ATSAM4CMS32CA-AU - 120MHz Dual-Core ARM MCU | Microchip
MPN: ATSAM4CMS32CA-AU β Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $9.9 | $9.90 |
| 10 | $8.95 | $89.50 |
| 100 | $8.1 | $810.00 |
| 500 | $7.45 | $3,725.00 |
| 1,000 | $6.85 | $6,850.00 |
ATSAM4CMS32CA-AU Overview
A microcontroller (MCU) is a single integrated circuit that combines a processor core, program memory, data memory, and peripherals into one chip, forming the lowest layer of the embedded-system hierarchy: MCU -> embedded processor -> system-on-chip -> computing platform. The SAM4CM family belongs to Microchip's (formerly Atmel's) ARM-based SAM product line, which spans the Cortex-M0+, M3, M4, and M7 classes. Dual-core MCUs such as this partition application processing and secure or supervisory tasks onto separate cores, improving both real-time determinism and security isolation.
Key features include the dual-core 120 MHz ARM Cortex-M4 with hardware floating-point unit (M4F), 2 MB of on-chip Flash for large firmware images, 256 KB of SRAM, and an integrated hardware cryptographic engine for secure boot and key storage, as noted by Microchip's product listing (CRYPTO suffix). Peripheral connectivity covers EBI/EMI external bus interface, I2C, IrDA, SPI, and UART/USART serial links, enabling multi-board communication and external memory expansion.
Architecturally, the SAM4CM leverages the ARMv7E-M architecture with DSP instructions and single-cycle MAC, and the second core offloads deterministic tasks such as secure element emulation or fieldbus protocol stacks. The LFQFP package with gull-wing terminals supports standard surface-mount assembly and reflow, and the industrial temperature grade supports -40C to +85C environments (per Partstack temperature-grade data).
Typical applications include industrial automation and motor control nodes, secure IoT gateways and payment terminals requiring the crypto engine, and communication concentrators using the dual UART/USART and EBI interfaces for multi-channel data acquisition.
For design, budget the core supply (VDDCORE) and I/O supply domains separately, since the SAM4CM uses a dedicated 1.2 V core domain noted in distributor listings; proper decoupling of both domains is essential for 120 MHz operation.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing, drop-in family alternatives, application guidance, and design notes not found in the manufacturer datasheet.
Drop-in alternatives for ATSAM4CMS32CA-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 ATSAM4CMS32CA-AU (same form factor and footprint) β differing in Package, Program Memory Size, Core Processor, RAM Size, Series.
Quick Comparison Tool β Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
ATSAM4CMS16CA-AU
β Drop-In β οΈ εζ°εΎ ιͺθ―π Reference alternative (not in catalog)
ATSAM4CMS8CA-AU
β Drop-In β οΈ εζ°εΎ ιͺθ―β In Stock
$8.45 / Unit
View Datasheet βATSAM4CMP16CA-AU
β Drop-In β οΈ εζ°εΎ ιͺθ―π Reference alternative (not in catalog)
ATSAM4CMP8CA-AU
β Drop-In β οΈ εζ°εΎ ιͺθ―π Reference alternative (not in catalog)
ATSAM4C32CA-AU
β Drop-In β οΈ εζ°εΎ ιͺθ―β In Stock
$9.95 / Unit
View Datasheet βATSAM4CMS32CA-AU Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Core Processor | ARM Cortex-M4/M4F dual-core |
| Core Size | 32-Bit |
| Maximum Clock Frequency | 120 MHz |
| Program Memory Size | 2 MB (2M x 8) Flash |
| RAM Size | 256 KB |
| Core Supply Voltage | 1.2 V |
| Connectivity | EBI/EMI, I2C, IrDA, SPI, UART/USART |
| Security Feature | Hardware cryptographic engine (CRYPTO) |
| Package | 100-LQFP (14 x 14 mm), LFQFP, gull-wing |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| Temperature Grade | Industrial |
| Package Green Status | Green (RoHS), MRLA |
| Packaging | Tray |
| Series | SAM4CM |
ATSAM4CMS32CA-AU green (rohs), mrla Pin Configuration Guide
Pin configuration for ATSAM4CMS32CA-AU (green (rohs), mrla 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 ATSAM4CMS32CA-AU.
Refer to the datasheet for full pin configuration.
Typical Applications
ATSAM4CMS32CA-AU is suitable for 6 applications: Industrial Automation and Motor Control, Secure IoT Gateways and Payment Terminals, Communication Concentrators and Data Acquisition, Portable and Battery-Powered Instruments, Building Automation and HVAC Controllers, Medical and Diagnostic Device Control Boards.
Industrial Automation and Motor Control
The ATSAM4CMS32CA-AU fits industrial automation nodes because its 120 MHz dual-core Cortex-M4/M4F with hardware FPU and DSP instructions executes field-oriented motor-control loops and protocol stacks concurrently. One core can run the real-time control loop while the second handles Modbus, CAN gateway, or supervisory logic, improving determinism. The 256 KB SRAM supports large control buffers and the EBI/EMI interface expands memory or drives displays. Per Partstack data, the industrial temperature grade suits factory-floor environments, and the 100-LQFP gull-wing package reflows on standard SMT lines.
Recommended
Secure IoT Gateways and Payment Terminals
The ATSAM4CMS32CA-AU is well suited to secure gateways because the CMS variant integrates a hardware cryptographic engine, indicated by the CRYPTO designation in Microchip's Mouser listing. The dual-core architecture isolates security-critical firmware on one core from application code, and 2 MB Flash accommodates TLS stacks, certificate stores, and OTA dual-bank images. Multiple UART/USART and I2C interfaces connect tamper sensors, secure elements, and modems. With 120 MHz dual-core throughput, encrypted communication adds modest latency, making it a strong MCU for payment terminals and concentrators.
Recommended
Communication Concentrators and Data Acquisition
For multi-channel communication concentrators, the ATSAM4CMS32CA-AU offers several UART/USART channels plus IrDA, SPI, and I2C, allowing simultaneous links to meters, sensors, or radio modules. The 120 MHz dual-core arrangement dedicates one core to protocol handling and the other to aggregation and encryption. The EBI/EMI external bus interface attaches SRAM, NAND, or parallel peripherals for packet buffering, complementing the 256 KB on-chip SRAM. Industrial temperature rating and 2 MB Flash support feature-rich firmware with logging, making the part a solid choice for smart-grid and telemetry concentrators.
Recommended
Portable and Battery-Powered Instruments
The ATSAM4CMS32CA-AU serves portable instruments needing both compute and security. The 120 MHz Cortex-M4F with hardware floating point accelerates signal processing such as FFT analysis and digital filtering of sensor data, while the 2 MB Flash retains calibration tables, UI assets, and multiple application profiles. The 100-LQFP 14 x 14 mm package keeps board area compact for handheld form factors. Distributed as a Green, RoHS-compliant part per Microchip data, it also meets environmental requirements for consumer-adjacent test and measurement products operating across industrial temperatures.
Recommended
Building Automation and HVAC Controllers
Building automation controllers benefit from the ATSAM4CMS32CA-AU's combination of connectivity and memory. Multiple USART and I2C interfaces communicate with sensors, damper actuators, and RS-485 transceivers, while the 2 MB Flash stores BACstack-class or custom protocol stacks plus web UI assets. The dual-core split allows one core to service time-critical control loops (PID for HVAC) while the second manages network traffic and logging into the 256 KB SRAM. Industrial temperature grading supports rooftop and mechanical-room installations, and the LFQFP gull-wing package assembles reliably on standard controller PCBs.
Recommended
Medical and Diagnostic Device Control Boards
The ATSAM4CMS32CA-AU suits desktop diagnostic and monitoring equipment where the 120 MHz dual-core Cortex-M4F processes sensor signals with hardware floating-point precision, and the crypto engine protects patient data at rest or in transit per the CRYPTO feature in Microchip's listing. The 2 MB Flash stores signal-processing libraries, calibration data, and UI firmware, while UART/USART, I2C, and SPI interfaces link analog front ends, displays, and printers. The 100-LQFP industrial package with gull-wing terminals supports reliable reflow assembly demanded by medical-grade manufacturing, though specific medical qualifications must be verified separately.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for ATSAM4CMS32CA-AU β comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | ATSAM4CMS16CA-AU | ATSAM4CMS8CA-AU | ATSAM4CMP16CA-AU | ATSAM4CMP8CA-AU | ATSAM4C32CA-AU |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Package | 100-LQFP (14x14) | 100-LQFP (14x14) - same | 100-LQFP (14x14) - same | 100-LQFP (14x14) - same | 100-LQFP (14x14) - same | 100-LQFP (14x14) - same |
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Core | Dual-core ARM Cortex-M4/M4F, 32-bit | Dual-core ARM Cortex-M4/M4F | Dual-core ARM Cortex-M4/M4F | Dual-core ARM Cortex-M4/M4F | Dual-core ARM Cortex-M4/M4F | Dual-core ARM Cortex-M4/M4F |
| Maximum Frequency | 120 MHz | 120 MHz | 120 MHz | 120 MHz | 120 MHz | 120 MHz |
| Flash Memory | 2 MB (2M x 8) | 1 MB | 512 KB | 1 MB | 512 KB | 2 MB |
| RAM | 256 KB | 256 KB | 256 KB | 256 KB | 256 KB | 256 KB |
| Hardware Crypto Engine | Yes (CRYPTO) | Yes (CMS variant) | Yes (CMS variant) | No | No | No |
| Connectivity | EBI/EMI, I2C, IrDA, SPI, UART/USART | Same family peripheral set | Same family peripheral set | Same family peripheral set | Same family peripheral set | Same family peripheral set |
| Temperature Grade | Industrial | Industrial | Industrial | Industrial | Industrial | Industrial |
Key Differentiators
- Integrated hardware cryptographic engine (vs ATSAM4C32CA-AU)
- Double the program memory of mid-family parts (vs ATSAM4CMS16CA-AU)
- Dual-core security isolation capability (vs Single-core Cortex-M4 MCUs such as ATSAM3S8BA-MUR)
Design Notes
The SAM4CM uses a dedicated 1.2 V core supply domain (VDDCORE) separate from the I/O supply, as noted in distributor package descriptions ('Rework GND + VddCore'). Design the power tree with a core regulator or on-chip regulator support per the SAM4CM family datasheet, and place 100 nF ceramic decoupling capacitors at each VDD/VDDCORE pin pair plus bulk 10 uF near the supply entry. Verify power-up sequencing of VDDCORE relative to VDDIO before enabling the 120 MHz PLL to avoid latch-up or unreliable boot.
For the 100-LQFP 14 x 14 mm package, use a fine-pitch footprint of 0.5 mm lead pitch and route decoupling capacitors on the component side as close to the power pins as possible. Avoid running fast EBI/EMI bus traces longer than necessary; match bus lengths if attaching external memory to minimize skew at 120 MHz core operation. Provide a solid ground plane under the package and thermal relief on unused area; LQFP joints benefit from NSMD pads and solder-mask-defined boundaries kept per IPC-recommended footprints.
A common pitfall is assuming family-wide firmware portability: SAM4CM variants differ in Flash density and crypto capability (CMS vs CMP vs standard SAM4C), so memory-map constants and crypto-module initialization code must be updated when swapping density variants. Also, the Mouser listing flags some channel stock as 'Rework' grade parts; always confirm date codes and factory packaging (Tray, MRLA green) from authorized distributors. Finally, verify the exact industrial temperature range in the family datasheet before qualification testing.
Compliance Information
Mouser listing describes the package as 'Green' (RoHS-compliant, lead-free, MRLA). REACH, halogen-free, and conflict-minerals status were not stated in the retrieved data.
