EmbeddedRelated.com
Jacob Beningo
Live online course · Jacob Beningo
AI for Embedded Developers
$100 off for EmbeddedRelated readers until Nov 1 · 5 live sessions, Dec 7-11
Discount ends in
15days 19hrs 35min 39sec
Learn More →
    Parts    ATSAMR21 Family    ATSAMR21G    ATSAMR21G18A-MFT
ATSAMR21G18A-MFT

MCHPATSAMR21G18A-MFT

Microchip Technology
IC RF TxRx + MCU General ISM > 1GHz 2.4GHz 48-VFQFN Exposed Pad
Active5,992 in stock
Datasheet Digi-Key Mouser Compare Prices

Overview

The ATSAMR21G18A-MFT is a highly integrated System-on-Chip (SoC) that combines an ARM Cortex-M0+ microcontroller with a high-performance 2.4GHz IEEE 802.15.4 compliant radio. This device is designed for low-power wireless applications, offering 256kB of Flash and 32kB of SRAM to support robust networking stacks like Zigbee, Thread, or 6LoWPAN.

Why Choose This Part

It reduces BOM complexity by integrating the RF front-end and MCU into a single 7x7mm QFN package. The hardware-assisted MAC features, such as auto-acknowledge and auto-retry, offload timing-critical tasks from the CPU to improve system efficiency and responsiveness.

Applications

Smart Home Mesh Networking
Ideal for Zigbee or Thread-based light switches, thermostats, and sensors requiring reliable multi-hop communication.
Industrial Sensor Nodes
Utilizes the -99dBm sensitivity and hardware-assisted MAC for robust data collection in electrically noisy environments.
Battery-Powered IoT Devices
Leverages SleepWalking peripherals and low-power modes to extend battery life in wireless endpoints.
Wireless Security Systems
Uses integrated hardware security including AES and a True Random Number Generator for encrypted wireless transmission.

Key Specifications

GPIO 28
Type TxRx + MCU
Frequency 2.4GHz
Modulation O-QPSK
Memory Size 256kB Flash, 32kB SRAM
Sensitivity -99dBm
Mounting Type Surface Mount
Package / Case 48-VFQFN Exposed Pad
Power - Output 4dBm
Data Rate (Max) 250kbps
Voltage - Supply 1.8V ~ 3.6V
Serial Interfaces I2C, SPI, UART, USART, USB
RF Family/Standard General ISM > 1GHz
Current - Receiving 11.3mA ~ 11.8mA
Operating Temperature -40degC ~ 125degC
Current - Transmitting 7.2mA ~ 13.8mA
Supplier Device Package 48-QFN (7x7)

Getting Started

Developers can use the Microchip Studio or MPLAB X IDEs along with the Atmel Software Framework (ASF) which provides pre-built 802.15.4 and Zigbee stacks. The SAM R21 Xplained Pro evaluation kit is the recommended hardware platform for rapid prototyping and debugging via the integrated SWD interface.

Part of ATSAMR21 family » ATSAMR21G

ATSAMR21G Family

Comparing specs that differ across variants. The current part is highlighted.

Part Number Temp Range Stock
ATSAMR21G18A-MFT (this part) -40degC ~ 125degC 5,992
ATSAMR21G18A-MUT (Microchip) -40degC ~ 85degC 12,774
ATSAMR21G18A-MU -40degC ~ 85degC 291
Also available as: ATSAMR21G18A-AU

Also Consider

EFR32MG24 SiLSilicon Labs - Offers higher output power and support for multiple protocols including Matter and Bluetooth Low Energy alongside 802.15.4.
CC2538 TITexas Instruments - Features a more powerful Cortex-M3 core and larger memory options for complex mesh networking applications.