (vs ATSAMD21-XPRO)
- AEC-Q100 automotive qualification on target MCU (vs ATSAMHA1G16A-XPRO)
- Cost-effective Cortex-M0+ for automotive touch HMI (vs ATSAMV71-XULT)
Design Notes
The ATSAMDA1-XPRO is a SAM DA1 evaluation kit, not a generic ARM Cortex-M0+ prototype board. Always verify which SAM DA1 silicon variant (32/48/64-pin, 16/32/64 KB Flash) is populated on the specific SKU you receive before loading firmware - some kit revisions ship with a socketed device while others have a pre-flashed variant. The hardware Peripheral Touch Controller (PTC) on SAM DA1 must be enabled through the proper peripheral clock and PTC configuration registers before touch events register.
The kit can be powered via the on-board EDBG USB micro-B connector, an external +5 V supply on the Xplained Pro header, or through the target MCU's VBUS pin. For accurate current measurements, disconnect the on-board debugger's power rail by removing the EDBG VBUS jumper (per the Xplained Pro user guide) and supply voltage directly to the VCC pin on the extension header. Estimated: SAM DA1 deep-sleep current is below 10 uA at 3.3 V, but the kit's on-board LDOs add approximately 1 mA overhead.
When migrating from the ATSAMDA1-XPRO to a custom PCB, replicate the Xplained Pro header pinout and PTC shield traces on the production PCB. The PTC requires short, balanced traces with a ground plane directly beneath the touch sensor pattern to minimize EMI susceptibility; per the SAM DA1 datasheet (40001895A), trace length matching within 5 mm is recommended for multi-channel mutual-capacitance sensing. The SERCOM pins are multiplexed - refer to the SAM DA1 pinout tables when assigning peripheral functions.
For CAN/LIN prototyping on the ATSAMDA1-XPRO, route the SERCOM UART lines through an external transceiver click board (e.g., MCP2515 or TLE7259-3) connected via the Xplained Pro / mikroBUS headers. The SAM DA1's GPIO are not 5 V tolerant, so level translation is required when interfacing with 12 V automotive bus signals. Estimated: keep SERCOM trace lengths below 50 mm and add 4.7 nF capacitors on each bus line to ground for EMI suppression.
Compliance Information
RoHS compliant per Microchip product page and distributor listings. AEC-Q100 qualification applies to the target SAM DA1 silicon, not the evaluation board itself. Reach and conflict-minerals status per Microchip environmental compliance documentation.