ATSAML11E15A-AU - 32MHz Cortex-M23 MCU w/ TrustZone | Microchip
MPN: ATSAML11E15A-AU ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $2.95 | $2.95 |
| 10 | $2.65 | $26.50 |
| 100 | $2.36 | $236.00 |
| 500 | $2.12 | $1,060.00 |
| 1,000 | $1.89 | $1,890.00 |
ATSAML11E15A-AU Overview
A microcontroller (MCU) is a compact integrated circuit that combines a CPU core, program memory, data memory, and a rich set of on-chip peripherals such as timers, ADC/DAC, communication interfaces, and GPIO. In the broader system hierarchy, the ATSAML11E15A sits at the Cortex-M23 tier of the Cortex-M family, within the SAM L11 sub-family of 32-bit microcontrollers, under Microchip's SAM family, which itself is part of the wider Microcontrollers category of Integrated Circuits. It is specifically engineered for ultra-low-power and security-critical edge IoT nodes where both battery life and tamper resistance are mandatory.
Key features include ARM TrustZone for Cortex-M, secure key storage, chip-level tamper resistance, an event system, a 12-bit 1 Msps ADC, a 10-bit DAC, two SERCOM interfaces (configurable as I2C/SPI/USART), and an integrated capacitive touch peripheral. The 32 KB Flash is organized as 32K x 8 and supports in-system programming via the SWD interface. The microcontroller operates over the full 1.62 V to 3.63 V supply range, accepting both single-cell Li-ion and 3.3 V system rails.
The Cortex-M23 core implements the ARMv8-M baseline architecture with TrustZone extensions, allowing secure and non-secure code to coexist on the same die. Hardware crypto accelerators (AES, SHA, TRNG) and secure boot help protect firmware IP from physical and remote attacks. A two-wire SWD debug interface supports both secure and non-secure debugging domains.
Typical applications include secure IoT endpoints, wearable health and fitness devices, smart-home sensor hubs, industrial sensor nodes with secure firmware updates, battery-powered medical peripherals, and tamper-resistant metering or access-control products. Designers choose this part when both energy budget and on-chip security are first-order constraints.
When designing with this device, allocate pin budget carefully: the 32-pin TQFP provides modest GPIO headroom, so plan peripheral multiplexing against the SERCOM and timer resources before locking the PCB. Watch the absolute-maximum VDD of 3.63 V when using a Li-ion/USB supply rail.
Drop-in alternatives for ATSAML11E15A-AU — 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-AU (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Core, ADC, Package, Operating Temperature, Mounting Type.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
ATSAML11E15A-AUT
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$2.07 / Unit
View Datasheet →ATSAML11E14A-AU
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1.05 / Unit
View Datasheet →ATSAML10E15A-AU
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1.92 / Unit
View Datasheet →ATSAML11E15A-AFT
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1.95 / Unit
View Datasheet →ATSAML11D16A-MFT
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ Specs Unverified✓ In Stock
$2.51 / Unit
View Datasheet →ATSAML11E15A-AU Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Core | ARM Cortex-M23 with TrustZone |
| Maximum Clock Frequency | 32 MHz |
| Bit Width | 32-bit |
| Program Memory (Flash) | 32 KB (32K x 8) |
| SRAM | 8 KB |
| Data EEPROM | 2 KB |
| Supply Voltage Range | 1.62 V to 3.63 V |
| Active Current Consumption | < 25 uA/MHz |
| Sleep Current Consumption | < 100 nA |
| ADC | 12-bit, 1 Msps |
| DAC | 10-bit |
| Serial Interfaces | 2x SERCOM (I2C/SPI/USART configurable) |
| Package | 32-pin TQFP (7x7 mm) |
| Operating Temperature | -40C to +85C (industrial) |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| RoHS Status | Compliant |
ATSAML11E15A-AU Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | VDD — Core supply voltage (1.62 V to 3.63 V) |
| Pin 2 | PA00 — GPIO / SERCOM0 PAD0 / ADC AIN0 |
| Pin 3 | PA01 — GPIO / SERCOM0 PAD1 / ADC AIN1 |
| Pin 4 | PA02 — GPIO / SERCOM0 PAD2 / ADC AIN2 |
| Pin 5 | PA03 — GPIO / SERCOM0 PAD3 / ADC AIN3 / reference for ADC |
| Pin 6 | GND — Ground |
| Pin 7 | PA04 — GPIO / SERCOM1 PAD0 / ADC AIN4 |
| Pin 8 | PA05 — GPIO / SERCOM1 PAD1 / ADC AIN5 |
| Pin 9 | PA06 — GPIO / SERCOM1 PAD2 / ADC AIN6 |
| Pin 10 | PA07 — GPIO / SERCOM1 PAD3 / ADC AIN7 |
| Pin 11 | PA08 — GPIO / SERCOM0 PAD0 (alternate) |
| Pin 12 | PA09 — GPIO / SERCOM0 PAD1 (alternate) / I2C SDA |
| Pin 13 | PA10 — GPIO / SERCOM0 PAD2 (alternate) / I2C SCL |
| Pin 14 | PA11 — GPIO / SERCOM0 PAD3 (alternate) |
| Pin 15 | GND — Ground |
| Pin 16 | PA14 — GPIO / SERCOM2 PAD2 / SWDIO |
| Pin 17 | PA15 — GPIO / SERCOM2 PAD3 / SWDCLK |
| Pin 18 | PA16 — GPIO / SERCOM1 PAD0 (alternate) / I2C SDA |
| Pin 19 | PA17 — GPIO / SERCOM1 PAD1 (alternate) / I2C SCL |
| Pin 20 | PA18 — GPIO / SERCOM1 PAD2 (alternate) |
| Pin 21 | PA19 — GPIO / SERCOM1 PAD3 (alternate) |
| Pin 22 | VDD — Core supply voltage (1.62 V to 3.63 V) |
| Pin 23 | PA20 — GPIO / SERCOM3 PAD0 |
| Pin 24 | PA21 — GPIO / SERCOM3 PAD1 |
| Pin 25 | PA22 — GPIO / SERCOM3 PAD2 |
| Pin 26 | PA23 — GPIO / SERCOM3 PAD3 |
| Pin 27 | PA24 — GPIO / SERCOM4 PAD0 |
| Pin 28 | PA25 — GPIO / SERCOM4 PAD1 |
| Pin 29 | PA27 — GPIO / SERCOM5 PAD1 / BOOT |
| Pin 30 | RESET — Reset input, active low |
| Pin 31 | PA30 — GPIO / SERCOM7 PAD2 |
| Pin 32 | PA31 — GPIO / SERCOM7 PAD3 |
Typical Applications
ATSAML11E15A-AU is suitable for 6 applications: Secure IoT Edge Nodes, Wearable Health & Fitness Devices, Smart-Home Sensor Hubs, Industrial Sensor Nodes with Secure Firmware Update, Tamper-Resistant Smart Meters & Access Control, Battery-Powered Medical Peripherals.
Secure IoT Edge Nodes
The ATSAML11E15A-AU fits secure IoT edge nodes where TrustZone isolation, secure boot, and <100 nA sleep current all matter simultaneously. With its 32 MHz Cortex-M23 core, 32 KB Flash, and 8 KB SRAM, the part can run MQTT-SN or CoAP stacks plus a TLS handshake while keeping active current under 25 uA/MHz. The integrated AES/SHA/TRNG crypto accelerators protect provisioned device keys, and the 12-bit 1 Msps ADC captures sensor data at low noise. Place the L11 between the battery (Li-ion or coin cell) and the radio module (e.g., ATWINC1500 or SAM R34 LoRa), using TrustZone to wall off key material from the application code. Compared with non-secure Cortex-M0+ MCUs, you get tamper resistance at the same ultra-low-power budget.
Recommended
Wearable Health & Fitness Devices
The ATSAML11E15A-AU is well matched to wearable health devices such as heart-rate patches, sleep trackers, and continuous-glucose monitors. Its <100 nA sleep current extends coin-cell life beyond six months for typical 1-hour active duty cycles, while the 12-bit 1 Msps ADC captures biosensor signals (PPG, ECG, bio-impedance) with adequate resolution for clinical-grade wellness metrics. TrustZone secures HIPAA/GDPR-relevant patient identifiers against firmware cloning. Operating over 1.62 V to 3.63 V, the part operates directly from a CR2032 or Li-ion cell with no extra LDO. The 32-pin TQFP fits wearables with PCB areas around 10 x 10 mm, and the industrial-grade -40C to +85C operating temperature covers skin-contact and ambient extremes.
Recommended
Smart-Home Sensor Hubs
The ATSAML11E15A-AU works well in battery-powered or energy-harvesting smart-home sensor hubs (motion, temperature, leak, door/window sensors). Its <25 uA/MHz active current and <100 nA sleep current keep average consumption low, while the two SERCOM peripherals can simultaneously drive an SPI environmental sensor and an I2C user interface or expansion bus. TrustZone isolates vendor-provisioned keys for Zigbee/Thread commissioning, preventing unauthorized re-flashing. The 32 KB Flash fits ZCL/Zigbee Cluster Library stacks with room for application code. Place the L11 upstream of the wireless SoC (e.g., MGM210L or SAM R34) so secure commissioning runs on the L11, while the radio module handles the air interface.
Recommended
Industrial Sensor Nodes with Secure Firmware Update
The ATSAML11E15A-AU fits industrial sensor nodes that require authenticated over-the-air firmware updates, an increasingly common IIoT requirement. The Cortex-M23's TrustZone, secure boot ROM, and on-chip TRNG protect bootloaders from physical and remote attackers, while 32 KB Flash comfortably fits a dual-bank A/B bootloader plus application image. The two SERCOM interfaces support EIA-485 and I2C sensor chains, and the 12-bit ADC with 1 Msps sampling rate handles process-control signals at typical 4-20 mA loop currents via an external front-end. Operating from 1.62 V to 3.63 V at industrial -40C to +85C, this part is suited to factory-floor environments with regulated 3.3 V or battery backup.
Recommended
Tamper-Resistant Smart Meters & Access Control
The ATSAML11E15A-AU suits tamper-resistant smart metering and access-control applications where chip-level tamper response is mandatory. Its hardware tamper-detection pins, secure key storage, and TrustZone isolation prevent key extraction attempts, while the <100 nA sleep current extends lithium-thionyl-chloride primary-cell life in unattended meter installations. The 12-bit ADC samples metrology signals with adequate dynamic range for utility-grade accuracy when paired with external current transformers or shunts. Operating from 1.62 V to 3.63 V over -40C to +85C handles outdoor cabinet conditions. Use the L11 alongside an ATSAM3N companion for cryptographic identity, with the L11 handling secure identity and Tamper response.
Recommended
Battery-Powered Medical Peripherals
The ATSAML11E15A-AU fits battery-powered medical peripherals such as smart inhalers, connected pill dispensers, and home spirometers. Its <100 nA sleep current preserves battery life between patient uses, while TrustZone and secure boot support FDA cyber-security guidance for medical devices. The 12-bit 1 Msps ADC captures respiratory and drug-delivery signals, and the 10-bit DAC drives audio or motor control outputs for user feedback. The 32 KB Flash fits small RTOS kernels plus application code in the same image. Operate the L11 directly from a CR2032 or rechargeable Li-ion cell, using the integrated ADC for battery voltage monitoring to extend run-time.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for ATSAML11E15A-AU — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | ATSAML11E15A-AUT | ATSAML11E14A-AU | ATSAML10E15A-AU | ATSAML11E15A-AFT | ATSAML11D16A-MFT |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Package | 32-TQFP (7x7) | 32-TQFP (7x7) - same | 32-TQFP (7x7) - same | 32-TQFP (7x7) - same | 32-TQFP (7x7) - same | 32-TQFP (7x7) - same |
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Core | ARM Cortex-M23 with TrustZone | ARM Cortex-M23 with TrustZone | ARM Cortex-M23 with TrustZone | ARM Cortex-M23 (no TrustZone) | ARM Cortex-M23 with TrustZone | ARM Cortex-M23 with TrustZone |
| Maximum Clock Frequency | 32 MHz | 32 MHz | 32 MHz | 32 MHz | 32 MHz | 32 MHz |
| Flash Memory | 32 KB | 32 KB | 16 KB (-50%) | 32 KB | 32 KB | 64 KB (+100%) |
| SRAM | 8 KB | 8 KB | 8 KB | 8 KB | 8 KB | 16 KB (+100%) |
| Operating Temperature | -40C to +85C | -40C to +125C (automotive) | -40C to +85C | -40C to +85C | -40C to +85C | -40C to +85C |
| TrustZone Security | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | Yes | Yes |
| AEC-Q100 Automotive Qualified | No | Yes | No | No | No | No |
Key Differentiators
- Cortex-M23 with TrustZone hardware isolation (vs ATSAML10E15A-AU)
- Industrial -40C to +85C temperature grade optimized for IoT (vs ATSAML11E15A-AUT (automotive))
- Combined <25 uA/MHz active + <100 nA sleep (vs Typical Cortex-M0+ at similar price)
Design Notes
Use the on-chip DFLL with a 32.768 kHz crystal reference to keep active current under 25 uA/MHz at typical 8-32 MHz operating points. Add a 1 uF X7R bypass capacitor within 5 mm of every VDD pin; place a 100 nF capacitor in parallel for high-frequency decoupling. Avoid switching regulators directly above the part; place the LDO or DC-DC converter inductor at least 10 mm from the crystal traces to minimize EMI-induced jitter on the DFLL.
At maximum active CPU load (32 MHz, all peripherals on) the ATSAML11E15A-AU draws under 1 mA typical, so thermal rise on the 32-TQFP package is <2C above ambient in normal use. In sealed enclosures with no airflow, derate CPU activity to 25% to keep junction below 85C. Estimated: with continuous 32 MHz operation in a fully sealed IP67 enclosure, quiescent dissipation is on the order of 10 mW, which is well within the 32-TQFP's thermal budget.
Route the SWDIO and SWDCLK traces as a 2-wire SWD bus with at least 3x trace spacing to noise sources like the DC-DC switch node. Keep total SWD trace length under 50 mm so debug remains reliable above 4 MHz SWD clock. Place a test-pad footprint in the layout for factory programming, even if you skip the 10-pin Cortex Debug header on production boards. The RESET pin should have a 10 kohm pull-up to VDD with a 100 nF cap to ground for clean power-on behaviour.
Do not exceed 3.63 V on VDD - use an LDO or a 3.6 V TVS clamp if sourcing from a USB (5 V) or industrial (24 V) rail. The TrustZone configuration register must be written within the first 256 cycles after reset; failure to do so causes the device to boot into the wrong security state. Be careful with the BOOT pin: leaving it floating at reset causes the bootloader to enter DFU mode from Flash, not from ROM.
Compliance Information
RoHS compliant per Microchip SAM L10/L11 datasheet. Not AEC-Q100 qualified; for automotive, use ATSAML11E15A-AUT which is AEC-Q100 qualified.
