ATSAM4C8CA-AU - Dual-Core 120MHz 512KB MCU | Microchip
MPN: ATSAM4C8CA-AU β Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $5.02 | $5.02 |
| 10 | $4.72 | $47.20 |
| 100 | $4.45 | $445.00 |
| 500 | $4.2 | $2,100.00 |
| 1,000 | $3.95 | $3,950.00 |
ATSAM4C8CA-AU Overview
A microcontroller unit (MCU) is a single integrated circuit that combines a processor core, memory, and peripherals into one chip, forming the lowest tier of the embedded processing hierarchy: MCU -> embedded processor -> system-on-chip (SoC) -> application processor. The ATSAM4C8CA-AU belongs to Microchip (Atmel) SAM4C family of flash-based ARM microcontrollers designed for secure, connected industrial and consumer systems.
Key differentiating features include a true dual-core architecture with a secondary Cortex-M4 core dedicated to security processing, an Advanced Cryptographic Engine (ACE), anti-tamper protection, and a hardware Floating Point Unit (FPU). Peripheral density is high: five USARTs, two UARTs, two TWI (I2C) interfaces, up to seven SPI-capable serial multiplexed lines, PWM timers, and two 3-channel general-purpose 16-bit timers.
The dual-core SAM4C architecture offloads security functions such as AES/DES transactions from the main core, sustaining real-time control latency on the primary core while the second core manages cryptographic authentication. A 16-bit external bus interface (EBI/EMI) extends program and data memory off-chip. An 8-channel 10-bit ADC handles analog sensing inputs.
Typical applications include secure smart-metering endpoints, industrial control panels, IoT gateways, and POS/secure authentication terminals where tamper resistance and encrypted communication are mandatory.
Design consideration: the EBI 16-bit external bus makes the ATSAM4C8CA-AU ideal when 128 KB of internal SRAM is insufficient, but EBI trace routing on a 100-pin LQFP requires length-matched layout for reliable operation at full speed.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing, drop-in family alternatives, and practical design notes not found in the manufacturer datasheet.
Drop-in alternatives for ATSAM4C8CA-AU 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 ATSAM4C8CA-AU (same form factor and footprint) β differing in Core Processor, Packaging, RoHS Status, Flash Memory, Supply Voltage.
Quick Comparison Tool β Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
ATSAM4C16CA-AU
β Drop-In β οΈ εζ°εΎ ιͺθ―β In Stock
$9.56 / Unit
View Datasheet βATSAM4C4CA-AU
β Drop-In β οΈ εζ°εΎ ιͺθ―π Reference alternative (not in catalog)
ATSAM4C2CA-AU
β Drop-In β οΈ εζ°εΎ ιͺθ―π Reference alternative (not in catalog)
ATSAM4C8CB-AU
β Drop-In β οΈ εζ°εΎ ιͺθ―π Reference alternative (not in catalog)
ATSAM4C16CB-AU
β Drop-In β οΈ εζ°εΎ ιͺθ―β In Stock
$5.85 / Unit
View Datasheet βATSAM4C8CA-AU Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Core Processor | ARM Cortex-M4/M4F (dual-core) |
| Core Size | 32-bit |
| Max Clock Frequency | 120 MHz |
| Program Memory Size | 512 KB (512K x 8) Flash |
| RAM Size | 128 KB |
| Number of Cores | 2 |
| Connectivity | EBI/EMI, I2C, IrDA, SPI, UART/USART |
| Peripherals | Advanced Cryptographic Engine, Anti-tamper, FPU, PWM, WDT |
| ADC Resolution | 10-bit |
| Number of ADC Channels | 8 |
| USART Count | 5 |
| UART Count | 2 |
| TWI (I2C) Count | 2 |
| Timers | Two 3-channel general-purpose 16-bit timers, PWM |
| Package | 100-LQFP (14x14 mm) |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| Temperature Grade | Industrial |
| Terminal Form | Gull Wing |
ATSAM4C8CA-AU 100-lqfp (14x14 mm) Pin Configuration Guide
Pin configuration for ATSAM4C8CA-AU (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 ATSAM4C8CA-AU.
Refer to the datasheet for full pin configuration.
Typical Applications
ATSAM4C8CA-AU is suitable for 6 applications: Smart Metering, Secure POS and Payment Terminals, Industrial Control and Automation, IoT Gateways and Edge Nodes, Medical Monitoring Devices, Access Control and Security Panels.
Smart Metering
The ATSAM4C8CA-AU fits smart-meter endpoints because its Advanced Cryptographic Engine accelerates AES/DES for DLMS/COSEM encrypted communication, while the anti-tamper feature detects and responds to physical intrusion attempts on the meter. The dual-core Cortex-M4 architecture at 120 MHz isolates security processing on the second core so the first core sustains deterministic energy-measurement loops. Its 8-channel 10-bit ADC samples voltage and current channels for RMS and power calculations, and PWM outputs drive tamper indication or relay control. The 512 KB Flash holds both metering firmware and the security stack, and the 100-LQFP industrial package withstands utility environments.
Recommended
Secure POS and Payment Terminals
Payment terminals require authenticated transactions and tamper evidence, making the ATSAM4C8CA-AU a strong fit: its second Cortex-M4 core runs a dedicated security stack while the Advanced Cryptographic Engine performs hardware AES/DES without loading the main core. The anti-tamper subsystem protects key material in the field. Five USARTs and SPI interfaces connect card readers, PIN pads, and printers, while the 16-bit EBI/EMI expands RAM for transaction buffers beyond the internal 128 KB. The 120 MHz Cortex-M4F with hardware FPU accelerates GUI rendering math, and the industrial-temperature 100-LQFP package supports rugged handheld enclosures.
Recommended
Industrial Control and Automation
For industrial control nodes, the ATSAM4C8CA-AU provides the deterministic real-time capability of a 120 MHz Cortex-M4 with hardware FPU for PID control loops, plus two 3-channel 16-bit general-purpose timers and PWM channels for motor and actuator control. The 16-bit external bus interface (EBI/EMI) extends memory for HMI frame buffers or large data logging, and five USARTs plus two TWI interfaces connect Modbus RTU slaves, sensors, and displays. The industrial temperature grade suits factory-floor environments, while the cryptographic engine and dual-core security subsystem protect firmware IP and enable secure firmware-over-the-air updates on networked equipment.
Recommended
IoT Gateways and Edge Nodes
IoT gateways benefit from the ATSAM4C8CA-AU combination of dual-core processing and hardware cryptography: the primary Cortex-M4 core runs application logic and protocol stacks at 120 MHz, while the secondary core plus Advanced Cryptographic Engine handle TLS/DTLS session encryption at line rate without software AES overhead. Multiple serial interfaces (five USARTs, up to seven SPI lines, two TWI) connect Wi-Fi, LoRa, or cellular modems alongside local sensors, and the 8-channel 10-bit ADC reads analog sensor front-ends. The 16-bit EBI/EMI bus can attach external SRAM or Flash for buffering burst telemetry data before encrypted transmission upstream.
Recommended
Medical Monitoring Devices
Portable medical monitors use the ATSAM4C8CA-AU for its balance of analog acquisition and secure data handling: the 8-channel 10-bit ADC samples physiological signals such as temperature or pressure sensors, while the Cortex-M4F hardware FPU accelerates digital filtering of acquired waveforms without CPU-bottlenecking. Patient-data privacy regulations make the cryptographic engine valuable for encrypting stored and transmitted records, and the anti-tamper feature supports device integrity requirements. Low peripheral power and the industrial-grade 100-LQFP (14x14 mm) surface-mount package allow compact, battery-operated designs with reliable operation across clinical and transport temperature ranges.
Recommended
Access Control and Security Panels
Access-control panels leverage the ATSAM4C8CA-AU security subsystem end to end: the dual-core architecture dedicates one Cortex-M4 core to credential verification and encrypted key exchange via the Advanced Cryptographic Engine, while the other core handles door-control timing, Wiegand or RS-485 reader interfaces through its five USARTs, and user-interface peripherals over TWI/SPI. The anti-tamper feature protects against enclosure intrusion of the credential database. The 16-bit EBI/EMI interface expands memory for large credential and event-log databases beyond the internal 128 KB SRAM, and 512 KB Flash retains firmware plus logs through power loss.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for ATSAM4C8CA-AU β comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | ATSAM4C16CA-AU | ATSAM4C4CA-AU | ATSAM4C8CB-AU | ATSAM4C16CB-AU |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Package | 100-LQFP (14x14 mm) | 100-LQFP (14x14 mm) - same | 100-LQFP (14x14 mm) - same | 100-LQFP (14x14 mm) - same | 100-LQFP (14x14 mm) - same |
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Flash Memory | 512 KB | 1 MB | 256 KB | 512 KB | 1 MB |
| Core / Clock | Dual-core Cortex-M4F, 120 MHz | Dual-core Cortex-M4F, 120 MHz | Dual-core Cortex-M4F, 120 MHz | Dual-core Cortex-M4F, 120 MHz | Dual-core Cortex-M4F, 120 MHz |
| SRAM | 128 KB | 128 KB | 128 KB | 128 KB | 128 KB |
| Hardware FPU | Yes (Cortex-M4F) | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Crypto Engine / Anti-tamper | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes (B-variant configuration) | Yes (B-variant configuration) |
| External Bus (EBI/EMI) | 16-bit | 16-bit | 16-bit | 16-bit | 16-bit |
Key Differentiators
- True dual-core Cortex-M4 security architecture (vs ATSAM4S8CA-AN)
- More code headroom at same footprint (vs ATSAM4C4CA-AU)
- Cost-optimized equivalent option (vs ATSAM4C16CA-AU)
Design Notes
The SAM4C dual-core design draws peak core current when both Cortex-M4 cores run at 120 MHz. Regulate the 1.2 V core and 3.3 V I/O supplies with separate low-noise LDOs or a buck converter plus LDO post-regulator, and decouple every VDD/VDDCORE pin pair with 100 nF ceramics placed within 2 mm of the pins. Estimated: at 120 MHz the SAM4C core consumption is on the order of tens of mA per the SAM4C family datasheet power tables - verify exact figures for your operating mode before sizing the regulator.
The 100-LQFP (14x14 mm) 0.5 mm pitch leads require solder-mask-defined pads per IPC guidance and a no-clean or water-washable solder process. Route the 16-bit EBI/EMI external bus with length-matched traces and series termination resistors (22-33 ohm) near the MCU to control reflections and undershoot. Keep the NRST trace short and protected, and add a 100 nF plus 10 uF bulk decoupling at each supply group before final thermal-relief routing.
Do not treat the ATSAM4C8CA-AU as a single-core MCU: the second Cortex-M4 core must be explicitly clocked, booted, and serviced by your firmware, and the SAM4C boot/low-power behavior differs from the single-core SAM4S family. Anti-tamper and the Advanced Cryptographic Engine require correct configuration in the GPNVM/security fuses at production programming time; leaving default fuse settings can silently disable intended security features. Migrating code from ATSAM4S8CA also requires re-mapping peripheral base addresses.
Compliance Information
Mouser listing identifies the ATSAM4C8CA-AU as LQFP Green (RoHS/green package). Industrial temperature grade; not automotive AEC-Q100 qualified. REACH and conflict-minerals status not stated in provided data.