SPIDER Automation Microchip ATSAMD20-XPRO Xplained Pro Evaluation Kit | ATSAMD20J18A ARM Cortex-M0+ MCU | For Low-Power Embedded Prototyping
Description
SPIDER Automation Microchip ATSAMD20-XPRO Xplained Pro Evaluation Kit offers engineers, makers, and students a comprehensive, ready-to-use platform to explore the capabilities of the ATSAMD20J18A microcontroller. Built around the energy-efficient ARM Cortex-M0+ 32-bit RISC processor, the SAM D20 series delivers high computational efficiency coupled with advanced low-power operational modes, making it an excellent choice for battery-operated smart devices and sensor nodes.
The Xplained Pro evaluation platform streamlines development by incorporating an on-board Embedded Debugger, eliminating the need for external programming probes. It features auto-ID board recognition, a Virtual COM port (CDC) for serial telemetry, a 32.768 kHz precision crystal oscillator, and flexible extension headers. Whether building standalone IoT sensors or designing custom micro-controller hardware, the ATSAMD20-XPRO accelerates time-to-market and simplifies firmware debugging.
Key Features
- ATSAMD20J18A Microcontroller Core: 32-bit ARM Cortex-M0+ processor operating with high code density and rapid interrupt response times.
- On-Board Embedded Debugger: Integrated hardware programming and debugging tool supporting target evaluation right out of the box.
- External Target Debugging: Dedicated debug interface routing capability to program and troubleshoot external target microcontrollers.
- Auto-ID Board Identification: Automatic hardware recognition feature supported natively within Atmel Studio and MPLAB environments.
- Virtual COM Port (CDC): Integrated USB-to-serial communication channel for effortless data monitoring and debugging output.
- Precision Crystal Oscillator: Features an onboard 32.768 kHz watch crystal for accurate real-time clock (RTC) timing functions.
- Flexible Power Architecture: Operates on standard 5V external power or USB bus power (4.4V to 5.25V range complying with USB specifications).
- Mechanical User Push-Buttons: Onboard tactile buttons for manual input testing and user-defined firmware interrupts.
- Xplained Pro Extension Headers: Standardized connector pinout supporting compatible extension boards such as OLED1, I/O1, and PROTO1 kits.
- Comprehensive Software Support: Fully integrated with Atmel Studio and MPLAB X IDE with extensive driver example packages.
Benefits
- Zero External Tool Overhead: Built-in debugger and virtual COM port allow immediate coding and testing without purchasing separate programmers.
- Rapid Hardware Expandability: Standard Xplained Pro extension headers enable quick attachment of displays, sensors, and communication modules.
- Low-Power Design Validation: Ideal platform for testing ultra-low-power sleep modes and energy-harvesting application concepts.
Applications
- Smart Home Sensor Nodes: Developing battery-operated environmental monitoring units, temperature sensors, and wireless telemetry relays.
- Wearable Medical Devices: Prototyping compact health tracking equipment requiring low power consumption and high reliability.
- Industrial Automation Sub-Controllers: Building localized actuator controllers, smart switches, and decentralized data logging modules.
- Embedded Systems Education: Professional training platform for engineering students learning ARM Cortex-M0+ architecture and peripheral configuration.
- Consumer Electronics Prototyping: Designing human-interface devices featuring mechanical push-buttons, displays, and serial communication links.
Package Includes
- 1 x MICROCHIP ATSAMD20-XPRO Evaluation Kit (SAM D20 Xplained Pro MCU Board)
Technical Specifications
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| Brand / Series | SPIDER Automation / Microchip Xplained Pro Evaluation Series |
| Item Type | ARM Microcontroller Evaluation Board & Prototyping Kit |
| Model Order Code / SKU | ATSAMD20-XPRO / SKU-SPIDER-ATSAMD20-XPRO |
| Silicon Manufacturer | Microchip Technology (Atmel) |
| Microcontroller Core | ATSAMD20J18A (32-bit ARM Cortex-M0+ RISC Processor) |
| Debugger & Programmer | On-Board Embedded Debugger (Supports External Target Debugging) |
| Serial Communication | Virtual COM Port (CDC Interface via USB) |
| System Timing Oscillator | 32.768 kHz Real-Time Clock (RTC) Crystal Frequency |
| Power Supply Input | External Power: 5V DC / USB Debugger Bus Power: 4.4V to 5.25V DC |
| Expansion Interface | Xplained Pro Extension Headers (Compatible with OLED1, I/O1, PROTO1) |
| Software IDE Compatibility | Atmel Studio, MPLAB X IDE, and Xplained Pro Extension Framework |
| Board Physical Dimensions | Standard Xplained Pro Form Factor |
| Product Net Weight | 0.028 kg (28 g) |
| Package Shipping Weight | 0.064 kg (64 g) |
| Package Shipping Dimensions | 14 cm × 9 cm × 3 cm |







