ATSAM3S1AB-AUR - ARM Cortex-M3 64MHz MCU 64KB Flash | Microchip
MPN: ATSAM3S1AB-AUR ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $3.74 | $3.74 |
| 25 | $3.39 | $84.75 |
| 100 | $3.06 | $306.00 |
| 500 | $2.9 | $1,450.00 |
| 1,000 | $2.75 | $2,750.00 |
ATSAM3S1AB-AUR Overview
A 32-bit microcontroller (MCU) is a single-chip computer that combines a processor core, memory, and peripherals on one die, forming the lowest tier of the embedded processing hierarchy: MCU -> embedded processor -> microprocessor -> SoC. Within Microchip's portfolio, the SAM3S family belongs to the ARM Cortex-M class of MCUs, which dominate cost-sensitive embedded designs due to their balance of performance, power efficiency, and toolchain support.
Key differentiating features include the Cortex-M3 core with nested vectored interrupt controller for deterministic interrupt latency, the large 22-channel DMA controller that offloads data movement from the CPU, and the combination of dual 12-bit DACs with an 8-channel 12-bit ADC, enabling full analog signal-chain processing without external converters. Flash-based program memory allows in-field firmware updates.
Architecturally, the device uses CMOS process technology with an ARMv7-M instruction set, Thumb-2 mixed 16/32-bit code density, and a bus matrix permitting parallel access paths between masters (CPU, DMA) and slaves (memory, peripherals). The parallel data capture mode on the PIOs allows collecting data from non-standard sources such as low-cost image sensors, with DMA transferring data to memory and offloading the CPU.
Typical applications include industrial control and automation nodes, consumer devices with touch or analog sensing, battery-powered portable instruments, and sensor data loggers that benefit from the DMA-driven low CPU load and mixed ADC/DAC capability.
A key design consideration is supply domain partitioning: the 1.62 V to 3.6 V operating range supports direct lithium-battery operation, but Flash wait states increase at the full 64 MHz clock at lower supply voltages, so performance and power must be traded off during clock planning.
This page synthesizes verified distributor pricing, pin-compatible drop-in alternatives, and practical design notes not found in the manufacturer datasheet, providing a single citation-ready engineering reference for the ATSAM3S1AB-AUR.
Drop-in alternatives for ATSAM3S1AB-AUR — 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 ATSAM3S1AB-AUR (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Flash Memory, SRAM, Core Processor, Core Size, Packaging.
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Request AlternativesATSAM3S1AB-AUR Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Core Processor | ARM Cortex-M3 (32-bit) |
| Core Size | 32-Bit Single-Core |
| Maximum Clock Frequency | 64 MHz |
| Flash Memory | 64 KB (64K x 8) |
| SRAM | 16 KB |
| Supply Voltage Range | 1.62 V to 3.6 V |
| ADC Resolution | 12-bit, 8 channels |
| DAC Resolution | 12-bit, 2 channels |
| DMA Channels | 22 |
| Serial Interfaces | I2C, SPI, USART, UART, SSC, I2S |
| Package | 48-LQFP (7x7 mm) |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| Processing Technology | CMOS |
| RoHS Status | ROHS3 Compliant |
| Lead Free Status | Lead Free |
| Packaging | Tape & Reel (TR) |
ATSAM3S1AB-AUR 48-lqfp (7x7 mm) Pin Configuration Guide
Pin configuration for ATSAM3S1AB-AUR (48-lqfp (7x7 mm) package). This digital IC includes GPIO, communication interfaces (UART, SPI, I2C), and power pins. Refer to the manufacturer datasheet for alternate pin functions and configuration options. Essential for embedded system design and PCB layout.
No detailed pinout data available for ATSAM3S1AB-AUR.
Refer to the datasheet for full pin configuration.
Typical Applications
ATSAM3S1AB-AUR is suitable for 6 applications: Industrial Control and Automation, Portable Battery-Powered Instruments, Audio and Voice Data Paths, Image Sensor Data Capture, IoT Sensor Nodes and Data Loggers, Consumer Appliance Control Boards.
Industrial Control and Automation
The ATSAM3S1AB-AUR fits industrial control nodes where deterministic 64 MHz Cortex-M3 execution and a wide 1.62 V to 3.6 V supply tolerance simplify integration on factory 3.3 V rails. Its USART, SPI, and I2C interfaces connect PLC I/O modules, motor-control front ends, and Modbus-style fieldbus gateways, while the 8-channel 12-bit ADC digitizes analog sensor loops such as 4-20 mA receivers after level shifting. The 22 DMA channels keep ADC and UART data flowing without CPU stalls, preserving interrupt latency for control loops. Because the device is ROHS3 compliant and available in the industrial 48-LQFP 7x7 mm package, it suits long-lifecycle panel and actuator boards where firmware stored in 64 KB Flash receives periodic field updates.
Recommended
Portable Battery-Powered Instruments
With operation from 1.62 V to 3.6 V, the ATSAM3S1AB-AUR runs directly from a 3 V lithium coin cell or a single-cell Li-ion pack through a simple LDO, making it well suited to handheld meters, loggers, and portable test tools. The 12-bit ADC captures sensor signals such as temperature, pressure, or user potentiometers, while the dual 12-bit DACs generate reference or stimulus waveforms for measurement excitation. The 22 DMA channels stream samples to the 16 KB SRAM so the Cortex-M3 core can remain in low-power sleep between bursts, extending battery life. Its 48-LQFP 7x7 mm body keeps the PCB compact, and 64 KB Flash accommodates feature-rich UI firmware with menus and calibration tables.
Recommended
Audio and Voice Data Paths
The ATSAM3S1AB-AUR integrates SSC (synchronous serial controller) and I2S interfaces alongside dual 12-bit DACs, forming a compact audio front end for intercoms, voice recorders, and alarm annunciators. The SSC/I2S block clocks external audio codecs or digital microphones, while the DMA controller moves sample streams between the codec and SRAM without loading the 64 MHz Cortex-M3 core, sustaining stable sample rates. The two 12-bit DACs can directly synthesize tones, DTMF, or announcement audio at moderate quality for cost-sensitive products. Operating from 1.62 V to 3.6 V allows a shared 3.3 V audio rail, and the 48-LQFP package keeps the analog section physically close to codec and amplifier components to minimize board routing noise.
Recommended
Image Sensor Data Capture
Microchip's ATSAM3S1A product page highlights a parallel data capture mode on the PIOs that collects data from external devices not compliant with standard memory-read protocols, such as low-cost image sensors. In this mode, DMA transfers the captured frames directly to SRAM, offloading the Cortex-M3 CPU so it can concurrently run exposure control, compression, or communication tasks. This makes the ATSAM3S1AB-AUR an economical controller for simple camera modules, barcode readers, and motion-detection nodes that do not require a high-throughput image processor. The 64 MHz core and 16 KB SRAM limit frame size, so designers typically target QVGA-class sensors with line-by-line DMA buffering in this 48-LQFP, 1.62 V to 3.6 V device.
Recommended
IoT Sensor Nodes and Data Loggers
For IoT sensor nodes, the ATSAM3S1AB-AUR combines an efficient Cortex-M3 pipeline with 22 DMA channels so ADC sampling and USART/SPI communication proceed with minimal CPU duty cycle, conserving energy between transmissions. The I2C and SPI peripherals interface environmental sensors (temperature, humidity, pressure), while the 12-bit ADC handles analog outputs and battery-voltage monitoring. Firmware in 64 KB Flash supports lightweight protocol stacks, and the 1.62 V to 3.6 V range tolerates battery sag without brownout resets near end of charge. The ROHS3-compliant 48-LQFP 7x7 mm package suits compact, cost-sensitive node PCBs, and pin compatibility with the SAM3N1A allows a common layout across digital-only and analog sensing product variants.
Recommended
Consumer Appliance Control Boards
Consumer appliances such as coffee machines, fans, and small heaters benefit from the ATSAM3S1AB-AUR's blend of analog and digital integration: the 8-channel 12-bit ADC reads NTC thermistors, user knobs, and buttons, while the dual 12-bit DACs can drive analog dimming or heater setpoint references. The 64 MHz Cortex-M3 provides headroom for segmented-LCD or LED UI updates and communication over USART links to display or power modules, with DMA keeping UART traffic transparent to application code. Operation from 1.62 V to 3.6 V matches standard 3.3 V appliance logic rails, and ROHS3 compliance plus active lifecycle status support high-volume, long-run consumer production in the 48-LQFP 7x7 mm package.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for ATSAM3S1AB-AUR — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | ATSAM3S1AA-AUR | ATSAM3S2AA-AUR | ATSAM3N1AB-AU | ATSAM3N1BB-AU |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Package | 48-LQFP (7x7 mm) | 48-LQFP (7x7 mm) - same | 48-LQFP (7x7 mm) - same | 48-LQFP - pin-to-pin compatible | 48-LQFP - pin-to-pin compatible |
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Core / Clock | Cortex-M3, 64 MHz | Cortex-M3, 64 MHz | Cortex-M3, 64 MHz | Cortex-M3, 64 MHz | Cortex-M3, 64 MHz |
| Flash Memory | 64 KB | 32 KB | 128 KB | 64 KB | 128 KB |
| SRAM | 16 KB | 16 KB | 16 KB | 16 KB | 16 KB |
| Supply Voltage | 1.62 V to 3.6 V | 1.62 V to 3.6 V | 1.62 V to 3.6 V | 1.62 V to 3.6 V | 1.62 V to 3.6 V |
| DAC Channels | 2 x 12-bit | 2 x 12-bit | 2 x 12-bit | None (no DAC) | None (no DAC) |
Key Differentiators
- Dual 12-bit DAC on chip (vs ATSAM3N1AB-AU)
- 22-channel DMA with parallel capture mode (vs ATSAM3S1AA-AUR)
- Cost-down headroom without respin (vs ATSAM3S4AA-AUR)
Design Notes
The ATSAM3S1AB-AUR accepts 1.62 V to 3.6 V, but Flash wait-state count varies with VDDCORE/VDDIO and the 64 MHz target. For battery designs, decouple supply tolerance: at 3.0 V coin-cell level, verify the maximum clock versus supply curve in the SAM3S datasheet before committing to 64 MHz at the low end of the range. Place a 0.1 uF ceramic capacitor at each VDDIO pin plus a bulk 10 uF at the regulator output; the dual DACs and 12-bit ADC require a clean analog rail, so consider an RC filter or ferrite isolating VDDANA.
The 48-LQFP (7x7 mm) has 0.5 mm pitch, so use 6-7 mil traces with solder-mask-defined pads and keep fanout symmetrical to ease reflow. Because the device is pin-to-pin compatible with the SAM3N1A, reserve layout space for SAM3S-only pins (USB, DAC outputs, I2S) even on digital-only boards - this enables a single PCB across both families for cost or supply flexibility. Route analog ADC inputs away from the 64 MHz clock traces and provide a solid ground plane under the crystal and analog section.
Do not assume SAM3N code drops onto the SAM3S unchanged: the SAM3S1AB-AUR adds USB, DAC, SSC, and I2S peripherals with different peripheral-clock gating, so re-initialize the PMC and verify vector tables when migrating. Also confirm DMA channel allocation early - with 22 channels, peripherals are fixed to specific channels, and conflicts surface only at runtime. The -AUR suffix means tape-and-reel: order the correct reel quantity for your pick-and-place program or specify cut-tape handling with your distributor.
Compliance Information
ROHS3 Compliant and Lead Free per IC Components Ltd and ICS-Embedded distributor listings. REACH and halogen-free status not stated in provided data.