ATSAM4N8CA-CU - 100MHz Cortex-M4 512KB MCU | Microchip
MPN: ATSAM4N8CA-CU β Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $3.49 | $3.49 |
| 10 | $3.14 | $31.40 |
| 100 | $2.72 | $272.00 |
| 500 | $2.37 | $1,185.00 |
| 1,000 | $2.02 | $2,020.00 |
ATSAM4N8CA-CU Overview
An ARM Cortex-M4-based flash microcontroller is a compact system-on-chip that combines a 32-bit RISC processor core with non-volatile program memory, static RAM, and a rich set of peripherals on a single die. Within the power-management hierarchy of embedded systems, it occupies the general-purpose MCU tier, sitting between entry-level Cortex-M0/M0+ MCUs and higher-performance Cortex-M7 devices. The Cortex-M4 core adds a hardware FPU-class DSP instruction set, single-cycle MAC, and a Memory Protection Unit (MPU), executing the Thumb-2 instruction set.
Key differentiating features include the 512 KB zero-wait-state-capable embedded Flash, 64 KB SRAM for buffers and stacks, a multi-layer bus matrix, and cost-optimized peripheral set aimed at the SAM4N family position as the entry point to Microchip's Cortex-M4 flash MCU portfolio. The industrial temperature rating and green, MSL-controlled TFBGA package support demanding assembly flows.
Technically, the SAM4N implements the ARMv7E-M architecture with DSP extension instructions that accelerate filter loops and control algorithms common in embedded sensing. The on-chip ADC, multiple serial interfaces (USART, SPI, TWI), timers, and PWM channels allow single-chip designs that previously required external analog and communication components, reducing BOM cost. According to the manufacturer documentation, the SAM4N series offers pin-to-pin compatibility with Atmel SAM3S, SAM3N, and SAM7S devices, easing migration within the portfolio and serving as a cost-reduced migration path from the SAM4S.
Typical applications include industrial control and automation nodes, consumer appliance control panels, metering front ends, and embedded sensing systems that need DSP-class math at 100 MHz without the cost of the SAM4S family.
A key design consideration is power distribution: the device uses a 1.2V core with 3.3V I/O, so core supply regulation and decoupling per the datasheet ball map must be followed carefully. Verify Flash wait-state settings against the 100 MHz maximum clock.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing, drop-in family alternatives, and practical design guidance not found in a single manufacturer document.
Drop-in alternatives for ATSAM4N8CA-CU 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 ATSAM4N8CA-CU (same form factor and footprint) β differing in Package, RoHS Status, Series, SRAM, Flash Memory.
Quick Comparison Tool β Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
ATSAM4N16CA-CFUR
β Drop-In β οΈ εζ°εΎ ιͺθ―β In Stock
$4.95 / Unit
View Datasheet βATSAM4N8CA-AUR
β Drop-Inβ In Stock
$4.72 / Unit
View Datasheet βATSAM4S8CA-CU
β Drop-Inβ In Stock
$6.18 / Unit
View Datasheet βATSAM4S16CB-CN
β Drop-Inπ Reference alternative (not in catalog)
ATSAM3S8CA-CU
β Drop-Inβ In Stock
$5.25 / Unit
View Datasheet βATSAM4N8CA-CU Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Core Processor | ARM Cortex-M4 |
| Core Architecture | 32-bit RISC, ARMv7E-M |
| Maximum Clock Frequency | 100 MHz |
| Program Memory Size | 512 KB (512K x 8) FLASH |
| Data RAM Size | 64 KB |
| Core Supply Voltage | 1.2 V |
| I/O Supply Voltage | 3.3 V |
| DSP Instructions | Yes |
| Memory Protection Unit (MPU) | Yes |
| Instruction Set | Thumb-2 |
| On-Chip ADC | Yes |
| Number of Terminals | 100 |
| Package | 100-TFBGA (9x9 mm) |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| Terminal Form | Ball |
| Temperature Grade | Industrial |
| Package Shape | Square |
| Series | SAM4N |
ATSAM4N8CA-CU square Pin Configuration Guide
Pin configuration for ATSAM4N8CA-CU (square 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 ATSAM4N8CA-CU.
Refer to the datasheet for full pin configuration.
Typical Applications
ATSAM4N8CA-CU is suitable for 6 applications: Industrial Control and Automation Nodes, Smart Metering and Energy Monitoring, Consumer Appliance Control Panels, Embedded Sensing and Data Acquisition, Motor Control-Adjacent Supervision, Building Automation and HVAC Controllers.
Industrial Control and Automation Nodes
The ATSAM4N8CA-CU fits industrial control nodes because its 100 MHz Cortex-M4 core with DSP instructions closes control loops faster than entry-level M0/M0+ MCUs while the MPU adds fault isolation for robust firmware. Its on-chip ADC digitizes sensor inputs, and multiple USART, SPI, and TWI interfaces connect PLC I/O modules, motor sensors, and fieldbus transceivers without external glue logic. Microchip positions the SAM4N as the cost-reduced option within its Cortex-M4 portfolio, so multi-node installations save BOM cost versus the SAM4S family while retaining Thumb-2 code density and 512 KB Flash for protocol stacks. Industrial temperature grading supports cabinet and floor environments; at moderate peripheral use, sleep and wait modes reduce idle consumption in always-on nodes.
Recommended
Smart Metering and Energy Monitoring
Metering front ends benefit from the ATSAM4N8CA-CU's DSP instructions, which accelerate FIR filtering and RMS computations on ADC-sampled current and voltage channels at 100 MHz. The 512 KB Flash holds metrology firmware plus communication stacks (DLMS/COSEM-class), and the 64 KB SRAM buffers measurement frames for billing integrity. The on-chip ADC supports auxiliary channel monitoring such as tamper and temperature inputs. Because the SAM4N is documented as pin-to-pin compatible with SAM3S and SAM3N devices, meter platforms can scale between cost tiers on one PCB footprint - migrating up to the ATSAM4N8CA when DSP-class computation or more Flash is needed, or down to SAM3N-class parts for basic variants, protecting tooling investment across a product family.
Recommended
Consumer Appliance Control Panels
Appliance control boards use the ATSAM4N8CA-CU to drive touch/button interfaces, displays, and motor or heater control with a single chip. The 100 MHz Cortex-M4 handles UI refresh, PWM generation, and sensor polling concurrently; the 512 KB Flash leaves headroom for localization assets and OTA-style field updates. The 3.3V I/O rail matches standard touch-controller and display interfaces via SPI or TWI. The cost-reduced SAM4N positioning directly targets high-volume appliance BOM pressure, delivering Cortex-M4 performance at closer to Cortex-M3 pricing. The industrial temperature grade tolerates kitchen and laundry thermal environments, and the 9x9 mm TFBGA conserves PCB area in compact panel assemblies where every square millimeter affects enclosure cost.
Recommended
Embedded Sensing and Data Acquisition
Distributed sensing systems leverage the ATSAM4N8CA-CU's on-chip ADC and DSP instructions to perform local filtering, thresholding, and feature extraction before transmitting summarized data over SPI/USART links. The 64 KB SRAM supports ring buffers for burst capture, and the Memory Protection Unit isolates safety-critical acquisition code from communication firmware in mixed-criticality firmware images. The SAM4N series is the manufacturer's entry point to Cortex-M4 flash MCUs, so battery- or line-powered sensor nodes gain single-cycle MAC acceleration for sensor fusion math without SAM4S-level cost. At low sampling rates, wait and sleep modes plus peripheral-driven acquisition reduce average power; designers should verify wait states at 100 MHz per the datasheet to balance throughput against consumption.
Recommended
Motor Control-Adjacent Supervision
While dedicated motor drivers handle power stages, the ATSAM4N8CA-CU supervises motor-driven equipment by computing speed and position from encoder or ADC feedback at 100 MHz, generating PWM setpoints, and enforcing safety interlocks. DSP instructions accelerate Clarke/Park-adjacent monitoring math and vibration-frequency analysis for predictive maintenance. The 512 KB Flash stores multiple drive profiles and field-update images; the 64 KB SRAM holds control histories for diagnostics. Industrial temperature grading suits inverter-cabinet ambients, and the MPU prevents a communication fault from corrupting supervision routines. SAM4N pin compatibility with SAM7S and SAM3S devices lets legacy 100-pin motor-control boards upgrade processing headroom without respinning the PCB layout.
Recommended
Building Automation and HVAC Controllers
HVAC zone controllers and building automation nodes use the ATSAM4N8CA-CU to run control loops, drive actuator PWM, and service RS-485/USART or TWI links to sensors and dampers. The 100 MHz Cortex-M4 provides headroom for PID scheduling across multiple zones, while the 512 KB Flash accommodates BACnet-adjacent protocol code and calibration tables in 64 KB SRAM working data. The SAM4N's cost-reduced positioning suits the high volumes typical of building products, and documented pin-to-pin compatibility with SAM3S/SAM3N/SAM7S devices enables one controller PCB to serve basic, standard, and premium SKU tiers by swapping MCUs within the family. Industrial grading and green RoHS-compliant packaging meet commercial building product compliance requirements.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for ATSAM4N8CA-CU β comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | ATSAM4N16CA-CFUR | ATSAM4N8CA-AUR | ATSAM4S8CA-CU | ATSAM4S16CB-CN | ATSAM3S8CA-CU |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Package | 100-TFBGA (9x9 mm) | 100-TFBGA (9x9 mm) - same | 100-TFBGA (9x9 mm) - same | 100-TFBGA - same footprint | 100-TFBGA - same footprint | 100-TFBGA - same footprint |
| Brand | Microchip Technology (Atmel) | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology (Atmel) |
| Core | ARM Cortex-M4 | ARM Cortex-M4 | ARM Cortex-M4 | ARM Cortex-M4 | ARM Cortex-M4 | ARM Cortex-M3 |
| Max Clock Frequency | 100 MHz | 100 MHz | 100 MHz | 120 MHz | 120 MHz | 64 MHz |
| Flash Memory | 512 KB | 1024 KB | 512 KB | 512 KB | 1024 KB | 512 KB |
| SRAM | 64 KB | 128 KB | 64 KB | 128 KB | 128 KB | 64 KB |
| DSP Instructions | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No (Cortex-M3) |
Key Differentiators
- Cortex-M4 DSP capability at SAM3S-class cost (vs ATSAM3S8CA-CU)
- Lowest-BOM-cost 100 MHz Cortex-M4 option (vs ATSAM4S8CA-CU)
- Memory headroom without footprint change (vs ATSAM4N16CA-CFUR)
Design Notes
The ATSAM4N8CA-CU uses a 1.2V core supply with a 3.3V I/O supply (per distributor listing of 1.2V/3.3V operation). Provide separate, well-decoupled rails per the datasheet power scheme: place 100 nF ceramic capacitors at each VDDIO/VDDCORE ball pair plus one bulk 4.7-10 uF capacitor per rail near the package. If the board derives 1.2V from an on-board buck converter, verify ripple stays within datasheet limits, or use a small LDO for the core rail to simplify compliance with the SAM4N power-management specification.
The 100-ball TFBGA with fine ball pitch demands controlled-impedance layout practice: route the SWD/JTAG and crystal traces first, keep VDDCORE decoupling loops under 2 mm, and fan out using via-in-pad or dog-bone patterns per IPC-standard BGA practice. Flash wait-state configuration must match the 100 MHz HCLK per the datasheet's wait-state table - an incorrect setting can cause intermittent fetch failures at temperature extremes. Verify the 9x9 mm land pattern against the latest Microchip package drawing before release.
When migrating from SAM3S/SAM3N/SAM7S parts (documented pin-to-pin compatible with the SAM4N), do not assume register-level compatibility: peripherals differ between families even on identical ball maps. Recompile with the SAM4N device header and validate clock tree, Flash wait states, and the Cortex-M4 DSP/MPU configuration. For procurement resilience, qualify ATSAM4N16CA-CFUR (same footprint, more memory) as a second source within the same firmware codebase so a shortage does not force a PCB respin.
Compliance Information
Mouser lists the part as TFBGA GREEN, IND TEMP, MRL A. Abacus Technologies data marks the ATSAM4N8CA family EU RoHS compliant, REACH compliant, and DRC conflict free. AEC-Q100 qualification not stated in provided data.
