ATSAM4E16CA-CU - 120MHz Cortex-M4 1MB Flash MCU | Microchip
MPN: ATSAM4E16CA-CU ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $9.85 | $9.85 |
| 10 | $8.92 | $89.20 |
| 100 | $7.98 | $798.00 |
| 500 | $7.25 | $3,625.00 |
| 1,000 | $6.68 | $6,680.00 |
ATSAM4E16CA-CU Overview
A microcontroller (MCU) is a single integrated circuit that combines a processor core, memory, and peripherals into one chip, forming the heart of embedded systems. The SAM4E family sits within Microchip's SMART ARM-based MCU portfolio, positioned above the Cortex-M3 based SAM3/SAM4N lines by adding a floating point unit (FPU), DSP instructions, and high-bandwidth peripherals such as an Ethernet MAC for industrial connectivity applications.
Key features include the ARM Cortex-M4 core with a 2 KB instruction cache operating at up to 120 MHz, hardware FPU and Thumb-2 instruction support for efficient math-intensive firmware, a Memory Protection Unit (MPU) for robust multi-task software, and a peripheral set spanning UART/USART, SPI, TWI (I2C), PWM, ADC, and Ethernet connectivity. The 1 MB flash supports in-system programming, while the high data bandwidth architecture suits control loops and protocol stacks simultaneously.
Technically, the device integrates the Cortex-M4 with DSP extensions, enabling single-cycle MAC operations useful for digital filtering and motor control algorithms. The 2 KB cache reduces flash wait-state penalties at 120 MHz, and the MPU allows privileged/unprivileged code partitioning for safety-oriented designs. Supply operation is specified at 1.2 V core / 3.3 V I/O per distributor data, with industrial temperature support.
Typical applications include industrial automation and networking nodes using the on-chip Ethernet MAC, motor control and power conversion leveraging the FPU and PWM peripherals, and connected sensing or gateways that need flash density for communication stacks. The ATSAM4E16CA-CU fits these roles where 120 MHz performance, 1 MB flash, and wired connectivity converge.
Design-wise, plan power sequencing between the 3.3 V I/O domain and the 1.2 V core domain, and use bypass capacitors on all VDDIO/VDDCORE ball groups per the datasheet power distribution guidelines. Firmware can be developed in Atmel Studio / Microchip Studio with the SAM4E software package, and the device is programmed via SWD or JTAG.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing, drop-in family alternatives, and practical design notes not found in the manufacturer datasheet, giving engineers a complete selection view in one place.
Drop-in alternatives for ATSAM4E16CA-CU — 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-CU (same form factor and footprint) — differing in RoHS Status, Maximum Clock Frequency, Package, Instruction Set, Series.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
ATSAM4N8CA-CU
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$2.02 / Unit
View Datasheet →ATSAM4E8CA-CU
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ 参数待验证✓ In Stock
$8.45 / Unit
View Datasheet →ATSAM4SD32CA-CU
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ 参数待验证📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
ATSAM4SA16CA-CU
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ 参数待验证📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
ATSAM4S16CA-CU
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ 参数待验证✓ In Stock
$4.89 / Unit
View Datasheet →ATSAM4E16CA-CU Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Core Processor | ARM Cortex-M4 |
| Core Size | 32-Bit |
| Maximum Clock Frequency | 120 MHz |
| Flash Memory Size | 1 MB (1M x 8) |
| SRAM Size | 128 KB |
| Instruction Cache | 2 KB |
| FPU | Yes (Floating Point Unit) |
| DSP Instructions | Yes |
| Memory Protection Unit | Yes (MPU) |
| Instruction Set | Thumb-2 |
| Supply Voltage | 1.2 V core / 3.3 V I/O |
| Package | 100-TFBGA (9x9 mm) |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| Series | SAM4E |
| Packaging | Tray |
| Connectivity Peripherals | UART/USART, SPI, TWI (I2C), Ethernet MAC, PWM |
ATSAM4E16CA-CU 100-tfbga (9x9 mm) Pin Configuration Guide
Pin configuration for ATSAM4E16CA-CU (100-tfbga (9x9 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-CU.
Refer to the datasheet for full pin configuration.
Typical Applications
ATSAM4E16CA-CU is suitable for 6 applications: Industrial Ethernet Gateways, Motor Control and Power Conversion, Building Automation Controllers, Test and Measurement Instruments, IoT Edge Nodes and Sensor Hubs, Medical Diagnostic and Monitoring Devices.
Industrial Ethernet Gateways
The ATSAM4E16CA-CU fits industrial Ethernet gateway designs because its on-chip Ethernet MAC eliminates an external controller while the 120 MHz Cortex-M4 with DSP instructions handles protocol stacking and data transformation concurrently. With 1 MB of flash, the part stores full TCP/IP stacks plus application firmware, and the 128 KB SRAM buffers network packets and Modbus register maps without external memory. Deployed between a 3.3 V I/O domain and 1.2 V core domain, the MCU runs deterministic control tasks while streaming field data upward to SCADA or cloud platforms. The trade-off is that a PHY chip and magnetics are still required, so board area and BOM should be budgeted accordingly.
Recommended
Motor Control and Power Conversion
The ATSAM4E16CA-CU is well suited to motor control because its hardware FPU and single-cycle DSP MAC execute field-oriented-control (FOC) math, Clarke/Park transforms, and adaptive PID loops at 120 MHz with deterministic timing. PWM peripherals generate complementary drive signals with dead-time control, while the ADC samples phase currents for closed-loop torque regulation. The 2 KB instruction cache mitigates flash wait states during interrupt-heavy control loops, and the MPU can isolate safety-critical code. With 1 MB of flash, engineers can store multiple motor profiles and diagnostic routines. The design consideration is careful analog layout of current-sense paths away from PWM switching nodes to preserve ADC accuracy.
Recommended
Building Automation Controllers
In building automation, the ATSAM4E16CA-CU consolidates sensor acquisition, local control logic, and network uplink in one chip. Its 1 MB flash holds BACnet- or Modbus-class stacks alongside application firmware, while the 128 KB SRAM manages communication buffers and trend logs. The Ethernet MAC enables native networked controllers for HVAC, lighting, and access-control panels, and multiple UART/USART, SPI, and TWI interfaces connect DAM/M1 buses, EEPROMs, and sensors. Operating from a 3.3 V rail with a 1.2 V core domain, the device supports always-on controller duty cycles at moderate power draw. Its industrial temperature capability and RoHS-compliant green package align with commercial-building certification requirements.
Recommended
Test and Measurement Instruments
The ATSAM4E16CA-CU serves handheld and bench instruments as the main controller, where its 120 MHz Cortex-M4 with FPU performs calibration math, FFT-based analysis, and linearization of sensor data in single-precision floating point. The 1 MB flash accommodates full UI firmware, and the 2 KB cache keeps computation responsive during high-rate ADC streaming into the 128 KB SRAM ring buffers. Multiple USART/SPI links interface front-end ADCs, DACs, and display modules, while USB or Ethernet provides PC connectivity for data export. Designers should allocate DMA channels for continuous sample transfer so CPU cycles remain available for DSP processing, and pay attention to ground bounce isolation between digital and analog sections.
Recommended
IoT Edge Nodes and Sensor Hubs
As an IoT edge node, the ATSAM4E16CA-CU aggregates multiple sensors over TWI, SPI, and UART, pre-filters data using its DSP instructions and FPU, and forwards results over its Ethernet MAC or an external wireless module. The 1 MB flash supports secure OTA update staging and protocol abstraction layers, while 128 KB SRAM handles JSON/CBOR payload construction and TLS session state when paired with a network coprocessor. The 120 MHz core leaves headroom for local decision logic without cloud round-trips. Power-sensitive battery designs should note this is a performance-class MCU; duty-cycling the 1.2 V core domain and using peripheral DMA sleep patterns mitigates average current draw in always-listening nodes.
Recommended
Medical Diagnostic and Monitoring Devices
The ATSAM4E16CA-CU fits benchtop and portable medical diagnostic equipment where the FPU accelerates signal processing for ECG, blood-analysis, or imaging-sensor readouts, and the 120 MHz core runs UI, logging, and communication concurrently. The 1 MB flash stores device firmware plus calibration constants, and the MPU supports partitioning of safety-related code from user interfaces, aiding software architecture discipline for regulated devices. Ethernet connectivity supports integration with clinic networks and HL7-facing gateways. Designers must observe medical EMI budgets, so layout should isolate the switching regulator from the analog front end and use the MCU's multiple ground balls for clean return paths per the datasheet power-distribution guidance.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for ATSAM4E16CA-CU — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | ATSAM4N8CA-CU | ATSAM4E8CA-CU | ATSAM4SD32CA-CU | ATSAM4S16CA-CU |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Package | 100-TFBGA (9x9) | 100-TFBGA (9x9) - same | 100-TFBGA (9x9) - same | 100-TFBGA (9x9) - same | 100-TFBGA (9x9) - same |
| Core / Max Frequency | Cortex-M4, 120 MHz | Cortex-M4, 100 MHz | Cortex-M4, 120 MHz | Cortex-M4, 120 MHz | Cortex-M4, 120 MHz |
| Flash Memory | 1 MB | 512 KB class | 512 KB | 2 MB (dual-bank) | 1 MB |
| SRAM | 128 KB | 64 KB | 128 KB | 160 KB | 128 KB |
| Ethernet MAC | Yes | No | Yes | No | No |
| FPU / DSP | Yes / Yes | Yes / Yes | Yes / Yes | Yes / Yes | Yes / Yes |
| Packaging | Tray | Tray | Tray | Tray | Tray |
Key Differentiators
- Integrated Ethernet MAC (vs ATSAM4S16CA-CU)
- Double the SRAM of the SAM4N option (vs ATSAM4N8CA-CU)
- Balanced 1 MB flash with Ethernet (vs ATSAM4SD32CA-CU)
Design Notes
The ATSAM4E16CA-CU operates with a 1.2 V core domain and 3.3 V I/O domain. Decouple every VDDIO and VDDCORE ball group with 100 nF ceramic capacitors placed as close to the ball vias as possible, plus bulk capacitance at the regulator output. Follow the SAM4E datasheet power-distribution table for ball-group assignments; missing a decoupled group can cause brown-outs during flash write operations or 120 MHz peak loading. Verify regulator startup sequencing so the core rail reaches spec before or with the I/O rail per datasheet requirements.
The 100-TFBGA (9x9 mm) ball map requires via-in-pad or dog-bone escape routing on 0.8 mm ball pitch. Use a dedicated solid ground plane on layer 2 with the many GND balls stitched directly to it for low-impedance return paths, which is essential for the Ethernet MAC and ADC accuracy. Keep the crystal and PHY magnetics away from switching regulator loops. Estimated: allow at least 4 signal layers for a design using Ethernet plus high-pin-count GPIO breakout on this footprint.
Do not assume ATSAM4S-family parts are automatically ball-identical drop-ins; although ATSAM4S16CA-CU shares the TFBGA-100 package, peripheral ball assignments differ from SAM4E parts, so verify the ball map in both datasheets before any PCB reuse. Also, Microchip recommends Revision B of the SAM4E documentation for prototypes and production - design against the latest errata sheet. Finally, confirm the exact operating temperature grade of the -CU suffix in the current ordering table before specifying for extended environments.
Compliance Information
Distributor listings (Mouser) describe the -CU part as a green package variant, indicating RoHS-compliant, lead-free, halogen-free construction. REACH and conflict-minerals declarations should be obtained from official Microchip compliance certificates.
