ATSAM4LC8CA-CFU - 48MHz Cortex-M4 MCU 512KB Flash | Microchip
MPN: ATSAM4LC8CA-CFU β Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $9.95 | $9.95 |
| 10 | $9.2 | $92.00 |
| 100 | $8.45 | $845.00 |
| 500 | $7.95 | $3,975.00 |
| 1,000 | $7.57 | $7,570.00 |
ATSAM4LC8CA-CFU 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 layer of the embedded-system hierarchy (MCU -> embedded processor -> semiconductor IC). The SAM4L family belongs to Microchip's ARM-based flash MCU portfolio, pairing the 32-bit Cortex-M4 RISC core with a rich analog and digital peripheral set for low-power embedded designs.
Key differentiating features include the lowest active power in its class at 90 uA/MHz, deep sleep at just 1.5 uA, and the shortest wake-up time of any Cortex-M4-based device at down to 1.5 us, making it exceptional for battery-powered applications. It integrates hardware cryptography acceleration, an LCD controller, I2S audio interface, DMA, and connectivity peripherals including I2C, SPI, UART/USART, IrDA, LIN, and USB.
Architecturally, the device operates from 1.8V, 2V, 2.3V, or 3.3V supplies and is fabricated for industrial temperature operation from -40C to +85C. The Cortex-M4 core delivers efficient single-cycle DSP instructions, while the SAM4L's peripheral event system and sleepwalking peripherals allow data processing while the CPU sleeps, further reducing system energy consumption.
Typical applications include battery-powered portable instruments, industrial sensor nodes, LCD-based human-machine interfaces, and secure IoT endpoints that leverage the integrated crypto engine.
When designing with this device, plan the power budget around the sleep modes and wake-up latency; the VFBGA ball grid array requires controlled-impedance PCB layout and X-ray-capable inspection equipment for assembly.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing, drop-in SAM4L family alternatives, and practical design notes not found in the manufacturer datasheet, with pricing verified as of 2026-09-20.
Drop-in alternatives for ATSAM4LC8CA-CFU 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 ATSAM4LC8CA-CFU (same form factor and footprint) β differing in Flash Memory, Core Processor, Core Size, Mounting Type, Packaging.
Quick Comparison Tool β Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
ATSAM4LC8CA-CFUR
β Drop-Inπ Reference alternative (not in catalog)
ATSAM4LS8CA-CFU
β Drop-In β οΈ εζ°εΎ ιͺθ―β In Stock
$2.41 / Unit
View Datasheet βATSAM4LC4CA-CFU
β Drop-In β οΈ εζ°εΎ ιͺθ―π Reference alternative (not in catalog)
ATSAM4LS4CA-CFU
β Drop-Inπ Reference alternative (not in catalog)
ATSAM4LC8CA-CFU Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Core Processor | ARM Cortex-M4 |
| Core Size | 32-Bit |
| Maximum Clock Speed | 48 MHz |
| Flash Memory | 512 KB (512K x 8) |
| Supply Voltage | 1.8 V / 2 V / 2.3 V / 3.3 V |
| Active Mode Current | 90 uA/MHz |
| Sleep Mode Current | 1.5 uA |
| Wake-up Time | 1.5 us |
| Connectivity | I2C, IrDA, LIN, SPI, UART/USART, USB |
| Peripherals | Brown-out Detect/Reset, DMA, I2S, LCD, Crypto |
| Operating Temperature | -40C to +85C |
| Package | 100-VFBGA (7x7 mm) |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| Packaging | Tray |
| RoHS Status | ROHS3 Compliant |
| Security Feature | Hardware cryptography (CRYPTO) |
ATSAM4LC8CA-CFU 100-vfbga (7x7 mm) Pin Configuration Guide
Pin configuration for ATSAM4LC8CA-CFU (100-vfbga (7x7 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 ATSAM4LC8CA-CFU.
Refer to the datasheet for full pin configuration.
Typical Applications
ATSAM4LC8CA-CFU is suitable for 6 applications: Battery-Powered Portable Instruments, LCD Human-Machine Interfaces, Secure IoT Endpoints, Industrial Sensor Nodes, Audio and Voice Peripheral Devices, USB-Connected Data Acquisition.
Battery-Powered Portable Instruments
The ATSAM4LC8CA-CFU fits battery-powered portable instruments because its 90 uA/MHz active current and 1.5 uA sleep current minimize average draw, while the 1.5 us wake-up time lets the CPU sleep between measurement cycles without latency penalties. A handheld data logger can sample a sensor via the ADC or I2C, DMA-transfer results to the 512KB flash, and return to sleep within milliseconds, extending battery life by orders of magnitude versus always-on designs. Operation from a 1.8V supply allows direct connection to single-cell chemistry rails through an LDO, and the -40C to +85C industrial range supports field instrumentation. The BGA package's 7x7 mm footprint keeps the end product compact.
Recommended
LCD Human-Machine Interfaces
The integrated LCD controller makes the ATSAM4LC8CA-CFU a strong fit for segment-LCD human-machine interfaces in meters, thermostats, and industrial panels. Driving the LCD directly from the MCU eliminates a dedicated LCD driver IC, reducing BOM cost and board area inside the 7x7 mm VFBGA. The SAM4L's low-power design sustains display refresh from sleep modes, and the 1.5 uA sleep current allows always-on display operation from battery or energy-harvesting supplies. The 512KB flash accommodates multi-language font tables and application logic, while USART, I2C, and USB links handle communication with host controllers or field updates. Per Microchip SAM4L documentation, the LCD controller supports multiple duty cycles and frame rates.
Recommended
Secure IoT Endpoints
For secure IoT endpoints, the ATSAM4LC8CA-CFU's hardware cryptography engine offloads AES-class operations from the CPU, enabling encrypted communication and secure boot at 48 MHz with minimal energy overhead - critical for battery nodes. The 512KB flash stores both application firmware and cryptographic keys with room for OTA update staging, and USB, UART, SPI, or I2C connectivity interfaces to radio modules or gateways. The Cortex-M4 core executes TLS-style protocol stacks efficiently, while brown-out detection protects key integrity during supply dips. Industrial temperature rating from -40C to +85C suits outdoor and building-automation deployments. ROHS3-compliant BGA packaging supports standard reflow assembly in high-volume IoT manufacturing.
Recommended
Industrial Sensor Nodes
Industrial sensor nodes benefit from the ATSAM4LC8CA-CFU's combination of 12 peripheral interfaces (I2C, SPI, multiple UART/USART, LIN, IrDA, USB) and industrial temperature operation to +85C. Sensor data streams through DMA into the 512KB flash or SRAM without CPU intervention, and the Cortex-M4's DSP instructions perform local filtering or FFT pre-processing before transmission, reducing radio duty cycles. The 90 uA/MHz active current suits nodes powered by 24V loops through regulators or by local batteries, and the 1.5 us wake-up supports event-driven sampling of vibration or flow signals. LIN and USART interfaces connect directly to legacy industrial buses, simplifying retrofit installations.
Recommended
Audio and Voice Peripheral Devices
The I2S peripheral on the ATSAM4LC8CA-CFU supports audio codec interfacing for intercoms, voice-annotation devices, and portable audio accessories. The Cortex-M4 core executes audio codecs and DSP filters with single-cycle MAC instructions at 48 MHz, while DMA moves I2S sample data without CPU loading. The 512KB flash holds codecs, sample tables, and protocol stacks, and USB connectivity supports USB audio class implementations for PC-connected accessories. Ultra-low sleep current keeps always-listening wake-word front ends practical in battery products, and the 1.5 us wake-up latency preserves the first syllable of voice commands. Per the SAM4L datasheet, I2S operates in master or slave modes.
Recommended
USB-Connected Data Acquisition
For USB-connected data acquisition pods, the ATSAM4LC8CA-CFU's native USB device peripheral streams measurement data to hosts at full speed while the Cortex-M4 core processes ADC samples and protocol formatting concurrently. The 512KB flash buffers acquisition sessions and stores vendor-specific descriptors, and DMA keeps USB transfers deterministic under CPU load. The 1.8V/3.3V supply options and 90 uA/MHz active current allow bus-powered or battery-powered operation, and sleep modes reduce draw when the host suspends the link. The industrial -40C to +85C rating supports bench-to-field portability, and hardware crypto enables licensed-instrument feature unlocking via encrypted USB commands.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for ATSAM4LC8CA-CFU β comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | ATSAM4LC8CA-CFUR | ATSAM4LS8CA-CFU | ATSAM4LC4CA-CFU | ATSAM4LS4CA-CFU |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Package | 100-VFBGA (7x7 mm) | 100-VFBGA (7x7 mm) - same | 100-VFBGA (7x7 mm) - same | 100-VFBGA (7x7 mm) - same | 100-VFBGA (7x7 mm) - same |
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Core / Speed | 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 | 512 KB | 512 KB | 512 KB | 256 KB | 256 KB |
| Packaging | Tray | Tape & Reel | Tray | Tray | Tray |
Key Differentiators
- Hardware cryptography engine for secure applications (vs ATSAM4LS4CA-CFU)
- Double the flash in the identical footprint (vs ATSAM4LC4CA-CFU)
- Class-leading low power with fastest wake-up (vs ATSAM4LS8CA-CFU)
- Tray packaging for engineering and low-volume builds (vs ATSAM4LC8CA-CFUR)
Design Notes
The 100-VFBGA (7x7 mm) package uses a 0.8 mm ball pitch typical of the SAM4L BGA offerings; verify the exact pitch against the Microchip datasheet ball map before routing. Fan out with via-in-pad or dog-bone escapes on a minimum 4-layer PCB, dedicating inner layers to a solid ground plane beneath the device to keep supply impedance low. Obtain the verified footprint from SnapEDA (exportable to Altium, KiCad, Eagle, OrCAD) rather than hand-drawing the 100-ball map - a single mis-mapped ball on power, ground, or SWD nets will render the board unprogrammable. Plan X-ray or acoustic inspection for production since BGA joints are invisible after reflow.
Design the power tree around the SAM4L's ultra-low-power profile: active mode draws 90 uA/MHz (about 4.3 mA at full 48 MHz), sleep mode only 1.5 uA. Estimated: at a 10% duty cycle at 48 MHz from a 3.3 V rail, average current is roughly 0.43 mA plus sleep floor, so a 1000 mAh cell supports multi-year operation - but add regulator quiescent current, which can dominate at these levels. Select an LDO or buck with sub-uA IQ. Use the brown-out detect/reset peripheral and sequence VDD per the datasheet ramp requirements; the device supports 1.8 V, 2 V, 2.3 V, and 3.3 V nominal rails.
Do not assume automatic firmware portability between LC and LS SAM4L variants - although ATSAM4LS8CA-CFU shares the 100-VFBGA footprint and 512KB flash, peripheral allocation and the crypto/LCD feature set differ, so recompile against the correct device header and re-verify peripheral clock settings. Confirm your compiled image plus OTA staging headroom fits flash: the 256KB LC4/LS4 parts are footprint-identical but will overflow a 512KB-class image. Finally, the datasheet PDF published 2014-02-27 predates later errata; always cross-check errata documents on Microchip's SAM4L page before tape-out.
Compliance Information
ROHS3 Compliant per IC Components Ltd. Mouser lists the part as GREEN, industrial temperature grade with MRL (material restriction list) compliance. REACH and conflict minerals declarations not stated in provided data.
