Overview
ATSAMD21G18A-AU is a 32-bit low-power microcontroller (MCU) based on the ARM Cortex-M0+ core launched by Microchip (formerly Atmel) , with a main frequency of up to 48 MHz , built-in 256KB Flash and 32KB SRAM , and packaged in a compact TQFP-48 . The device integrates a rich peripheral interface, low power consumption, USB 2.0 support, and a flexible event system, making it very suitable for IoT devices, portable products, sensor nodes, smart homes, wearable devices, industrial control, and embedded control systems .
Specifications
parameter | Numeric |
Kernel | ARM Cortex-M0+ |
Frequency | Up to 48 MHz |
Flash capacity | 256 KB |
SRAM Capacity | 32 KB |
Operating voltage range | 1.62V – 3.63V |
Power consumption (typical) | <150 μA/MHz @ 48 MHz |
Peripheral Interface | USART, I²C, SPI, ADC, DAC, PWM, USB 2.0 FS |
ADC / DAC | 12-bit ADC (20 channels), 10-bit DAC (1 channel) |
Timer/RTC/Watchdog | RTC, SysTick, TC, TCC, WDT |
Event System | 12 channels without CPU intervention event trigger mechanism |
Package Type | TQFP-48 (AU package) |
Operating temperature range | –40°C to +85°C (Industrial) |
Programming and debugging interface | SWD (Serial Wire Debug) |
Key Features of ATSAMD21G18A-AU
Cost-effective 32-bit MCU, suitable for low-power systems
Based on the ARM Cortex-M0+ architecture, it has better performance than traditional 8/16-bit MCUs and lower power consumption, making it very suitable for battery-powered devices.
Rich on-chip peripherals and flexible communication interfaces
Built-in multiple UARTs, SPI, I²C, USB FS, analog ADC/DAC and multi-channel timers, support flexible peripheral mapping, and highly customizable hardware function layout.
On-chip USB 2.0 full-speed controller
Integrated USB device controller (configurable as CDC, HID, MSC, etc.) to reduce reliance on external USB serial conversion modules.
Advanced event system
Supports 12 hardware event links, allowing peripherals such as ADC and timers to interact directly without CPU intervention, achieving low-latency and efficient task processing.
Ultra-low power consumption, suitable for sleep and wake-up design
It supports multiple energy-saving modes (Idle, Standby, Backup, etc.). The current can be as low as a few μA in sleep mode, which is suitable for portable and wireless terminals.
Supports Arduino, ASF, CMSIS and FreeRTOS
You can use the Arduino framework, Atmel Software Framework (ASF), CMSIS drivers and multiple RTOS to improve software development efficiency.
Typical application scenarios
ATSAMD21G18A-AU is widely used in:
Internet of Things Node Devices (IoT)
Connect sensors and BLE/Wi-Fi modules to achieve remote monitoring, environmental collection, smart alarm, etc.
USB peripherals and peripherals
Used as USB keyboard, mouse, CDC serial port device, HID controller, etc.
Wearable devices
Realize low-power functions such as motion data collection, OLED display, and touch operation.
Embedded control system
Used for control logic execution in small appliances, electronic instruments, and consumer electronics.
Industrial Automation and Communication Modules
Adapts to the application requirements of Modbus, CAN and other protocols, and supports precise control and data transmission and reception.
Advantages comparison analysis
Features/Parameters | ATSAMD21G18A-AU | Traditional 8-bit MCU (such as ATmega328P) |
Kernel architecture | Cortex-M0+ (32-bit) | AVR (8-bit) |
Frequency | 48 MHz | 16 MHz |
Flash / SRAM | 256KB / 32KB | 32KB / 2KB |
USB support | Native USB 2.0 FS | Requires external chip |
Power consumption control capability | Multi-level power saving mode + event system | Only basic sleep functions |
Peripheral resources | Rich, supports remapping and multi-functions | Many restrictions, fixed functions |
Compared with traditional MCUs, ATSAMD21G18A-AU has significant advantages in performance, power consumption and integration, and is suitable for the development of the next generation of lightweight smart devices.
Manufacturer Profile: Microchip Technology (formerly Atmel)
Microchip is a leading global provider of microcontrollers, analog, mixed-signal and memory devices. The ATSAMD21 series MCUs were originally designed by Atmel, and are now developed by Microchip and provide a powerful software ecosystem, including MPLAB X IDE, Atmel START configuration tools, Harmony framework, etc., serving a wide range of markets such as industry, medical, automotive and consumer electronics.
Why choose ATSAMD21G18A-AU?
●32-bit Cortex-M0+ architecture, with stronger performance and lower power consumption
● Built-in USB, ADC, DAC, PWM, RTC and other rich peripherals
● Support multiple communication protocols (SPI, I²C, UART) and event system collaborative triggering
●Flexible power management modes for battery-powered devices
●Mature development ecosystem, compatible with Arduino, ASF, FreeRTOS
● TQFP-48 package, suitable for standard PCB process and prototype development board design
FAQ
Q1: Can the ATSAMD21G18A-AU use the Arduino development environment?
Yes, the ATSAMD21G18A-AU is highly compatible with the Arduino platform. It is the core control chip of official development boards such as Arduino Zero, MKR1000, and MKR WiFi 1010, and the Arduino IDE provides complete support for it. By installing the “Arduino SAMD Boards” development package, users can directly write, compile, and upload code in the Arduino IDE. In addition, the chip also supports more advanced development using PlatformIO, Atmel Studio, and MPLAB X IDE, which is very suitable for a variety of application scenarios from beginners to professional developers.
Q2: Does it support USB Bootloader?
Yes, ATSAMD21G18A-AU has a built-in full-speed USB interface and supports device firmware upgrade (DFU) via USB. Microchip provides open source USB Bootloader (such as Atmel SAM-BA or Adafruit UF2 bootloader), which can burn firmware to the chip via USB without an additional programmer. Users can burn the bootloader themselves, or use modules or development boards with pre-burned bootloaders to achieve a plug-and-play USB programming experience, which is suitable for scenarios such as portable devices, consumer electronics, and rapid prototyping.
For more details and to explore our inventory, please visit the links below:
Product Details: Win Source – ATSAMD21G18A-AU
Quote: Win Source – ATSAMD21G18A-AU
©2025 Win Source Electronics. All rights reserved. This content is protected by copyright and may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, cached or otherwise used, except with the prior written permission of Win Source Electronics.
COMMENTS