ATSAM4E8EA-CU - Cortex-M4 120MHz 512KB MCU | Microchip
MPN: ATSAM4E8EA-CU ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $11.21 | $11.21 |
| 10 | $10.52 | $105.20 |
| 100 | $9.75 | $975.00 |
| 500 | $9.18 | $4,590.00 |
| 1,000 | $8.64 | $8,640.00 |
ATSAM4E8EA-CU Overview
A microcontroller (MCU) is a single-chip computing device that integrates a processor core, program memory, data memory, and peripherals on one die, forming the lowest level of the embedded-system hierarchy (embedded system -> MCU -> CPU core). The SAM4E series belongs to Microchip's SMART ARM-based flash MCU family, positioned for high-performance industrial and connectivity applications where 32-bit processing and hardware math acceleration are required.
Key features of the ATSAM4E8EA-CU include the ARM Cortex-M4 core with DSP instructions and Thumb-2 instruction set, a Memory Protection Unit (MPU) for robust software partitioning, a 2KB cache that improves execution efficiency from Flash, and a high data bandwidth bus architecture. The 512KB (512K x 8) Flash accommodates large application images including RTOS stacks, communication protocol stacks, and OTA updatable firmware.
The device operates from a 1.2 V core supply with 3.3 V I/O, and is supplied in industrial temperature grade, lead-free green LFBGA packaging. The fine-pitch ball grid array saves PCB area compared with LQFP alternatives, which matters in dense multi-board industrial designs. The built-in FPU executes single-precision floating point in hardware, removing software emulation overhead in control loops and signal processing.
Typical applications include industrial automation controllers, motor control, IoT gateways, and connected sensing nodes where the Cortex-M4 performance class and Flash capacity fit control and communication duties simultaneously.
Design consideration: LFBGA packages require controlled-impedance PCB fabrication with fine-pitch assembly; confirm your CMOS/PCB process supports ball pitch before layout.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing, drop-in alternatives, and practical design notes not found in the manufacturer datasheet.
Drop-in alternatives for ATSAM4E8EA-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 ATSAM4E8EA-CU (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Core Processor, Core Size, Flash Memory, Maximum Clock Frequency, Package.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
No drop-in alternatives available for this product.
Request AlternativesATSAM4E8EA-CU Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Core Processor | ARM Cortex-M4 |
| Core Size | 32-bit |
| Maximum Clock Frequency | 120 MHz |
| Flash Memory | 512KB (512K x 8) |
| Cache | 2KB instruction cache |
| FPU | Yes (single-precision floating point unit) |
| DSP Instructions | Yes |
| Instruction Set | Thumb-2 |
| Memory Protection Unit | Yes (MPU) |
| Supply Voltage (I/O) | 3.3 V |
| Supply Voltage (Core) | 1.2 V |
| Package | 144-LFBGA (10x10 mm) |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| Temperature Grade | Industrial |
| Packaging Attribute | LFBGA GREEN, IND TEMPMRL |
| Series | SAM4E |
ATSAM4E8EA-CU 144-lfbga (10x10 mm) Pin Configuration Guide
Pin configuration for ATSAM4E8EA-CU (144-lfbga (10x10 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 ATSAM4E8EA-CU.
Refer to the datasheet for full pin configuration.
Typical Applications
ATSAM4E8EA-CU is suitable for 6 applications: Industrial Automation Controllers, Motor Control Systems, IoT Gateways and Connected Nodes, Embedded Control with Touch/HMI Panels, Data Acquisition and Sensing Systems, Building and Factory Networked Devices.
Industrial Automation Controllers
The ATSAM4E8EA-CU fits industrial automation controller duty because its 120 MHz Cortex-M4 core with DSP instructions and a single-precision FPU executes PLC-style scan loops, PID control, and protocol processing concurrently, while the Memory Protection Unit isolates application tasks for robustness. Its 512KB Flash accommodates ladder interpreters, Modbus/ EtherCAT-class stacks, and field-updatable firmware. In a typical design the MCU sits between fieldbus transceivers and I/O drivers, using its industrial-grade 144-LFBGA package for reliable operation on factory floors. Unlike smaller Cortex-M0/M3 parts, the FPU removes software math overhead, and the 2KB cache keeps Flash execution efficient at full clock speed.
Recommended
Motor Control Systems
The ATSAM4E8EA-CU is suited to brushless DC and PMSM motor control because field-oriented control (FOC) requires repeated trigonometric and multiplication-heavy calculations - exactly what the Cortex-M4's DSP instructions and hardware FPU accelerate at 120 MHz. The 512KB Flash holds the FOC framework plus fieldbus communication without external memory. The MCU drives gate-driver interfaces through its timers and analog feedback loops, closing current-loop cycles with deterministic latency. Compared with a software-float Cortex-M3 solution, hardware floating point can cut loop computation time by an order of magnitude, enabling higher PWM frequencies and quieter, more efficient motor operation in industrial drives.
Recommended
IoT Gateways and Connected Nodes
For IoT gateways and connected sensing nodes, the ATSAM4E8EA-CU provides the processing headroom to run a lightweight TCP/IP or TLS stack alongside application logic, with 512KB Flash holding both stack and OTA-updatable image. The 120 MHz Cortex-M4 with FPU handles sensor fusion and payload encryption efficiently, while the industrial temperature grade suits outdoor and uncontrolled environments. The device typically interfaces to radio modules or Ethernet PHYs via serial peripherals, aggregating data from lower-power sensor MCUs. Designers should budget Flash carefully: TLS plus file system can approach the 512KB ceiling, at which point the pin-compatible ATSAM4E16EA-CU doubles capacity without PCB redesign.
Recommended
Embedded Control with Touch/HMI Panels
The ATSAM4E8EA-CU serves embedded HMI and control panel applications where responsive user interfaces meet real-world I/O. Its 120 MHz core refreshes small graphical displays and services touch inputs while running the control application, and the 512KB Flash stores UI assets and application code. The single-precision FPU accelerates animation math and gauge rendering, and the MPU helps partition UI firmware from safety-relevant control code. The 144-LFBGA package concentrates high pin count for display and keypad buses into a 10x10 mm footprint, freeing board area for connectors and power circuitry in compact panel designs typical of machine interfaces and instrumentation fronts.
Recommended
Data Acquisition and Sensing Systems
In data acquisition systems, the ATSAM4E8EA-CU's combination of a 120 MHz Cortex-M4 with DSP instructions and hardware floating point makes it effective for real-time filtering, FFT analysis, and calibration of sampled data streams. The 2KB cache sustains execution from 512KB Flash during interrupt-heavy acquisition bursts, and the MPU supports partitioned firmware for measurement integrity. Industrial temperature qualification allows deployment in unconditioned environments such as energy monitoring and process telemetry. Firmware typically pipelines ADC data through CMSIS-DSP routines - a workload where the M4's single-cycle MAC and FPU demonstrably outperform M0/M3-class MCUs - before passing processed results over serial links.
Recommended
Building and Factory Networked Devices
Networked building and factory devices - access controllers, metering heads, and distributed I/O - benefit from the ATSAM4E8EA-CU's balance of performance and integration. The 120 MHz Cortex-M4 services communication protocols while executing application logic, 512KB Flash retains event logs and configuration in code space, and the industrial package rating covers wide ambient ranges. The SAM4E series' high data bandwidth architecture, noted by Microchip, suits devices that must sustain continuous network traffic with low latency. A practical design pattern pairs this MCU as the network/application processor with small PIC16-class devices handling local I/O, distributing tasks for predictable real-time behavior and simplified certification.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for ATSAM4E8EA-CU — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | ATSAM4E16EA-CU | ATSAM4E8EA-CU-ES | ATSAMV70N20B-CB |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Package | 144-LFBGA (10x10 mm) | 144-LFBGA (10x10 mm) - same | 144-LFBGA (10x10 mm) - same | 144-LFBGA - same class, verify ball map |
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Core | ARM Cortex-M4, 120 MHz | ARM Cortex-M4, 120 MHz | ARM Cortex-M4, 120 MHz | ARM Cortex-M7 |
| Flash Memory | 512KB | 1024KB | 512KB | 1024KB |
| FPU | Yes (single-precision) | Yes (single-precision) | Yes (single-precision) | Yes (double-precision) |
| Silicon Status | Production (Revision A era; Microchip recommends Rev B for new designs) | Production | Engineering Sample (not production-qualified) | Production (Rev B) |
| Param Match | Reference | 90% (Flash +100%) | 100% (same die) | 70% (different core/family) |
Key Differentiators
- Lowest-cost SAM4E entry with full FPU performance (vs ATSAM4E16EA-CU)
- Production silicon vs engineering sample (vs ATSAM4E8EA-CU-ES)
- Cortex-M4 efficiency over Cortex-M7 BGA alternatives (vs ATSAMV70N20B-CB)
Design Notes
The 144-LFBGA (10x10 mm) package uses fine-pitch balls that require PCB fabrication with fine-line capability and reflow soldering - hand rework of inner balls is impractical. Plan fanout early: use via-in-pad or dog-bone fanout under the array, and confirm your fabricator's minimum BGA pitch capability before routing. Select the package_svg_key ball map from the SAM4E datasheet revision matching your purchased device, since ball assignments are revision-sensitive.
The device uses a 1.2 V core domain with 3.3 V I/O. Provide a clean 1.2 V regulator (LDO or buck) with decoupling capacitors placed close to the balls supplying the core, and sequence supplies per the SAM4E datasheet power-up requirements to avoid latch-up or undefined reset states. Bulk capacitance on the 3.3 V rail should cover simultaneous peripheral switching; verify the exact capacitance values and sequencing order in the manufacturer datasheet.
Microchip explicitly recommends SAM4E Revision B silicon for new designs and production (stated on the SAM4E8E product page), so confirm the revision marking on incoming parts before committing a layout, as errata and ball-map details can differ between revisions. Also, engineering-sample suffixes such as CU-ES are not production-qualified - never ship ES parts in production units. Budget Flash headroom: at 512KB, TLS stacks plus OTA dual-bank schemes may overflow; the pin-compatible ATSAM4E16EA-CU is the escape hatch.
Compliance Information
Mouser listing describes the package as 'LFBGAGREENIND TEMPMRL A' indicating a green, lead-free industrial package; formal RoHS/REACH certificates not present in provided data.
