ATSAML11E16A-MF - 32MHz Cortex-M23 MCU 64KB Flash | Microchip
MPN: ATSAML11E16A-MF ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $3.92 | $3.92 |
| 10 | $3.55 | $35.50 |
| 100 | $2.99 | $299.00 |
| 500 | $2.65 | $1,325.00 |
| 1,000 | $2.32 | $2,320.00 |
| 3,000 | $2.05 | $6,150.00 |
ATSAML11E16A-MF Overview
A microcontroller (MCU) is a single-chip computer that integrates a CPU core, memory, and programmable peripherals. The Cortex-M23 is an ARMv8-M baseline core optimized for energy-efficient embedded applications. Positioned in the SAM L11 lineup between simpler Cortex-M0+ devices and higher-performance Cortex-M4 parts, the ATSAML11E16A-MF emphasizes deterministic execution, low power, and hardware-rooted security, making it suitable for IoT endpoints, secure sensors, and battery-powered medical devices.
Key features include a 64KB Flash program memory (64K x 8 organization), 16KB SRAM, TrustZone for ARMv8-M with secure/non-secure partitioning, a True Random Number Generator (TRNG), secure key storage, chip-level tamper resistance, and a rich peripheral set including ADC, SERCOM, timers, and an on-chip temperature sensor. The AEC-Q100 qualification makes it suitable for automotive body and chassis applications. The integrated Power-on Reset (POR), brown-out detector, and 12-bit 1Msps ADC simplify BOM while supporting sensor fusion and analog monitoring tasks.
Architecturally, the SAM L11 uses a single-cycle I/O bus and a low-latency interrupt controller (NVIC) to deliver deterministic response. Hardware cryptographic accelerators for AES and SHA offload secure boot and TLS operations from the CPU, while TrustZone isolates firmware IP from third-party application code.
Typical applications include secure IoT sensor nodes, smart metering, wireless connectivity co-processors (LoRa, BLE, sub-GHz), wearable health monitors, automotive body controllers, and HMI touch interfaces. Compared with the SAML10 family, the SAML11 adds TrustZone, more SRAM, and dedicated crypto primitives; versus Cortex-M0+ MCUs it provides higher MIPS per MHz with deterministic interrupt handling.
When designing with this part, ensure the VQFN-5x5 thermal pad is soldered to a sufficient copper pour for heat dissipation, and follow Microchip application note TB3196 for TrustZone partition configuration. Decoupling: place 100 nF X7R on each VDD pin and a 4.7 uF bulk capacitor within 10 mm of the IC.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing, AEC-Q100-qualified drop-in alternatives, and practical TrustZone configuration guidance not consolidated in the manufacturer datasheet.
Drop-in alternatives for ATSAML11E16A-MF — 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 ATSAML11E16A-MF (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Package, Operating Temperature, Core Architecture, ADC, Communication Interfaces.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
ATSAML11E16A-AUTKPH
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$3.1 / Unit
View Datasheet →ATSAML11E16A-AFT
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$2.85 / Unit
View Datasheet →ATSAML11E16A-MFT
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
ATSAML11E15A-MFT
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1.89 / Unit
View Datasheet →ATSAML11D16A-MFTKPH
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$2.55 / Unit
View Datasheet →ATSAML10E16A-MF
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$2.21 / Unit
View Datasheet →ATSAML11E16A-MF Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Core | ARM Cortex-M23 |
| Core Architecture | ARMv8-M Baseline |
| Maximum Clock Frequency | 32 MHz |
| Bit Width | 32-bit |
| Flash Memory | 64 KB (64K x 8) |
| SRAM | 16 KB |
| Operating Voltage Range | 1.62 V to 3.63 V |
| Active Current | < 25 uA/MHz |
| Sleep Current | < 100 nA |
| Package | 32-VQFN (5x5 mm) with Exposed Pad |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| Security Feature | ARM TrustZone for ARMv8-M |
| Operating Temperature | -40C to +125C |
| AEC-Q100 | Qualified |
| RoHS Status | Compliant |
| Peripherals | SERCOM, ADC, Timers, RTC, TRNG |
| MSL Level | MSL3 |
ATSAML11E16A-MF Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | PA00 — GPIO/ICDD0 |
| Pin 2 | PA01 — GPIO/XIN32 |
| Pin 3 | PA02 — GPIO/AIN0 |
| Pin 4 | PA03 — GPIO/REF |
| Pin 5 | GND — Ground |
| Pin 6 | VDDIO — I/O supply voltage |
| Pin 7 | PA04 — GPIO/AIN1 |
| Pin 8 | PA05 — GPIO/AIN2 |
| Pin 9 | PA06 — GPIO/AIN3 |
| Pin 10 | PA07 — GPIO/AIN4 |
| Pin 11 | VDDCORE — Core voltage output |
| Pin 12 | PA08 — GPIO/SERCOM0 PAD0 |
| Pin 13 | PA09 — GPIO/SERCOM0 PAD1 |
| Pin 14 | PA10 — GPIO/SERCOM0 PAD2 |
| Pin 15 | PA11 — GPIO/SERCOM0 PAD3 |
| Pin 16 | GND — Ground |
| Pin 17 | PA14 — GPIO/SERCOM2 PAD0 |
| Pin 18 | PA15 — GPIO/SERCOM2 PAD1 |
| Pin 19 | PA16 — GPIO/SERCOM1 PAD0 |
| Pin 20 | PA17 — GPIO/SERCOM1 PAD1 |
| Pin 21 | PA18 — GPIO/SERCOM3 PAD0 |
| Pin 22 | PA19 — GPIO/SERCOM3 PAD1 |
| Pin 23 | PA22 — GPIO/SERCOM3 PAD2 |
| Pin 24 | PA23 — GPIO/SERCOM3 PAD3 |
| Pin 25 | PA24 — GPIO/USB DP |
| Pin 26 | PA25 — GPIO/USB DM |
| Pin 27 | nRESET — Reset input (active low) |
| Pin 28 | VDDIO — I/O supply voltage |
| Pin 29 | GND — Ground |
| Pin 30 | VDDANA — Analog supply voltage |
| Pin 31 | PA27 — GPIO/XOUT32 |
| Pin 32 | PA28 — GPIO/XIN |
Typical Applications
ATSAML11E16A-MF is suitable for 6 applications: Secure IoT Sensor Nodes, Smart Metering, Wearable Health Monitors, Automotive Body Controllers, HMI Touch Interfaces, Industrial Wireless Sensor Networks.
Secure IoT Sensor Nodes
The ATSAML11E16A-MF's ARM TrustZone hardware isolation, on-chip TRNG, and cryptographic accelerators make it ideal for secure IoT endpoints that must protect credentials and firmware IP. With less than 25 uA/MHz active and less than 100 nA sleep current, it enables multi-year battery life on coin-cell powered nodes measuring temperature, humidity, or air quality. The 64KB Flash stores TLS stacks and Over-the-Air update bootloaders, while 16KB SRAM supports concurrent secure/non-secure tasks. AEC-Q100 qualification enables deployment in connected automotive sensors where reliability under -40C to +125C is required.
Recommended
Smart Metering
The ATSAML11E16A-MF's 12-bit ADC, low-power operation, and Tamper-resistant TrustZone secure storage make it well suited for electricity, gas, and water metering applications. Less than 100 nA sleep current extends battery life in AMR/AMI endpoints, while the 1Msps ADC handles multi-channel analog front-end sampling for current/voltage sensing. The 64KB Flash accommodates segmented metering firmware and DLMS/COSEM communication stacks, and the AEC-Q100 grade supports outdoor installations exposed to automotive-grade thermal stress.
Recommended
Wearable Health Monitors
The ATSAML11E16A-MF suits wearable health devices such as fitness bands, continuous glucose monitors, and pulse oximeters thanks to its sub-25 uA/MHz active consumption and 32-pin QFN 5x5 footprint that fits wristband form factors. The Cortex-M23 core delivers deterministic interrupt response for sensor-fusion tasks, while on-chip SERCOM ports interface I2C/SPI biosensors (PPG, SpO2, body temperature). TrustZone protects PHI (Protected Health Information) on-device, helping designers meet HIPAA-style data isolation requirements without an external secure element.
Recommended
Automotive Body Controllers
AEC-Q100 qualification, -40C to +125C operation, and the 32-VQFN automotive-grade package make the ATSAML11E16A-MF a strong fit for body controllers managing lighting, RKE receivers, HVAC actuators, and door modules. The 32 MHz Cortex-M23 core handles LIN/CAN-FD message processing, while TrustZone isolates OEM diagnostic routines from third-party telematics code. Hardware AES/SHA accelerates secure firmware update verification over CAN, and less than 100 nA sleep current supports quiescent current budgets required for always-on body modules.
Recommended
HMI Touch Interfaces
Capacitive touch button sliders, gesture pads, and small TFT interfaces benefit from the ATSAML11E16A-MF's SERCOM peripherals, PTC (Peripheral Touch Controller), and DMA-driven event system that offloads touch scanning from the CPU. The 64KB Flash stores touch tuning parameters and gesture recognition libraries, while the Cortex-M23 deterministic interrupts ensure sub-10 ms touch response. The compact 5x5 mm QFN package supports dense PCB layouts behind glass panels, and less than 25 uA/MHz enables battery-powered remote controls with multi-year coin-cell life.
Recommended
Industrial Wireless Sensor Networks
The ATSAML11E16A-MF pairs naturally with sub-GHz transceivers (LoRa, Wireless M-Bus, Z-Wave, Zigbee) in industrial WSN gateways measuring tank levels, pipeline pressures, and machine vibration. Its hardware crypto accelerators accelerate DTLS handshake during provisioning, while TrustZone isolates device certificates. The 32 MHz Cortex-M23 with single-cycle I/O delivers deterministic sensor polling intervals crucial for predictive maintenance algorithms. Less than 100 nA sleep current and 1.62V minimum supply enable direct battery operation from single LiSOCl2 cells used in remote installations.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for ATSAML11E16A-MF — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | ATSAML11E16A-AUTKPH | ATSAML11E16A-AFT | ATSAML11E16A-MFT | ATSAML11E15A-MF | ATSAML11D16A-MFTKPH | ATSAML10E16A-MF |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Package | 32-VQFN (5x5 mm) | 32-VQFN (5x5 mm) - same | 32-VQFN (5x5 mm) - same | 32-VQFN (5x5 mm) - same | 32-VQFN (5x5 mm) - same | 32-VQFN (5x5 mm) - same | 32-VQFN (5x5 mm) - same |
| Flash Memory | 64 KB | 64 KB | 64 KB | 64 KB | 32 KB | 64 KB | 64 KB |
| SRAM | 16 KB | 16 KB | 16 KB | 16 KB | 16 KB | 16 KB | 8 KB |
| ARM TrustZone | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
| AEC-Q100 | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Operating Temperature | -40C to +125C | -40C to +125C | -40C to +125C | -40C to +125C | -40C to +125C | -40C to +85C | -40C to +125C |
| Crypto Accelerators | AES, SHA, TRNG | AES, SHA, TRNG | AES, SHA, TRNG | AES, SHA, TRNG | AES, SHA, TRNG | AES, SHA, TRNG | TRNG only |
| Pin-to-Pin Compatible | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Key Differentiators
- Industry's lowest-power Cortex-M23 with TrustZone (vs ATSAML10E16A-MF)
- AEC-Q100 Grade 1 automotive qualification (vs ATSAML11E16A-MFT)
- Best-in-class 100 nA sleep current with RTC retention (vs ATSAML11D16A-MFTKPH)
- Hardware cryptographic accelerators (vs Generic Cortex-M0+ MCU)
- Single-cycle I/O bus for deterministic interrupts (vs Cortex-M0+ MCU)
Design Notes
The ATSAML11E16A-MF integrates a 1.2V LDO from VDDIO/VDDANA to VDDCORE - no external core regulator is required. Place a 4.7uF X5R bulk capacitor on VDDIO within 10 mm and a 100 nF X7R decoupling capacitor on each VDDIO/VDDANA pin. For sleep currents below 1 uA, disable all SERCOM peripherals and switch unused GPIO to input with pull-up before issuing WFI.
The 32-VQFN 5x5 mm package has an exposed thermal pad (EP) that MUST be soldered to a continuous ground copper pour of at least 25 mm^2 to meet thermal ratings. At maximum active load (32 MHz, all peripherals enabled, GPIO toggling), the device dissipates roughly 12 mW - well within the 0.5W thermal envelope, but poor EP soldering can elevate junction temperature by 10-15C and shift ADC readings.
Route the 32 kHz crystal traces (PA01/XIN32 and PA31/XOUT32) as short as possible (< 5 mm), surrounded by a grounded guard ring. Keep the crystal within 5 mm of the MCU and shield it from high-speed digital traces. The DFP (Device Firmware Upgrade) USB pins (PA24/PA25) require 90-ohm differential routing if USB is used; otherwise leave as GPIO.
Common pitfalls with the ATSAML11E16A-MF: (1) Forgetting to set the NVMCTRL.FUSES.SECCTRL register to enable TrustZone - the MCU will boot as non-secure by default; (2) Configuring PA00/PA28 as ADC inputs while keeping the XIN oscillator running causes 2-3 LSB ADC noise; (3) Using Bit-Bang I2C on SERCOM pads with internal pull-ups causes timing violations above 100 kHz - use SERCOM peripheral instead.
The 12-bit ADC achieves 1 Msps, but to preserve ENOB above 10 bits, place a 10nF C0G/NP0 capacitor on the AIN pin and keep analog traces short. Route AIN traces away from SERCOM switching signals. The internal 1.0V voltage reference has 10 mV total error across temperature; for precision measurements, use the external MCP3911A0 24-bit ADC companion.
Compliance Information
AEC-Q100 Grade 1 qualified per Microchip product page. RoHS and REACH compliant. Lead-free and halogen-free packaging per Microchip material declaration.
