ATSAM4E8CA-AU - 120MHz Cortex-M4 MCU 512KB Flash | Microchip
MPN: ATSAM4E8CA-AU β Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $10.85 | $10.85 |
| 10 | $9.85 | $98.50 |
| 100 | $8.9 | $890.00 |
| 500 | $8.1 | $4,050.00 |
| 1,000 | $7.45 | $7,450.00 |
ATSAM4E8CA-AU Overview
A microcontroller (MCU) is a single-chip computer that merges a processor core, nonvolatile flash memory, SRAM, and a rich set of peripherals onto one die. Within the power management hierarchy of embedded systems, the MCU sits at the top of the control chain, coordinating sensors, actuators, and communication interfaces. The SAM4E family belongs to Microchip (formerly Atmel) SMART ARM-based MCU portfolio, positioned between general-purpose SAM4S parts and Ethernet-focused industrial controllers.
Key differentiating features include the Cortex-M4 core with hardware FPU and Thumb-2 DSP instructions operating at 120 MHz, 512 KB of embedded flash with dual-bank boot capability, and an integrated 10/100 Ethernet MAC. The high data-bandwidth multi-layer bus matrix allows flash execution and peripheral DMA traffic to proceed without contention, sustaining deterministic real-time response.
Architecturally, the device employs the ARMv7E-M profile with a 3-stage pipeline, nested vectored interrupt controller, and multiple DMA-enabled peripherals. Per Microchip's product page for the ATSAM4E8C, Microchip recommends Revision B silicon for new prototype and production designs, reflecting an active lifecycle and process maturity.
Typical applications include industrial networking nodes leveraging the Ethernet MAC, motor control and digital power conversion exploiting the FPU and ADC peripherals, and building automation or IoT gateways requiring 32-bit headroom. Supply voltage per distributor data spans 1.2 V core domains with 1.62 V to 3.6 V I/O operation in the -AU industrial temperature grade.
Design consideration: budget PCB decoupling on all VDDIO/VDDCORE pins and verify Ethernet PHY pairing early, since the on-chip MAC requires an external PHY such as the KSZ8081RNB over RMII.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing, drop-in alternatives, and practical design notes not found in the manufacturer datasheet.
Drop-in alternatives for ATSAM4E8CA-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 ATSAM4E8CA-AU (same form factor and footprint) β differing in RoHS Status, Series, Packaging, Package, Core Processor.
Quick Comparison Tool β Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
ATSAM4E16CA-AU
β Drop-Inβ In Stock
$7.65 / Unit
View Datasheet βATSAM4S8CA-AU
β Drop-Inβ In Stock
$5.74 / Unit
View Datasheet βATSAM4S16CA-AU
β Drop-In β οΈ εζ°εΎ ιͺθ―β In Stock
$5.55 / Unit
View Datasheet βATSAM4SA16CA-AU
β Drop-In β οΈ εζ°εΎ ιͺθ―π Reference alternative (not in catalog)
ATSAM4SD32CA-AU
β Drop-In β οΈ εζ°εΎ ιͺθ―π Reference alternative (not in catalog)
ATSAM4E8CA-AU Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Core Processor | ARM Cortex-M4 |
| Core Size | 32-bit |
| Maximum Clock Frequency | 120 MHz |
| Flash Memory | 512 KB (512K x 8) |
| Supply Voltage (Vdd) | 1.62 V to 3.6 V |
| Core Voltage Domain | 1.2 V / 2.5 V / 3.3 V |
| Package | 100-LQFP (14x14 mm) |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| FPU / DSP Instructions | Yes (hardware FPU, Thumb-2 DSP) |
| Ethernet | 10/100 Mbps Ethernet MAC |
| Series | SAM4E |
| Packaging | Tray |
| Lifecycle Recommendation | Revision B recommended for new designs (per Microchip) |
ATSAM4E8CA-AU 100-lqfp (14x14 mm) Pin Configuration Guide
Pin configuration for ATSAM4E8CA-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 ATSAM4E8CA-AU.
Refer to the datasheet for full pin configuration.
Typical Applications
ATSAM4E8CA-AU is suitable for 6 applications: Industrial Ethernet Nodes, Motor Control and Digital Power, Building Automation Controllers, IoT Gateways and Edge Nodes, Test and Measurement Instruments, Security and Access Control Systems.
Industrial Ethernet Nodes
The ATSAM4E8CA-AU is a natural fit for industrial Ethernet nodes because the SAM4E series integrates a 10/100 Mbps Ethernet MAC directly on-chip, eliminating an external MAC and reducing BOM cost. Running at 120 MHz with a hardware FPU, the Cortex-M4 core simultaneously services the TCP/IP stack, a Modbus/TCP or EtherCAT-style application layer, and real-time I/O without dropping frames. In a typical node the Ethernet MAC connects over RMII to an external PHY such as the KSZ8081RNB, with the 512 KB flash holding the full protocol stack plus application logic. The multi-layer bus matrix keeps flash fetches and DMA transfers contention-free, preserving deterministic response times under full line-rate traffic.
Recommended
Motor Control and Digital Power
Field-oriented control (FOC) of PMSM and BLDC motors demands fast floating-point math, precisely because Clarke and Park transforms execute every PWM cycle. The ATSAM4E8CA-AU addresses this with its 120 MHz Cortex-M4 core, hardware FPU, and Thumb-2 DSP instructions, executing a complete FOC current loop in a fraction of a 20 kHz PWM period. Its PWM timers and ADC channels support single- or three-shunt current sensing, while the 512 KB flash retains room for parameter identification routines and communication interfaces. Supply operation from 1.62 V to 3.6 V matches standard 3.3 V gate-driver logic, and the industrial -AU grade covers drive-environment temperatures. The trade-off versus dedicated motor-control SoCs is fewer specialized co-processors, offset by full software flexibility.
Recommended
Building Automation Controllers
Building automation controllers consolidate multiple field buses, sensors, and actuators, which is exactly the peripheral mix of the ATSAM4E8CA-AU: on-chip Ethernet MAC for BACnet/IP backbones, UARTs and SPI for RS-485 and sensor buses, and timers for actuator control. The 120 MHz Cortex-M4 with FPU runs a real-time operating system alongside the Microchip TCP/IP stack within the 512 KB flash budget. The 100-pin LQFP provides enough GPIO for relay drivers, LED indicators, and DIP-switch configuration without port expanders, simplifying the controller PCB. Because the same footprint accepts the 1 MB-flash ATSAM4E16CA-AU, designers can offer feature-tiered products (basic vs premium controllers) from one PCB, amortizing layout and certification costs across product lines.
Recommended
IoT Gateways and Edge Nodes
Edge nodes that aggregate sensor data and push it upstream benefit from the ATSAM4E8CA-AU's combination of a 10/100 Ethernet MAC for wired backhaul and multiple UART/SPI/I2C interfaces for local radio modules such as Wi-Fi or LoRa transceivers. The 120 MHz Cortex-M4 with DSP instructions performs local preprocessing - FFT-based vibration analysis, filtering, and protocol translation - before transmission, reducing upstream bandwidth. At 512 KB, flash holds a TLS-capable network stack with room for application code; the drop-in 1 MB ATSAM4E16CA-AU upgrade removes any memory ceiling for TLS-heavy designs. The 1.62 V to 3.6 V supply range supports battery-backed and 3.3 V-rail designs typical of industrial IoT enclosures.
Recommended
Test and Measurement Instruments
Benchtop and portable instruments require a main controller that juggles a display, user interface, data acquisition, and connectivity simultaneously. The ATSAM4E8CA-AU supplies this with its 120 MHz dual-issue-capable Cortex-M4 core, parallel and serial display interfaces, numerous USARTs, and the on-chip Ethernet MAC for LXI-style remote control. The hardware FPU accelerates calibration math and DSP post-processing of acquired waveforms, while 512 KB of flash stores UI assets and firmware with OTA-updatable bootloader space. The high-bandwidth bus matrix prevents DMA from the ADC front-end from stalling display refresh - a common bottleneck on single-bus MCUs. The 100-pin LQFP simplifies routing of the many parallel signals these instruments need on a two-to-four-layer PCB.
Recommended
Security and Access Control Systems
Networked access-control panels need wired Ethernet, cryptographic-capable processing, and many GPIO for readers, locks, and tamper switches - all available on the ATSAM4E8CA-AU. Its 120 MHz Cortex-M4 executes AES/SHA routines in software fast enough for badge-transaction latency budgets, and the Ethernet MAC links panels to central controllers without an external MAC. The 100-pin LQFP exposes ample GPIO for Wiegand, OSDP-compliant RS-485, relay outputs, and door-contact inputs on one chip. Flash self-programming enables field firmware updates with a resident bootloader, an important maintenance feature for installed security hardware. Note that for regulated security products, an external secure element should be added, as the MCU alone does not provide hardware key storage.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for ATSAM4E8CA-AU β comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | ATSAM4E16CA-AU | ATSAM4S8CA-AU | ATSAM4SD32CA-AU |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Package | 100-LQFP (14x14) | 100-LQFP (14x14) - same | 100-LQFP (14x14) - same | 100-LQFP (14x14) - same |
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Core / Max Clock | Cortex-M4, 120 MHz | Cortex-M4, 120 MHz | Cortex-M4, 120 MHz | Cortex-M4, 120 MHz |
| Flash Memory | 512 KB | 1 MB | 512 KB | 2 MB (dual bank) |
| Ethernet MAC | Yes (10/100) | Yes (10/100) | No | No |
| Hardware FPU / DSP | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| 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 |
Key Differentiators
- Integrated 10/100 Ethernet MAC (vs ATSAM4S8CA-AU)
- 512 KB flash at the entry price of the SAM4E line (vs ATSAM4E16CA-AU)
- Cost-optimized for non-networked builds (vs ATSAM4SD32CA-AU)
Design Notes
Estimated: the SAM4E uses separate VDDCORE (1.2 V), VDDIO (1.62-3.6 V), and VDDPLL domains. Budget a decoupling network of 100 nF ceramic per supply pin plus one bulk 10 uF per domain, placed within 2 mm of each pin pair. Because VDDCORE is generated on-chip via an embedded regulator on some SAM4E variants, verify the exact power topology in the manufacturer datasheet before finalizing the power tree; miswiring VDDCORE is a common cause of non-booting first prototypes.
The Ethernet MAC uses RMII at 50 MHz; route RMII_REF_CLK as a length-matched, series-terminated trace and keep it away from PWM or relay-driver nets. The PHY (e.g., KSZ8081RNB) requires its own clean 3.3 V rail with ferrite isolation from the MCU rail. On the 100-LQFP, assign the RMII pin group early in layout because its fixed pin positions constrain topology. Terminate the MDIO line with 1.5 kOhm pull-up per the PHY datasheet.
Microchip explicitly recommends Revision B silicon for new prototype and production designs of the ATSAM4E8C (per the Microchip product page). Ordering older date-code stock may yield Revision A parts with documented errata. Always download the current errata sheet alongside the datasheet, and confirm clock configuration: the PLL multipliers must respect the input frequency limits or the device will not start from a wrong OFIF/bypass setting. Flash wait states must match the 120 MHz HCLK per the EEPROM/flash timing tables.
Compliance Information
Compliance declarations were not present in the verified web data retrieved for this page; consult the official Microchip product page and environmental datasheet for RoHS/REACH status of ATSAM4E8CA-AU.