ATSAM4N-XPRO - SAM4N Xplained Pro Eval Kit ARM Cortex-M4 | Microchip
MPN: ATSAM4N-XPRO β Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $123.21 | $123.21 |
| 10 | $118 | $1,180.00 |
| 100 | $112 | $11,200.00 |
| 500 | $106 | $53,000.00 |
| 1,000 | $100 | $100,000.00 |
ATSAM4N-XPRO Overview
An MCU evaluation board is a printed circuit assembly that hosts a target microcontroller together with debug interfaces, power regulation, and peripheral circuits, allowing firmware developers to run and validate code before committing to custom PCB layouts. Evaluation boards sit within the broader development-tool hierarchy: semiconductor -> microcontroller -> development kit -> evaluation board -> starter kit.
Key features of the ATSAM4N-XPRO include the Xplained Pro standardized extension connector system, which lets users attach extension kits such as the I/O1, OLED1, and PROTO1 Xplained Pro boards; on-board Embedded Debugger (EDBG) providing programming, debugging, and virtual COM port functionality over USB; and an ARM Cortex-M4 32-bit core delivering DSP-capable processing for embedded applications.
The SAM4N series is Microchip (formerly Atmel) ARM-based MCU family optimized for cost-sensitive applications requiring 32-bit performance, with the Xplained Pro platform integrating seamlessly with Atmel Studio / Microchip Studio and the Atmel Software Framework (ASF) for out-of-the-box code examples.
Typical applications for this evaluation kit include embedded firmware prototyping, motor control and industrial automation feasibility studies, sensor interface development, and low-power 32-bit MCU evaluation for IoT and consumer product designs.
A key design consideration: the kit does not include extension boards. For a complete ready-to-go package, the ATSAM4N-XSTK starter kit bundles the I/O1, OLED1, and PROTO1 Xplained Pro extension kits with the base board.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing, ecosystem alternatives, and practical design notes not found in the manufacturer datasheet.
Drop-in alternatives for ATSAM4N-XPRO 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 ATSAM4N-XPRO (same form factor and footprint) β differing in RoHS Status, Series.
Quick Comparison Tool β Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
ATSAM4N-XSTK
β Drop-Inβ In Stock
$195 / Unit
View Datasheet βATSAMC21N-XPRO
β Drop-Inπ Reference alternative (not in catalog)
ATSAMG55-XPRO
β Drop-Inπ Reference alternative (not in catalog)
ATSAMHA1G16A-XPRO
β Drop-Inπ Reference alternative (not in catalog)
ATSAM4E16CB-CN
β Drop-Inβ In Stock
$3.79 / Unit
View Datasheet βATSAM4N-XPRO Specifications (manufacturer-published)
| Product Type | MCU 32-Bit Evaluation Board |
| Core Processor | ARM Cortex-M4 |
| Core Architecture | 32-bit |
| MCU Family / Series | SAM4N (ATSAM4N) |
| Platform | Xplained Pro |
| On-Board Debugging | Embedded Debugger (EDBG) |
| Extension Connectors | Xplained Pro extension headers |
| Included Extension Kits | None (see ATSAM4N-XSTK for bundled kit) |
| Programming Interface | USB |
| Product Status | Active |
| Packaging | Box |
| Supplied Firmware Examples | Atmel Studio / ASF demo projects |
ATSAM4N-XPRO Interfaces & Connectors
No manufacturer-published interface list is available for ATSAM4N-XPRO. Refer to the manufacturer documentation for connector and header details.
Refer to the manufacturer documentation for the full expansion header pinout and connector pin numbering.
Typical Applications
ATSAM4N-XPRO is suitable for 6 applications: Embedded Firmware Prototyping, Industrial Automation Feasibility, Sensor Interface Development, IoT and Consumer Device Evaluation, Embedded Systems Education and Training, Motor Control and Power System Prototyping.
Embedded Firmware Prototyping
The ATSAM4N-XPRO is purpose-built for rapid embedded firmware prototyping on the SAM4N ARM Cortex-M4 platform. Its on-board Embedded Debugger (EDBG) delivers flash programming, source-level debugging, and a virtual COM port over a single USB cable, eliminating the need for external debug probes and cutting setup time to minutes. Because the board runs out of the box with Atmel Studio / Microchip Studio and the Atmel Software Framework (ASF), developers can compile and flash demo projects on day one. The Xplained Pro extension connectors let teams swap peripherals - sensors, displays, prototyping areas - without soldering, accelerating iteration cycles. For production-bound designs, code validated on this board ports directly to custom SAM4N hardware with minimal changes.
Recommended
Industrial Automation Feasibility
For industrial automation feasibility studies, the ATSAM4N-XPRO provides a 32-bit ARM Cortex-M4 core with DSP-capable multiply-accumulate instructions suitable for control-loop algorithms, sensor filtering, and protocol handling. The standardized Xplained Pro extension system allows quick attachment of I/O and prototyping extension kits, so engineers can wire real-world signals - encoder inputs, relay drivers, analog sensor conditioning - onto the PROTO1 prototyping board. Using the evaluation board first avoids custom PCB spins while validating peripheral budgets such as UART, I2C, SPI, and timer channels against the actual SAM4N silicon. Code developed here transfers to production SAM4N devices like the ATSAM4N16CA-CFUR with the same ASF driver stack.
Recommended
Sensor Interface Development
Sensor interface development benefits directly from the ATSAM4N-XPRO's standardized Xplained Pro headers, which expose I2C, SPI, UART, and GPIO lines in a consistent pin map across all Xplained Pro kits. This means sensor extension kits and custom sensor breakout boards connect without rewiring, and firmware written against ASF peripheral drivers requires no board-specific abstraction. The ARM Cortex-M4 core provides enough headroom for sensor fusion, digital filtering, and communications stacks simultaneously. The I/O1 Xplained Pro kit (bundled in the ATSAM4N-XSTK) adds light and temperature sensors plus an SD card slot, giving teams immediate sensor data paths to exercise ADC, I2C, and logging firmware on real hardware.
Recommended
IoT and Consumer Device Evaluation
For IoT and consumer device evaluation, the ATSAM4N-XPRO lets teams benchmark the SAM4N ARM Cortex-M4 family's performance-per-cost and power profile before committing to custom hardware. The on-board EDBG supports measuring current consumption during firmware development, which is essential for battery-powered consumer products. The Xplained Pro platform's display extension capability (OLED1 kit, included with ATSAM4N-XSTK) allows UI and button-handling firmware to be tested early. Since the SAM4N series targets cost-sensitive 32-bit applications, evaluation data gathered on this board directly informs BOM decisions for high-volume consumer and connected-device designs, with a clean migration path to production MCUs such as the ATSAM4N16CA-CFUR.
Recommended
Embedded Systems Education and Training
The ATSAM4N-XPRO is well suited to embedded systems education because it combines a modern 32-bit ARM Cortex-M4 target with free tooling: Atmel Studio / Microchip Studio, the Atmel Software Framework, and abundant Microchip application notes. Students flash and debug code over a single USB connection via the on-board EDBG, learning industry-standard JTAG/SWD debugging workflows without additional hardware purchases. The standardized Xplained Pro extension ecosystem supports progressive labs - from blinking LEDs to sensor data logging and display interfaces - by simply plugging in extension kits. Universities and training programs benefit from the low per-seat cost of the standalone XPRO board, expanding to full kits via ATSAM4N-XSTK when display and prototyping exercises are required.
Recommended
Motor Control and Power System Prototyping
Motor control and power system prototyping on the ATSAM4N-XPRO leverages the ARM Cortex-M4's DSP extensions for fast PID loops, PWM generation, and current-signal processing. The Xplained Pro PROTO1 prototyping extension (bundled in the ATSAM4N-XSTK) provides free solder areas where gate drivers, current-sense shunts, and protection circuits can be assembled and connected to SAM4N timer and ADC pins. This evaluation-first approach lets engineers tune control firmware against real hardware before designing the final power stage PCB. Note that the SAM4N family targets general-purpose control; for Ethernet-connected or motor-control-specialized variants, evaluate SAM4E-based platforms alongside this kit during platform selection.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for ATSAM4N-XPRO β comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | ATSAM4N-XSTK | ATSAMC21N-XPRO | ATSAMG55-XPRO |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Package / Form Factor | Xplained Pro evaluation board (Box) | Xplained Pro starter kit (Box, includes 3 extension kits) | Xplained Pro evaluation board (Box) - same platform | Xplained Pro evaluation board (Box) - same platform |
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Core Processor | ARM Cortex-M4 (SAM4N), 32-bit | ARM Cortex-M4 (SAM4N), 32-bit | ARM Cortex-M0+ (SAM C21), 32-bit | ARM Cortex-M4 (SAM G), 32-bit |
| Product Status | Active | Active | Active | Active |
| Software Ecosystem | Atmel Studio / Microchip Studio + ASF | Atmel Studio / Microchip Studio + ASF | Microchip Studio + ASF/CFW | Microchip Studio + ASF |
Key Differentiators
- Pure SAM4N Cortex-M4 focus (vs ATSAMC21N-XPRO)
- Lowest-cost entry to SAM4N platform (vs ATSAM4N-XSTK)
- Trade-off: no extension boards included (vs ATSAM4N-XSTK)
Design Notes
The ATSAM4N-XPRO kit does NOT include any Xplained Pro extension boards. If your lab plan assumes plug-in display, sensor, or prototyping extensions, either order them separately or choose the ATSAM4N-XSTK starter kit, which bundles I/O1, OLED1, and PROTO1 per the Microchip product page. Ordering assumptions discovered at unboxing are the most common complaint with this kit.
When migrating from the ATSAM4N-XPRO to a custom PCB, keep the Xplained Pro extension header pin assignments in your schematic as a superset of your needed signals. This preserves compatibility with commercial extension kits during field testing and lets engineering teams swap boards without adapter cables. Copy the EDBG reference circuit from the SAM4N Xplained Pro user guide for on-board debug on production boards.
Power the board only from the designated USB debug connector; do not back-feed the extension headers with external supplies while USB is connected, as this can fight the on-board regulator and the EDBG power path. For current-consumption profiling of battery-operated end products, measure at the board power jumper with a precision ammeter rather than relying on USB current reporting, which does not resolve microamp sleep currents.
Compliance Information
Compliance data not present in provided web data for this evaluation board; consult the Microchip product page documentation.