ATSAM4E16CA-AUR - 120MHz Cortex-M4 1MB Flash MCU | Microchip
MPN: ATSAM4E16CA-AUR ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $11.49 | $11.49 |
| 10 | $10.34 | $103.40 |
| 100 | $9.19 | $919.00 |
| 500 | $8.62 | $4,310.00 |
| 1,000 | $8.05 | $8,050.00 |
ATSAM4E16CA-AUR Overview
A microcontroller (MCU) is a complete computing system on a single chip, combining a processor core, program memory, data memory, and a rich set of peripherals. The SAM4E family sits within Microchip's ARM-based MCU hierarchy: Cortex-M4 core -> SAM4E series -> ARM MCU portfolio -> embedded processing, serving as the central controller in a larger system of sensors, actuators, and communication interfaces.
Key features include the 120 MHz Cortex-M4 with FPU for math-intensive control loops, 1 MB Flash for large code images with in-field update capability, dual 12-bit ADCs (16 channels) and dual 12-bit DACs (2 channels), and an integrated Ethernet controller that eliminates an external MAC. Peripherals such as USB, USARTs, SPI, and a PWM controller support connectivity and motion control applications.
Technically, the SAM4E16C uses a high data bandwidth multi-layer bus architecture with the 2 KB cache improving flash execution efficiency at 120 MHz. Supply voltage spans 1.62 V to 3.6 V, with the core powered internally from 1.2 V per the datasheet, and an internal oscillator simplifies clocking.
Typical applications include industrial networking nodes, Ethernet-connected IoT gateways, motor control and power conversion, and building automation controllers.
A key design consideration: the ADC reference and analog supply require clean routing on the VDDA pin, and full 120 MHz operation should be validated across the 1.62 V to 3.6 V supply range per Microchip's electrical characteristics.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing, drop-in alternatives, and practical design notes not found in the manufacturer datasheet.
Drop-in alternatives for ATSAM4E16CA-AUR — 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 ATSAM4E16CA-AUR (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Packaging, RoHS Status, Operating Temperature, Core Processor, FPU.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
ATSAM4E16CA-AU
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$7.65 / Unit
View Datasheet →ATSAM4E16CA-AN
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$8.05 / Unit
View Datasheet →ATSAM4E8CA-AUR
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ 参数待验证📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
ATSAM4SD16CA-ANR
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
ATSAM4S16CA-AUR
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ 参数待验证✓ In Stock
Contact for price
View Datasheet →ATSAM4E16CA-AUR Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Core | ARM Cortex-M4 with 2 KB cache |
| Core Clock Frequency | 120 MHz |
| Core Width | 32-bit |
| Flash Memory | 1 MB (1M x 8) |
| SRAM | 128 KB (128K x 8) |
| Supply Voltage (VCC/VDD) | 1.62 V to 3.6 V |
| FPU | Yes (Floating Point Unit) |
| DSP Instructions | Yes |
| Memory Protection Unit (MPU) | Yes |
| ADC | 16 x 12-bit |
| DAC | 2 x 12-bit |
| Oscillator Type | Internal |
| Operating Temperature | -40C to +85C |
| Package | 100-LQFP (14x14 mm) |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| Packaging | Tape & Reel (TR) |
| Product Status | Active |
| RoHS Status | RoHS3 Compliant |
ATSAM4E16CA-AUR 100-lqfp (14x14 mm) Pin Configuration Guide
Pin configuration for ATSAM4E16CA-AUR (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 ATSAM4E16CA-AUR.
Refer to the datasheet for full pin configuration.
Typical Applications
ATSAM4E16CA-AUR is suitable for 6 applications: Industrial Ethernet Networking Nodes, IoT Gateways and Connected Devices, Motor Control and Power Conversion, Building Automation Controllers, Test and Measurement Instrumentation, Embedded Security and Access Control.
Industrial Ethernet Networking Nodes
The ATSAM4E16CA-AUR is purpose-built for networked industrial equipment because it integrates a 10/100 Mbps Ethernet MAC, removing the need for an external media access controller and reducing BOM count and board area. Running the Cortex-M4 core at 120 MHz with a 2 KB cache provides sufficient headroom for TCP/IP stacks such as lwIP alongside the application. The 1 MB Flash accommodates protocol stacks, web servers, and firmware-update images, while the 128 KB SRAM buffers packets and runtime data. Placed with an external Ethernet PHY (for example, a KSZ8081RNA) on an RMII interface, the MCU delivers a complete connected node with a -40C to +85C industrial rating suitable for factory-floor installations.
Recommended
IoT Gateways and Connected Devices
For IoT gateway designs, the ATSAM4E16CA-AUR offers the right balance of connectivity and processing: the integrated Ethernet MAC handles upstream backhaul, USARTs and SPI bridge to wireless modules and sensors, and the 120 MHz FPU-equipped core executes protocol translation efficiently. The 1 MB Flash supports secure firmware upgrade with room for both application and bootloader partitions, and the internal oscillator simplifies clocking design for cost-sensitive connected devices. Supply operation from 1.62 V to 3.6 V aligns with standard 3.3 V single-rail designs. With 16 ADC channels available, the same device can also digitize local sensor inputs, allowing one MCU to serve both gateway and local acquisition roles in smart building and metering products.
Recommended
Motor Control and Power Conversion
The ATSAM4E16CA-AUR fits motor control because its Cortex-M4 with hardware FPU and DSP instructions executes field-oriented control (FOC) loops with fast multiply-accumulate and single-cycle float operations at 120 MHz. The 16-channel 12-bit ADC samples phase currents and bus voltage, and the PWM controller generates inverter drive signals. According to the SAM4E datasheet, the high data bandwidth architecture sustains deterministic loop timing with the 2 KB cache. Operating across 1.62 V to 3.6 V and -40C to +85C, it suits industrial drives, solar inverters, and HVAC blowers, where the dual 12-bit DACs can also provide analog control references for power stage supervision.
Recommended
Building Automation Controllers
Building automation controllers benefit from the ATSAM4E16CA-AUR's combination of Ethernet networking, industrial temperature rating, and rich mixed-signal integration. The Ethernet MAC supports BACnet/IP and Modbus TCP implementations directly, while multiple USARTs handle RS-485 field bus segments through external transceivers. The 1 MB Flash stores protocol stacks plus application logic with headroom for over-the-air updates, and 128 KB SRAM holds concurrent connection buffers. The 12-bit ADC channels digitize temperature and humidity sensor inputs locally, and the -40C to +85C rating covers rooftop and mechanical-room environments. Single 3.3 V supply operation simplifies power tree design in compact wall-mounted controller enclosures.
Recommended
Test and Measurement Instrumentation
In portable and bench instrumentation, the ATSAM4E16CA-AUR provides the signal acquisition and human-interface processing in one device: the 16-channel 12-bit ADC captures sensor data up to the converter's rated throughput, the FPU performs calibration and DSP filtering in hardware, and USB connectivity streams results to a host PC. The 120 MHz core with 2 KB cache sustains responsive menu-driven LCD interfaces while servicing acquisition interrupts. The internal oscillator reduces board component count in handheld instruments, and the 100-pin LQFP exposes enough GPIO for keypad matrices, display buses, and relay control. Microchip's development ecosystem (SAM4E Xplained Pro, Atmel Studio / MPLAB X) accelerates firmware bring-up.
Recommended
Embedded Security and Access Control
Access control panels and security controllers leverage the ATSAM4E16CA-AUR's memory capacity and connectivity: 1 MB Flash stores credential databases, encryption libraries, and event logs, while the Ethernet MAC enables networked door controllers managed from a central server. The Cortex-M4 MPU allows privilege separation between the application and communication stack, improving firmware robustness. Dual 12-bit ADCs read tamper and analog sensor inputs, and multiple USARTs interface to RFID readers and keypads. The industrial temperature range suits outdoor gate and parking installations, and the active lifecycle status from Microchip ensures long-term sourcing for security products with multi-year service commitments.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for ATSAM4E16CA-AUR — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | ATSAM4E16CA-AU | ATSAM4E16CA-AN | ATSAM4E8CA-AUR | ATSAM4SD16CA-ANR | ATSAM4S16CA-AUR |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 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 | 100-LQFP (14x14 mm) - same |
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Core / Clock | Cortex-M4 @ 120 MHz (FPU) | Cortex-M4 @ 120 MHz (FPU) | Cortex-M4 @ 120 MHz (FPU) | Cortex-M4 @ 120 MHz (FPU) | Cortex-M4 @ 120 MHz (FPU) | Cortex-M4 @ 120 MHz (FPU) |
| Flash Memory | 1 MB | 1 MB | 1 MB | 512 KB (-50%) | 1 MB (dual-bank) | 1 MB |
| Ethernet MAC | Yes (10/100) | Yes (10/100) | Yes (10/100) | Yes (10/100) | No (SAM4S family) | No (SAM4S family) |
| Supply Voltage | 1.62 V to 3.6 V | 1.62 V to 3.6 V | 1.62 V to 3.6 V | 1.62 V to 3.6 V | 1.62 V to 3.6 V | 1.62 V to 3.6 V |
| Operating Temperature | -40C to +85C | -40C to +85C | -40C to +85C | -40C to +85C | -40C to +85C | -40C to +85C |
| Packaging / Lifecycle | Tape & Reel, Active | Tray, Active | Tray, Active | Tape & Reel, Active | Tray, Active | Tape & Reel, Active |
Key Differentiators
- Integrated 10/100 Ethernet MAC (vs ATSAM4S16CA-AUR)
- Full 1 MB Flash in the same footprint (vs ATSAM4E8CA-AUR)
- Cortex-M4 FPU and DSP acceleration at 120 MHz (vs ATSAM4SD16CA-ANR)
Design Notes
Design a single 3.3 V rail within the 1.62 V to 3.6 V operating window; the datasheet states the core runs internally at 1.2 V from the on-chip regulator, so do not drive the core rail externally. Estimated: at 120 MHz with typical activity, core plus I/O consumption is on the order of tens of mA, so a 500 mA-capable LDO budget is generally adequate for the MCU plus a PHY. Place decoupling on every VDD pin pair and follow the datasheet's regulator output capacitor recommendation to guarantee stability.
Route VDDA/GNDA as a quiet analog island: star-connect the analog ground to the digital ground at one point, filter VDDA through an RC (e.g., 10 ohm + 1 uF as an estimate consistent with standard practice), and keep ADC input traces away from Ethernet RMII and USB differential pairs. The 100-LQFP 14x14 mm footprint needs symmetric thermal pad patterns per the package drawing; use the Microchip LQFP-100 reference land pattern to avoid solder bridging on the 0.5 mm pitch pins.
Ethernet MAC requires an external PHY - the on-chip block alone cannot connect to a magnetics/JACK; plan RMII/PHY clocking correctly. Also note Microchip's advisory that Revision B is highly recommended for new designs and production, so order and qualify Rev B silicon rather than older stock. Finally, confirm that your purchased Tape & Reel suffix (-AUR) matches your assembly feeder setup; the -AU tray variant is otherwise electrically identical.
Compliance Information
RoHS3 compliant per Microchip USA product data; Mouser lists 'LQFP Green' packaging, indicating green/lead-free construction. REACH, halogen-free, and conflict-minerals status not stated in provided data.