ATSAM4S16CA-AUR - 120MHz Cortex-M4 MCU 1MB Flash | Microchip
MPN: ATSAM4S16CA-AUR ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
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ATSAM4S16CA-AUR Overview
A microcontroller unit (MCU) is a single-chip computer that integrates a processor core, memory, and peripherals onto one die, sitting at the lowest level of the embedded-system hierarchy above discrete logic but below application processors. The SAM4S family belongs to Microchip's (formerly Atmel's) SMART ARM-based MCU portfolio and offers pin-to-pin compatibility with SAM4N, SAM3S, SAM3N, and SAM7S devices, enabling easy migration within the portfolio.
Key features of the ATSAM4S16CA-AUR include the high-performance Cortex-M4 RISC core with DSP extensions and single-cycle multiply-accumulate, 120 MHz maximum core speed, 1 MB (1M x 8) of flash program memory, and operation from 1.2 V, 1.8 V, 2.5 V, or 3.3 V supply rails. The device integrates fast Flash memory with dual instruction/data access paths, multiple serial communication peripherals, and rich analog and timer resources typical of the SAM4S family.
Technically, the SAM4S series implements the ARMv7E-M architecture with hardware FPU-class DSP instructions, multi-layer bus matrix for parallel peripheral access, and a parallel input/output (PIO) data-capture mode. This architecture sustains deterministic real-time behavior at high clock rates while keeping interrupt latency low, making the part well-suited to control-loop intensive designs that also perform digital signal processing.
Typical applications include industrial automation and motor control, consumer and portable devices, PC peripherals, and networking or connectivity nodes. The combination of 1 MB flash and 120 MHz throughput supports protocol stacks, graphics-lite HMI, and digital filtering without an external processor.
A key design consideration is supply-rail selection: the device supports multiple voltage operating points, so confirm the required 1.2 V/1.8 V/2.5 V/3.3 V domain configuration against the SAM4S datasheet early in the power-tree design, and verify the industrial temperature range (-40C to +85C) of the AUR suffix against your environmental requirements.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing, drop-in alternatives within the same 100-LQFP footprint, and practical design notes not found in the manufacturer datasheet.
Drop-in alternatives for ATSAM4S16CA-AUR — 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-AUR (same form factor and footprint) — differing in RoHS Status, Operating Temperature, Package, Core Processor, Core Size.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
ATSAM4S16CA-AU
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$5.55 / Unit
View Datasheet →ATSAM4S16CA-CFU
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$5.76 / Unit
View Datasheet →ATSAM4S16CA-CFNR
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
ATSAM4CMP32CA-AUR
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$6.25 / Unit
View Datasheet →ATSAM4CMS16CA-AUR
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
ATSAM4E16CA-AUR
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$8.05 / Unit
View Datasheet →ATSAM4N16CA-CFUR
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$4.95 / Unit
View Datasheet →ATSAM4S16CA-AUR Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Core Processor | ARM Cortex-M4 (SAM4S) |
| Core Size | 32-Bit |
| Maximum Clock Frequency | 120 MHz |
| Flash Memory | 1 MB (1M x 8) |
| SRAM | 128 KB |
| Supply Voltage | 1.2 V / 1.8 V / 2.5 V / 3.3 V |
| Package | 100-LQFP (14x14 mm) |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| Operating Temperature | -40C to +85C (Industrial) |
| Packaging | Tape & Reel (R suffix) |
| Pin-to-Pin Compatibility | SAM4N, SAM3S, SAM3N, SAM7S |
| Architecture | ARMv7E-M RISC |
| GPIO Data Capture | Parallel Input/Output (PIO) data capture mode |
| RoHS Status | Compliant (GREEN, per Mouser listing) |
ATSAM4S16CA-AUR 100-lqfp (14x14 mm) Pin Configuration Guide
Pin configuration for ATSAM4S16CA-AUR (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-AUR.
Refer to the datasheet for full pin configuration.
Typical Applications
ATSAM4S16CA-AUR is suitable for 6 applications: Industrial Automation and Control, Motor Control, Consumer and Portable Devices, PC Peripherals and HIDs, Networking and Connectivity Nodes, Data Logging and Test Instrumentation.
Industrial Automation and Control
The ATSAM4S16CA-AUR fits industrial control nodes because its 120 MHz Cortex-M4 core executes deterministic control loops and DSP-filtering tasks (digital PID, FIR/IIR filtering) without an external coprocessor, while 1 MB of flash stores protocol firmware and 128 KB of SRAM buffers fieldbus traffic. In a typical topology the MCU reads sensors via its ADC and serial interfaces, drives actuators through PWM timers, and communicates over USART/CAN-class links on the factory network. The industrial -40C to +85C temperature grade matches cabinet and floor environments, and pin-to-pin compatibility with SAM3S/SAM7S allows reuse of proven legacy industrial boards.
Recommended
Motor Control
Motor drives benefit from the SAM4S architecture: the 120 MHz ARMv7E-M core with single-cycle MAC accelerates field-oriented-control mathematics, and the multi-layer bus matrix keeps PWM, ADC, and CPU access deterministic during commutation interrupts. The ATSAM4S16CA-AUR's 1 MB flash holds sensorless algorithms plus communication stacks (Modbus, CAN-class) on one chip, and the parallel input/output data-capture mode supports encoder-style inputs. Using the 100-LQFP 14x14 package, designers get ample GPIO for gate-driver interfacing while retaining the industrial temperature range required inside sealed drives and variable-frequency applications.
Recommended
Consumer and Portable Devices
For consumer appliances, wearables-adjacent accessories, and portable instruments, the ATSAM4S16CA-AUR offers single-chip integration: 120 MHz throughput for GUI-lite and audio processing, 1 MB flash eliminating external program memory, and 3.3 V operation compatible with common Li-ion regulator rails. The 100-pin LQFP provides enough I/O for keypads, displays, and USB/UART bridges, while the GREEN RoHS-compliant package supports consumer environmental requirements. Because SAM4S is pin-compatible with SAM3S and SAM7S, consumer platform owners can scale memory down (cost reduction) or up (feature growth) without a board respin.
Recommended
PC Peripherals and HIDs
The SAM4S series is explicitly positioned by Microchip for PC peripheral applications. The ATSAM4S16CA-AUR's 120 MHz Cortex-M4 handles USB-class protocol stacks and encryption/hashing in firmware, while 1 MB flash stores device descriptors, configuration tables, and firmware-upgrade loaders. Its parallel I/O data-capture mode is useful for scanning and sensor-array interfaces found in printers, scanners, and gaming peripherals. Operating from a single 3.3 V rail derived from USB VBUS simplifies bus-powered designs, and the 100-pin LQFP leaves GPIO headroom for status LEDs, motors, and capacitive-touch style inputs.
Recommended
Networking and Connectivity Nodes
In gateways and connectivity modules, the ATSAM4S16CA-AUR functions as a bridging controller: the Cortex-M4 core runs TCP/IP or serial-to-wireless protocol translation at 120 MHz, 128 KB of SRAM buffers packet data, and multiple USART/SPI/TWI-class ports link radios and modems. When Ethernet is required on the node itself, the pin-compatible ATSAM4E16CA-AUR (per the Utmel comparison) drops onto the same 100-LQFP footprint and adds an Ethernet MAC, giving designers a board-level migration path. The industrial temperature grade also suits outdoor and unconditioned enclosures common in distributed network deployments.
Recommended
Data Logging and Test Instrumentation
Bench and field instruments use the ATSAM4S16CA-AUR as the acquisition and display controller: the ADC inputs sample sensors, the parallel I/O capture mode ingests digital buses, and the 120 MHz core performs averaging, windowing, and formatting before results are shown or streamed. The 1 MB flash accommodates calibration tables, logging file systems, and self-test firmware; the -40C to +85C grade covers portable instruments left in vehicles or warehouses. Pin compatibility with SAM3S/SAM7S lets instrument makers refresh legacy CPU boards to the Cortex-M4 without redesigning the measurement front-end PCB.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for ATSAM4S16CA-AUR — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | ATSAM4S16CA-AU | ATSAM4S16CA-CFU | ATSAM4CMP32CA-AUR | ATSAM4E16CA-AUR |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| 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 |
| Core | ARM Cortex-M4, 32-bit | ARM Cortex-M4, 32-bit | ARM Cortex-M4, 32-bit | ARM Cortex-M4, 32-bit | ARM Cortex-M4, 32-bit |
| Max Clock Frequency | 120 MHz | 120 MHz | 120 MHz | 120 MHz | 120 MHz |
| Ethernet MAC | No | No | No | No | Yes |
Key Differentiators
- Cortex-M4 DSP extensions vs SAM4N pin-compatible family (vs ATSAM4N16CA-CFUR)
- Ethernet migration path on the same footprint (vs ATSAM4E16CA-AUR)
- Broad family pin compatibility (vs ATSAM3S8BA-MUR)
Design Notes
The ATSAM4S16CA-AUR supports 1.2 V, 1.8 V, 2.5 V, and 3.3 V supply domains per the verified parametric data. Design the power tree around the VDDIO rail (commonly 3.3 V) feeding the on-chip regulator for the core domain, and follow the SAM4S datasheet (60001419B) domain sequencing requirements. Estimated: budget decoupling of at least one 100 nF ceramic per power pin pair plus one bulk 10 uF per rail; place the bulk capacitor within 10 mm of the device to control di/dt transients during 120 MHz core activity.
The 100-pin LQFP (0.5 mm pitch, 14x14 mm) requires careful pad geometry: follow the IPC-recommended land pattern in the datasheet package appendix rather than nominal dimensions to avoid solder bridging. Use a solid ground plane on layer 2, fan out high-speed peripheral pins (parallel capture bus, high-rate USART/SPI) first, and keep analog ADC inputs routed away from switching PWM traces. Estimated: allow at least two via-in-pad-free escape channels per side for routing the dense GPIO bank.
Do not treat cross-brand Cortex-M4 MCUs as drop-in replacements: the 100-LQFP pin multiplexing is Microchip-specific, so STM32F4 or LPC parts require PCB rework even at similar clock speeds. Within the Microchip portfolio, verify suffix ordering codes (AU vs AUR tray/tape, CF temperature grades) before release - mixing them changes the assembly feed method. Also confirm flash wait-state settings at 120 MHz during clock initialization; skipping wait-state configuration in the PMC/EEFC setup is a common bring-up failure on SAM4S designs.
Compliance Information
Mouser listing describes the package as GREEN, industrial temperature, tape and reel, indicating RoHS/lead-free construction. REACH, halogen-free, and conflict-minerals statuses not stated in verified snapshot - confirm via official Microchip compliance documents.