ATSAML11D16A-MUT - Cortex-M23 MCU 64KB Flash TrustZone | Microchip
MPN: ATSAML11D16A-MUT ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $3.1 | $3.10 |
| 10 | $2.85 | $28.50 |
| 100 | $2.45 | $245.00 |
| 500 | $2.1 | $1,050.00 |
| 1,000 | $1.85 | $1,850.00 |
ATSAML11D16A-MUT Overview
An ARM Cortex-M23 microcontroller is a 32-bit processor core based on the ARMv8-M architecture, designed for embedded systems that require deterministic real-time performance with very low active and standby power consumption. As a microcontroller (MCU), the ATSAML11D16A-MUT integrates the Cortex-M23 CPU core, Flash program memory, SRAM data memory, peripherals, and security subsystems on a single silicon die. Within the broader taxonomy, it belongs to the hierarchy: microcontroller -> embedded processor -> integrated circuit -> semiconductor, with the Cortex-M23 core positioned between the smaller Cortex-M0+ and the higher-performance Cortex-M4 family.
Key features include ARM TrustZone for Cortex-M23 providing hardware isolation between secure and non-secure code regions, a True Random Number Generator (TRNG), Secure Boot, and on-chip cryptographic accelerators. The device consumes less than 25 uA/MHz in active mode and less than 100 nA in sleep mode, making it among the lowest-power Cortex-M23 MCUs available. Additional peripherals include multiple SERCOM interfaces, a 12-bit ADC, a DAC, comparators, timers, and a capacitive touch Peripheral Touch Controller (PTC).
The ATSAML11D16A-MUT is targeted at industrial temperature range applications (operating from -40C to +85C ambient, with internal die capable of reaching higher junction temperatures per the datasheet). Compared to the SAM L10 family, the SAM L11 adds TrustZone and the Crypto accelerator, enabling secure firmware update, anti-counterfeit authentication, and tamper detection. The 4x4 mm VQFN-24 package with exposed pad provides adequate thermal dissipation for the low-power design and a compact footprint for space-constrained IoT modules.
Typical applications include IoT end nodes with secure cloud onboarding, smart meters, secure authentication tokens, anti-counterfeit hardware modules, smart sensors, and battery-powered wearables requiring firmware protection. Designers favor this MCU when their application must combine sub-100 nA sleep current with cryptographic integrity and small form factor.
When designing with the ATSAML11D16A-MUT, ensure the exposed thermal pad is soldered to a sufficiently large copper pour to meet the datasheet's thermal performance specification and that the decoupling network matches the Microchip SAM L11 reference design. Use Microchip's MPLAB X IDE with the MCC (MPLAB Code Configurator) plugin to generate secure and non-secure project partitions.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing tiers, drop-in alternative MPNs, and practical design guidance not found in the manufacturer datasheet, providing engineers with a single decision-ready reference.
Drop-in alternatives for ATSAML11D16A-MUT — 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 ATSAML11D16A-MUT (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Package, Operating Temperature, ADC, Active Current, Core.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
ATSAML11D16A-MFT
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$2.51 / Unit
View Datasheet →ATSAML11D15A-MU
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1.95 / Unit
View Datasheet →ATSAML11D14A-MUT
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1.62 / Unit
View Datasheet →ATSAML11D14A-YUT
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1.08 / Unit
View Datasheet →ATSAML10D16A-MFT
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1.7 / Unit
View Datasheet →ATSAML11D16A-MUT Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Core | ARM Cortex-M23 (ARMv8-M, with TrustZone) |
| Maximum Clock Frequency | 32 MHz |
| Program Memory (Flash) | 64 KB (64K x 8) |
| SRAM | 16 KB |
| Operating Voltage (VDD) | 1.62 V to 3.63 V |
| Active Current | < 25 uA/MHz |
| Sleep Current | < 100 nA |
| Operating Temperature Range | -40C to +85C (industrial) |
| Package | 24-VQFN (4x4 mm) with exposed pad |
| Security Features | ARM TrustZone, Secure Boot, TRNG, Crypto Accelerator |
| Peripheral Touch Controller (PTC) | Yes (touch support) |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| RoHS Status | Compliant |
ATSAML11D16A-MUT Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | VDD — Digital supply voltage |
| Pin 2 | GND — Ground |
| Pin 3 | PA00 — General I/O / SERCOM |
| Pin 4 | PA01 — General I/O / SERCOM |
| Pin 5 | PA02 — General I/O / ADC |
| Pin 6 | PA03 — General I/O / ADC |
| Pin 7 | PA04 — General I/O / SERCOM |
| Pin 8 | PA05 — General I/O / SERCOM |
| Pin 9 | PA06 — General I/O / SERCOM |
| Pin 10 | PA07 — General I/O / SERCOM |
| Pin 11 | PA08 — General I/O / SERCOM |
| Pin 12 | PA09 — General I/O / SERCOM |
| Pin 13 | PA10 — General I/O / SERCOM |
| Pin 14 | PA11 — General I/O / SERCOM |
| Pin 15 | PA14 — General I/O / PTC X-line |
| Pin 16 | PA15 — General I/O / PTC X-line |
| Pin 17 | PA16 — General I/O / PTC Y-line |
| Pin 18 | PA17 — General I/O / PTC Y-line |
| Pin 19 | PA22 — General I/O / SERCOM |
| Pin 20 | PA23 — General I/O / SERCOM |
| Pin 21 | RESET — Reset (active low) |
| Pin 22 | SWDIO — Serial Wire Debug I/O |
| Pin 23 | SWCLK — Serial Wire Debug Clock |
| Pin 24 | EP — Exposed thermal pad - tie to GND |
Typical Applications
ATSAML11D16A-MUT is suitable for 6 applications: Secure IoT End Nodes, Anti-Counterfeit Authentication Tokens, Smart Meter and Utility Endpoints, Battery-Powered Wearable Sensors, Industrial Sensor Hubs, Secure BLE Beacon and Asset Tracker.
Secure IoT End Nodes
The ATSAML11D16A-MUT's ARM Cortex-M23 with TrustZone and hardware crypto accelerator is purpose-built for IoT end nodes that must authenticate to cloud platforms without exposing credentials. Its < 25 uA/MHz active current and < 100 nA sleep current allow coin-cell-powered nodes to operate for years on a single CR2032. Engineers typically pair this MCU with a sub-GHz or BLE transceiver, using the TrustZone secure boot to verify firmware before releasing peripherals to the application. The 24-VQFN (4x4) footprint keeps the BOM small for miniaturized sensor modules.
Recommended
Anti-Counterfeit Authentication Tokens
Authentication tokens and accessory-authentication applications rely on the ATSAML11D16A-MUT's hardware TRNG, secure key storage, and crypto accelerator to perform signed challenge-response exchanges with the host. TrustZone ensures that private keys never leak to the non-secure application domain. The 64 KB Flash holds the cryptographic library and OEM provisioning script, while the 32 MHz Cortex-M23 delivers response latencies below 50 ms. Industrial temperature grade (-40C to +85C) supports outdoor and automotive cabin deployments.
Recommended
Smart Meter and Utility Endpoints
Smart electricity, water, and gas meters require secure firmware update paths and tamper detection - both native to the ATSAML11D16A-MUT through TrustZone and the built-in tamper pin logic. The Cortex-M23 core runs metering firmware at low duty cycle, then enters < 100 nA sleep between measurements, dramatically extending battery life. The 12-bit ADC and PTC peripheral touch controller support direct sensor interface without external components. The 24-VQFN package withstands industrial temperature ranges for outdoor enclosures.
Recommended
Battery-Powered Wearable Sensors
Wearable health and fitness sensors benefit from the ATSAML11D16A-MUT's < 100 nA sleep current, which keeps quiescent draw below the self-discharge of typical coin cells. The Cortex-M23's deterministic interrupt latency enables reliable biometric signal sampling, while the on-chip 12-bit ADC and DAC interface with analog front-end sensors for heart rate, SpO2, or motion. TrustZone secures health data before it leaves the device, addressing HIPAA-style privacy requirements. The 4x4 mm VQFN-24 keeps the PCB footprint smaller than competing Cortex-M0+ designs with similar security.
Recommended
Industrial Sensor Hubs
Industrial 4-20 mA or field-bus sensor hubs use the ATSAML11D16A-MUT to aggregate multiple analog sensors, perform local signal conditioning, and authenticate secure I/O expansions. The industrial -40C to +85C temperature range handles factory-floor environments. Multiple SERCOM peripherals allow concurrent SPI sensor interfaces plus UART/I2C communication to a PLC or gateway. The hardware crypto accelerator supports MACsec-style message authentication for hardened industrial networks.
Recommended
Secure BLE Beacon and Asset Tracker
Asset trackers and BLE beacons require secure firmware to prevent cloning, which the ATSAML11D16A-MUT addresses through TrustZone and secure boot. The Cortex-M23 can host a BLE HCI stack in the 16 KB SRAM plus 64 KB Flash, paired with an external radio such as the Microchip RN4870. Low sleep current (< 100 nA) extends tracker battery life past 2 years on a CR2477. The 24-VQFN footprint fits inside compact tracker enclosures.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for ATSAML11D16A-MUT — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | ATSAML11D16A-MFT | ATSAML11D15A-MU | ATSAML11D14A-MUT | ATSAML10D16A-MFT |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Package | 24-VQFN (4x4 mm) | 24-VQFN (4x4 mm) - same | 24-VQFN (4x4 mm) - same | 24-VQFN (4x4 mm) - same | 24-VQFN (4x4 mm) - same |
| Core | ARM Cortex-M23 + TrustZone | ARM Cortex-M23 + TrustZone | ARM Cortex-M23 + TrustZone | ARM Cortex-M23 + TrustZone | ARM Cortex-M23 (no TrustZone) |
| Maximum Clock Frequency | 32 MHz | 32 MHz | 32 MHz | 32 MHz | 32 MHz |
| Flash Memory | 64 KB | 64 KB | 32 KB (-50%) | 16 KB (-75%) | 64 KB |
| SRAM | 16 KB | 16 KB | 8 KB (-50%) | 4 KB (-75%) | 16 KB |
| Hardware Crypto Accelerator | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
| Operating 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 |
| Operating Temperature | -40C to +85C | -40C to +85C | -40C to +85C | -40C to +85C | -40C to +85C |
Key Differentiators
- Hardware TrustZone for Cortex-M23 + crypto accelerator in same 24-VQFN (vs ATSAML10D16A-MFT)
- Lowest power Cortex-M23 family member with full security (vs Generic Cortex-M23 MCUs)
- Same-package drop-in scaling from 64 KB to 32 KB Flash (vs ATSAML11D15A-MU)
Design Notes
The ATSAML11D16A-MUT draws less than 25 uA/MHz active and less than 100 nA in Sleep mode. Estimated: at 32 MHz active, this is approximately 0.8 mA. Use a 4.7 uF X7R bulk capacitor on VDD plus 100 nF ceramic decoupling on each VDD pin to maintain regulator stability. For battery designs, switch to Sleep mode aggressively between sensor readings to maximize CR2032 life.
The 24-VQFN (4x4 mm) package features an exposed thermal pad (pin 24) that MUST be soldered to a ground copper pour, not left floating. Reference the Microchip SAM L11 datasheet thermal section for the recommended land pattern. For applications drawing continuous 5-10 mA, ensure at least 100 mm^2 of 1 oz copper pour to meet theta_JA and avoid thermal shutdown.
Place the 100 nF decoupling capacitor within 2 mm of each VDD pin. Keep the SWDIO and SWCLK traces short (under 50 mm) and route them away from analog signal paths to avoid coupling debug noise into ADC readings. The exposed pad requires multiple thermal vias (8-12 vias, 0.3 mm drill) to a ground plane on the opposite PCB layer.
Do not enable TrustZone without first provisioning the secure and non-secure regions in the application code - a misconfigured TrustZone setup can lock out debug access. Always verify the secure boot signature key is correctly programmed before locking the device. If firmware update is required, retain a recovery boot path inside the secure domain.
For PTC (Peripheral Touch Controller) applications, route the X/Y lines as a balanced capacitance matrix with no adjacent ground pour directly under the touch area - this prevents parasitic capacitance that reduces touch sensitivity. The datasheet PCB layout appendix provides a reference design for touch buttons and sliders.
Compliance Information
RoHS and REACH compliance per Microchip product page. Industrial temperature grade (not AEC-Q100 automotive). Halogen-free status not explicitly listed in verified data.
