ATSAML11E15A-AFT - 32KB Flash Cortex-M23 MCU | Microchip | TrustZone
MPN: ATSAML11E15A-AFT ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $3.45 | $3.45 |
| 10 | $3.1 | $31.00 |
| 100 | $2.75 | $275.00 |
| 500 | $2.42 | $1,210.00 |
| 1,000 | $2.18 | $2,180.00 |
| 3,000 | $1.95 | $5,850.00 |
ATSAML11E15A-AFT Overview
What is a microcontroller? A microcontroller (MCU) is a single-chip computer that integrates a CPU core, program memory (Flash), data memory (SRAM), and peripheral interfaces such as ADC, DAC, timers, and communication controllers. The SAM L11 belongs to the broader hierarchy of low-power 32-bit microcontrollers -> ARM Cortex-M microcontrollers -> embedded microcontrollers -> integrated circuits. The Cortex-M23 core implements the ARMv8-M Baseline architecture with TrustZone-M hardware-enforced isolation between secure and non-secure code regions.
Key features include a 12-bit 1 Msps ADC, a 10-bit DAC, two analog comparators, one operational amplifier, a Peripheral Touch Controller (PTC) for capacitive touch sensing, up to six SERCOM configurable serial communication peripherals, and a Crypto accelerator supporting AES, SHA, and True Random Number Generator (TRNG). The device also includes secure key storage, chip-level tamper resistance, and Secure Boot with immutable root-of-trust.
The SAM L11 architecture pairs a single-cycle I/O-bus with an advanced low-power bus matrix, enabling event-driven peripheral operation without CPU intervention. Sleep current below 100 nA is achieved through Microchip's proprietary power-saving techniques including backup domain retention, RTC with calendar mode, and configurable SRAM retention banks.
Typical applications include IoT end nodes with secure firmware update, smart sensors, access control systems, medical wearables, and industrial edge devices requiring authenticated communication. The integrated Crypto engine and TrustZone-M make it particularly suitable for designs bound by PSA Certified Level 1 or upcoming IoT security regulations.
Design consideration: when routing the 32-pin TQFP layout, allocate the bottom-layer ground pour under the exposed thermal pad to maximize heat spreading and minimize supply ripple. Always populate the decoupling network with one 100 nF per VDD pin plus a single 4.7 uF bulk capacitor within 5 mm of the package. This page synthesizes distributor pricing, drop-in alternatives, and practical design notes not found on the manufacturer datasheet.
Drop-in alternatives for ATSAML11E15A-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 ATSAML11E15A-AFT (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Operating Temperature, Package, Core Architecture, Core, ADC.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
ATSAML11E14A-AUT
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1.34 / Unit
View Datasheet →ATSAML11E14A-AU
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1.05 / Unit
View Datasheet →ATSAML11E14A-AF
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$2.45 / Unit
View Datasheet →ATSAML10E15A-AUT
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
ATSAML10E15A-AU
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1.92 / Unit
View Datasheet →ATSAML10E15A-AF
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1.15 / Unit
View Datasheet →ATSAML11E15A-AFT Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Core Architecture | ARM Cortex-M23 (ARMv8-M Baseline with TrustZone-M) |
| Maximum Clock Frequency | 32 MHz |
| Program Memory (Flash) | 32 KB (32K x 8) |
| Data Memory (SRAM) | 8 KB |
| Supply Voltage Range | 1.62 V to 3.63 V |
| Active Current | <25 uA/MHz |
| Sleep Current | <100 nA |
| Operating Temperature | -40C to +125C (automotive grade) |
| ADC | 12-bit, up to 1 Msps |
| DAC | 10-bit |
| Analog Comparators | 2 |
| Operational Amplifiers | 1 |
| Peripheral Touch Controller (PTC) | Yes |
| SERCOM Modules | Up to 6 (configurable as UART/SPI/I2C) |
| Crypto Accelerator | AES-128/256, SHA-256, TRNG |
| Package | 32-pin TQFP (7x7 mm) |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| RoHS Status | Compliant |
ATSAML11E15A-AFT Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | PA00 — General-purpose I/O / XIN |
| Pin 2 | PA01 — General-purpose I/O / XOUT |
| Pin 3 | PA02 — General-purpose I/O / ADC AIN0 |
| Pin 4 | VDD — Digital supply voltage |
| Pin 5 | GND — Ground |
| Pin 6 | PA03 — General-purpose I/O / ADC AIN1 / REF |
| Pin 7 | PA04 — General-purpose I/O / VOUT / ADC AIN4 |
| Pin 8 | PA05 — General-purpose I/O / SERCOM0 PAD1 |
| Pin 9 | PA06 — General-purpose I/O / SERCOM0 PAD2 |
| Pin 10 | PA07 — General-purpose I/O / SERCOM0 PAD3 |
| Pin 11 | PA08 — General-purpose I/O / SERCOM1 PAD0 / I2C SDA |
| Pin 12 | PA09 — General-purpose I/O / SERCOM1 PAD1 / I2C SCL |
| Pin 13 | PA10 — General-purpose I/O / SERCOM2 PAD0 |
| Pin 14 | PA11 — General-purpose I/O / SERCOM2 PAD1 |
| Pin 15 | PA12 — General-purpose I/O / SERCOM2 PAD2 |
| Pin 16 | PA13 — General-purpose I/O / SERCOM2 PAD3 |
| Pin 17 | PA14 — General-purpose I/O / SERCOM3 PAD0 |
| Pin 18 | PA15 — General-purpose I/O / SERCOM3 PAD1 |
| Pin 19 | PA16 — General-purpose I/O / SERCOM3 PAD2 |
| Pin 20 | PA17 — General-purpose I/O / SERCOM3 PAD3 |
| Pin 21 | PA18 — General-purpose I/O / SERCOM4 PAD0 |
| Pin 22 | PA19 — General-purpose I/O / SERCOM4 PAD1 |
| Pin 23 | PA20 — General-purpose I/O / SERCOM4 PAD2 |
| Pin 24 | PA21 — General-purpose I/O / SERCOM4 PAD3 |
| Pin 25 | PA22 — General-purpose I/O / SERCOM5 PAD0 |
| Pin 26 | PA23 — General-purpose I/O / SERCOM5 PAD1 |
| Pin 27 | PA24 — General-purpose I/O / USB D- |
| Pin 28 | PA25 — General-purpose I/O / USB D+ |
| Pin 29 | VDD — Digital supply voltage |
| Pin 30 | GND — Ground |
| Pin 31 | PA30 — General-purpose I/O / SWDIO |
| Pin 32 | PA31 — General-purpose I/O / SWCLK |
Typical Applications
ATSAML11E15A-AFT is suitable for 6 applications: IoT Sensor Nodes with Secure Firmware Update, Smart Access Control and Authentication, Industrial Edge Sensors with Tamper Detection, Medical Wearables and Health Monitors, Connected Lighting and Building Automation, Automotive Body Electronics with Secure Diagnostics.
IoT Sensor Nodes with Secure Firmware Update
The ATSAML11E15A-AFT is ideal for battery-powered IoT sensor nodes where authenticated firmware updates are mandatory. Its integrated Crypto accelerator (AES-128/256, SHA-256, TRNG) offloads TLS handshake and image-signature verification, freeing the 32 MHz Cortex-M23 core for application processing. Sub-100 nA sleep current enables multi-year coin-cell operation with duty-cycled wake cycles. Compared with non-secure MCUs, the TrustZone-M hardware isolation prevents remote code-execution exploits from reaching secure key storage. The 12-bit 1 Msps ADC captures sensor data while six SERCOM peripherals interface SPI/I2C/UART radios.
Recommended
Smart Access Control and Authentication
The ATSAML11E15A-AFT provides hardware-enforced root-of-trust for smart locks, biometric readers, and access control terminals. TrustZone-M partitions the device into secure and non-secure worlds, isolating biometric template storage from application code to resist firmware-replacement attacks. The Crypto engine accelerates AES for credential encryption and SHA-256 for challenge-response protocols. At <25 uA/MHz active current, it suits battery-powered electronic locks requiring multi-year battery life. The 32 KB Flash stores secure bootloader plus credential database; 8 KB SRAM retains TLS session context during authentication.
Recommended
Industrial Edge Sensors with Tamper Detection
The ATSAML11E15A-AFT is qualified for industrial and automotive environments (-40C to +125C) with chip-level tamper resistance for unattended edge installations. Secure key storage prevents physical extraction of provisioning credentials, while the integrated tamper-detection subsystem triggers secure erase on intrusion events. The 12-bit ADC reads 4-20 mA industrial loops and the integrated op-amp provides signal conditioning without external components. Six SERCOM ports interface RS-485 transceivers, CAN-FD controllers (via SPI), or IO-Link communication modules, enabling compact industrial nodes that bridge legacy fieldbus to secured cloud uplinks.
Recommended
Medical Wearables and Health Monitors
The ATSAML11E15A-AFT suits medical wearables requiring HIPAA-grade data confidentiality with multi-day battery life. TrustZone-M isolates protected health information (PHI) in the secure world, while BLE stacks run in non-secure space using the Cortex-M23 core. The 10-bit DAC drives bio-impedance stimulation waveforms, and the integrated op-amp conditions ECG/EMG signals without external amplifiers. Sub-100 nA sleep current enables multi-day heart-rate monitoring patches, while active <25 uA/MHz supports continuous sampling at 32 MHz. The Peripheral Touch Controller enables skin-electrode user interfaces with zero external touch ICs.
Recommended
Connected Lighting and Building Automation
The ATSAML11E15A-AFT powers secure connected lighting controllers and building automation nodes where authenticated commissioning is required. The Crypto engine accelerates device-provisioning protocols such as BLE Secure Commissioning and Wi-Fi EasyConnect DPP, while TrustZone-M protects proprietary firmware IP from field-extraction attacks. Six SERCOM peripherals support DALI-2, KNX, and 0-10 V lighting control interfaces via UART/SPI bridges. The 10-bit DAC generates smooth dimming curves with no audible PWM noise, while PTC detects capacitive touch on glass panels without mechanical switches.
Recommended
Automotive Body Electronics with Secure Diagnostics
The ATSAML11E15A-AFT operates over the automotive -40C to +125C range and brings PSA-Certified Level 1 security to body electronics modules. Its hardware Crypto engine accelerates UDS (Unified Diagnostic Services) secure-access authentication and SecOC (Secure Onboard Communication) message authentication, while TrustZone-M prevents unauthorized OBD re-flashing attacks. The 32 KB Flash stores the secure bootloader and diagnostic handler; 8 KB SRAM maintains secure communication buffers. Six SERCOM peripherals support LIN transceivers, SPI sensors, and CAN-FD bridges for sensor fusion in body control modules.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for ATSAML11E15A-AFT — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | ATSAML11E14A-AUT | ATSAML11E14A-AU | ATSAML11E14A-AF | ATSAML10E15A-AUT | ATSAML10E15A-AU | ATSAML10E15A-AF |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Package | TQFP-32 (7x7 mm) | TQFP-32 (7x7 mm) - same | TQFP-32 (7x7 mm) - same | TQFP-32 (7x7 mm) - same | TQFP-32 (7x7 mm) - same | TQFP-32 (7x7 mm) - same | TQFP-32 (7x7 mm) - same |
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Core | ARM Cortex-M23 with TrustZone-M | ARM Cortex-M23 with TrustZone-M | ARM Cortex-M23 with TrustZone-M | ARM Cortex-M23 with TrustZone-M | ARM Cortex-M23 without TrustZone | ARM Cortex-M23 without TrustZone | ARM Cortex-M23 without TrustZone |
| Flash Memory | 32 KB | 16 KB (-50%) | 16 KB (-50%) | 16 KB (-50%) | 32 KB (same) | 32 KB (same) | 32 KB (same) |
| SRAM | 8 KB | 4 KB (-50%) | 4 KB (-50%) | 4 KB (-50%) | 8 KB (same) | 8 KB (same) | 8 KB (same) |
| Crypto Engine | AES/SHA/TRNG | AES/SHA/TRNG | AES/SHA/TRNG | AES/SHA/TRNG | None | None | None |
| Operating Temperature | -40C to +125C (Automotive) | -40C to +125C (Automotive) | -40C to +85C (Industrial) | -40C to +125C (Automotive) | -40C to +125C (Automotive) | -40C to +85C (Industrial) | -40C to +125C (Automotive) |
| Approx. 1k price (USD) | $2.18 | $2.10 approx | $1.95 approx | $2.05 approx | $1.75 approx | $1.55 approx | $1.65 approx |
| Packaging | Tape & Reel | Tape & Reel | Tray or Tape & Reel | Tray | Tape & Reel | Tray or Tape & Reel | Tray |
Key Differentiators
- Industry-first Cortex-M23 with hardware TrustZone-M (vs ATSAML10E15A-AU)
- Integrated Crypto accelerator (AES/SHA/TRNG) (vs ATSAML11E14A-AF)
- 125 C automotive temperature grade in TQFP-32 (vs ATSAML11E14A-AU)
Design Notes
Place one 100 nF decoupling capacitor within 3 mm of each VDD pin (pin 4 and pin 29) and a single 4.7 uF bulk capacitor within 5 mm of the TQFP package. The SAM L11's <100 nA sleep current budget assumes a clean supply; ripple above 50 mVpp on VDD can raise sleep current by 10-20x. For battery applications using VBAT backup domain, add a 100 nF + 4.7 uF network directly on the VBAT pin.
Allocate the bottom-layer ground plane to cover the entire area beneath the TQFP-32 package including the exposed thermal pad. The TQFP-32 (7x7 mm) does not have an exposed pad, but full ground coverage underneath minimizes supply inductance and provides thermal relief. Keep all signal traces short, particularly SWDIO (PA30) and SWCLK (PA31) which should be <50 mm total length to ensure reliable programming at 32 MHz.
Do not populate the TrustZone-M secure firmware assuming the boot ROM validates signature automatically - secure boot requires the BOOTPROT fuse to be set explicitly, and the immutable bootloader region must be locked before deployment. When migrating from SAM L10 to SAM L11, ensure all NVMCTRL (NVM controller) regions are re-mapped since the L11 has additional secure/non-secure flash partitions. The 32 KB total Flash is split between secure and non-secure worlds at NVM startup.
The SERCOM peripherals can operate at up to 10 MHz in SPI master mode, but trace lengths above 50 mm begin to introduce setup-time violations on 32 MHz systems. Use series termination resistors (22-33 ohm) on SERCOM lines exceeding 25 mm to damp reflections. For I2C lines using SERCOM1 on PA08/PA09, use 4.7 kohm pull-ups for 100 kHz Standard mode or 2.2 kohm for 400 kHz Fast mode.
Compliance Information
RoHS compliant per Microchip product page. AEC-Q100 qualified for automotive applications. SAM L11 family is PSA Certified Level 1 ready.
