ATSAM4E8CB-CNR - 120MHz Cortex-M4 MCU 512KB | Microchip
MPN: ATSAM4E8CB-CNR β Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $8.9 | $8.90 |
| 10 | $8.1 | $81.00 |
| 100 | $7.35 | $735.00 |
| 500 | $6.75 | $3,375.00 |
| 1,000 | $6.2 | $6,200.00 |
ATSAM4E8CB-CNR Overview
A microcontroller (MCU) is a single-chip computer integrating a processor core, memory, and peripherals on one die, forming the lowest layer of the embedded systems hierarchy: MCU -> embedded processor -> system-on-chip. The SAM4E series belongs to Microchip (formerly Atmel) SMART ARM-based flash MCU family, positioned for connectivity-rich industrial and consumer applications.
Key features of the ATSAM4E8CB-CNR include the Cortex-M4 core with hardware FPU for single-precision math, a 2 KB cache that sustains high data bandwidth from Flash, and a rich peripheral set highlighted by an integrated 10/100 Mbps Ethernet MAC with IEEE 1588 precision time protocol support, enabling single-chip networked nodes without external MAC devices.
Architecturally, the SAM4E series combines the 120 MHz Cortex-M4 with multi-layer bus matrix (HSMCI, EBI/SMC external bus interface) for parallel data throughput, plus DMA-driven peripherals that offload the CPU. The flash accelerator and cache structure minimize wait states, allowing deterministic real-time execution. Atmel-11157 is the family datasheet covering SAM4E16E/SAM4E8E/SAM4E16C/SAM4E8C devices including the ATSAM4E8C.
Typical applications include industrial Ethernet-connected nodes (gateways, sensors with network interfaces), building automation controllers, consumer appliances with connectivity, and motor control systems that benefit from the FPU and 120 MHz performance.
Design consideration: the 100-TFBGA (9x9 mm, 0.8 mm ball pitch) requires controlled-impedance PCB fabrication and X-ray inspection capability; confirm Ethernet magnetics pairing and supply sequencing against the family datasheet before layout.
This page synthesizes distributor availability data, family datasheet references, drop-in same-family alternatives, and practical design notes not found in the manufacturer datasheet alone.
Drop-in alternatives for ATSAM4E8CB-CNR 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 ATSAM4E8CB-CNR (same form factor and footprint) β differing in Flash Memory, Series.
Quick Comparison Tool β Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
No drop-in alternatives available for this product.
Request AlternativesATSAM4E8CB-CNR 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) |
| Floating Point Unit | Yes (single-precision FPU) |
| Cache | 2 KB |
| Ethernet | 10/100 Mbps MAC |
| Series | SAM4E (ATSAM4E8C) |
| Package | 100-TFBGA (9x9 mm) |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| Operating Temperature | Extended temperature (per CN suffix, -40C to +85C) |
| Supplier Device Package | TFBGA-GREEN, MRL B |
| Packaging | Tape & Reel (T&R) |
| RoHS Status | Compliant (GREEN package) |
| External Bus Interface | EBI/SMC, HSMCI |
ATSAM4E8CB-CNR tfbga-green, mrl b Pin Configuration Guide
Pin configuration for ATSAM4E8CB-CNR (tfbga-green, mrl b 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 ATSAM4E8CB-CNR.
Refer to the datasheet for full pin configuration.
Typical Applications
ATSAM4E8CB-CNR is suitable for 6 applications: Industrial Ethernet Nodes, Motor Control Drives, Building Automation Controllers, Consumer Appliances with Connectivity, Data Loggers and Gateways, Medical and Diagnostic Instrumentation.
Industrial Ethernet Nodes
The ATSAM4E8CB-CNR fits networked industrial equipment because it integrates a 10/100 Mbps Ethernet MAC on the same die as the 120 MHz Cortex-M4 with FPU, removing the need for an external MAC controller. In a typical node, the MCU drives an external PHY over MII/RMII while handling Modbus TCP or proprietary protocol stacks, and the 512 KB Flash accommodates a lean TCP/IP stack with room for application logic. The high data bandwidth architecture with 2 KB cache sustains packet processing without stalling control loops. Place the PHY as close as possible to the MAC pins and use impedance-controlled routing for the RMII clock domain; IEEE 1588 timestamping support in the series also enables deterministic distributed timing.
Recommended
Motor Control Drives
Motor control benefits directly from the ATSAM4E8CB-CNR's single-precision FPU and 120 MHz execution: field-oriented control (FOC) inner loops at 10-20 kHz consume only a fraction of the CPU budget, leaving headroom for communication and diagnostics. The SAM4E peripheral complement includes PWM generation and timers, and DMA offloads ADC sampling so control-loop latency stays deterministic. The 2 KB flash cache keeps algorithms running from flash without wait-state penalties. Design the current-sense shunt front end with fast comparators and route PWM lines away from analog sense traces; the extended-temperature -CN package supports cabinet-mounted drives in industrial environments up to 85C ambient with proper airflow.
Recommended
Building Automation Controllers
Building automation controllers combine multiple field buses, sensing, and increasingly network connectivity - a match for the SAM4E8CB-CNR's blend of UART/USART, SPI, TWI, and Ethernet peripherals on one 120 MHz Cortex-M4. The 512 KB Flash holds HVAC or lighting control logic plus protocol translation code, while the EBI/SMC external bus interface can attach memory-mapped I/O expansion. Low-power modes support battery-backed sensor endpoints, and the extended temperature range suits electrical panels and rooftop installations. Partition firmware so time-critical communication runs from flash cache while slower logging tasks use DMA to SRAM; the result is a single-chip controller that reduces BOM cost versus MCU-plus-Ethernet-chip designs.
Recommended
Consumer Appliances with Connectivity
Connected appliances such as smart cooking, laundry, and HVAC products need both robust control firmware and network stacks. The ATSAM4E8CB-CNR provides 512 KB Flash and an integrated Ethernet MAC for wired-connected models, with the 120 MHz Cortex-M4 and FPU handling touch sensing, display refresh, and protocol processing concurrently. The TFBGA100 9x9 mm package gives high integration in a small footprint suitable for appliance control boards. GREEN/RoHS package construction supports consumer environmental requirements. Use the DMA-driven peripherals to keep touch and display tasks responsive during network bursts, and reserve a firmware update region in flash with a bootloader so field OTA-style updates over the network remain safe.
Recommended
Data Loggers and Gateways
Standalone data loggers and protocol gateways benefit from the ATSAM4E8CB-CNR's high-speed memory interfaces: the HSMCI controller interfaces SD/SDIO storage cards for local logging, while SPI connects flash or FRAM for configuration data. The 120 MHz Cortex-M4 with FPU handles compression, timestamping, and protocol conversion, and the 512 KB Flash separates bootloader, application, and log-index regions cleanly. Its 100-ball TFBGA footprint with external bus interface allows expansion NOR flash behind the EBI/SMC when datasets grow. For gateways bridging RS-485 or CAN devices to Ethernet, the multiple USARTs plus the Ethernet MAC eliminate a second processor. Add brown-out monitored power design so logged records survive brownouts and unexpected power removal.
Recommended
Medical and Diagnostic Instrumentation
Benchtop diagnostic instruments use the ATSAM4E8CB-CNR where sensor data processing, local UI, and network reporting converge: the FPU accelerates filter and DSP-style math on sampled channels, and the 2 KB cache plus flash accelerator keep interrupt latency predictable during acquisition bursts. The Ethernet MAC allows results and telemetry to stream to hospital networks, and 512 KB Flash supports modular firmware with calibration tables. The extended temperature range and GREEN package suit clinical-environment electronics requirements. When integrating into mains-powered instruments, isolate the Ethernet segment with magnetics meeting medical creepage requirements and keep analog acquisition grounds separate from the digital plane; the SAM4E EBI also allows memory expansion for waveform storage.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for ATSAM4E8CB-CNR β comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | ATSAM4E16CB-CN | ATSAM4E16CB-CNR | ATSAM4E8CA-CNR | ATSAM4E8CB-CU | ATSAM4SD32CB-CNR |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Package | 100-TFBGA (9x9 mm) | 100-TFBGA (9x9 mm) - same | 100-TFBGA (9x9 mm) - same | 100-TFBGA (9x9 mm) - same | 100-TFBGA - same family | 100-TFBGA - same class |
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Core | ARM Cortex-M4 with FPU, 120 MHz | ARM Cortex-M4 with FPU, 120 MHz | ARM Cortex-M4 with FPU, 120 MHz | ARM Cortex-M4, 120 MHz | ARM Cortex-M4 with FPU, 120 MHz | ARM Cortex-M4 with FPU, 120 MHz |
| Cache | 2 KB | 2 KB | 2 KB | 2 KB (family) | 2 KB | 2 KB (family) |
| Temperature Grade | Extended (CN suffix) | Extended (CN) | Extended (CN) | Extended (CN) | CU grade - verify | Extended (CN) |
| RoHS / Green Package | Compliant (GREEN) | Compliant | Compliant | Compliant | Compliant | Compliant |
Key Differentiators
- Integrated 10/100 Mbps Ethernet MAC (vs ATSAM4SD32CB-CNR)
- 512 KB Flash at lower cost point than 1 MB sibling (vs ATSAM4E16CB-CN)
- Hardware FPU with 2 KB cache at 120 MHz (vs ATSAM4E8CA-CNR)
Design Notes
The 100-TFBGA (9x9 mm, 0.8 mm ball pitch) requires fine-pitch BGA fanout: use 0.4 mm via-in-pad or dog-bone escapes, and place one decoupling capacitor per power/ground ball pair directly under the array on the secondary side. Ethernet RMII/MII clock and data traces need controlled impedance with matched lengths to the external PHY. Recommended: follow the reference layout in the Atmel-11157 datasheet and Microchip SAM4E hardware design application notes, and plan AOI or X-ray inspection for hidden BGA joints.
Provide independent core and I/O supply domains per the SAM4E family datasheet with local bulk plus high-frequency decoupling. Ensure VDDCORE/VDDIO sequencing follows the ordering stated in Atmel-11157; incorrect sequencing can prevent boot or stress I/O structures. Size the regulator for peak core current at 120 MHz plus peripheral loads, and add brown-out supervision so flash writes to the 512 KB array never complete on a failing supply.
Verify the exact ordering-code suffix before substitution: -CN (extended temp, TFBGA) and -CU variants differ in package/temperature definitions per the Microchip ordering table, and flash capacity changes between E8 (512 KB) and E16 (1 MB) members. Microchip recommends Revision B silicon for new prototypes and production on the ATSAM4E8C product page - check the device revision register at bring-up. Also confirm Ethernet PHY strap pins and the boot-mode configuration pins are pulled to datasheet-defined levels.
Compliance Information
Package described as GREEN (lead-free/halogen-free, RoHS compliant) in distributor listings (Mouser: TFBGA,GREEN,EXT TEMP). REACH and conflict minerals declarations not stated in provided data - request compliance package from Microchip.
