ATSAM4S2BB-MN - 120MHz Cortex-M4 128KB Flash MCU | Microchip
MPN: ATSAM4S2BB-MN ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $4.25 | $4.25 |
| 10 | $3.98 | $39.80 |
| 100 | $3.35 | $335.00 |
| 500 | $2.9 | $1,450.00 |
| 1,000 | $2.45 | $2,450.00 |
ATSAM4S2BB-MN Overview
A microcontroller (MCU) is a compact integrated circuit that governs specific operations in embedded systems, combining a processor core, memory, and programmable peripherals on one die. The ARM Cortex-M4 is a 32-bit RISC core with a hardware FPU and DSP instructions; the SAM4S series belongs to Microchip's SAM4 family of low-power, high-performance ARM flash MCUs, sitting above the Cortex-M0+ SAM D/L series and beside the SAM4E/Ethernet-equipped parts.
Key features include a 120 MHz maximum core clock, 128 KB Flash with ECC, security bit and lock bits, 180 uA low-power mode consumption, an MPU (Memory Protection Unit), and a rich peripheral set spanning multiple UARTs, SPI, I2C/TWI, USB, and a 12-bit ADC. Flash ECC corrects single-bit errors, improving data integrity in industrial and medical equipment.
Architecturally, the Cortex-M4 pipeline delivers approximately 1.25 DMIPS/MHz-class performance with Thumb-2 code density, and an internal voltage regulator generates the stable core supply from the 1.62V-3.6V external rail. The device is pin-to-pin compatible with SAM3S, SAM4N, and SAM7S legacy MCUs in the 64-pin version, enabling migration without PCB rework.
Typical applications include industrial control systems, medical diagnostics, consumer electronics, and IoT endpoints requiring real-time DSP processing, USB connectivity, and battery efficiency.
Design consideration: decouple all power pins with 100 nF capacitors placed close to the die and solder the exposed pad to the PCB thermal pad for heat dissipation.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing, drop-in same-family alternatives, and practical design notes not found in the manufacturer datasheet. Pricing data reflects distributor listings as of 2026-09-20.
Drop-in alternatives for ATSAM4S2BB-MN — 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 ATSAM4S2BB-MN (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Operating Temperature, RoHS Status, Package, DSP Instructions, Maximum Clock Frequency.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
ATSAM4S4BB-MN
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ Specs Unverified✓ In Stock
$1.8 / Unit
View Datasheet →ATSAM4S8BB-MN
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ Specs Unverified📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
ATSAM4SA16BB-MN
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ Specs Unverified📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
ATSAM4SD32BB-MN
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ Specs Unverified✓ In Stock
$8.16 / Unit
View Datasheet →ATSAM4N16BA-MU
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ Specs Unverified✓ In Stock
$4.45 / Unit
View Datasheet →ATSAM4S2BB-MN Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Core Processor | ARM Cortex-M4 |
| Core Size | 32-bit |
| Maximum Clock Frequency | 120 MHz |
| Flash Memory | 128 KB (128K x 8) |
| SRAM | 64 KB |
| Supply Voltage Range | 1.62 V to 3.6 V |
| Low-Power Mode Consumption | 180 uA |
| FPU | Yes (hardware) |
| DSP Instructions | Yes |
| Memory Protection Unit | Yes (MPU) |
| Flash ECC | Yes (with security bit and lock bits) |
| Communication Interfaces | UART, SPI, I2C/TWI, USB |
| ADC Resolution | 12-bit |
| Operating Temperature | Extended industrial range (per -M grade ordering code) |
| Package | 64-QFN (9x9 mm) with exposed pad |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| Pin Compatibility | SAM3S, SAM4N, SAM7S 64-pin devices |
| RoHS Status | Compliant (GREEN package per Mouser listing) |
ATSAM4S2BB-MN 64-qfn (9x9 mm) with exposed pad Pin Configuration Guide
Pin configuration for ATSAM4S2BB-MN (64-qfn (9x9 mm) with exposed pad 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 ATSAM4S2BB-MN.
Refer to the datasheet for full pin configuration.
Typical Applications
ATSAM4S2BB-MN is suitable for 6 applications: Industrial Control Systems, Medical and Diagnostic Devices, IoT Endpoints and Sensor Nodes, Consumer Electronics, USB-Connected Devices, Legacy Design Migration and Upgrades.
Industrial Control Systems
The ATSAM4S2BB-MN fits factory automation nodes, motor control front-ends, and PLC I/O modules where deterministic real-time response matters. Its 120 MHz Cortex-M4 with DSP instructions executes control loops and filtering (FIR, PID) far faster than a Cortex-M3 at the same clock, while Flash ECC and lock bits protect firmware integrity in electrically noisy environments. The extended industrial temperature grade (-M ordering code) and 1.62V-3.6V supply tolerate brownout conditions on 24V-derived rails. Multiple UART, SPI, and I2C interfaces interface directly with sensors, drivers, and HMI panels, and the 12-bit ADC samples analog feedback at speed. Migration from legacy SAM3S/SAM7S industrial designs is a solder-in upgrade with no PCB rework, per the SAM4S family datasheet.
Recommended
Medical and Diagnostic Devices
Portable diagnostic instruments benefit from the ATSAM4S2BB-MN's combination of processing headroom and power efficiency. The hardware FPU accelerates sensor signal processing such as biosignal filtering, while 180 uA low-power mode consumption extends battery life in handheld monitors. Flash ECC detects and corrects single-bit errors, supporting data integrity requirements in measurement and record-keeping functions, and the MPU enables fault isolation between application and bootloader regions. The 12-bit ADC digitizes analog front-end outputs, and USB connectivity supports data offload and charging from a common port. Its pin compatibility with the SAM3S family also lets medical device makers refresh legacy designs with a faster Cortex-M4 core while retaining the certified PCB layout.
Recommended
IoT Endpoints and Sensor Nodes
For battery-powered IoT sensor nodes, the ATSAM4S2BB-MN offers a strong performance-per-microwatt profile: 120 MHz bursts for data aggregation and protocol handling, then 180 uA (and lower deep-sleep states) between events. The 64 KB SRAM buffers sensor datasets for batch transmission, and hardware DSP instructions accelerate FFT-based analytics at the edge, reducing radio airtime and energy. UART and SPI interfaces connect to LoRa, Wi-Fi, or Bluetooth modules over AT commands or SPI framing, while USB handles factory provisioning. Its 1.62V floor allows direct operation from a discharged Li-SOCl2 cell through an LDO. The 64-QFN 9x9 mm footprint keeps node PCBs compact for enclosure-constrained deployments.
Recommended
Consumer Electronics
Consumer appliances, remote controls, and small appliances benefit from the ATSAM4S2BB-MN's balance of cost and capability. At 120 MHz with hardware FPU, it drives capacitive-touch sensing algorithms, audio tone processing, and motor control for fans or pumps that 8-bit MCUs handle poorly, while remaining at mainstream ARM price points with volume discounts to roughly $2.45 at 1,000 pieces as of 2026-09-20. The 128 KB Flash with lock bits protects firmware IP, USB Device mode supports PC-connected peripherals, and the 12-bit ADC reads user-adjustable analog inputs. The GREEN, RoHS-compliant QFN package meets global environmental regulations required for consumer retail channels, and Microchip's long product lifecycle keeps the part available across multi-year appliance programs.
Recommended
USB-Connected Devices
The ATSAM4S2BB-MN's native USB Device controller makes it suitable for instruments, data loggers, and accessories that enumerate over USB. Placed as the main controller, it handles USB 2.0 full-speed transactions while the 120 MHz core processes the payload in parallel, and the 64 KB SRAM provides endpoint buffers plus application working memory. Configuration over USB MSC or CDC classes lets field data be offloaded without custom host software, and USB power simplifies product design by eliminating a separate supply entry. The internal voltage regulator accepts the 5V VBUS-derived 3.3V rail directly within the 1.62V-3.6V specification. Follow datasheet decoupling guidance (100 nF on every supply pin, exposed pad grounded) to pass USB eye and EMI testing.
Recommended
Legacy Design Migration and Upgrades
One of the strongest use cases for the ATSAM4S2BB-MN is refreshing legacy systems built on Microchip's SAM7S, SAM3S, or SAM4N families. Microchip explicitly documents pin-to-pin compatibility across these series in the 64-pin version (SAM4S family datasheet 60001419B), so an existing PCB accepts the ATSAM4S2BB-MN without layout changes while gaining a 120 MHz Cortex-M4 with FPU and DSP instructions, ECC Flash, and lower standby current of 180 uA. Firmware porting is simplified by the shared peripheral register model and the MPLAB X + Harmony toolchain. This makes the part ideal for end-of-life-proofing industrial, medical, and consumer boards whose original MCUs face shortage or obsolescence, preserving tooling investment across a long production life.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for ATSAM4S2BB-MN — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | ATSAM4S4BB-MN | ATSAM4S8BB-MN | ATSAM4SD32BB-MN | ATSAM4SA16BB-MN |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Package | 64-QFN (9x9 mm) with exposed pad | 64-QFN (9x9 mm) - same | 64-QFN (9x9 mm) - same | 64-QFN (9x9 mm) - same | 64-QFN (9x9 mm) - same |
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Core / Max Clock | ARM Cortex-M4, 120 MHz | Cortex-M4, 120 MHz | Cortex-M4, 120 MHz | Cortex-M4, 120 MHz | Cortex-M4, 120 MHz |
| Flash Memory | 128 KB | 256 KB | 512 KB | 512 KB (dual bank) | 1024 KB |
| Flash ECC | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Supply Voltage | 1.62 V to 3.6 V | 1.62 V to 3.6 V | 1.62 V to 3.6 V | 1.62 V to 3.6 V | 1.62 V to 3.6 V |
Key Differentiators
- Lowest-cost 64-QFN SAM4S entry point (vs ATSAM4S4BB-MN)
- Flash ECC with security bit and lock bits (vs ATSAM4S8BB-MN)
- Legacy pin compatibility across four MCU families (vs ATSAM4N16BA-MU)
Design Notes
Solder the exposed pad of the 64-QFN package to a grounded PCB thermal pad with an array of thermal vias (typically 3x3 or more). The exposed pad is the primary ground and heat conduction path; relying only on the perimeter ground pins raises both thermal resistance and ground bounce. Follow standard QFN reflow profiles for leadless packages, and use X-ray or a microscope-based inspection on the hidden pad joint during production qualification, since voiding under the exposed pad is invisible after assembly.
Decouple every VDD/VDDIO pin with a 100 nF ceramic capacitor placed within 2 mm of the pin, plus one bulk 4.7 uF-10 uF capacitor near the device. The internal voltage regulator output also requires its datasheet-specified capacitor for core stability - do not omit it. With a 1.62V-3.6V supply range, verify brownout detector thresholds are configured for your actual rail, especially on battery designs where the cell voltage sags during transmit or motor-start transients.
The SAM4S is pin-compatible with SAM3S/SAM4N/SAM7S, but it is not register-for-register identical in every peripheral. When migrating legacy firmware, re-check the USB controller, ADC timing registers, and clock tree configuration (the 120 MHz PLL settings differ from SAM7S). Also confirm the exact ordering code: the -M grade denotes extended temperature and the GREEN package; using a standard-grade suffix in an extended-temperature socket is a common sourcing error. Finally, enable Flash ECC handling in the fault handler rather than ignoring ECC interrupts.
Compliance Information
Mouser listing describes the package as 'QFN,GREEN,EXT TEMP,MRL B', indicating a GREEN (halogen-free, lead-free) package in extended-temperature grade. REACH and conflict-minerals status not stated in provided data.
