ATSAM4S16CA-ANR - Cortex-M4 MCU 120MHz 1MB Flash | Microchip
MPN: ATSAM4S16CA-ANR β Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $7.46 | $7.46 |
| 10 | $7.19 | $71.90 |
| 100 | $6.75 | $675.00 |
| 500 | $6.38 | $3,190.00 |
| 1,000 | $5.95 | $5,950.00 |
ATSAM4S16CA-ANR Overview
A microcontroller (MCU) is a single-chip embedded computer that integrates a processor core, program memory, data memory, and peripherals on one die. Within the power-management hierarchy of embedded systems, general-purpose MCUs like the SAM4S family form the central control layer, executing application firmware while driving communication, sensing, and actuation peripherals.
Key features include the Cortex-M4 core with DSP instructions and Thumb-2 instruction set, a Memory Protection Unit (MPU), dual-bank Flash supporting safe in-application programming, and a Security Bit plus Flash lock for IP protection. According to Microchip, power consumption is 200 uA/MHz, and the supply range of 1.62V to 3.6V enables battery and 3.3V industrial designs.
The SAM4S16 architecture pairs the Cortex-M4 with a multi-layer bus matrix, DMA-capable peripherals such as UART, USART, SPI, I2C/TWI, and a 12-bit ADC, sustaining deterministic real-time behavior for control loops while DSP instructions accelerate filtering and math-intensive routines. The parallel input/output (PIO) data-capture mode supports high-throughput digital acquisition.
Typical applications include industrial automation controllers, smart energy metering, portable/battery-powered devices, and consumer/POS equipment, where the combination of 120 MHz performance, low power, and rich connectivity fits cost-sensitive designs.
Design consideration: the SAM4S series is pin-to-pin compatible with SAM3N, SAM3S, SAM4N, and legacy SAM7S (64-pin versions), so layouts can be upgraded without PCB rework; validate VDDIO levels when migrating from 5V-tolerant legacy parts.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing, drop-in alternatives, and practical design notes not found in the manufacturer datasheet.
Drop-in alternatives for ATSAM4S16CA-ANR 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 ATSAM4S16CA-ANR (same form factor and footprint) β differing in RoHS Status, Package, Flash Memory, Instruction Set, Packaging.
Quick Comparison Tool β Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
ATSAM4S16CA-CFNR
β Drop-Inπ Reference alternative (not in catalog)
ATSAM4S16CB-ANR
β Drop-Inπ Reference alternative (not in catalog)
ATSAM4SA16CA-ANR
β Drop-Inπ Reference alternative (not in catalog)
ATSAM4E16CA-ANR
β Drop-Inπ Reference alternative (not in catalog)
ATSAM4N16CA-CFUR
β Drop-Inβ In Stock
$4.95 / Unit
View Datasheet βATSAM4S16CA-AU
β Drop-Inβ In Stock
$5.55 / Unit
View Datasheet βATSAM4S16CA-ANR Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Core | ARM Cortex-M4 |
| Core Size | 32-bit |
| Maximum Clock Frequency | 120 MHz |
| Flash Memory | 1 MB (1024 KB, dual-bank, with ECC) |
| SRAM | 128 KB |
| Supply Voltage Range | 1.62 V to 3.6 V |
| Power Consumption | 200 uA/MHz |
| Instruction Set | Thumb-2 with DSP instructions |
| Memory Protection Unit | Yes (MPU) |
| Security | Security Bit and Flash lock |
| Package | 100-LQFP (14x14 mm) |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| Temperature Grade | Industrial |
| Terminal Form | Gull Wing |
| Packaging | Tape & Reel (T/R) |
| Pin Compatibility | SAM3N, SAM3S, SAM4N, SAM7S (64-pin versions for SAM7S) |
| RoHS Status | Compliant (LQFP GREEN) |
ATSAM4S16CA-ANR 100-lqfp (14x14 mm) Pin Configuration Guide
Pin configuration for ATSAM4S16CA-ANR (100-lqfp (14x14 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 ATSAM4S16CA-ANR.
Refer to the datasheet for full pin configuration.
Typical Applications
ATSAM4S16CA-ANR is suitable for 6 applications: Industrial Automation Controllers, Smart Energy Metering, Portable and Battery-Powered Devices, IoT Sensor Nodes, Consumer and POS Equipment, Motor Control and Embedded Systems.
Industrial Automation Controllers
The ATSAM4S16CA-ANR fits industrial control nodes where deterministic 120 MHz Cortex-M4 execution, 1 MB dual-bank Flash for field-updatable firmware, and ECC-protected program memory matter. Industrial-temperature qualification (-AN suffix) supports factory-floor environments, while 3.3V operation simplifies integration with PLC I/O. DMA-driven USART, SPI, and TWI peripherals offload the core for Modbus/RTU communication and sensor polling, and the PIO capture mode acquires parallel digital streams without CPU overhead.
Recommended
Smart Energy Metering
Metering designs exploit the 200 uA/MHz efficiency and 1.62V-3.6V supply of the ATSAM4S16CA-ANR for always-on metrology front ends. The Cortex-M4 DSP instructions (single-cycle MAC, SIMD) accelerate FFT and RMS energy calculations, while the 12-bit ADC samples voltage/current channels. Dual-bank Flash with ECC permits secure firmware updates in the field, and the Security Bit plus Flash lock protect calibration tables and billing IP from unauthorized readout.
Recommended
Portable and Battery-Powered Devices
Handheld instruments, data loggers, and POS terminals benefit from the ATSAM4S16CA-ANR balance of 120 MHz responsiveness and 200 uA/MHz consumption. The 1.62V low end of the supply range allows direct operation from Li-ion cell stacks via simple regulation, and wait/sleep modes cut average current between user interactions. USB device connectivity on the SAM4S family handles charging status reporting and PC communication, while 128 KB SRAM buffers logging data during offline periods.
Recommended
IoT Sensor Nodes
The ATSAM4S16CA-ANR serves as the local processing hub in IoT nodes, aggregating ADC sensor channels and pushing data over SPI/UART-connected radio modules. DSP instructions run local filtering and anomaly detection before transmission, reducing radio duty cycle and battery load. The MPU enables task isolation in RTOS-based nodes, and 1 MB Flash accommodates OTA-update stacks such as dual-image bootloader schemes, making the part a robust choice for industrial sensing gateways.
Recommended
Consumer and POS Equipment
Point-of-sale terminals, barcode scanners, and consumer appliances use the ATSAM4S16CA-ANR for its USB device interface, responsive 120 MHz core, and cost-effective 100-pin LQFP integration. The Thumb-2 code density keeps firmware compact within 1 MB Flash, Flash lock protects payment-related code, and gull-wing surface-mount terminals support high-volume assembly. Pin compatibility with SAM3S lets consumer platforms reuse proven PCB footprints across product generations.
Recommended
Motor Control and Embedded Systems
Low- to mid-power motor drives use the ATSAM4S16CA-ANR to execute FOC control loops, with Cortex-M4 DSP instructions computing Park/Clarke transforms within PWM periods. PWM peripherals generate complementary drive signals while the ADC synchronizes current sampling, and the 120 MHz core leaves margin for supervisory logic and communication. The industrial temperature rating and ECC Flash ensure reliability in continuous-duty embedded systems such as pumps, fans, and robotics axes.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for ATSAM4S16CA-ANR β comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | ATSAM4S16CA-CFNR | ATSAM4S16CB-ANR | ATSAM4E16CA-ANR | ATSAM4N16CA-CFUR |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Package | 100-LQFP (14x14 mm) | 100-LQFP - same | 100-LQFP - same | 100-LQFP - same | 100-LQFP - same |
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Core / Clock | Cortex-M4, 120 MHz | Cortex-M4, 120 MHz | Cortex-M4, 120 MHz | Cortex-M4, 120 MHz | Cortex-M4, 100 MHz (lower speed) |
| Flash | 1 MB (dual-bank, ECC) | 1 MB | 2 MB | 1024 KB | 1024 KB |
| Ethernet MAC | No | No | No | Yes (SAM4E family) | No |
| USB Device | Yes (SAM4S family) | Yes | Yes | Yes (USB HS) | No (SAM4N has no USB) |
| Temperature Grade | Industrial (-AN) | Industrial (CFN) | Industrial (-AN) | Industrial (-AN) | Industrial (CFU) |
| Packaging | Tape & Reel (R) | Tape & Reel | Tape & Reel | Tape & Reel | Tape & Reel |
Key Differentiators
- Larger Flash capacity option in the same footprint (vs ATSAM4S16CB-ANR)
- USB device connectivity (vs ATSAM4N16CA-CFUR)
- Lowest power at reduced clock (vs ATSAM4E16CA-ANR)
Design Notes
The ATSAM4S16CA-ANR accepts 1.62V-3.6V on VDDCORE/VDDIO domains. Budget active current as roughly 200 uA/MHz x 120 MHz = approximately 24 mA (Estimated: derived from the Microchip-stated 200 uA/MHz figure at full-speed operation), plus peripheral and I/O loads. Decouple each VDD pin with 100 nF ceramic capacitors placed within 2 mm of the pin, plus bulk 10 uF at the regulator. If powered from a Li-ion cell, use a low-Iq LDO or buck converter to exploit the wide supply range.
The 100-pin LQFP (0.5 mm pitch) requires careful fan-out: use 4-mil traces for breakouts and place the crystal within 10 mm of the XIN/XOUT pins with guard ground. Because the SAM4S is pin-to-pin compatible with SAM3S/SAM4N, design the footprint once and reuse it across family generations - but verify the peripheral multiplexing table when changing devices, since pin functions differ even though ball-for-ball positions match.
Do not assume hardware FPU: the SAM4S16 Cortex-M4 (without F suffix) executes floating point in software. Prefer fixed-point or the built-in DSP instructions for performance-critical loops. Also remember dual-bank Flash: design your bootloader to program the inactive bank and swap banks on reset, so a power failure during update never bricks the unit. Enable the Security Bit only after final validation - it permanently disables boundary-scan debug access.
Compliance Information
Mouser lists the part as LQFP GREEN (lead-free green packaging). REACH, halogen-free, and conflict-minerals statements should be obtained from Microchip compliance documentation.