ATSAM4S16CA-AU - Cortex-M4 120MHz 1MB Flash MCU | Microchip
MPN: ATSAM4S16CA-AU β Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $8.2 | $8.20 |
| 10 | $7.45 | $74.50 |
| 100 | $6.7 | $670.00 |
| 500 | $6.1 | $3,050.00 |
| 1,000 | $5.55 | $5,550.00 |
ATSAM4S16CA-AU Overview
A microcontroller (MCU) is a single integrated circuit that combines a processor core, program memory, data memory, and a rich set of peripherals into one chip, forming the brain of an embedded system. The ATSAM4S16CA-AU belongs to the SAM4S family within the broader hierarchy of ARM-based flash MCUs: Cortex-M4 core -> 32-bit RISC microcontroller -> SAM4S series -> Microchip (formerly Atmel) AT91/SAM portfolio.
Key features include an ARM Cortex-M4 core with a 2 Kbyte cache and Memory Protection Unit (MPU), a hardware DSP instruction set, and the Thumb-2 instruction set for high code density. The 120 MHz operating frequency combined with DSP instructions makes it significantly faster than the Cortex-M3-based SAM3S parts it can replace. Peripherals cover EBI/EMI external bus, I2C (TWI), IrDA, MMC/SD, SPI, SSC, and UART/USART serial connectivity, enabling flexible interfacing to displays, sensors, and storage.
A major engineering advantage is pin-to-pin compatibility with the SAM4N, SAM3S, SAM3N (48-, 64- and 100-pin versions) and legacy SAM7S (64-pin) families, allowing designers to migrate designs or respond to shortages without PCB respins. The 1.2 V/3.3 V supply options and industrial temperature range suit harsh environments.
Typical applications include industrial control and automation, consumer products with human-machine interfaces, metering systems, and IoT sensor nodes that benefit from DSP capability and large 1 MB flash for complex firmware.
When designing, plan flash bank usage and take advantage of the parallel input/output (PIO) data capture mode for high-speed data acquisition tasks.
This page synthesizes distributor availability data, family cross-references, and practical migration guidance not found in the manufacturer datasheet alone.
Drop-in alternatives for ATSAM4S16CA-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 ATSAM4S16CA-AU (same form factor and footprint) β differing in RoHS Status, Core Processor, Series, Connectivity, Packaging.
Quick Comparison Tool β Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
ATSAM4SD16CA-AU
β Drop-Inπ Reference alternative (not in catalog)
ATSAM4N16CA-AU
β Drop-Inβ In Stock
$6.15 / Unit
View Datasheet βATSAM4S8CA-AU
β Drop-In β οΈ εζ°εΎ ιͺθ―β In Stock
$5.74 / Unit
View Datasheet βATSAM4S16CB-AU
β Drop-In β οΈ εζ°εΎ ιͺθ―π Reference alternative (not in catalog)
ATSAM4S16CA-CFNR
β Drop-Inπ Reference alternative (not in catalog)
ATSAM4S16CA-AU Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Core Processor | ARM Cortex-M4 |
| Core Size | 32-bit |
| Maximum Clock Speed | 120 MHz |
| Flash Memory | 1 MB (1M x 8) |
| SRAM | 128 KB |
| Cache | 2 Kbytes |
| Memory Protection Unit | Yes (MPU) |
| DSP Instruction Set | Yes |
| Instruction Set | Thumb-2 |
| Connectivity | EBI/EMI, I2C, IrDA, MMC, SPI, SSC, UART/USART |
| Supply Voltage | 1.2 V / 3.3 V |
| Package | 100-LQFP (14 x 14 mm) |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| Operating Temperature Range | Industrial (-40C to +85C) |
| Life Cycle Stage | Active |
| RoHS Status | Compliant (Green package per Mouser: LQFP, GREEN, IND TEMP) |
| Series | SAM4S |
ATSAM4S16CA-AU 100-lqfp (14 x 14 mm) Pin Configuration Guide
Pin configuration for ATSAM4S16CA-AU (100-lqfp (14 x 14 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-AU.
Refer to the datasheet for full pin configuration.
Typical Applications
ATSAM4S16CA-AU is suitable for 6 applications: Industrial Control and Automation, Smart Metering, Consumer Human-Machine Interfaces, IoT Sensor Nodes, Test and Measurement Instruments, Legacy SAM7S Design Migration.
Industrial Control and Automation
The ATSAM4S16CA-AU fits industrial control nodes because its 120 MHz Cortex-M4 core with hardware DSP instructions executes PID loops and digital filters deterministically, while the 1 MB flash holds protocol stacks (Modbus, CAN gateways) with headroom for field updates. The EBI/EMI external bus interfaces memory-mapped peripherals and LCDs, and multiple UART/USART, SPI, and I2C ports connect PLC-style I/O modules. The industrial temperature grade (-40C to +85C) and MPU support robust operation in factory-floor environments, and pin compatibility with SAM3S/SAM7S lets existing designs upgrade compute without a PCB respin.
Recommended
Smart Metering
Metering designs benefit from the ATSAM4S16CA-AU's combination of large 1 MB flash for metrology firmware and DSP instructions for FFT-based power-quality analysis at 120 MHz. The 128 KB SRAM buffers measurement data between communication sessions, while dual UART/USART, SPI, and I2C links drive optical, RF, or PLC communication modules. The green LQFP package meets utility environmental requirements, and the single-chip integration reduces BOM cost versus separate MCU plus coprocessor architectures. Firmware over-the-air update schemes fit comfortably in the flash with dual image regions reserved.
Recommended
Consumer Human-Machine Interfaces
For appliances, thermostats, and control panels, the ATSAM4S16CA-AU drives graphic and touch interfaces using the EBI/EMI bus for TFT LCD modules and its PIO parallel capture mode for high-speed data intake. The 120 MHz core renders simple GUIs without a dedicated graphics chip, and the 2 Kbyte cache smooths execution from flash. SSC, SPI, and I2C connect audio feedback, capacitive touch controllers, and encoders. Because it is pin-compatible with the lower-cost SAM3S family, manufacturers can offer feature-reduced SKUs on the identical PCB, amortizing tooling across product tiers.
Recommended
IoT Sensor Nodes
The ATSAM4S16CA-AU serves as the processing hub of IoT sensor nodes where edge pre-processing is required: the Cortex-M4 DSP instructions accelerate sensor fusion and FFT analysis locally, reducing radio traffic. Multiple USARTs and SPI ports connect wireless modules and low-power sensors via I2C, and the 1 MB flash stores the full network stack plus application logic. Designs pair it with a separate radio for connectivity while the MCU handles acquisition, filtering, and protocol framing, achieving a balanced power-performance profile for battery-buffered industrial sensors.
Recommended
Test and Measurement Instruments
Handheld and bench instruments use the ATSAM4S16CA-AU for front-panel control, display driving through the EBI/EMI bus, and signal processing with the DSP instruction set. The 120 MHz core with 2 Kbyte cache sustains responsive measurement loops, while the PIO parallel capture mode ingests data from external ADC front ends at high rates. The 1 MB flash stores calibration tables, multi-protocol support, and feature-licensed firmware variants. Industrial temperature rating and the MPU enable reliable, robust firmware partitioning in products that see field abuse and long duty cycles.
Recommended
Legacy SAM7S Design Migration
Designers maintaining ARM7TDMI-based SAM7S products can migrate to the ATSAM4S16CA-AU with minimal hardware change, since Microchip documents pin-to-pin compatibility between SAM4S and SAM7S legacy devices in the 64-pin versions and with SAM3S/SAM3N/SAM4N across 48-, 64-, and 100-pin versions. The migration yields roughly an order-of-magnitude performance uplift (120 MHz Cortex-M4 with DSP versus ARM7TDMI) plus double the flash (1 MB), extending product life and enabling new features on existing PCBs during shortage-driven redesigns.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for ATSAM4S16CA-AU β comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | ATSAM4SD16CA-AU | ATSAM4N16CA-AU | ATSAM4S8CA-AU | ATSAM4S16CB-AU | ATSAM4S16CA-CFNR |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Package | 100-LQFP (14x14 mm) | 100-LQFP (14x14 mm) - same | 100-LQFP (14x14 mm) - same | 100-LQFP (14x14 mm) - same | 100-LQFP (14x14 mm) - same | 100-BGA - different footprint |
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Core / Max Speed | Cortex-M4 / 120 MHz | Cortex-M4 / 120 MHz | Cortex-M4 / 120 MHz | Cortex-M4 / 120 MHz | Cortex-M4 / 120 MHz | Cortex-M4 / 120 MHz |
| Flash Memory | 1 MB | 1 MB (dual-bank) | 1 MB | 512 KB | 1 MB | 1 MB |
| Cache / MPU | 2 KB cache + MPU | 2 KB cache + MPU | No cache + MPU | 2 KB cache + MPU | 2 KB cache + MPU | 2 KB cache + MPU |
| PIO Parallel Capture | Yes | Yes | No | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Lifecycle Status | Active | Active | Active | Active | Active | Active |
Key Differentiators
- Cache + DSP instructions for signal-processing workloads (vs ATSAM4N16CA-AU)
- Fail-safe firmware update option in same footprint (vs ATSAM4SD16CA-AU)
- Full 1 MB flash headroom vs smaller family members (vs ATSAM4S8CA-AU)
Design Notes
The 100-pin LQFP (0.5 mm pitch) requires careful solder-paste stencil design: use 0.10-0.12 mm laser-cut apertures and inspect with AOI after reflow to catch bridging on the dense periphery. The ATSAM4S16CA-AU footprint is shared with SAM3S/SAM3N/SAM4N 100-pin parts, so design the land pattern once and qualify multiple MCU SKUs for supply-chain flexibility. Keep the exposed decoupling capacitors (100 nF per VDD/VDDIO pin plus bulk 10 uF) placed within 2 mm of the pins per the SAM4S family datasheet power distribution guidance.
The SAM4S family operates from 1.8V-3.3V class supplies (FindIC lists 1.2V/3.3V and Utmel lists 1.8V/2.5V/3.3V options depending on document revision); verify the VDDCORE/VDDIO scheme against the latest Microchip datasheet revision before finalizing the regulator. Estimated: at 120 MHz full-speed flash execution, current consumption is on the order of tens of mA - budget your LDO or buck converter with margin and consider the low-power modes (wait, sleep, backup) available on SAM4S to cut average consumption in battery-buffered designs.
Do not assume code written for SAM3S or SAM7S runs unmodified: the Cortex-M4 core, clock tree, and peripheral register maps differ, and the SAM4S adds a cache that changes timing behavior. Use the pin-to-pin compatibility for hardware reuse but port firmware through the Microchip ASF/HAL libraries. When substituting the ATSAM4SD16CA-AU, remember flash programming and swap behavior differs (dual-bank), so bootloaders must be revalidated. Also verify the exact speed grade and temperature suffix on the ordering code - AU vs CF/BGA variants are not interchangeable on the same PCB.
Compliance Information
Mouser listing describes the package as 'LQFP, GREEN, IND TEMP, MRL A', where GREEN denotes Microchip's RoHS-compliant green package. Formal REACH, halogen-free, and conflict-minerals declarations should be obtained from Microchip's compliance portal.