ATSAM4S16CA-CFN - 120MHz Cortex-M4 1MB Flash MCU | Microchip
MPN: ATSAM4S16CA-CFN ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $3.36 | $3.36 |
| 10 | $3.25 | $32.50 |
| 100 | $3.12 | $312.00 |
| 500 | $3.05 | $1,525.00 |
| 1,000 | $2.98 | $2,980.00 |
ATSAM4S16CA-CFN Overview
A 32-bit microcontroller (MCU) is a single-chip computing device that integrates a processor core, memory, and peripherals on one die, forming the lowest layer of the embedded-system hierarchy (microcontroller -> embedded processor -> system-on-chip -> semiconductor device). The SAM4S family belongs to Microchip's (formerly Atmel) ARM-based SAM portfolio and executes the Thumb-2 instruction set with DSP instructions and a Memory Protection Unit (MPU), positioning it between entry-level Cortex-M0+/M3 parts and high-performance Cortex-M7 devices.
Key features include the 120 MHz Cortex-M4 core with hardware MAC and DSP instructions, 1024 KB dual-bank Flash with ECC, Security Bit and lock bits, and pin-to-pin compatibility with the legacy SAM7S, SAM3N and SAM3S series in the 100-pin footprint. Parallel Input/Output (PIO) data capture mode and a full-speed USB Device port round out the peripheral set.
Architecturally, the dual-bank Flash implementation enables safe in-application programming and firmware updates, while the ECC protects stored code against bit corruption. The ARM Cortex-M4 pipeline with single-cycle MAC accelerates digital signal processing such as filtering and FFT-based algorithms common in industrial control.
Typical applications include industrial automation control nodes, consumer and industrial HMI/USB peripherals, and data-acquisition systems that leverage the PIO capture mode and DSP capability.
Design consideration: the VFBGA package demands controlled-impedance PCB layout and proper ball-map fan-out planning; verify power-domain sequencing per the manufacturer datasheet before first power-up.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing from seven sources, drop-in family alternatives, and practical design notes not found in the manufacturer datasheet.
Drop-in alternatives for ATSAM4S16CA-CFN — 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-CFN (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Instruction Set, Core Size, Package, RoHS Status, Flash Memory.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
ATSAM4S16CA-CFNR
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
ATSAM4S16CA-CFU
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$5.76 / Unit
View Datasheet →ATSAM4S16CB-CFN
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$4.95 / Unit
View Datasheet →ATSAM4S8CA-CFN
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ 参数待验证📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
ATSAM4SD16CA-CFN
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ 参数待验证📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
ATSAM4S16CA-CFN Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Core Processor | ARM Cortex-M4 |
| Core Size | 32-bit |
| Maximum Clock Frequency | 120 MHz |
| Flash Memory | 1024 KB (dual-bank, ECC) |
| Instruction Set | Thumb-2 with DSP instructions |
| Memory Protection | MPU (Memory Protection Unit) |
| Flash Security | Security Bit and Lock bits |
| Supply Voltage | 1.2 V / 3.3 V |
| USB | Full-speed USB Device port |
| PIO Feature | Parallel Input/Output data capture mode |
| Package | 100-VFBGA (GREEN, EXT) |
| Number of Terminals | 100 |
| Terminal Form | BALL |
| Package Shape | SQUARE |
| Mounting Style | Surface Mount |
| Temperature Grade | INDUSTRIAL |
| Pin Compatibility | SAM7S, SAM3N, SAM3S (100-pin versions) |
| Packaging | Tray |
| RoHS Status | GREEN (RoHS compliant per Mouser listing) |
ATSAM4S16CA-CFN square Pin Configuration Guide
Pin configuration for ATSAM4S16CA-CFN (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 ATSAM4S16CA-CFN.
Refer to the datasheet for full pin configuration.
Typical Applications
ATSAM4S16CA-CFN is suitable for 6 applications: Industrial Automation Control Nodes, USB Peripherals and HID Devices, Data Acquisition Systems, Embedded HMI and Display Controllers, Legacy SAM7S/SAM3S Design Upgrades, Motor Control and Digital Power.
Industrial Automation Control Nodes
Industrial automation nodes demand deterministic processing, robust code storage, and long-term availability, all of which the ATSAM4S16CA-CFN delivers. The 120 MHz ARM Cortex-M4 core with hardware DSP instructions executes PID loops and digital filtering for motor and process control, while the Memory Protection Unit isolates the RTOS kernel from application tasks. The 1024 KB dual-bank Flash with ECC stores large control firmware safely, and field updates can be performed from one bank while running from the other. Its industrial temperature grade suits factory-floor enclosures, and pin compatibility with SAM3S eases upgrades of existing SAM3S-based PLC I/O modules without PCB respin.
Recommended
USB Peripherals and HID Devices
The embedded full-speed USB Device port makes the ATSAM4S16CA-CFN a strong fit for USB peripherals such as data loggers, test-instrument front ends, and industrial HID panels. Because the USB transceiver is embedded, no external PHY is required, reducing BOM count and board area in the compact 100-ball VFBGA footprint. The 120 MHz Cortex-M4 core with single-cycle MAC sustains USB throughput while running application DSP, such as sensor calibration math. Dual-bank Flash enables field firmware updates delivered over USB, and the Security Bit protects proprietary firmware from extraction in commercial products.
Recommended
Data Acquisition Systems
In multi-channel data acquisition, the ATSAM4S16CA-CFN's Parallel Input/Output (PIO) data capture mode ingests parallel data streams from external ADCs or FPGA front ends without CPU intervention per word, freeing the 120 MHz Cortex-M4 to apply DSP filtering, decimation, and FFT analysis. The 1024 KB dual-bank Flash buffers configuration, calibration tables, and logging payloads, with ECC safeguarding data integrity in electrically noisy environments. The VFBGA package keeps the controller adjacent to analog front-end circuitry in space-limited measurement modules, and industrial temperature rating supports deployment across -40C to +85C environments.
Recommended
Embedded HMI and Display Controllers
Human-machine interface panels benefit from the ATSAM4S16CA-CFN's combination of large Flash and DSP-accelerated processing. The 1024 KB Flash stores graphics assets, multi-language string tables, and a GUI middleware stack alongside application code, while the 120 MHz Cortex-M4 renders and refreshes segment or small TFT displays with DMA-assisted peripherals. The MPU enables safe separation of the display task from control logic. Dual-bank Flash allows UI firmware and asset updates in the field, a key requirement for industrial HMI products that evolve over a multi-year service life.
Recommended
Legacy SAM7S/SAM3S Design Upgrades
Designers maintaining products built on Atmel SAM7S, SAM3N or SAM3S microcontrollers can upgrade to the ATSAM4S16CA-CFN without changing the PCB, because the SAM4S family is pin-to-pin compatible with these legacy series in the 100-pin version per the Microchip datasheet. The upgrade multiplies performance from the SAM7S ARM7TDMI or SAM3S Cortex-M3 clock rates to a 120 MHz Cortex-M4 with DSP instructions and doubles code headroom to 1024 KB of ECC-protected Flash. This makes it ideal for EOL-mitigation of legacy designs while adding modern features such as the full-speed USB Device port.
Recommended
Motor Control and Digital Power
The ARM Cortex-M4 core in the ATSAM4S16CA-CFN includes single-cycle multiply-accumulate and DSP instructions that accelerate field-oriented control (FOC) math for BLDC/PMSM motors and digital power loops. Running control algorithms at 120 MHz allows 16-32 kHz PWM interrupt rates with margin, while the MPU protects the real-time control task from communication stack faults. The 1024 KB dual-bank Flash stores compensator tables and firmware-update images safely, and industrial temperature qualification suits motor-drive environments. Refer to Microchip's SAM4S motor-control reference material for peripheral configuration examples.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for ATSAM4S16CA-CFN — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | ATSAM4S16CA-CFNR | ATSAM4S16CA-CFU | ATSAM4S16CB-CFN | ATSAM4S8CA-CFN |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Package | 100-VFBGA | 100-VFBGA - same | 100-VFBGA - same | 100-VFBGA - same | 100-VFBGA - same |
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Core / Max Frequency | ARM Cortex-M4 / 120 MHz | ARM Cortex-M4 / 120 MHz | ARM Cortex-M4 / 120 MHz | ARM Cortex-M4 / 120 MHz | ARM Cortex-M4 / 120 MHz |
| Temperature Grade | Industrial | Industrial | Industrial | Industrial | Industrial |
| Lifecycle Status | Active | Active | Active | Active | Active |
Key Differentiators
- Dual-bank Flash with ECC for fail-safe field updates (vs ATSAM4S8CA-CFN)
- Identical silicon at zero PCB change (vs ATSAM4S16CA-CFNR)
- Legacy family upgrade path (vs ATSAM3S8BA-MUR)
Design Notes
The 100-ball VFBGA requires BGA-capable PCB assembly: specify a minimum 4-layer stackup with dedicated ground plane under the ball field, via-in-pad or dog-bone fan-out with 0.2-0.25 mm laser vias, and controlled-impedance routing for the USB D+/D- pair (90 ohm differential). Plan the ball-map escape before finalizing the schematic net assignment. Estimated: a 0.8 mm ball pitch VFBGA-100 typically escapes within 4 routing layers; verify against the manufacturer package outline drawing.
The device operates from 1.2 V (core) and 3.3 V (I/O) domains per FindIC specification data; verify the internal regulator configuration in the SAM4S datasheet before designing the power tree. Decouple each supply ball with 100 nF ceramic capacitors placed within 2 mm of the ball, plus bulk 10 uF per rail. Confirm the VDDCORE/VDDIO sequencing requirement in the datasheet power-up section to avoid latch-up during startup.
Do not confuse packing suffixes when ordering: CFN is Tray, CFNR is Tape & Reel; pick-and-place lines fed from trays need tray handlers. When using dual-bank Flash self-programming, never erase the bank currently executing code, and reserve the Security Bit until final production programming - once set, debug access via JTAG is permanently locked. Finally, confirm industrial temperature rating on your specific order code, since some suffixes denote extended or commercial ranges.
Compliance Information
Mouser lists the part as VFBGA GREEN EXT, indicating Microchip green (RoHS/halogen-reduced) packaging. REACH and conflict-minerals status not stated in provided data.
