ATSAM4C32CA-AUT - Dual Cortex-M4 120MHz 2MB MCU | Microchip
MPN: ATSAM4C32CA-AUT ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $12.49 | $12.49 |
| 10 | $11.9 | $119.00 |
| 100 | $11.44 | $1,144.00 |
| 500 | $10.7 | $5,350.00 |
| 1,000 | $10.01 | $10,010.00 |
ATSAM4C32CA-AUT Overview
A microcontroller (MCU) is a single integrated circuit that combines a processor core, memory (flash for program storage, SRAM for data), and peripherals such as UARTs, timers, and ADCs into one chip. Within the power management hierarchy, MCUs sit at the application level above simple logic ICs and below full application processors. The SAM4C series extends Microchip's SAM4 ARM Cortex-M4 family by pairing a primary Cortex-M4F with a second Cortex-M4 core, enabling functional partitioning in metering systems.
Key features include dual 32-bit ARM Cortex-M4 RISC processors running at up to 120 MHz, 2 MB (2M x 8) of embedded flash, integrated crypto hardware (the -AUT device is listed with CRYPTO in distributor data), and industrial temperature qualification indicated by the Mouser listing descriptor "IND TEMP". These attributes let the part execute metrology computation on one core while handling communication or security on the other.
Technically, the device is a system-on-chip solution purpose-built for smart energy applications according to Microchip's official ATSAM4C32 product page. The dual-core architecture reduces the need for an external security or communication co-processor in electricity meter designs.
Typical applications include smart electricity meters, energy monitoring gateways, and industrial power-quality analyzers, where 2 MB of flash supports large firmware images plus OTA update staging.
Design consideration: confirm the supply rail (3.3 V class, per the 3.3V listing in the datasheet archive data) and thermal budget before committing to the 100-LQFP footprint.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing tiers, drop-in alternatives, and practical design notes not found in the manufacturer datasheet.
Drop-in alternatives for ATSAM4C32CA-AUT — 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 ATSAM4C32CA-AUT (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Core Processor, Packaging, RoHS Status, Supply Voltage, Target Application.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
ATSAM4C32CA-AU
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$9.95 / Unit
View Datasheet →ATSAM4C16CA-AU
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ 参数待验证✓ In Stock
$9.56 / Unit
View Datasheet →ATSAM4C8CA-AU
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ 参数待验证✓ In Stock
$3.95 / Unit
View Datasheet →ATSAM4C32CC-AU
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ 参数待验证📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
ATSAM4C32CA-AUT Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Core | ARM Cortex-M4/M4F, dual-core, 32-bit |
| Maximum Clock Frequency | 120 MHz |
| Flash Memory | 2 MB (2M x 8) |
| Supply Voltage | 3.3 V |
| Series | SAM4C |
| Crypto Acceleration | Yes (CRYPTO per distributor listing) |
| Package | 100-LQFP (14x14 mm) |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| Operating Temperature | Industrial (IND TEMP per Mouser listing) |
| RoHS Status | Compliant (Green per Mouser listing) |
| Packaging | Tray (MRLA per Mouser listing) |
| Program Memory Type | FLASH |
| Target Application | Smart energy / metering |
ATSAM4C32CA-AUT 100-lqfp (14x14 mm) Pin Configuration Guide
Pin configuration for ATSAM4C32CA-AUT (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 ATSAM4C32CA-AUT.
Refer to the datasheet for full pin configuration.
Typical Applications
ATSAM4C32CA-AUT is suitable for 6 applications: Smart Electricity Meters, Energy Monitoring Gateways, Industrial Power Quality Analyzers, Smart Grid Communication Nodes, Solar Inverter Monitoring Controllers, Building Energy Management Systems.
Smart Electricity Meters
The ATSAM4C32CA-AUT is purpose-built for smart energy applications according to Microchip's official ATSAM4C32 product page, making three-phase and single-phase electricity meters its primary target. The dual-core architecture allows the primary 120 MHz Cortex-M4F core to run metrology algorithms continuously while the second Cortex-M4 core handles DLMS/COSEM communication stacks, billing security, and tamper detection in parallel. The 2 MB flash accommodates large certified firmware images plus staged over-the-air update slots without external memory. The integrated crypto acceleration offloads authentication and encrypted sessions, and the industrial temperature 100-LQFP package suits sealed meter enclosures. This removes an external security MCU from the bill of materials, reducing cost and board area.
Recommended
Energy Monitoring Gateways
In energy monitoring gateways that aggregate multiple meter feeds, the ATSAM4C32CA-AUT's dual 120 MHz Cortex-M4 cores let one core service communication interfaces while the other performs aggregation, timestamping, and data compression. With 2 MB of flash, the gateway can buffer measurement records locally during network outages and support dual-bank firmware updates without downtime. The 3.3 V operation simplifies integration with standard RS-485, PLC, or wireless companion modules on the same rail. Distributor data confirms industrial temperature qualification and crypto hardware, which matters for gateways deployed in uncontrolled outdoor cabinets where data integrity and authenticated firmware are required by utility operators.
Recommended
Industrial Power Quality Analyzers
Power quality analyzers demand sustained computation of harmonics, sags, swells, and transients across simultaneous channels. The ATSAM4C32CA-AUT addresses this with two Cortex-M4 processors clocked at 120 MHz each, providing headroom to run FFT-based harmonic analysis on one core while formatting and transmitting results on the other. The 2 MB flash stores calibration tables and logging firmware, and the 100-LQFP (14x14 mm) package gives sufficient I/O for multi-channel ADC interfaces and front-panel control. Because the device is listed with crypto hardware, results and logs can be signed at the source for regulatory traceability. Industrial temperature rating supports benchtop and panel-mounted instruments alike.
Recommended
Smart Grid Communication Nodes
Distribution-level communication nodes in smart grid deployments benefit from the ATSAM4C32CA-AUT's partitioned processing: one Cortex-M4 core runs the protocol stack (for example, DLMS or proprietary utility protocols) while the second core manages store-and-forward buffering and diagnostics. The 2 MB flash supports redundant firmware images for field-updatable nodes, and the crypto accelerator handles node authentication on the utility network. Per Microchip's product page, the SAM4C32's system-on-chip integration was conceived precisely for smart energy infrastructure, so peripheral sets typical of communication nodes are available on the 100-pin LQFP. Industrial temperature range and Green RoHS packaging suit pole-mounted and substation environments.
Recommended
Solar Inverter Monitoring Controllers
Solar inverters require a controller that can execute maximum-power-point and grid-monitoring computations while simultaneously managing grid-compliance communication and logging. The ATSAM4C32CA-AUT's dual-core 120 MHz Cortex-M4 architecture naturally separates these real-time and supervisory tasks, and its 2 MB flash stores inverter control firmware, grid-code tables, and update images. The 100-LQFP (14x14 mm) surface-mount package integrates well into compact inverter power stages, and industrial temperature qualification plus MRLA reliability flow (per Mouser distributor data) address the demanding thermal environment inside sealed outdoor inverters. Integrated crypto supports utility interconnection authentication requirements increasingly mandated by grid operators.
Recommended
Building Energy Management Systems
Building energy management systems (BEMS) consolidate submetering of HVAC, lighting, and process loads. The ATSAM4C32CA-AUT fits this role as a zone controller: its dual cores split measurement polling from BACnet or Modbus server duties, the 2 MB flash retains configuration, schedules, and historical data locally, and the crypto hardware secures communication with central building automation platforms. Operating at 3.3 V, it interfaces directly with current transformer conditioning front ends and standard RS-485 transceivers. The 100-pin LQFP provides ample GPIO for relay control and display interfaces. Its industrial temperature rating tolerates electrical room conditions, and Green RoHS compliance simplifies green-building documentation.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for ATSAM4C32CA-AUT — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | ATSAM4C32CA-AU | ATSAM4C16CA-AU | ATSAM4C8CA-AU |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Package | 100-LQFP (14x14 mm) | 100-LQFP (14x14 mm) - same | 100-LQFP (14x14 mm) - same | 100-LQFP (14x14 mm) - same |
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Core | Dual ARM Cortex-M4/M4F | Dual ARM Cortex-M4/M4F | Dual ARM Cortex-M4/M4F | Dual ARM Cortex-M4/M4F |
| Maximum Clock Frequency | 120 MHz | 120 MHz | 120 MHz | 120 MHz |
| Flash Memory | 2 MB | 2 MB | 1 MB | 512 KB |
| Target Application | Smart energy / metering | Smart energy / metering | Smart energy / metering | Smart energy / metering |
Key Differentiators
- Full 2 MB flash for large certified firmware (vs ATSAM4C16CA-AU)
- Cost-reduced entry option exists (vs ATSAM4C8CA-AU)
- Packaging choice flexibility (vs ATSAM4C32CA-AU)
Design Notes
Distinguish the ordering suffixes before purchase: ATSAM4C32CA-AUT is tray packaging (MRLA flow), ATSAM4C32CA-AUTR is tape and reel for automated assembly lines, and ATSAM4C32CA-AU is the standard industrial part. Ordering the wrong suffix causes line-down situations - pick-and-place machines require the -AUTR reel format, while engineering prototypes typically use tray. All three share identical silicon in the 100-LQFP (14x14 mm) footprint, so the choice affects only logistics and moisture-bake handling, not the design.
The ATSAM4C32CA-AUT operates from a 3.3 V supply per the datasheet archive listing. Design a clean 3.3 V rail with local decoupling (100 nF ceramic per supply pin pair plus bulk capacitance) since the dual 120 MHz Cortex-M4 cores create step load currents. If a security or communication peripheral runs continuously, estimate core and peripheral currents from the SAM4C family datasheet power tables rather than assumptions - dual-core simultaneous operation draws more than single-core SAM4S parts, and your regulator margin must reflect that.
The 100-LQFP (14x14 mm) has 0.5 mm pin pitch, so specify a proven LQFP-100 land pattern and solder-mask definition to avoid bridging during reflow. Route the flash-adjacent high-speed interfaces (memory bus, communication peripherals) with short traces and a solid ground plane. Leave test points on UART/SWD pins for programming and debug access - in-circuit programming of the 2 MB flash via SWD greatly speeds production calibration of meter firmware. Follow Microchip's SAM4C layout guidance in the family datasheet and evaluation-kit reference designs.
Compliance Information
Mouser listing identifies the part as Green (Microchip RoHS/Green packaging flow), industrial temperature, with MRLA reliability flow. REACH and conflict-minerals status not stated in provided data - request official declarations from Microchip.