ATSAM4S2BB-MNR - 120MHz Cortex-M4 MCU, 128KB Flash | Microchip
MPN: ATSAM4S2BB-MNR β Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $5.85 | $5.85 |
| 10 | $5.32 | $53.20 |
| 100 | $4.75 | $475.00 |
| 500 | $4.28 | $2,140.00 |
| 1,000 | $3.92 | $3,920.00 |
ATSAM4S2BB-MNR Overview
A microcontroller (MCU) is a single integrated circuit that combines a processor core, memory, and peripherals into one chip, serving as the computational heart of embedded systems. Within the power-management hierarchy of an embedded design, the SAM4S family occupies the mid-to-high performance tier of Microchip's ARM-based MCU portfolio, sitting above the SAM3N/SAM3S Cortex-M3 series and offering DSP instructions and a Memory Protection Unit (MPU) inherited from the Cortex-M4 core.
Key features include the Thumb-2 instruction set with hardware DSP instructions for efficient signal processing, ECC-protected Flash with Security Bit and Lock Bits for code integrity, and a low-power profile of approximately 180 uA in typical low-power operation with a 1.62V to 3.6V supply range. The -MNR ordering code denotes the industrial/extended-temperature, green (halogen-free) QFN package in Tape & Reel packaging.
Architecturally, the Cortex-M4 core at 120 MHz delivers 1.25 DMIPS/MHz-class performance, and the device integrates a rich peripheral set typical of the SAM4S family, including USB, USART, SPI, TWI, ADC, and PWM channels, enabling single-chip designs for control and connectivity tasks.
Typical applications include industrial control and automation nodes, consumer appliances, motor control systems, and general-purpose embedded products that require 32-bit performance with deterministic real-time behavior.
When designing with this device, budget the 1.62V to 3.6V supply rail carefully and follow the reference manual for Flash ECC and security-bit configuration, since these options affect field reliability and firmware update strategy.
This page synthesizes distributor availability, pin-compatible SAM4S/SAM3S drop-in alternatives, and practical design notes not found on the manufacturer product page.
Drop-in alternatives for ATSAM4S2BB-MNR 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 ATSAM4S2BB-MNR (same form factor and footprint) β differing in Core Processor, Maximum Clock Frequency, RoHS Status, Core Size, Flash Memory.
Quick Comparison Tool β Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
ATSAM4S2BA-MNR
β Drop-In β οΈ εζ°εΎ ιͺθ―π Reference alternative (not in catalog)
ATSAM4S2CB-MNR
β Drop-In β οΈ εζ°εΎ ιͺθ―π Reference alternative (not in catalog)
ATSAM4S2CC-MNR
β Drop-In β οΈ εζ°εΎ ιͺθ―π Reference alternative (not in catalog)
ATSAM3S8BA-MUR
β Drop-Inβ In Stock
$5.15 / Unit
View Datasheet βATSAM3N4BA-MU
β Drop-Inβ In Stock
$3.48 / Unit
View Datasheet βATSAM4S2BB-MNR 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 Consumption | 180 uA (typical low-power mode, per Microchip product page) |
| Instruction Set | Thumb-2 with DSP instructions |
| Memory Protection | Memory Protection Unit (MPU) |
| Flash Features | ECC, Security Bit, Lock Bits |
| Package | 64-QFN (9x9 mm), VQFN with exposed pad |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| Operating Temperature | Extended/industrial temperature (per Mouser listing: GREEN, EXT TEMP) |
| Packaging | Tape & Reel (T&R) |
| RoHS Status | Compliant (green package) |
| Series | SAM4S |
ATSAM4S2BB-MNR 64-qfn (9x9 mm), vqfn with exposed pad Pin Configuration Guide
Pin configuration for ATSAM4S2BB-MNR (64-qfn (9x9 mm), vqfn 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-MNR.
Refer to the datasheet for full pin configuration.
Typical Applications
ATSAM4S2BB-MNR is suitable for 6 applications: Industrial Control and Automation, Motor Control, Consumer Appliances, Battery-Powered Portable Instruments, IoT Sensor Nodes, Legacy SAM7S/SAM3S Design Migration.
Industrial Control and Automation
The ATSAM4S2BB-MNR's 120 MHz Cortex-M4 core with DSP instructions executes PID control loops and digital filtering with deterministic latency, while the MPU supports safety partitioning of firmware. Its 128KB Flash and 64KB SRAM comfortably host Modbus or CAN-style communication stacks alongside the application, and the extended-temperature green QFN package suits factory-floor environments. Typically the MCU drives PWM outputs for actuators and reads sensors via SPI/TWI/ADC; running the control loop from Flash with ECC enabled improves field reliability. Unlike an 8-bit MCU, a single SAM4S device consolidates control, HMI, and communications, reducing BOM count and board area in PLC I/O modules and motor drive panels.
Recommended
Motor Control
With a Cortex-M4 running at 120 MHz and single-cycle MAC DSP instructions, the ATSAM4S2BB-MNR implements field-oriented control (FOC) for BLDC and PMSM motors at switching frequencies of 16-20 kHz with margin to spare. The SAM4S PWM peripheral supports complementary outputs with dead-time insertion, and the integrated ADC synchronizes current sampling with PWM events for low-jitter sensing. The 1.62V to 3.6V rail allows direct interfacing with gate-driver logic. Firmware typically uses Microchip's motor-control application libraries ported to SAM4S. Compared to a Cortex-M0+ solution, the hardware DSP cuts FOC loop cycle time significantly, enabling higher bandwidth current loops in compact 64-pin designs.
Recommended
Consumer Appliances
In appliances such as rice cookers, air conditioners, and washing machines, the ATSAM4S2BB-MNR combines a 120 MHz Cortex-M4 for control with sufficient 128KB Flash for UI code and multiple language tables. The 64-pin QFN integrates enough GPIO, ADC channels, and PWM outputs to drive seven-segment displays, touch keys via software sensing, buzzer output, and triac or relay control in one chip. The green RoHS package and Tape & Reel delivery support high-volume SMT assembly, and ECC-protected Flash plus Security Bit protect firmware from cloning. Low 180 uA-class standby modes help products meet standby power regulations in Europe and Asia.
Recommended
Battery-Powered Portable Instruments
The ATSAM4S2BB-MNR's 1.62V to 3.6V supply range and approximately 180 uA low-power mode make it appropriate for battery-powered meters, handheld testers, and portable data loggers. Its Cortex-M4 DSP instructions accelerate FFT-based signal analysis of ADC samples, letting designers perform spectrum analysis locally instead of streaming raw data. The 64KB SRAM buffers long capture windows, while the PMC's sleep/wait modes with wake-on-interrupt yield multi-month battery life in duty-cycled designs. Power-tree designs typically use a low-Iq LDO or buck in front of the 3.3V rail. The industrial-temperature QFN survives outdoor handheld use and repeated thermal cycling in the field.
Recommended
IoT Sensor Nodes
For connected sensor endpoints, the ATSAM4S2BB-MNR provides the local control, ADC acquisition, and protocol handling while an external radio module provides connectivity. Its 120 MHz core offloads preprocessing such as calibration math and data compression from the network, reducing radio on-time and battery drain. Multiple USART/SPI/TWI ports interface simultaneously with sensors and a Wi-Fi, LoRa, or BLE module. Flash ECC and Lock Bits secure OTA-updated firmware, and the MPU isolates the bootloader from the application. The 9x9 mm 64-QFN footprint fits compact node PCBs. Compared with running a heavier application processor, this MCU-only architecture cuts cost and deep-sleep current dramatically.
Recommended
Legacy SAM7S/SAM3S Design Migration
The SAM4S series is officially pin-to-pin compatible with SAM3N, SAM3S, SAM4N, and 64-pin SAM7S legacy devices, making the ATSAM4S2BB-MNR the natural refresh path for aging designs. Dropping it onto an existing 64-pin land pattern upgrades a Cortex-M3 or ARM7TDMI system to a 120 MHz Cortex-M4 with DSP capability, more SRAM, and modern tooling support, usually with only a recompile and peripheral register review. ECC Flash, the Security Bit, and active product lifecycle status eliminate obsolescence risk for long-lifetime industrial equipment. Microchip's migration app notes document register-level deltas between SAM3S and SAM4S to shorten qualification cycles.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for ATSAM4S2BB-MNR β comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | ATSAM4S2BA-MNR | ATSAM4S2CB-MNR | ATSAM3S8BA-MUR | ATSAM3N4BA-MU |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Package | 64-QFN (9x9 mm) | 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 | ARM Cortex-M4 | ARM Cortex-M4 | ARM Cortex-M4 | ARM Cortex-M3 | ARM Cortex-M3 |
| 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 |
| DSP Instructions | Yes (Cortex-M4) | Yes (Cortex-M4) | Yes (Cortex-M4) | No (Cortex-M3) | No (Cortex-M3) |
| Flash ECC | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | No |
| Pin-to-Pin Compatibility | Reference (SAM4S 64-pin) | Pin-to-pin (same family) | Pin-to-pin (same family) | Pin-to-pin (per SAM4S datasheet) | Pin-to-pin (per SAM4S datasheet, 64-pin) |
Key Differentiators
- Cortex-M4 core with hardware DSP instructions (vs ATSAM3S8BA-MUR)
- ECC-protected Flash for field reliability (vs ATSAM3N4BA-MU)
- Same footprint with memory upgrade headroom (vs ATSAM4S2CB-MNR)
Design Notes
Power the ATSAM4S2BB-MNR from a clean 1.62V to 3.6V rail; 3.3V is the standard choice. Place 100 nF ceramic decoupling capacitors at every VDD/VDDIO pin pair of the 64-pin QFN, plus at least one bulk 4.7-10 uF capacitor near the device. Estimated: at 120 MHz active operation the core draws tens of milliamps, so regulator headroom of 100 mA or more is recommended for the MCU rail alone. Follow the SAM4S datasheet power-supply chapter for VDDCORE/VDDIO sequencing if the reference design specifies it.
The exposed pad on the 9x9 mm VQFN must be soldered to a grounded copper pour with an array of thermal vias; it serves both as the principal ground return and heat removal path. Estimated: a typical 5x5 via array under the pad reduces effective thermal resistance substantially versus no pad connection. Use an NSMD (solder-mask-defined-free) pad pattern per Microchip's QFN layout application notes and inspect solder wicking of the center pad with X-ray on first-article builds, since voiding here is the most common QFN assembly defect.
Do not assume software portability without review when migrating from SAM3S or SAM7S: although the SAM4S is pin-to-pin compatible, peripheral registers, clock tree (PMC), and Flash controller behavior differ. Recompile with the correct device header, re-run the clock configuration, and validate the Flash wait-state settings at 120 MHz. Also configure Flash ECC handling at startup; unhandled ECC errors on corrupted Flash can cause unexpected faults in the field.
At 120 MHz, keep the crystal/oscillator traces short and guarded by ground, and route high-speed USB or fast SPI buses away from the crystal and switching regulator nodes. Series-terminate 22-33 ohm resistors on clock outputs and long SPI traces to control ringing. Estimated: unterminated 10 cm traces at 50-60 MHz SPI clocks can show significant overshoot on a 2-layer board; a 4-layer stackup with a solid ground plane is recommended for designs using USB plus high-speed SPI simultaneously.
Compliance Information
Mouser lists the package as QFN, GREEN, EXT TEMP - Microchip green packages are lead-free and halogen-free and RoHS compliant. Formal REACH and conflict-minerals declarations should be obtained from Microchip's Material Declaration service.
