ATSAM4N8CA-CUR - 100MHz Cortex-M4 512KB Flash MCU | Microchip
MPN: ATSAM4N8CA-CUR β Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $2.17 | $2.17 |
| 10 | $2.06 | $20.60 |
| 100 | $1.95 | $195.00 |
| 500 | $1.85 | $925.00 |
| 1,000 | $1.74 | $1,740.00 |
ATSAM4N8CA-CUR Overview
A microcontroller (MCU) is a single-chip computer integrating a processor core, memory, and peripherals on one die. The ATSAM4N8CA belongs to the SAM4N family of ARM Cortex-M4-based MCUs, which sits within the broader hierarchy of 32-bit microcontrollers -> ARM embedded processors -> semiconductor integrated circuits. The SAM4N series is positioned as a reduced-BOM-cost migration path from the SAM4S family for cost-sensitive embedded designs.
Key features include the ARM Cortex-M4 core with DSP instructions and Thumb-2 instruction set, a Memory Protection Unit (MPU), and 512 Kbytes of on-chip Flash with 64 Kbytes of SRAM. These DSP extensions accelerate filtering and control math, while the MPU supports functional-safety-oriented software partitioning. The 100 MHz clock delivers roughly 125 DMIPS-class performance for real-time embedded control.
Architecturally, the device leverages Atmel/Microchip's SAM4 platform with an advanced interrupt controller, multi-layer bus matrix, and low-power modes typical of the SAM4 family, enabling efficient peripheral servicing and reduced active power consumption in battery-aware or always-on industrial nodes.
Typical applications include industrial automation and control nodes, consumer and building-control systems, and data-logging or sensor-hub designs where 512 KB of code space and a 9x9 mm BGA footprint justify a high-integration MCU.
When designing with this part, note that the fine-pitch TFBGA balls demand controlled-impedance, high-density PCB fabrication; confirm your assembly house supports 0.8 mm-pitch BGA placement before layout.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing, drop-in alternatives, pin-count guidance, and practical design notes not consolidated in the manufacturer datasheet.
Drop-in alternatives for ATSAM4N8CA-CUR 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-CUR (same form factor and footprint) β differing in Core Processor, Maximum Clock Frequency, RoHS Status, Series, Package.
Quick Comparison Tool β Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
ATSAM4N8CA-CU
β Drop-Inβ In Stock
$2.02 / Unit
View Datasheet βATSAM4SA16CA-CUR
β Drop-Inπ Reference alternative (not in catalog)
ATSAM4N16CA-CUR
β Drop-In β οΈ εζ°εΎ ιͺθ―β In Stock
$4.58 / Unit
View Datasheet βATSAM4S8CA-CU
β Drop-Inπ Reference alternative (not in catalog)
ATSAM4SA16CB-CN
β Drop-Inπ Reference alternative (not in catalog)
ATSAM4N8CA-CUR Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Core Processor | ARM Cortex-M4 |
| Core Size | 32-Bit |
| Maximum Clock Frequency | 100 MHz |
| Flash Memory | 512 KB (512K x 8) |
| SRAM | 64 KB |
| Series | SAM4N |
| Instruction Set | Thumb-2 |
| DSP Instructions | Yes |
| Memory Protection Unit | Yes (MPU) |
| Package | 100-TFBGA (9x9 mm) |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| Number of Terminals | 100 |
| Temperature Grade | Industrial |
| RoHS Status | Green / RoHS compliant (TFBGA GREEN per Mouser listing) |
ATSAM4N8CA-CUR 100-tfbga (9x9 mm) Pin Configuration Guide
Pin configuration for ATSAM4N8CA-CUR (100-tfbga (9x9 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 ATSAM4N8CA-CUR.
Refer to the datasheet for full pin configuration.
Typical Applications
ATSAM4N8CA-CUR is suitable for 6 applications: Industrial Automation and Control, Consumer and Building Control Systems, Sensor Hubs and Data Loggers, Motor Control and Power Conversion Support, IoT Edge Nodes and Connectivity Bridges, Test and Measurement Instrumentation.
Industrial Automation and Control
The ATSAM4N8CA-CUR fits industrial control nodes because its 100 MHz ARM Cortex-M4 with DSP instructions executes control loops and filtering math efficiently, while 512 KB of Flash accommodates protocol stacks such as Modbus or CAN-based field communication. Its industrial temperature grade suits factory-floor environments, and the Memory Protection Unit allows partitioning of safety-relevant firmware. In a typical node the MCU services sensor inputs, runs a PID or FIR control loop using Cortex-M4 single-cycle MAC instructions, and reports status over the network, all from a single 9x9 mm TFBGA that reduces BOM cost versus the SAM4S family per Microchip's positioning of the SAM4N series.
Recommended
Consumer and Building Control Systems
For building automation panels, thermostats, and appliance controllers, the ATSAM4N8CA-CUR offers a cost-optimized path to 32-bit performance: the SAM4N family is explicitly positioned by Microchip as the reduced-BOM-cost migration path from the SAM4S. The 100 MHz core processes UI updates, sensor fusion, and communication concurrently, and 64 KB of SRAM buffers display frame data and network packets. The green, RoHS-conscious TFBGA package supports lead-free reflow assembly common in consumer manufacturing. Designers typically pair it with a segment or TFT display driver and low-power sleep modes between user interactions, extending battery or energy-harvesting budgets in wall-powered and battery-backed products.
Recommended
Sensor Hubs and Data Loggers
The ATSAM4N8CA-CUR serves as a sensor hub or data logger where 512 KB of Flash stores logging firmware plus configuration, and 64 KB of SRAM buffers time-stamped samples before writing to external memory. Cortex-M4 DSP instructions accelerate oversampling, decimation, and FFT-based diagnostics on vibration or acoustic sensor data at up to 100 MHz. The multi-layer SAM4N bus architecture lets peripherals stream into SRAM with minimal CPU intervention, improving power efficiency. Its industrial temperature rating supports outdoor and unconditioned deployments. Typical designs connect the MCU to external SD or QSPI storage and use low-power modes between sampling windows to maximize battery life in remote monitoring installations.
Recommended
Motor Control and Power Conversion Support
With Cortex-M4 DSP instructions and single-cycle multiply-accumulate, the ATSAM4N8CA-CUR executes FOC (field-oriented control) arithmetic and compensator updates for motor-driven products such as fans, pumps, and light industrial drives. The 100 MHz clock provides headroom for high-frequency PWM ISR servicing, and the MPU isolates control code from communication tasks. Microchip's SAM4N documentation emphasizes the Thumb-2 and DSP capability as core strengths of the family. Engineers typically offload gate-drive stage tasks to companion drivers and dedicate this MCU to the control algorithm; the reduced BOM cost versus SAM4S makes it attractive in cost-sensitive, mid-range motor products where SAM4S-class analog features are not required.
Recommended
IoT Edge Nodes and Connectivity Bridges
The ATSAM4N8CA-CUR functions as an IoT edge controller running lightweight protocol stacks (MQTT or CoAP clients over external radio modules) with ample 512 KB Flash for TLS libraries and OTA update staging. The Cortex-M4 core handles JSON parsing, CRC, and crypto-assisted housekeeping at 100 MHz, while the 64 KB SRAM holds socket buffers. The 9x9 mm TFBGA fits compact edge hardware, and the industrial grade supports unattended deployments. Designs typically pair the MCU with a Wi-Fi, LoRa, or cellular module over UART or SPI, using the MCU's low-power modes between transmission windows. Microchip's ecosystem of SAM4 reference designs shortens integration of these connectivity bridges.
Recommended
Test and Measurement Instrumentation
In bench and portable instruments, the ATSAM4N8CA-CUR provides front-panel control, calibration-data storage in Flash, and DSP-based signal conditioning using the Cortex-M4 instruction set. The 100 MHz core manages display updates, keypads, and USB-to-bridge communication while performing peak-detection and averaging on ADC streams buffered in 64 KB SRAM. The Memory Protection Unit helps separate measurement firmware from UI code, improving robustness in long-running instruments. Because SAM4N devices are pin-to-pin compatible with SAM3S and SAM3N parts per Microchip documentation, instrument platforms can scale memory across product tiers on one PCB. The green TFBGA package meets standard lead-free assembly processes used by instrument contract manufacturers.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for ATSAM4N8CA-CUR β comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | ATSAM4N8CA-CU | ATSAM4SA16CA-CUR | ATSAM4N16CA-CUR | ATSAM4S8CA-CU | ATSAM4SA16CB-CN |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Package | 100-TFBGA (9x9 mm) | 100-TFBGA (9x9 mm) - same | TFBGA-100 - same | 100-TFBGA (9x9 mm) - same | TFBGA-100 - same | TFBGA-100 - same |
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Core / Frequency | ARM Cortex-M4, 100 MHz | ARM Cortex-M4, 100 MHz | ARM Cortex-M4, 100 MHz | ARM Cortex-M4, 100 MHz | ARM Cortex-M4, 100 MHz | ARM Cortex-M4, 100 MHz |
| Temperature Range | Industrial | Industrial | Industrial | Industrial | Industrial | Industrial |
| DSP Instructions / MPU | Yes / Yes | Yes / Yes | Yes / Yes | Yes / Yes | Yes / Yes | Yes / Yes |
Key Differentiators
- Lowest-cost Cortex-M4 at 100 MHz in family (vs ATSAM4S8CA-CU)
- Cost/performance sweet spot vs higher-memory siblings (vs ATSAM4SA16CA-CUR)
- Backward migration path from SAM3S/SAM3N/SAM7S (vs ATSAM4N8CA-CU)
Design Notes
The 100-TFBGA (9x9 mm) package uses fine-pitch balls that require controlled PCB fabrication: specify a minimum 4-layer stackup with via-in-pad or dogbone fanout, solder-mask-defined pads per Microchip's SAM4N layout guidelines, and verify your assembly house supports 0.8 mm-pitch BGA placement with X-ray inspection. Plan the fanout before routing so power and ground ball assignments get short, wide connections to internal planes; this also minimizes ground bounce on fast GPIO switching at 100 MHz operation.
Provide clean, locally decoupled supply rails per the SAM4N datasheet power section: place 100 nF ceramic capacitors at each VDD/VDDIO ball group plus bulk capacitance near the device, and follow Microchip's recommended core/IO supply sequencing if separate rails are used. Exact operating supply voltage and sleep-mode currents must be taken from the datasheet electrical characteristics table - the available listing data does not state them, so do not finalize the power budget without consulting the official document.
The SAM4N series is pin-to-pin compatible with SAM3S, SAM3N, and SAM7S devices, which invites footprints shared across families - but verify the SAM4N electrical characteristics (clock configuration, programming interfaces, and Flash programming via SAM-BA/ICP) rather than assuming SAM7S firmware settings carry over. When migrating from SAM4S to the reduced-peripheral SAM4N, confirm your required peripherals are present in the SAM4N datasheet feature list before committing the design.
Compliance Information
Mouser lists the part as 'TFBGA GREEN, IND TEMP, MRL A', indicating green (lead-free, RoHS-oriented) packaging. Full REACH and conflict-minerals status not stated in available data.
