ATSAM4LS8BA-AUR - 512KB Cortex-M4 48MHz MCU | Microchip
MPN: ATSAM4LS8BA-AUR β Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $6.9 | $6.90 |
| 10 | $6.25 | $62.50 |
| 100 | $5.55 | $555.00 |
| 500 | $5.1 | $2,550.00 |
| 1,000 | $4.72 | $4,720.00 |
ATSAM4LS8BA-AUR 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 tier of the embedded processing hierarchy (MCU -> embedded processor -> microprocessor -> SoC). The SAM4L family belongs to Microchip's (formerly Atmel) ARM-based flash MCU portfolio, built on the 32-bit ARM Cortex-M4 RISC architecture that adds DSP instructions and single-cycle MAC for math-intensive embedded workloads.
The defining strength of the ATSAM4LS8BA-AUR is ultra-low power consumption: Microchip specifies the lowest active-mode current in its class at 90 uA/MHz, sleep-mode current of 1.5 uA, and wake-up time down to 1.5 us - the shortest wake-up among Cortex-M4 devices at the time of release. A 512 KB single-cycle flash array, integrated USB device controller, Peripheral Event System (direct peripheral-to-peripheral signaling without CPU intervention), and Sleepwalking peripherals (peripherals that operate while the CPU sleeps) let battery-powered systems stay in sleep states far longer than conventional MCUs.
Architecturally, the Cortex-M4 core is complemented by the SAM4L bus matrix, multi-source interrupt controller, and a rich analog/mixed-signal peripheral set operating from a 3.3 V supply. The Peripheral Event System and Sleepwalking capability offload periodic tasks - ADC sampling, comparator monitoring, timed wakeups - from the core entirely.
Typical applications include battery-powered sensor nodes and IoT devices, portable medical instruments, low-power industrial sensing, and consumer devices requiring USB connectivity with long battery life.
Design tip: exploit the Sleepwalking peripherals to keep the Cortex-M4 in a low-power sleep mode as much as possible; wake-up latency of 1.5 us means even event-driven designs do not need to trade responsiveness for power savings.
This page synthesizes verified distributor listings, drop-in alternatives, and low-power design guidance not consolidated in the manufacturer datasheet.
Drop-in alternatives for ATSAM4LS8BA-AUR 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 ATSAM4LS8BA-AUR (same form factor and footprint) β differing in Core Processor, Flash Memory, Package, Packaging, Series.
Quick Comparison Tool β Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
ATSAM4LS8BA-AU
β Drop-Inπ Reference alternative (not in catalog)
ATSAM4LC8BA-UUR
β Drop-Inβ In Stock
$3.95 / Unit
View Datasheet βATSAM4LS4BA-AU
β Drop-Inπ Reference alternative (not in catalog)
ATSAM4LC4BA-AUR
β Drop-Inπ Reference alternative (not in catalog)
ATSAM4LS8BA-AUR Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Core Processor | ARM Cortex-M4 32-bit RISC |
| Maximum Clock Frequency | 48 MHz |
| Flash Memory | 512 KB (512K x 8) |
| Supply Voltage | 3.3 V |
| Active-Mode Current | 90 uA/MHz |
| Sleep-Mode Current | 1.5 uA |
| Wake-Up Time | 1.5 us (minimum) |
| Package | 64-TQFP (10x10 mm), exposed pad |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| Terminal Form | Gull Wing |
| Package Shape | Square (TFQFP) |
| Temperature Grade | Industrial |
| USB | USB device controller |
| Peripheral Event System | Yes |
| Sleepwalking Peripherals | Yes |
| Packaging | Tape & Reel (R suffix) |
| Series | SAM4L (ATSAM4LS8B) |
ATSAM4LS8BA-AUR square (tfqfp) Pin Configuration Guide
Pin configuration for ATSAM4LS8BA-AUR (square (tfqfp) 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 ATSAM4LS8BA-AUR.
Refer to the datasheet for full pin configuration.
Typical Applications
ATSAM4LS8BA-AUR is suitable for 6 applications: Battery-Powered IoT Sensor Nodes, Portable Medical and Health Monitoring Devices, USB Peripheral Devices, Industrial Low-Power Sensing and Metering, Consumer Connected Devices and Remotes, Embedded Control and Automation Modules.
Battery-Powered IoT Sensor Nodes
The ATSAM4LS8BA-AUR is optimized for coin-cell and battery-powered wireless sensor nodes where energy budget dictates battery life. Its 90 uA/MHz active current and 1.5 uA sleep current mean a node sampling a sensor once per second spends over 99% of its life asleep, and the 1.5 us wake-up time lets it service events without staying awake speculatively. Sleepwalking peripherals such as the ADC and comparators monitor thresholds autonomously, waking the Cortex-M4 only when a reading crosses a limit. Paired with a sub-GHz or BLE radio over SPI/USART, the 512 KB flash accommodates full protocol stacks plus OTA bootloader with room for future firmware growth.
Recommended
Portable Medical and Health Monitoring Devices
Wearable and portable medical instruments - pulse oximeters, glucose meters, ECG patches - demand both long battery life and DSP-class computation for signal filtering. The SAM4L's Cortex-M4 core provides single-cycle MAC and DSP instructions for real-time digital filtering of biopotential signals, while 90 uA/MHz active current keeps the energy-per-acquisition low enough for multi-day battery operation. The Peripheral Event System chains sensor front-ends to converters without CPU involvement, reducing jitter in time-correlated multi-channel acquisition. The industrial temperature grade and 3.3 V operation suit standard medical-grade power architectures; the 64-TQFP 10x10 mm footprint fits compact enclosure-constrained designs.
Recommended
USB Peripheral Devices
The integrated USB device controller makes the ATSAM4LS8BA-AUR a strong fit for USB-connected instruments, dongles, and industrial sensors. The 512 KB flash holds device firmware, USB class stacks (CDC, HID, MSC), and application logic simultaneously, while Sleepwalking USB operation allows the MCU to service suspend/resume transitions with minimal wake overhead. Low active current is valuable for bus-powered devices that must respect the 500 mA USB budget. The exposed-pad 64-TQFP improves ground integrity for USB signal quality, and gull-wing terminals simplify inspection and rework during development.
Recommended
Industrial Low-Power Sensing and Metering
Industrial sensors, energy meters, and condition-monitoring nodes benefit from the SAM4L's combination of 32-bit headroom and microamp sleep states. The 512 KB flash retains calibration tables, logging buffers, and dual-bank firmware images for field updates without external memory. Peripheral Event System routing lets periodic ADC scans of current/voltage channels run from timer triggers while the core sleeps, and the industrial temperature grade covers standard -40 to +85 C cabinet environments. The 3.3 V supply integrates directly with industrial I/O conditioning circuits, and the 48 MHz Cortex-M4 computes RMS, power factor, and FFT-based analysis locally.
Recommended
Consumer Connected Devices and Remotes
Smart home controllers, remote controls, and connected accessories use the ATSAM4LS8BA-AUR where a conventional 8-bit MCU lacks processing headroom. The Cortex-M4 handles touch-sensing algorithms, display buffering, and wireless co-protocol workloads concurrently, while the 1.5 uA sleep current satisfies multi-month battery expectations for remote-style products. The Peripheral Event System coordinates button scanning and timeout wakeups autonomously, so the core stays asleep between user interactions. The 10x10 mm 64-TQFP provides enough GPIO for key matrices, LED drivers, and display interfaces in one chip, reducing bill-of-materials count.
Recommended
Embedded Control and Automation Modules
Automation and control modules - motor interface cards, gateway nodes, actuator controllers - use the SAM4L's balanced peripheral set: multiple USART/SPI/I2C channels, timers, and DMA through the bus matrix for deterministic I/O handling. The 48 MHz Cortex-M4 executes PID loops and protocol stacks (Modbus over USART, CAN-adjacent gateways via SPI bridges) with margin, while 512 KB flash supports feature-rich firmware plus OTA update capability. Sleepwalking timers keep duty-cycled outputs running during low-power standby, useful in HVAC and irrigation controllers. The exposed pad provides a low-impedance ground reference that improves analog measurement repeatability in noisy industrial cabinets.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for ATSAM4LS8BA-AUR β comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | ATSAM4LS8BA-AU | ATSAM4LC8BA-UUR | ATSAM4LS4BA-AU | ATSAM4LC4BA-AUR |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Package | 64-TQFP (10x10 mm), exposed pad | 64-TQFP (10x10 mm) - same | 64-TQFP (10x10 mm) - same | 64-TQFP (10x10 mm) - same | 64-TQFP (10x10 mm) - same |
| Brand | 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 |
| Flash Memory | 512 KB | 512 KB | 512 KB | 256 KB | 256 KB |
| Active-Mode Current | 90 uA/MHz | 90 uA/MHz | 90 uA/MHz | 90 uA/MHz | 90 uA/MHz |
| Sleep-Mode Current | 1.5 uA | 1.5 uA | 1.5 uA | 1.5 uA | 1.5 uA |
| USB Device | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Packaging | Tape & Reel (R) | Tray | Tape & Reel | Tray | Tape & Reel |
Key Differentiators
- Full 512 KB flash with identical footprint (vs ATSAM4LS4BA-AU)
- Class-leading energy efficiency (vs ATSAM4LC8BA-UUR)
- Tape-and-reel for automated assembly (vs ATSAM4LS8BA-AU)
Design Notes
Design the firmware architecture around sleep-wake cycles to exploit the SAM4L's 1.5 uA sleep and 1.5 us wake-up. Push periodic work into Sleepwalking peripherals (timer-triggered ADC scans, comparator monitoring) via the Peripheral Event System so the Cortex-M4 core never wakes for routine sampling - only for threshold events or communication. Estimate: at 90 uA/MHz with 1 ms active bursts every second at 48 MHz, average active contribution is roughly 90 uA x 0.001 = 0.09 uA, so sleep current dominates average draw.
The 64-TQFP includes an exposed pad; solder it to a grounded copper pour on the PCB to reduce ground impedance and improve thermal margin - this is especially important for analog accuracy of the SAM4L's ADC and analog comparators. Decouple each VDD pin pair with 100 nF ceramics placed within 2-3 mm of the pins, plus one bulk 10 uF near the supply entry. Keep the USB D+/D- pair as a 90-ohm differential route with length matching when USB device connectivity is used.
Do not assume LS and LC sub-families are fully peripheral-identical when substituting ATSAM4LC8BA for the LS8B: while pin-compatible with the same flash size, the peripheral mix and SRAM map differ between LS and LC parts. Verify that any LS-specific peripheral usage (exact USART/timer channel mapping, event routing) has an LC equivalent before qualifying the swap, per Microchip's guidance on filtering MCU replacements by pin count and checking the family datasheet register maps.
Compliance Information
Compliance data not present in the provided verified web data; consult Microchip's official product page for RoHS/REACH status of the SAM4L family.
