Microchip ATSAMD21E15B-AUT: A Comprehensive Technical Overview

The Microchip ATSAMD21E15B-AUT is a member of the high-performance, low-power ARM® Cortex®-M0+ based SAM D21 family of microcontrollers. Designed for a vast array of automotive and industrial applications, this device combines processing power with exceptional energy efficiency, making it a cornerstone for sophisticated embedded designs where reliability and performance are paramount.

Core Architecture and Performance

At the heart of the ATSAMD21E15B-AUT lies the 32-bit ARM Cortex-M0+ CPU, running at speeds up to 48MHz. This core provides a significant performance uplift over traditional 8- or 16-bit architectures, enabling the handling of complex tasks with ease. It is supported by a single-cycle I/O access port and a highly efficient memory system, ensuring rapid data processing and minimal latency in real-time control applications.

Memory Configuration

The device is equipped with 32KB of Flash memory for program storage and 4KB of SRAM for data. This memory footprint is carefully balanced to support relatively complex firmware while maintaining a cost-effective and power-efficient profile. The Flash memory features a high-endurance 100,000 write-cycle capability and built-in error correction code (ECC), enhancing data reliability in critical applications.

Advanced Peripheral Set

The ATSAMD21E15B-AUT is distinguished by its rich set of peripherals designed to interface with a wide variety of sensors, actuators, and communication modules.

Sercom Modules: Its most flexible feature is the presence of up to five SERCOM (SERIAL COMMUNICATION) modules. Each can be independently configured by software as a UART, USART, I2C, or SPI, providing unparalleled design flexibility to meet exact application requirements.

Analog Capabilities: It includes a 12-channel, 12-bit ADC with a conversion rate of up to 350ksps, enabling precise analog sensor measurements. For control applications, it also features a 10-bit DAC.

Timer/Counter Systems: The device boasts multiple Timer/Counters for Control (TCC) capable of generating PWM signals with advanced waveform control, which are essential for motor control and power management. It also includes General Purpose Timers (TC).

Automotive Qualification: The "-AUT" suffix signifies that this component is AEC-Q100 qualified, certifying its reliability for use in automotive environments, including extended temperature ranges.

Power Efficiency

A key strength of the SAM D21 family is its ultra-low power consumption. The controller features multiple sleep modes, including Idle, Standby, and Backup modes, allowing developers to finely tune the power profile of their application. In active mode, the advanced power management controller minimizes energy consumption, making it ideal for battery-powered or energy-sensitive systems.

Development Ecosystem

Designing with the ATSAMD21E15B-AUT is supported by a robust ecosystem. Microchip provides the Atmel Studio/Microchip MPLAB® X IDE and the Atmel START/Microchip MPLAB Code Configurator (MCC) online tools, which allow for quick peripheral configuration and code generation. Hardware development is accelerated by evaluation boards like the SAM D21 Xplained Pro.

ICGOOODFIND

The Microchip ATSAMD21E15B-AUT stands out as a highly integrated and versatile microcontroller. Its combination of the efficient Cortex-M0+ core, a flexible SERCOM-based I/O structure, robust analog peripherals, and AEC-Q100 qualification makes it an exceptional choice for developers targeting demanding automotive, industrial, and consumer applications that require a blend of performance, low power, and reliability.

Keywords:

ARM Cortex-M0+

AEC-Q100

SERCOM

Low Power

12-bit ADC