ATSAM4LC8BA-MU - Cortex-M4 48MHz 512KB MCU | Microchip
MPN: ATSAM4LC8BA-MU ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $5.62 | $5.62 |
| 10 | $5.06 | $50.60 |
| 100 | $4.51 | $451.00 |
| 500 | $4.06 | $2,030.00 |
| 1,000 | $3.65 | $3,650.00 |
ATSAM4LC8BA-MU Overview
A microcontroller unit (MCU) is a single integrated circuit that combines a processor core, memory, and programmable peripherals into one chip, forming the lowest software-controllable layer of the embedded systems hierarchy: MCU -> embedded processor -> system-on-chip -> computing system. MCUs execute dedicated control, sensing, and connectivity tasks inside a larger electronic product.
Key differentiating features of the ATSAM4LC8BA include its ultra-low-power architecture with multiple sleep modes, an integrated hardware cryptographic engine (AES, DES, SHA), and a low supply voltage window around 1.8V to 3.3V. The Cortex-M4 core provides DSP instructions and single-cycle MAC for efficient signal processing. A flexible event system and low-power peripherals allow peripheral operation while the CPU sleeps, further reducing average current consumption.
Architecturally, the SAM4L series combines the Cortex-M4 processor with a multi-layer bus matrix, flash with read-while-write support, and a rich peripheral set including USB, USART, SPI, I2C (TWI), ADC, DAC, and capacitive touch support via the PTC peripheral touch controller. The picoPower technology and眠 sleepwalking peripherals enable data acquisition during sleep states.
Typical applications include battery-powered industrial sensors, portable medical monitoring devices, smart metering, and low-power consumer electronics, where the 1.5 uA sleep current and 1.5 us wake-up time directly extend battery life and responsiveness.
For design, budget the supply at 3.3V nominal (1.62V to 3.6V operating range) and decouple each VDD pair with 100 nF ceramic capacitors placed close to the 64-QFN leads; the exposed pad must be soldered to a grounded thermal pad for reliable operation.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing, drop-in family alternatives, and practical low-power design notes not consolidated in the manufacturer datasheet.
Drop-in alternatives for ATSAM4LC8BA-MU — 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 ATSAM4LC8BA-MU (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Package, Flash Memory, RoHS Status, Core Processor, Supply Voltage.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
ATSAM4LC4BA-MU
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1 / Unit
View Datasheet →ATSAM4LC2BA-MU
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
ATSAM4LS8BA-MU
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1.02 / Unit
View Datasheet →ATSAM4LS4BA-MU
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1.85 / Unit
View Datasheet →ATSAM4LS2BA-MU
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$3.79 / Unit
View Datasheet →ATSAM4LC8BA-MU Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Core Processor | ARM Cortex-M4 |
| Core Size | 32-Bit |
| Maximum Clock Frequency | 48 MHz |
| Program Memory Size | 512KB (512K x 8) FLASH |
| SRAM Size | 64KB |
| Supply Voltage Range | 1.8 V / 2 V / 2.3 V / 3.3 V operating points |
| Active Mode Current | 90 uA/MHz |
| Sleep Mode Current | 1.5 uA |
| Wake-up Time | 1.5 us |
| Package | 64-QFN (9x9 mm) |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| Temperature Grade | Industrial |
| Operating Temperature | -40C to +85C |
| Security Features | Hardware crypto engine (CRYPTO) |
| Product Series | SAM4L (Atmel/Microchip ATSAM) |
| Packaging | Tray |
| RoHS Status | GREEN package (per Mouser listing) |
ATSAM4LC8BA-MU 64-qfn (9x9 mm) Pin Configuration Guide
Pin configuration for ATSAM4LC8BA-MU (64-qfn (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 ATSAM4LC8BA-MU.
Refer to the datasheet for full pin configuration.
Typical Applications
ATSAM4LC8BA-MU is suitable for 6 applications: Battery-Powered Industrial Sensors, Portable Medical Monitoring Devices, Smart Metering, IoT Secure Sensor Nodes, USB-Connected Industrial HMI and Data Loggers, Consumer Electronics and Wearables.
Battery-Powered Industrial Sensors
Battery-powered industrial condition-monitoring and environmental sensors benefit directly from the ATSAM4LC8BA-MU's 90 uA/MHz active current and 1.5 uA sleep current. The 1.5 us wake-up time lets the MCU sleep between sample intervals and respond instantly to threshold events or bus interrupts. The 512KB flash accommodates protocol stacks, data buffers, and field-updatable firmware, while the industrial -40C to +85C rating covers unconditioned plant environments. Placing the MCU in a low-power sleep state between ADC conversions, with the sleepwalking peripheral architecture handling acquisition, can reduce average current to microamp levels - Estimated: at 1% duty cycle from a 3.6V 2400 mAh cell, service life exceeds several years. The hardware crypto engine secures sensor data against tampering in critical infrastructure deployments.
Recommended
Portable Medical Monitoring Devices
Wearable and portable medical monitors - pulse oximeters, ECG patches, glucose loggers - require long battery life and deterministic wake-up, both strengths of the ATSAM4LC8BA-MU. The Cortex-M4 DSP instructions and single-cycle MAC accelerate real-time biopotential filtering, while 64KB SRAM buffers multi-channel samples between radio transmissions. The 1.5 uA sleep current dominates battery drain budgets since monitoring devices idle over 99% of the time. The 64-QFN 9x9 mm footprint keeps the PCB compact for enclosure-constrained wearables. Medical designs also value the industrial temperature range and Microchip's long product lifecycle commitment. Combined with a low-power analog front end and BLE module, Estimated: average system current of tens of microamps is achievable, enabling weeks of continuous operation from a coin cell.
Recommended
Smart Metering
Electricity, water, and gas smart meters demand decade-long battery or energy-harvesting lifetimes, making the ATSAM4LC8BA-MU's 1.5 uA sleep current and 90 uA/MHz active efficiency decisive. The 512KB flash supports secure firmware upgrade over the air, and the integrated crypto engine implements authenticated metering data and anti-tampering measures without an external security chip. Multiple USART/SPI/TWI interfaces connect to metrology front ends, optical ports, and RF modules, while the USB device controller supports local service interfaces. Estimated: in a duty-cycled metering profile sampling once per second, average current can stay under 50 uA, keeping a primary lithium cell viable for 10+ years. Industrial temperature rating ensures accuracy across unheated meter cabinets.
Recommended
IoT Secure Sensor Nodes
Secure IoT nodes for building automation, asset tracking, and smart-city infrastructure use the ATSAM4LC8BA-MU as a low-power host controller. The hardware crypto engine accelerates AES for encrypted mesh or star network traffic, while 512KB flash holds both the connectivity stack (BLE, Zigbee module drivers, LoRa host code) and application logic with headroom for OTA updates. The 1.5 us wake-up time supports responsive sensor sampling from deep sleep, and 90 uA/MHz active current maximizes battery life between harvest or recharge cycles. Pairing the MCU with a low-power radio module yields a node where Estimated: the MCU contributes only a small fraction of the energy budget. Industrial temperature rating and 3.3V operation simplify integration with standard sensor and radio supplies.
Recommended
USB-Connected Industrial HMI and Data Loggers
Human-machine interface panels and standalone data loggers exploit the ATSAM4LC8BA-MU's USB device controller and generous 512KB flash for touch-screen firmware, data buffering, and local command processing. The Cortex-M4's DSP extensions accelerate FFT-based vibration analysis in predictive-maintenance loggers, while 64KB SRAM buffers high-rate acquisitions before USB transfer. The picoPower sleep modes cut idle draw in wall-powered units and enable battery-backed operation during power loss. The 9x9 mm 64-QFN package integrates into dense HMI boards behind a display module. Estimated: sleep currents in the microamp range allow a small backup cell to preserve logged data and real-time clock for months. Multiple TWI/USART ports interface touch controllers, memory cards, and field buses.
Recommended
Consumer Electronics and Wearables
Consumer wearables, remote controls, fitness accessories, and smart-home peripherals choose the ATSAM4LC8BA-MU for its balance of processing headroom and battery discipline. The 48 MHz Cortex-M4 runs sensor-fusion and signal-processing workloads that 8-bit MCUs cannot, while 1.5 uA sleep keeps standby drain negligible - critical for always-on accessories. Capacitive touch support through the PTC peripheral touch controller enables touch buttons and sliders without external controllers. The 64-QFN 9x9 mm leadless package supports compact, thin consumer PCBs, and the GREEN RoHS-style packaging meets global environmental requirements. Estimated: pairing with a BLE SoC and coin cell yields months to years of use. 512KB flash leaves room for feature-rich firmware and future enhancements.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for ATSAM4LC8BA-MU — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | ATSAM4LC4BA-MU | ATSAM4LC2BA-MU | ATSAM4LS8BA-MU | ATSAM4LS4BA-MU | ATSAM4LS2BA-MU |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Package | 64-QFN (9x9 mm) | 64-QFN (9x9 mm) - same | 64-QFN (9x9 mm) - same | 64-QFN (9x9 mm) - same | 64-QFN (9x9 mm) - same | 64-QFN (9x9 mm) - same |
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Core / Clock | ARM Cortex-M4 / 48 MHz | ARM Cortex-M4 / 48 MHz | ARM Cortex-M4 / 48 MHz | ARM Cortex-M4 / 48 MHz | ARM Cortex-M4 / 48 MHz | ARM Cortex-M4 / 48 MHz |
| Flash Memory | 512KB | 256KB | 128KB | 512KB | 256KB | 128KB |
| Hardware Crypto Engine | Yes | Yes | Yes | No (LS sub-family) | No (LS sub-family) | No (LS sub-family) |
| Temperature Range | -40C to +85C (Industrial) | -40C to +85C (Industrial) | -40C to +85C (Industrial) | -40C to +85C (Industrial) | -40C to +85C (Industrial) | -40C to +85C (Industrial) |
Key Differentiators
- Largest flash in the same footprint (vs ATSAM4LC4BA-MU)
- Integrated hardware crypto engine (vs ATSAM4LS8BA-MU)
- Class-leading low-power profile (vs Cross-brand Cortex-M4 MCUs)
Design Notes
The 64-QFN 9x9 mm package uses a large exposed ground pad that must be soldered to a grounded PCB thermal pad - it is the primary ground and thermal path. Use a window-pane solder paste pattern divided into 4-6 apertures to avoid voiding, and connect the pad to internal ground planes with an array of 9-16 vias (0.3 mm drill). Keep crystal and decoupling capacitors within 2 mm of their pins. QFN leadless joints cannot be visually inspected from the side; plan AOI or X-ray inspection in production test strategy.
Decouple every VDD/VDDIO pair with 100 nF X7R ceramic capacitors placed as close as possible to the pins, plus at least one 4.7-10 uF bulk capacitor near the supply entry. The device supports nominal 1.8V, 2V, 2.3V and 3.3V operating points; at 3.3V ensure brown-out detection is enabled so flash operations do not corrupt during supply dips. To realize the 1.5 uA sleep figure, configure unused GPIOs as grounded inputs or outputs-low, disable the debug interface, and verify no peripheral keeps the 48 MHz oscillator running in sleep.
SAM4L pins are heavily multiplexed: verify each pad's function in the datasheet peripheral multiplexing table before routing, because ADC, USART, and TWI functions frequently share pads and moving a signal after layout requires PCB respin. Flash programming voltage and write timing differ between SAM4L variants - use the correct SAM4L header files in Atmel Studio/Microchip Studio rather than generic SAM4 headers. When substituting ATSAM4LC4BA-MU or ATSAM4LC2BA-MU for this part, link against the matching flash-size linker script or the firmware will attempt writes beyond 256KB/128KB and fault.
Compliance Information
Mouser lists the part as 'QFN,GREEN,IND TEMP,CRYPTO,MRL A' - GREEN indicates RoHS-compatible green packaging. Detailed REACH/lead-free declarations available via Microchip's product environmental pages.
