ATSAM4C32CA-AUTR - Dual-Core 120MHz 2MB Flash MCU | Microchip
MPN: ATSAM4C32CA-AUTR ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $4.2 | $4.20 |
| 10 | $4.05 | $40.50 |
| 100 | $3.85 | $385.00 |
| 500 | $3.65 | $1,825.00 |
| 1,000 | $3.45 | $3,450.00 |
ATSAM4C32CA-AUTR 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 family sits above simple single-core MCUs: it integrates two ARM Cortex-M4 RISC processors, allowing one core to run the main application while the second handles communication, metering calculations, or security tasks, effectively replacing a discrete coprocessor.
Key differentiating features include the dual-core Cortex-M4 architecture (with floating-point unit, i.e., Cortex-M4F support), 2 MB (2M x 8) of on-chip flash for dual-bank firmware images, hardware cryptographic acceleration (per the Mouser designation CRYPTO), and industrial temperature qualification. These attributes directly target three-phase electricity metering and secure IoT endpoints.
Technically, each Cortex-M4 core executes at up to 120 MHz, delivering high single-cycle DSP performance with hardware divide and SIMD instructions. The flash density supports large RTOS-based stacks such as FreeRTOS and dual-image OTA upgrades. The crypto engine offloads AES and related algorithms from software, reducing CPU load and improving side-channel resistance for billing-grade security.
Typical applications include smart energy meters, data concentrators in smart-grid infrastructure, secure industrial gateways, and IoT sensor hubs requiring both compute headroom and cryptographic protection. The dual-core design isolates metering firmware from network stacks for improved robustness.
Design consideration: confirm the exact SRAM size, peripheral set, and pinout from the official Microchip ATSAM4C32 datasheet before layout, and verify land pattern dimensions against the 14x14 mm LQFP-100 footprint.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing (as of 2026-09-20), drop-in same-family alternatives, and practical design guidance not found in the manufacturer datasheet alone.
Drop-in alternatives for ATSAM4C32CA-AUTR — 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-AUTR (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Core Processor, Package, Connectivity, Flash Memory, RoHS Status.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
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 →ATSAM4S16CA-AU
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$5.55 / Unit
View Datasheet →CY9AF156NPQC-G-JNE2
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
ATSAM4C32CA-AUTR Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Core Processor | ARM Cortex-M4/M4F (dual-core) |
| Number of Cores | 2 |
| Core Architecture | 32-bit RISC |
| Maximum Clock Speed | 120 MHz |
| Flash Memory | 2 MB (2M x 8) |
| Supply Voltage | 3.3 V |
| Package | 100-LQFP (14x14 mm) |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| Operating Temperature | -40C to +85C (industrial) |
| Security Features | Hardware cryptographic acceleration |
| Product Series | SAM4C (ATSAM4C32) |
| Packaging | Tape & Reel (TR) |
| RoHS Status | RoHS Compliant |
| Base Product Number | ATSAM4C32 |
ATSAM4C32CA-AUTR 100-lqfp (14x14 mm) Pin Configuration Guide
Pin configuration for ATSAM4C32CA-AUTR (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-AUTR.
Refer to the datasheet for full pin configuration.
Typical Applications
ATSAM4C32CA-AUTR is suitable for 6 applications: Smart Electricity Meters, Smart Grid Data Concentrators, Secure IoT Gateways, Industrial Control and Automation, Building Automation and Home Energy Displays, Battery-Powered Portable Measurement.
Smart Electricity Meters
The ATSAM4C32CA-AUTR was purpose-built for smart energy metering: its two 120 MHz Cortex-M4 cores can dedicate one processor to metering computations (DSP-heavy accumulation and RMS calculations leveraging the Cortex-M4F DSP instructions) while the second core independently runs communication protocols such as DLMS/COSEM over PLC or RF meshes. The 2 MB flash accommodates billing code, protocol stacks, and dual-bank firmware images for secure over-the-air updates in the field. Integrated cryptographic hardware offloads AES-class encryption, protecting billing data and firmware authenticity without consuming core cycles. Operating at 3.3 V in an industrial -40C to +85C LQFP-100 package, it meets the environmental and longevity demands of deployed meter infrastructure.
Recommended
Smart Grid Data Concentrators
In smart-grid data concentrators, the ATSAM4C32CA-AUTR aggregates traffic from hundreds of downstream meters while simultaneously uplinking to utility head-end systems. The dual-core 120 MHz architecture enables true concurrent processing: one Cortex-M4 manages the metering-bus protocol stack while the other handles WAN communication and protocol translation, eliminating context-switch bottlenecks that single-core MCUs face. Its 2 MB (2M x 8) flash stores large routing tables, multiple protocol stacks, and secure OTA firmware banks, while the crypto engine authenticates upstream links. The 100-pin LQFP supplies sufficient GPIO and peripheral interfaces for dual communication channels, and the industrial temperature rating suits pole-mounted and substation cabinets.
Recommended
Secure IoT Gateways
For industrial IoT gateways, the ATSAM4C32CA-AUTR combines 2 MB of flash for embedded Linux-adjacent or RTOS stacks (FreeRTOS-class) with hardware cryptographic acceleration for TLS-grade device identity and secure boot. The dual-core Cortex-M4 split - one core for sensor acquisition and edge preprocessing, the other for network transport - delivers deterministic latency that single-core designs struggle to achieve. Running at 120 MHz with DSP/FPU instructions, the cores efficiently handle filtering and protocol encoding. The 3.3 V operation simplifies integration with standard logic and communication PHYs, and the 100-pin LQFP (14x14 mm) provides the GPIO density needed for multiple sensor buses, displays, and radio modules in a compact industrial footprint.
Recommended
Industrial Control and Automation
Industrial control nodes benefit from the ATSAM4C32CA-AUTR's combination of 120 MHz dual-core compute, rich 100-pin I/O, and -40C to +85C industrial qualification. One Cortex-M4 core can execute the real-time control loop (PID, PWM generation with FPU precision) while the second core manages fieldbus communication (Modbus, CAN-based networks) and HMI updates, isolating hard-real-time duties from protocol timing. The 2 MB flash holds control logic, parameter tables, logging, and a bootloader for field upgrades, while hardware crypto secures configuration data and firmware. At 3.3 V with surface-mount LQFP-100 construction, it integrates cleanly into standard industrial control boards and motor-control front-end designs.
Recommended
Building Automation and Home Energy Displays
The ATSAM4C32CA-AUTR serves building automation controllers and home energy management displays where metering accuracy and connectivity coexist. Its dual-core architecture runs the display/HMI task (driving segments or touch interfaces) on one Cortex-M4 core at 120 MHz while the second core processes energy data and network communication, keeping the UI responsive. The 2 MB flash supports graphical assets, protocol stacks, and OTA updates, and the cryptographic engine protects user energy data in compliance with privacy requirements. With 100 GPIO-capable pins in a 14x14 mm LQFP, designers can integrate multiple sensors, relays, and communication transceivers on one controller, reducing BOM count versus discrete MCU-plus-processor designs.
Recommended
Battery-Powered Portable Measurement
Portable and battery-powered measurement instruments exploit the ATSAM4C32CA-AUTR's ability to partition workloads across its two 120 MHz Cortex-M4 cores: one core sleeps between measurement bursts while the other handles UI and logging, optimizing energy budget. The Cortex-M4F's hardware FPU accelerates signal-processing math (FFT, filtering) common in portable analyzers, and 2 MB flash retains instrument firmware, calibration tables, and datalogging space. Hardware crypto secures calibration data and wireless links when telemetry is added. The 3.3 V, industrial-grade 100-pin LQFP offers the analog-digital interface density required for multi-channel acquisition front-ends in a compact surface-mount board.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for ATSAM4C32CA-AUTR — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | ATSAM4C16CA-AU | ATSAM4C8CA-AU | ATSAM4S16CA-AU | CY9AF156NPQC-G-JNE2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Package | 100-LQFP (14x14 mm) | 100-LQFP (14x14 mm) - same | 100-LQFP (14x14 mm) - same | 100-LQFP - same footprint | 100-LQFP - same footprint |
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Infineon (Cypress) |
| Core Configuration | Dual-core ARM Cortex-M4/M4F | Dual-core ARM Cortex-M4 | Dual-core ARM Cortex-M4 | Single-core ARM Cortex-M4 | Single-core ARM Cortex-M3 |
Key Differentiators
- Dual-core architecture on a single die (vs ATSAM4S16CA-AU)
- 2 MB flash for dual-bank OTA firmware (vs ATSAM4C16CA-AU)
- Cortex-M4 DSP/FPU performance vs Cortex-M3 competitors (vs CY9AF156NPQC-G-JNE2)
Design Notes
The ATSAM4C32CA-AUTR operates from a 3.3 V supply. Decouple each VDD/VDDIO pin pair with 100 nF ceramic capacitors placed within 2 mm of the pins, and add bulk capacitance (10 uF) near the LQFP-100 corner supply entries. If the design derives 3.3 V from a switching regulator, consider an LDO post-regulator or good LC filtering, since metering front-ends and the ADC peripherals are sensitive to switching ripple. Estimated: total core+peripheral current draw is in the tens of milliamps at 120 MHz per Microchip SAM4C family typical figures - confirm exact values in the datasheet electrical characteristics table before sizing the regulator.
Use the standard 14x14 mm LQFP-100 land pattern from IPC-7351 or the Microchip package drawing, with solder-mask-defined pads for reliable reflow. Place a solid ground plane on layer 2 directly under the MCU to control return paths. Keep the crystal/oscillator loop short, guard it with ground, and route the analog front-end (ADC inputs for metering sensing) away from high-dvi/dt digital traces and the crypto-bus switching activity. Provide test points on SWD (serial wire debug) pins for programming and production firmware updates.
A frequent pitfall with dual-core SAM4C devices is assuming both Cortex-M4 cores boot identically - review the datasheet boot and core-communication (mailbox) mechanism before partitioning firmware, and verify which core owns which peripheral via the matrix controller. Second, do not exceed 2 MB flash addressing across dual banks when implementing OTA; plan bank boundaries up front. Third, the AUTR suffix denotes tape-and-reel industrial packaging - order quantity 1000 reels for production; smaller quantities should specify the tray-packaged variant if handling equipment lacks reel feeders.
Compliance Information
RoHS compliant per Onlinecomponents distributor datasheet listing; Mouser lists the package as Green (halogen-free designation typical of Microchip Green packages, but confirm via official Microchip certificate). Not an automotive AEC-Q100 part.