ATSAM4C16CB-AUR - Dual-Core Cortex-M4 120MHz MCU 1MB Flash | Microchip
MPN: ATSAM4C16CB-AUR β Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $7.31 | $7.31 |
| 10 | $6.95 | $69.50 |
| 100 | $6.58 | $658.00 |
| 500 | $6.25 | $3,125.00 |
| 1,000 | $5.94 | $5,940.00 |
ATSAM4C16CB-AUR Overview
A microcontroller (MCU) is a complete computing system on a single chip, combining a processor core, memory, and peripherals. Within the power-management hierarchy, the SAM4C sits at the high end of Microchip's ARM Cortex-M-based smart metering portfolio, integrating two high-performance 32-bit Cortex-M4 processors so that one core can run the metering application while the other handles communication or security tasks.
Key differentiating features include dual-core operation at 120 MHz per core, 1024 Kbytes of embedded Flash, integrated hardware cryptography (CRYPTO marked in distributor data), and industrial-grade temperature operation indicated by the -AUR suffix. The dual-core architecture enables true concurrent processing for smart metering SOC designs.
Technically, the device uses the ARM Cortex-M4 RISC architecture with a supply interface supporting 1.2V/3.3V operation per distributor specification data. The LQFP-100 Green package supports MSL-rated reflow and tape-and-reel (T&R) delivery for automated assembly.
Typical applications include smart energy meters, smart grid nodes, data concentrators, and industrial control systems where secure, concurrent dual-core processing is required.
Design consideration: verify the 100-pin LQFP land pattern and decouple both core supply domains per the manufacturer datasheet.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing, drop-in alternatives, and practical design notes not found in the manufacturer datasheet.
Drop-in alternatives for ATSAM4C16CB-AUR β 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 ATSAM4C16CB-AUR (same form factor and footprint) β differing in RoHS Status, Packaging, Temperature Grade, Core, Security.
Quick Comparison Tool β Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
ATSAM4C16CA-AUR
β Drop-Inβ In Stock
$5.74 / Unit
View Datasheet βATSAM4C8CB-AU
β Drop-In β οΈ εζ°εΎ ιͺθ―π Reference alternative (not in catalog)
ATSAM4CMS4CB-AUR
β Drop-In β οΈ εζ°εΎ ιͺθ―β In Stock
$4.6 / Unit
View Datasheet βATSAM4S16CA-ANR
β Drop-Inβ In Stock
$5.95 / Unit
View Datasheet βATSAMV70N20B-AABT
β Drop-Inπ Reference alternative (not in catalog)
ATSAM4C16CB-AUR Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Core Architecture | 32-bit ARM Cortex-M4, dual-core |
| Maximum Clock Frequency | 120 MHz |
| Flash Memory | 1 MB (1024 Kbytes) |
| Supply Voltage | 1.2 V / 3.3 V |
| Package | 100-LQFP (14x14 mm) |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| Target Application | Smart energy (smart metering SoC) |
| Security Features | Hardware cryptography (CRYPTO) |
| Temperature Grade | Industrial (IND TEMP per distributor listing) |
| Packaging | Tape & Reel (T&R) |
| Program Memory Type | FLASH |
| Data Bus Width | 32 bit |
| Core Processor | ARM Cortex-M4/M4F (SAM4C series) |
| RoHS Status | Green (per Mouser listing) |
ATSAM4C16CB-AUR 100-lqfp (14x14 mm) Pin Configuration Guide
Pin configuration for ATSAM4C16CB-AUR (100-lqfp (14x14 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 ATSAM4C16CB-AUR.
Refer to the datasheet for full pin configuration.
Typical Applications
ATSAM4C16CB-AUR is suitable for 6 applications: Smart Electricity Meters, Smart Grid Data Concentrators, Industrial Control Systems, Building Energy Management, Secure IoT Edge Nodes, Battery-Powered Metering Accessories.
Smart Electricity Meters
The ATSAM4C16CB-AUR was architected specifically as a smart-energy SoC: its two ARM Cortex-M4 cores at 120 MHz allow one core to execute real-time metrology algorithms while the second runs the communication stack (DLMS/COSEM, PLC, or RF). The 1024 Kbytes of embedded Flash accommodates both the metering firmware and the security/certification code without external memory, and the integrated CRYPTO accelerator protects billing data and firmware images. Placed at the heart of the meter board with 3.3V I/O rails, it replaces discrete MCU-plus-security-chip combinations, cutting BOM cost and board area while keeping latency-critical metrology isolated from network traffic.
Recommended
Smart Grid Data Concentrators
In data concentrator nodes that aggregate many meters over power-line or wireless links, the dual-core ATSAM4C16CB-AUR dedicates one Cortex-M4 to protocol termination and the other to forwarding, filtering, and local storage. The 120 MHz per-core throughput handles concurrent packet processing, while 1 MB Flash retains both the concentrator stack and firmware-upgrade images for dual-bank updates. Hardware cryptography secures node-to-headend authentication required by utility deployments. Operating from the industrial 3.3V domain in the 100-LQFP 14x14 mm package, it fits compact outdoor enclosures, and the industrial temperature grade (-40C class) supports uncontrolled cabinet environments.
Recommended
Industrial Control Systems
The industrial temperature grade and dual-core concurrency make the ATSAM4C16CB-AUR a strong fit for factory automation controllers, motor-communication gateways, and process-monitoring nodes. One Cortex-M4 core handles deterministic control loops and I/O scanning while the second manages HMI, diagnostics, or network interfaces, avoiding the timing jitter of a single-core round-robin design. The 1 MB Flash supports feature-rich firmware with field-update headroom, and the CRYPTO module secures industrial IoT onboarding. Decouple the 3.3V rail with 100 nF per power pin plus 10 uF bulk, and use the enable-free standard power-up sequence typical of SAM4C designs.
Recommended
Building Energy Management
Submetering and building energy management devices benefit from the SAM4C's dual-core partitioning: the first Cortex-M4 samples energy channels and computes consumption, while the second serves BACnet/Modbus or MQTT traffic to the building management system. The 1024 Kbytes of Flash holds both stacks plus logging buffers, and the crypto accelerator enforces data integrity for billing-grade submeters. In the 100-LQFP (14x14 mm) industrial package operating from 3.3V, the part integrates into DIN-rail and panel-mounted meter modules with minimal board area. Estimated: at moderate load the SAM4C's power draw keeps passive cooling sufficient, avoiding heatsinks in sealed enclosures.
Recommended
Secure IoT Edge Nodes
For IoT edge devices that must authenticate to cloud services, the ATSAM4C16CB-AUR's integrated hardware cryptography offloads TLS handshake operations from the Cortex-M4 cores, and the dual-core split separates the security-critical stack from application logic - a simple software isolation strategy without an external secure element. The 120 MHz cores provide headroom for protocol processing, while 1 MB Flash accommodates OTA-updatable application images with rollback banks. In the industrial-grade 100-LQFP package with 3.3V I/O, it connects directly to standard peripheral rails. Pair with a dedicated secure-authentication IC for the highest certification levels.
Recommended
Battery-Powered Metering Accessories
Handheld meter readers, gas/water module interfaces, and portable calibration tools leverage the SAM4C's second core as a low-duty communication processor while the first core sleeps, preserving battery life in the field. The 1.2V core / 3.3V I/O supply architecture supports efficient regulator design, and the 100-LQFP footprint allows a single PCB reused across fixed and portable products. Although SAM4C targets mains-powered meters, its dual-core flexibility suits engineering tools that must run metrology and radio concurrently. Verify sleep-mode currents against your battery budget in the manufacturer datasheet power-management section before committing to the design.
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Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for ATSAM4C16CB-AUR β comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | ATSAM4C16CA-AUR | ATSAM4C8CB-AU | ATSAM4S16CA-ANR | ATSAMV70N20B-AABT |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Package | 100-LQFP (14x14 mm) | 100-LQFP (14x14 mm) - same | 100-LQFP - same footprint | 100-LQFP - same footprint, different pin map | 100-LQFP - same footprint, different pin map |
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Core / Cores | ARM Cortex-M4, dual-core | ARM Cortex-M4, dual-core | ARM Cortex-M4, dual-core | ARM Cortex-M4, single-core | ARM Cortex-M7-class pair |
| Flash Memory | 1 MB (1024 KB) | 1 MB (1024 KB) | 512 KB | 1 MB | 2 MB |
| Target Market Segment | Smart energy / metering | Smart energy / metering | Smart energy / metering | General purpose | High-performance general purpose |
| Packaging Option | Tape & Reel (T&R) | Tape & Reel | Tray (AU suffix) | Tape & Reel | Tape & Reel |
Key Differentiators
- Dual-core Cortex-M4 concurrency for metering + communication (vs ATSAM4S16CA-ANR)
- Double the Flash of cost-reduced family members (vs ATSAM4C8CB-AU)
- RevB silicon with CRYPTO in industrial grade (vs ATSAM4C16CA-AUR)
- Smart-energy-specific peripheral set at lower cost than flagship SAMV71 (vs ATSAMV70N20B-AABT)
Design Notes
The ATSAM4C16CB-AUR uses a 1.2V core / 3.3V I/O dual-rail architecture per distributor specification data. Design the power tree so the 1.2V core rail is generated from the 3.3V rail via a buck regulator or the device's integrated regulator per the datasheet, and sequence rails per the SAM4C power-management section. Estimated: a rough 120 MHz dual-core active current of tens of mA at 3.3V yields under 200 mW dissipation in the 100-LQFP, so passive cooling suffices; verify exact figures against the manufacturer datasheet current-consumption tables.
For the 100-LQFP (14x14 mm) land pattern, follow IPC-compliant 0.5 mm pitch footprints and place a 100 nF ceramic decoupling capacitor within 2 mm of every VDD/VDDIO pair, plus one 10 uF bulk capacitor per supply domain. Because this is a dual-core device switching at 120 MHz, use a solid ground plane and keep the crystal/oscillator traces short and guarded. Route the CRYPTO-accelerator supply the same as the core domain. Use a 4-layer stackup with dedicated power and ground planes for best signal integrity.
Do not confuse the CB (RevB silicon) with the CA variant: verify the device ID/derivative register at boot, since errata differ between silicon revisions. Ensure your programmer/debugger firmware supports SAM4C dual-core devices - a single-core SAM4S flash algorithm will fail to program both cores correctly. Also confirm the -AUR industrial temperature suffix matches your environment; commercial-grade AU parts are not drop-ins for extended-temperature certifications. Finally, reserve dual-bank Flash layout in your firmware for field OTA updates.
Compliance Information
Mouser lists the part as 'Green' packaging (lead-free/RoHS-classified). REACH, halogen-free, and conflict-minerals status not stated in provided data.