ATSAM4CMS8CC-AU - Dual-Core 120MHz Metering MCU | Microchip
MPN: ATSAM4CMS8CC-AU β Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $4.36 | $4.36 |
| 10 | $4.1 | $41.00 |
| 100 | $3.85 | $385.00 |
| 500 | $3.6 | $1,800.00 |
| 1,000 | $3.35 | $3,350.00 |
ATSAM4CMS8CC-AU Overview
A microcontroller (MCU) is a single-chip computer that integrates a processor core, memory, and peripherals on one die, forming the lowest tier of the embedded processing hierarchy (MCU -> embedded processor -> system-on-chip -> semiconductor). The SAM4CM extends this concept into a metering system-on-chip (SoC), purpose-built for energy measurement where signal processing and application firmware must run independently and concurrently.
Key features include the unique dual ARM Cortex-M4 architecture, which allows metrology signal-processing code and application/communications firmware to execute in separate, independent partitions, plus hardware cryptographic acceleration, industrial temperature range operation, and on-chip cache supporting extended program and data memory via parallel interfaces. According to Microchip, the SAM4CMS8 achieves class 0.2 metrology accuracy over a dynamic range of 3000:1 for residential and single-phase metering.
Technically, the device is a seamless extension of Atmel's SAM4 family and the SAM4C family, pairing the Cortex-M4 with its FPU (M4F) on both cores for DSP-heavy metering computations. Embedded flash of 512 KB and generous SRAM support complex multi-phase firmware images, while the crypto engine protects billing data and firmware IP in smart-grid deployments.
Typical applications include residential electricity meters, single-phase energy meters requiring class 0.2 accuracy, and industrial power-monitoring equipment where dual-core partitioning separates safety-critical metrology from networked communications stacks.
When designing with this part, plan flash partitioning early so the metrology core and application core have deterministic code space, and verify the 100-LQFP thermal footprint against your power budget at 120 MHz.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing, same-family drop-in alternatives, and practical design notes not found in the manufacturer datasheet.
Drop-in alternatives for ATSAM4CMS8CC-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 ATSAM4CMS8CC-AU (same form factor and footprint) β differing in RoHS Status, Core Processor, Flash Memory, Metrology Accuracy, Operating Temperature.
Quick Comparison Tool β Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
ATSAM4CMS8CB-AU
β Drop-Inπ Reference alternative (not in catalog)
ATSAM4CMS8CA-AU
β Drop-Inβ In Stock
$8.45 / Unit
View Datasheet βATSAM4CMS8CC-CU
β Drop-In β οΈ εζ°εΎ ιͺθ―π Reference alternative (not in catalog)
ATSAM4CMS8CC-AU Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Core Processor | ARM Cortex-M4/M4F, dual-core |
| Core Size | 32-bit |
| Maximum Clock Frequency | 120 MHz |
| Flash Memory | 512 KB (512K x 8) |
| Series | SAM4CM |
| Package | 100-LQFP (14x14 mm) |
| Mounting Style | Surface Mount |
| Number of Pins | 100 |
| Operating Temperature | Industrial temperature range |
| Crypto Engine | Yes (CRYPTO) |
| Metrology Accuracy | Class 0.2 over dynamic range 3000:1 |
| Target Application | Residential and single-phase metering SoC |
| Architecture | Dual ARM Cortex-M4 with independent partitions |
| On-chip Cache | Yes |
| RoHS Status | Green (per Mouser listing) |
ATSAM4CMS8CC-AU 100-lqfp (14x14 mm) Pin Configuration Guide
Pin configuration for ATSAM4CMS8CC-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 ATSAM4CMS8CC-AU.
Refer to the datasheet for full pin configuration.
Typical Applications
ATSAM4CMS8CC-AU is suitable for 6 applications: Residential Smart Electricity Meters, Single-Phase Energy Metering SoC, Industrial Power Monitoring and Submetering, Smart Grid Data Concentrators, Secure Billing and Payment Terminals, Solar Inverter and DER Metering.
Residential Smart Electricity Meters
The ATSAM4CMS8CC-AU was designed specifically as a residential metering system-on-chip, and Microchip specifies class 0.2 metrology accuracy over a 3000:1 dynamic range across the industrial temperature range - the accuracy class demanded by modern revenue meters. One Cortex-M4F core runs the real-time metrology DSP (sampling, FFT, energy accumulation) while the second core independently executes the billing, display, and communications firmware, so a stalled communications stack cannot corrupt energy measurement. The 512 KB flash holds both firmware partitions plus data logging, and the crypto engine secures billing records. In production, one 100-LQFP device replaces discrete metering-AFE-plus-MCU two-chip solutions, reducing BOM cost and board area.
Recommended
Single-Phase Energy Metering SoC
For single-phase meter front ends, the ATSAM4CMS8CC-AU integrates the dual-core Cortex-M4/M4F processing needed to convert ADC samples into accurate active, reactive, and apparent energy registers at 120 MHz. The M4F floating-point units on both cores execute metering algorithms natively without fixed-point conversion overhead, which shortens firmware development and preserves accuracy across the 3000:1 dynamic range at class 0.2. Because metrology and application code run in independent flash partitions, utilities can field-update the communications firmware without re-certifying the metrology code image. The 100-LQFP 14x14 mm package fits standard single-phase meter PCBs, and industrial temperature operation covers unconditioned outdoor meter enclosures.
Recommended
Industrial Power Monitoring and Submetering
Industrial submeters and power-quality monitors benefit from the ATSAM4CMS8CC-AU's dual-core partitioning: one core dedicates its 120 MHz M4F pipeline to continuous waveform capture and harmonic analysis while the second handles Modbus, Ethernet, or wireless protocol stacks. The 512 KB flash accommodates both the metering engine and multiple protocol profiles, and the on-chip cache plus parallel memory expansion interface extend program and data memory for feature-rich panel meters. Microchip's positioning of the SAM4CM as an industrial-temperature class 0.2 device makes it suitable for factory energy audits and tenant billing where regulatory accuracy and 24/7 reliability are mandatory, with hardware crypto protecting tariff configuration data.
Recommended
Smart Grid Data Concentrators
In smart-grid data concentrators that aggregate many meters over PLC or RF networks, the ATSAM4CMS8CC-AU's two independent Cortex-M4 cores allow one core to service the low-latency metering/protocol engine while the other runs the heavier network stack and data buffering. The 512 KB flash and on-chip cache support complex routing firmware, and the parallel memory expansion interface noted in the SAM4C family documentation permits external SRAM or flash for extended data tables. The hardware crypto engine accelerates DLMS/COSEM message security, and industrial temperature rating suits pole-mounted or substation enclosures, making a single 100-LQFP device viable where a two-chip MCU-plus-coprocessor design was previously required.
Recommended
Secure Billing and Payment Terminals
Prepaid electricity meters and payment-enabled energy dispensers require authenticated firmware and encrypted billing records, which the ATSAM4CMS8CC-AU addresses with its integrated hardware crypto engine. The dual-core architecture creates a natural security boundary: the metrology/billing core accumulates revenue data while the application core manages the user interface and payment media, and the independent flash partitions prevent a compromised application image from altering measurement code. With 120 MHz dual M4F cores and 512 KB flash, the device handles tariff engines, LCD rendering, and secure communications concurrently. Its industrial temperature range and 100-LQFP footprint suit both indoor prepaid displays and outdoor meter sockets.
Recommended
Solar Inverter and DER Metering
Distributed energy resources such as rooftop solar inverters and EV supply equipment require revenue-grade energy measurement alongside control firmware, a combination the ATSAM4CMS8CC-AU handles in one chip. One M4F core executes the class 0.2 metering DSP across a 3000:1 dynamic range - essential for accurately metering low nighttime standby export as well as peak generation - while the second core runs inverter supervision and grid-protocol communications. The 120 MHz dual-core throughput keeps harmonic-rich inverter waveforms within accuracy limits, and the crypto engine secures net-metering data sent to utility head-end systems. Industrial temperature rating covers rooftop and garage-mounted equipment environments.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for ATSAM4CMS8CC-AU β comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | ATSAM4CMS8CB-AU | ATSAM4CMS8CA-AU | ATSAM4CMS8CC-CU |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 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 / Clock | Dual Cortex-M4/M4F, 120 MHz | Dual Cortex-M4/M4F, 120 MHz | Dual Cortex-M4/M4F, 120 MHz | Dual Cortex-M4/M4F, 120 MHz |
| Operating Temperature | Industrial temperature range | Industrial temperature range | Industrial temperature range | Commercial (0C to +70C) |
| Metrology Accuracy | Class 0.2, 3000:1 dynamic range | Class 0.2, 3000:1 dynamic range | Class 0.2, 3000:1 dynamic range | Class 0.2, 3000:1 dynamic range |
| Crypto Engine | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Key Differentiators
- Lower max power dissipation in same footprint (vs ATSAM4CMS8CA-AU)
- Largest flash in the ATSAM4CMS8C pin-compatible group (vs ATSAM4CMS8CB-AU)
- Industrial temperature grade for outdoor meters (vs ATSAM4CMS8CC-CU)
Design Notes
Partition flash deliberately between the metrology core and the application core before firmware development begins. The dual-core SAM4CM architecture executes signal processing and communications in independent partitions, and retrofitting a boundary after code growth typically forces a variant change to a larger-flash family member. Reserve margin for field OTA updates of the application image - utilities expect the communications stack to be updatable without re-certifying the metrology image. PEmicro's ATSAM4CMS8C device selector covers CA/CB/CC variants, so keep flash sizing within a family member to preserve programming-tool compatibility.
The 100-LQFP (14x14 mm) package places 0.5 mm-pitch gull-wing leads on all four sides; specify a solder-mask-defined land pattern per the Microchip datasheet footprint and inspect with AOI given fine pitch. Provide a solid ground plane under the device and decouple each supply pin group with 100 nF ceramics placed within 2 mm of the pins, plus bulk capacitance near the regulator. Keep the analog front-end (ADC inputs from current/voltage sensors) routed away from the crystal and switching supplies to protect the class 0.2, 3000:1 dynamic-range metrology performance the SoC is certified to deliver.
Estimated: at 120 MHz with both Cortex-M4 cores active, assume core plus I/O power approaching the ~350 mW max power dissipation rating cited for the CC variant in FindIC comparison data. With a typical LQFP-100 theta_JA around 60-80 C/W on a standard 4-layer board, a 350 mW load implies roughly 20-28 C junction rise above ambient - comfortable at 85 C industrial ambient only if theta_JA is kept low with adequate copper. Derate further when the meter enclosure is sealed and sun-exposed; verify with Microchip's thermal data before finalizing the enclosure design.
Compliance Information
Mouser listing describes the package as 'LQFP, Green, IND TEMP, CRYPTO, 1ph SOC, MRLC, 1024K, R', indicating green/RoHS packaging. Obtain formal RoHS/REACH declarations from Microchip's compliance portal.