ATSAM4N8BA-AU - 100MHz Cortex-M4 MCU, 512KB Flash | Microchip
MPN: ATSAM4N8BA-AU β Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $5.18 | $5.18 |
| 10 | $4.92 | $49.20 |
| 100 | $4.55 | $455.00 |
| 500 | $4.1 | $2,050.00 |
| 1,000 | $3.75 | $3,750.00 |
ATSAM4N8BA-AU Overview
A microcontroller (MCU) is a single-chip embedded computer that combines a processor core, program memory, data memory, and peripherals on one die. Within the embedded hierarchy, the ATSAM4N8BA-AU belongs to the SAM4N family of ARM Cortex-M4-based microcontrollers, which sit under the broader categories of 32-bit MCUs, embedded processors, and system-on-chip devices used in industrial automation, consumer appliances, and energy metering.
Key features include a 10-channel 12-bit ADC for accurate analog acquisition, a 10-bit DAC for waveform generation, PWM channels for motor and power control, general-purpose timers, and a real-time clock (RTC) for timekeeping in battery-backed systems. The Cortex-M4 core delivers single-cycle multiply-accumulate DSP instructions and hardware floating-point capability, allowing digital filtering and control-loop math to run efficiently at 100 MHz without an external DSP.
Architecturally, the SAM4N series balances performance and low power consumption, making it well suited for always-on metering and automation nodes. According to the Microchip SAM4N family datasheet (60001422B), the series offers pin-to-pin compatibility with SAM4S, SAM3S, SAM3N, and SAM7S devices, enabling straightforward migration within the portfolio as memory or performance requirements change.
Typical applications include industrial automation controllers, energy meters, consumer appliances, IoT sensor nodes, and motor control boards, where the combination of multiple USART/SPI/I2C buses, a 12-bit ADC, and PWM outputs covers most sensing and actuation needs from a single chip.
A key design consideration is supply filtering: with a 1.62V to 3.6V operating range, decouple each VDD pin with 100 nF ceramics placed close to the package, and keep the analog supply pin fed through an RC filter from the main 3.3V rail to preserve ADC accuracy.
This page synthesizes verified distributor pricing, pin-compatible drop-in alternatives across the SAM4N, SAM4S, and SAM3S families, and practical design notes not found in the manufacturer datasheet alone.
Drop-in alternatives for ATSAM4N8BA-AU 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 ATSAM4N8BA-AU (same form factor and footprint) β differing in Maximum Clock Frequency, Core Processor, Package, RoHS Status, Core Size.
Quick Comparison Tool β Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
ATSAM4N16BA-AU
β Drop-Inπ Reference alternative (not in catalog)
ATSAM4S8BA-AU
β Drop-Inβ In Stock
$3.72 / Unit
View Datasheet βATSAM4S4BA-AU
β Drop-Inπ Reference alternative (not in catalog)
ATSAM3S8BA-MUR
β Drop-Inβ In Stock
$5.15 / Unit
View Datasheet βATSAM3N4BA-MU
β Drop-Inβ In Stock
$3.48 / Unit
View Datasheet βATSAM4N8BA-AU Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Core | ARM Cortex-M4 |
| Data Bus Width | 32 bit |
| Maximum Clock Frequency | 100 MHz |
| Program Memory Size | 512 KB |
| Program Memory Type | Flash |
| SRAM Size | 64 KB |
| Supply Voltage Range | 1.62 V to 3.6 V |
| ADC Resolution | 12 bit |
| ADC Channels | 10 |
| DAC Resolution | 10 bit |
| USART Interfaces | 6 |
| SPI Interfaces | 3 |
| I2C Interfaces | 3 |
| Package | 64-LQFP (10 x 10 mm) |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| Peripherals | PWM, Timers, RTC |
| Series | SAM4N |
ATSAM4N8BA-AU 64-lqfp (10 x 10 mm) Pin Configuration Guide
Pin configuration for ATSAM4N8BA-AU (64-lqfp (10 x 10 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 ATSAM4N8BA-AU.
Refer to the datasheet for full pin configuration.
Typical Applications
ATSAM4N8BA-AU is suitable for 6 applications: Industrial Automation, Energy Metering, IoT Sensor Nodes, Motor Control, Consumer Appliances, Medical Monitoring Devices.
Industrial Automation
The ATSAM4N8BA-AU fits industrial automation nodes because its 100 MHz Cortex-M4 core, six USARTs, three SPIs, and three I2C buses can simultaneously service motor drives, sensors, and fieldbus gateways from one chip. In a PLC I/O module, the 10-channel 12-bit ADC digitizes analog process signals at 12-bit resolution while PWM outputs drive actuators, and the 512 KB flash holds protocol stacks with headroom for OTA firmware updates. The 1.62V to 3.6V supply range simplifies integration with industrial 3.3V rails. Unlike a bare Cortex-M0 MCU, hardware DSP instructions accelerate filtering and PID control loops, keeping scan times deterministic at 100 MHz without an external co-processor.
Recommended
Energy Metering
According to the Microchip SAM4N family datasheet, low power consumption combined with the peripheral set makes the series ideal for the energy metering market. The ATSAM4N8BA-AU's 10-channel 12-bit ADC samples voltage and current channels for RMS and power calculations executed with Cortex-M4 DSP instructions at 100 MHz, while the real-time clock (RTC) maintains tariff and billing timekeeping through power interruptions. Six USARTs support DLMS/COSEM and Modbus communication to communication modules over RS-485 or optical ports. Running from 1.62V to 3.6V, the device operates directly from the meter's regulated 3.3V rail, and the 512 KB flash accommodates metrology firmware plus multi-tariff data tables.
Recommended
IoT Sensor Nodes
For IoT smart-home sensor nodes, the ATSAM4N8BA-AU balances computation and power: the Cortex-M4 core at 100 MHz handles sensor fusion and local edge processing, while the SAM4N family's low power consumption extends battery life in always-on devices. The three I2C and three SPI controllers connect humidity, pressure, and motion sensors concurrently, the 10-channel 12-bit ADC reads analog probes, and a USART links to a Wi-Fi or cellular module for cloud connectivity. The 512 KB flash stores the application plus TLS stacks with margin, and the RTC timestamps events locally when the network is unavailable. The 1.62V operation floor suits single-cell Li-Ion designs.
Recommended
Motor Control
The ATSAM4N8BA-AU is suited to embedded motor control boards because PWM peripherals generate complementary drive signals for BLDC and stepper motors while the 12-bit ADC reads current shunt and back-EMF feedback for commutation control. At 100 MHz, the Cortex-M4's single-cycle MAC instructions execute FOC (field-oriented control) math fast enough for fan, pump, and small appliance drives without a dedicated motor DSP. Six USARTs provide factory tuning and status telemetry, and the 512 KB flash retains multiple control profiles. Designs should keep the ADC sampling synchronized to PWM periods and decouple the analog supply through an RC filter to preserve current-sense accuracy during switching events.
Recommended
Consumer Appliances
The SAM4N family targets consumer appliances per the Microchip datasheet, and the ATSAM4N8BA-AU delivers the right feature density for washing machines, air conditioners, and cooking appliances. The 10-channel 12-bit ADC reads user controls, thermistors, and position feedback; PWM outputs drive displays, buzzers, and motor drives; six USARTs interface with display, load-cell, and communication boards across the harness. The 100 MHz Cortex-M4 core manages state machines and safety checks with timing margin, and the RTC supports delayed-start and scheduling functions users expect. The 1.62V to 3.6V industrial-grade supply tolerance absorbs noisy appliance power rails, reducing external regulation complexity and BOM cost.
Recommended
Medical Monitoring Devices
In portable patient-monitoring equipment, the ATSAM4N8BA-AU combines a quiet analog front end with enough compute for signal processing: the 10-channel 12-bit ADC digitizes physiological sensor inputs such as temperature and impedance channels, while Cortex-M4 DSP instructions at 100 MHz perform digital filtering that would otherwise require an external processor. Three SPI and three I2C buses connect biosensor modules and a display controller, and a USART streams data to a Bluetooth or USB bridge for clinician review. The 1.62V to 3.6V operation supports battery-powered designs, and the SAM4N family's low power profile extends runtime between charges in ambulatory monitoring products.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for ATSAM4N8BA-AU β comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | ATSAM4N16BA-AU | ATSAM4S8BA-AU | ATSAM4S4BA-AU | ATSAM3S8BA-MUR |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Package | 64-LQFP (10 x 10 mm) | 64-LQFP (10 x 10 mm) - same | 64-LQFP (10 x 10 mm) - same | 64-LQFP (10 x 10 mm) - same | 64-LQFP (10 x 10 mm) - same |
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Core | ARM Cortex-M4 | ARM Cortex-M4 | ARM Cortex-M4 | ARM Cortex-M4 | ARM Cortex-M3 |
| Maximum Clock Frequency | 100 MHz | 100 MHz | 120 MHz | 120 MHz | 64 MHz |
| Flash Memory | 512 KB | 1 MB | 512 KB | 256 KB | 512 KB |
| SRAM | 64 KB | 128 KB | 128 KB | 64 KB | 64 KB |
| Supply Voltage | 1.62 V to 3.6 V | 1.62 V to 3.6 V | 1.62 V to 3.6 V | 1.62 V to 3.6 V | 1.62 V to 3.6 V |
| USB Device Peripheral | No | No | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Key Differentiators
- Native SAM4N low-power profile with full 512 KB flash (vs ATSAM4S8BA-AU)
- Cortex-M4 hardware DSP/FPU at lower cost than flash-upgraded siblings (vs ATSAM4N16BA-AU)
- Modern Cortex-M4 core versus legacy migration targets (vs ATSAM3S8BA-MUR)
Design Notes
Supply the ATSAM4N8BA-AU from a regulated 3.3V rail within its 1.62V to 3.6V specification. Decouple every VDD pin with a 100 nF X7R ceramic placed within 2 mm of the pin, plus one bulk 10 uF capacitor near the device. Feed VDDANA (analog supply) through an RC or ferrite-bead filter from the digital rail; this measurably reduces ADC noise in metering and sensing designs. Estimated: a 10 nV/rtHz-class analog domain can improve effective ADC resolution by up to 1 LSB versus shared-rail designs - validate on your own board.
The 64-LQFP (10 x 10 mm, 0.5 mm pitch) footprint is shared with SAM4S, SAM3S, SAM3N, and SAM7S pin-compatible devices per the Microchip SAM4N datasheet (60001422B). Route decoupling capacitors on the bottom layer directly under the package with short vias. Keep the crystal (if used) within 10 mm of the OSC pins with a guard ground ring. Reserve the NRST pin's 100 nF capacitor and 10 kOhm pull-up even if reset is not externally driven, to improve immunity against ESD events during production handling.
When migrating from ATSAM4N8BA-AU to pin-compatible SAM4S parts, remember the SAM4S adds a USB peripheral and different clock-tree configuration - firmware must be ported, not just recompiled. Do not exceed 3.6V on any VDD pin even transiently; appliance and metering supplies with poor load regulation can overshoot during no-load conditions. Finally, the SAM3S/SAM3N alternatives are Cortex-M3 cores without hardware FPU/DSP - code using float or DSP intrinsics will compile but run significantly slower, so benchmark before committing to a Cortex-M3 substitute.
Compliance Information
Mouser lists the part as 'LQFP, GREEN, IND TEMP, MRL A', indicating green (RoHS-compliant, lead-free) industrial-temperature packaging. Formal REACH and conflict-minerals declarations should be obtained from Microchip's compliance portal.
