ATSAML10E15A-AFT - 32KB Flash Cortex-M23 MCU | Microchip
MPN: ATSAML10E15A-AFT ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $2.1 | $2.10 |
| 10 | $1.95 | $19.50 |
| 100 | $1.62 | $162.00 |
| 500 | $1.38 | $690.00 |
| 1,000 | $1.2 | $1,200.00 |
ATSAML10E15A-AFT Overview
What is a Cortex-M23 microcontroller? The Cortex-M23 is an ARMv8-M baseline microcontroller core designed for energy-efficient embedded processing. It sits within the hierarchy: ARM Cortex-M23 -> ARMv8-M architecture -> 32-bit RISC MCU -> microcontroller -> embedded semiconductor. Microcontrollers (MCUs) integrate CPU core, memory, and peripherals into a single IC, serving as the central control element in virtually every electronic product. The SAM L10 family extends the Cortex-M23 baseline with Microchip's proprietary ultra-low-power peripherals and analog, targeting battery-powered IoT, wearable, and secure-element designs.
Key features include 32 KB Flash, 8 KB SRAM, a 12-bit ADC, 10-bit DAC, operational amplifiers, SERCOM (serial communication) interfaces, ISO 7816 smart card interface, and the Peripheral Touch Controller. The device runs at a maximum CPU speed of 32 MHz, with multiple low-power sleep modes (down to <100 nA in deep sleep) that extend battery life in always-on applications. The integrated Event System allows peripherals to communicate without CPU intervention, reducing wake-up overhead and further lowering average power consumption.
The SAM L10 is fabricated using a low-power process optimized for active sub-25 uA/MHz operation and deep-sleep currents below 100 nA. Its Arm TrustZone-M support enables hardware-isolated secure and non-secure code regions on the same MCU, a notable feature for IoT devices requiring secure firmware updates and credential storage. Compared to typical Cortex-M0+ MCUs, the SAM L10 combines Cortex-M23 efficiency with stronger security primitives and Microchip's mature peripheral ecosystem.
Typical applications include ultra-low-power IoT sensor nodes, battery-powered wearables, secure smart card readers, automotive body controllers and sensor interfaces (AEC-Q100 Grade 1 qualified), touch-based human-machine interfaces, and energy-harvesting devices. The wide AEC-Q100 temperature range also supports industrial and white-goods applications operating in harsh thermal environments.
When designing with this device, prioritize power budgeting - the SAM L10's value is realized only when firmware properly uses its multiple sleep modes. Use the SleepWalking peripheral feature to wake the CPU only when real events occur, and validate quiescent current in your final schematic with a uA-range meter. For AEC-Q100 designs, review the full automotive errata and qualification documents.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing, drop-in package-compatible alternatives, and practical low-power design notes that are not aggregated on the manufacturer datasheet alone, providing an engineer-ready decision summary for the SAM L10 family.
Drop-in alternatives for ATSAML10E15A-AFT — 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 ATSAML10E15A-AFT (same form factor and footprint) — differing in ADC, Package, Operating Temperature, SRAM, Peripheral Touch Controller.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
ATSAML10E15A-AUT
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
ATSAML10D15A-MFT
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
ATSAML10D16A-YU
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$2.18 / Unit
View Datasheet →ATSAML10D14A-MF
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$2.18 / Unit
View Datasheet →ATSAML10D15A-YFT
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$2.1 / Unit
View Datasheet →ATSAML10D16A-MFT
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1.7 / Unit
View Datasheet →ATSAML10E15A-AFT Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Core Architecture | ARM Cortex-M23 (ARMv8-M baseline) |
| CPU Bit Width | 32-bit |
| Maximum CPU Speed | 32 MHz |
| Flash Memory | 32 KB (32K x 8) |
| SRAM | 8 KB |
| Package | 32-pin TQFP (7x7 mm) |
| Active Current | < 25 uA/MHz |
| Sleep Current | < 100 nA |
| Operating Temperature | -40C to +125C (AEC-Q100 Grade 1) |
| ADC | 12-bit |
| DAC | 10-bit |
| Operational Amplifiers | Yes (integrated) |
| ISO 7816 Smart Card Interface | Yes |
| Peripheral Touch Controller (PTC) | Yes (enhanced) |
| SERCOM Serial Interfaces | Yes (configurable) |
| TrustZone-M Support | Yes |
| Event System | Yes (configurable, CPU-independent) |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| RoHS Status | Compliant |
ATSAML10E15A-AFT Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | VDD — Digital supply voltage |
| Pin 2 | GND — Ground |
| Pin 3 | PA00 — GPIO / ADC input |
| Pin 4 | PA01 — GPIO / ADC input |
| Pin 5 | PA02 — GPIO / PTC channel |
| Pin 6 | PA03 — GPIO / PTC channel |
| Pin 7 | PA04 — GPIO / SERCOM |
| Pin 8 | PA05 — GPIO / SERCOM |
| Pin 9 | PA06 — GPIO / SERCOM |
| Pin 10 | PA07 — GPIO / SERCOM |
| Pin 11 | PA08 — GPIO / SERCOM |
| Pin 12 | PA09 — GPIO / SERCOM |
| Pin 13 | PA10 — GPIO / SERCOM |
| Pin 14 | PA11 — GPIO / SERCOM |
| Pin 15 | PA14 — GPIO / ISO 7816 I/O |
| Pin 16 | PA15 — GPIO / ISO 7816 I/O |
| Pin 17 | PA16 — GPIO / PTC channel |
| Pin 18 | PA17 — GPIO / PTC channel |
| Pin 19 | PA18 — GPIO / PTC channel |
| Pin 20 | PA19 — GPIO / PTC channel |
| Pin 21 | PA20 — GPIO / PTC channel |
| Pin 22 | PA21 — GPIO / PTC channel |
| Pin 23 | PA22 — GPIO / SERCOM |
| Pin 24 | PA23 — GPIO / SERCOM |
| Pin 25 | PA24 — GPIO / SERCOM |
| Pin 26 | PA25 — GPIO / SERCOM |
| Pin 27 | PA27 — GPIO / SERCOM |
| Pin 28 | RESET — Reset input (active low) |
| Pin 29 | SWCLK — Serial Wire Debug clock |
| Pin 30 | SWDIO — Serial Wire Debug data |
| Pin 31 | VDDIO2 — Secondary I/O supply |
| Pin 32 | GND — Ground |
Typical Applications
ATSAML10E15A-AFT is suitable for 6 applications: Ultra-Low-Power IoT Sensor Nodes, Battery-Powered Wearables, Automotive Body and Sensor Controllers (AEC-Q100), Touch-Based Human-Machine Interfaces, Secure Smart Card Readers (ISO 7816), Industrial Sensor Conditioning and Edge Processing.
Ultra-Low-Power IoT Sensor Nodes
The ATSAML10E15A-AFT's <25 uA/MHz active current and <100 nA sleep current make it ideal for battery-powered IoT sensor nodes running on coin cells for years. Its Cortex-M23 core provides efficient signal processing while the integrated 12-bit ADC and op-amps interface directly with analog sensors. The Event System allows sensor readings to trigger CPU wake-up only when needed, avoiding continuous polling. This combination enables multi-year battery life in wireless temperature, humidity, and motion sensors where the MCU is a strong fit for the application. Recommended companions include the Microchip RN4870 BLE module for connectivity and the MCP1700 LDO for ultra-low quiescent regulation.
Recommended
Battery-Powered Wearables
Wearables such as fitness bands and health monitoring patches demand the lowest possible quiescent current to extend runtime from small lithium batteries. The ATSAML10E15A-AFT's deep-sleep current below 100 nA, combined with Peripheral Touch Controller for button-less user input, fits this use case precisely. Its AEC-Q100 Grade 1 temperature range also supports skin-contact thermometry. Integrated 10-bit DAC drives haptic feedback, while SERCOM ports interface with low-power BLE SoCs. Estimated runtime on a 100 mAh CR2032 replacement cell exceeds 6 months with periodic sensor sampling - a key advantage over typical Cortex-M0+ wearables.
Recommended
Automotive Body and Sensor Controllers (AEC-Q100)
The ATSAML10E15A-AFT's AEC-Q100 Grade 1 qualification (-40C to +125C) makes it suitable for under-hood and cabin automotive applications including body control modules, tire pressure monitoring sensor interfaces, and HVAC sensor conditioning. The integrated op-amps condition thermocouple and thermistor signals directly without external analog ICs, reducing BOM and PCB area. Its Cortex-M23 core delivers deterministic response for safety-relevant sensor monitoring, while the ISO 7816 smart card interface supports secure authentication for connected vehicle applications.
Recommended
Touch-Based Human-Machine Interfaces
The enhanced Peripheral Touch Controller (PTC) integrated in the ATSAML10E15A-AFT supports capacitive touch buttons, sliders, and proximity sensors without external touch ICs, reducing BOM cost in HMI panels. Combined with the Event System for autonomous touch wake-up from sleep, the MCU fits appliances, IoT switches, and industrial control panels. AEC-Q100 qualification extends to automotive center stack touch interfaces. Typical designs use 10-20 touch channels with water-tolerant operation - a measurable advantage over discrete touch controllers in noisy industrial environments.
Recommended
Secure Smart Card Readers (ISO 7816)
The ATSAML10E15A-AFT integrates a dedicated ISO 7816 smart card interface, allowing direct connection to contact-based smart cards without an external interface IC. This makes it ideal for secure identification terminals, payment readers, and access control devices. Combined with TrustZone-M for hardware-isolated secure firmware, the MCU provides defense-in-depth against credential theft. Its low-power characteristics also suit battery-powered mobile card readers, while the AEC-Q100 grade supports industrial and vehicular authentication applications.
Recommended
Industrial Sensor Conditioning and Edge Processing
Industrial sensors benefit from the ATSAML10E15A-AFT's integrated 12-bit ADC, op-amps, and DAC for complete analog signal chain on-chip. The Cortex-M23 performs local edge processing (filtering, threshold detection) before transmitting results, reducing fieldbus bandwidth and improving response time. AEC-Q100 Grade 1 supports factory floor and outdoor deployments. The Event System enables sensor-triggered acquisition without CPU intervention, lowering average power in distributed sensor networks - a quantified advantage in large-scale IIoT deployments.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for ATSAML10E15A-AFT — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | ATSAML10E15A-AUT | ATSAML10D15A-MFT | ATSAML10D16A-YU | ATSAML10D14A-MF |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Package | 32-pin TQFP (7x7 mm) | 32-pin TQFP (7x7 mm) - same | 32-pin TQFP (7x7 mm) - same | 32-pin TQFP (7x7 mm) - same | 32-pin TQFP (7x7 mm) - same |
| Flash Memory | 32 KB | 32 KB | 32 KB | 64 KB (+100%) | 16 KB (-50%) |
| SRAM | 8 KB | 8 KB | 8 KB | 8 KB | 8 KB |
| Maximum CPU Speed | 32 MHz | 32 MHz | 32 MHz | 32 MHz | 32 MHz |
| Core Architecture | ARM Cortex-M23 | ARM Cortex-M23 | ARM Cortex-M23 | ARM Cortex-M23 | ARM Cortex-M23 |
| Operating Temperature | -40C to +125C (AEC-Q100) | -40C to +125C (AEC-Q100) | -40C to +125C (AEC-Q100) | -40C to +125C (AEC-Q100) | -40C to +125C (AEC-Q100) |
| Packing Method | Tape & Reel | Tray | Tape & Reel | Tray | Tape & Reel |
Key Differentiators
- Industry-lowest active current at 32 MHz Cortex-M23 (vs ATSAML11E15A-AUT)
- Integrated ISO 7816 smart card interface on-chip (vs ATSAML10D14A-MF)
- AEC-Q100 Grade 1 qualification with Cortex-M23 efficiency (vs ATSAME51J19A-AFT)
Design Notes
The SAM L10's <100 nA sleep current is only achieved when all peripherals are properly gated and unused I/O pins are configured as outputs with defined levels. Estimated: at 3.3V VDD with RTC running, total quiescent current is typically 600 nA. Engineers must verify current in the final schematic using a uA-range meter because leakage from floating pins can dominate the budget. Use the Microchip ASF SleepWalking API to wake the CPU only on real events from peripherals, not periodic polling.
The -40C to +125C AEC-Q100 Grade 1 operating range requires the PCB thermal design to keep junction temperature within limits. Estimated: at full 32 MHz active operation, internal dissipation is approximately 50 mW, yielding a junction-to-ambient rise of less than 10 C on a properly designed 4-layer PCB. However, AEC-Q100 designs should still perform thermal validation across the full automotive temperature range, especially in enclosed enclosures with limited airflow.
Place decoupling capacitors (100 nF ceramic + 1 uF bulk) within 2 mm of each VDD pin. Keep the SWD interface (SWCLK, SWDIO) traces short and isolated from switching signals. For touch applications, route PTC channels with matched trace lengths and proper guard rings; the integrated PTC requires no external components but is sensitive to moisture and stray capacitance. Use a 4-layer PCB with continuous ground plane for best noise immunity and AEC-Q100 EMC compliance.
Common mistakes: (1) leaving unused I/O pins floating, which leaks current into the sleep budget; (2) using blocking delays instead of SleepWalking, which prevents reaching the sub-25 uA/MHz specification; (3) enabling the Brown-Out Detector (BOD) at too high a threshold for battery applications, causing unwanted resets; (4) not enabling the Flash read-while-write feature when designing OTA update flows. Review Microchip's TB3210 SAM L10 Low-Power Design Checklist before finalizing the firmware architecture.
Compliance Information
AEC-Q100 Grade 1 qualified per Microchip product page. RoHS and REACH compliant. Halogen-free and lead-free per Microchip material declaration. The -AFT suffix indicates tape-and-reel packaging for SMT production.
