ATSAM4S4AA-AU - Cortex-M4 120MHz MCU 256KB Flash | Microchip
MPN: ATSAM4S4AA-AU β Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $5.32 | $5.32 |
| 10 | $4.79 | $47.90 |
| 100 | $4.42 | $442.00 |
| 500 | $4.05 | $2,025.00 |
| 1,000 | $3.75 | $3,750.00 |
ATSAM4S4AA-AU Overview
A microcontroller unit (MCU) integrates a processor core, memory, and peripherals on a single chip, sitting at the center of embedded system hierarchies that span from simple 8-bit controllers to application processors. The SAM4S family belongs to Microchip's SMART ARM-based MCU portfolio, positioned for mid-range embedded control, connectivity, and signal-processing tasks where a Cortex-M4 with hardware DSP instructions and a single-cycle MAC accelerates math-intensive firmware.
Key features of the ATSAM4S4AA-AU include the 120 MHz Cortex-M4 core with FPU-free DSP extensions, 256KB flash with dual dual-plane architecture supporting concurrent read-write operation, and a supply range of 1.62V to 3.6V. According to Microchip product data, the SAM4S4A achieves low active power consumption of approximately 180 uA/MHz class efficiency with multiple sleep, wait, and backup modes for battery-operated designs.
The device architecture pairs the core with a bus matrix, a 12-channel DMA controller, and a rich peripheral set typical of the SAM4S family: UART/USART, SPI, I2C (TWI), I2S, ADC, DAC, PWM channels, and an external bus interface. Pin-to-pin compatibility with SAM4N, SAM3S, SAM3N, and SAM7S devices, documented in the SAM4S family datasheet (60001419B), enables straightforward migration across memory and peripheral density options.
Typical applications include industrial control panels, motor control and power monitoring nodes, building automation sensors, consumer appliances, and test equipment front-ends. The 48-pin LQFP footprint with up to 38 GPIO suits compact boards that need USB-class performance without BGA assembly cost.
Design considerations: reserve flash headroom of at least 20% for OTA firmware updates, and validate 1.8V versus 3.3V I/O signaling against the 1.62V-3.6V supply window. The AU suffix denotes industrial temperature (typically -40C to +85C) and lead-free, RoHS-compliant green packaging in tray format.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing, drop-in alternatives, comparison tables, and practical design notes not found in the manufacturer datasheet alone.
Drop-in alternatives for ATSAM4S4AA-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 ATSAM4S4AA-AU (same form factor and footprint) β differing in Operating Temperature, Package, SRAM, Core, Flash Memory.
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Request AlternativesATSAM4S4AA-AU Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Core Processor | ARM Cortex-M4 |
| Core Size | 32-Bit |
| Maximum Clock Frequency | 120 MHz |
| Flash Memory | 256 KB (256K x 8) |
| SRAM | 64 KB |
| Supply Voltage Range | 1.62 V to 3.6 V |
| Number of I/O | 38 |
| Package | 48-LQFP (7x7 mm) |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| Operating Temperature | -40C to +85C (Industrial) |
| Peripherals | DMA, PWM, WDT, I2S |
| Connectivity | I2C, SPI, UART/USART |
| Data Converters | ADC, DAC |
| Packaging | Tray |
| RoHS Status | Compliant (Green) |
| Series | SAM4S |
ATSAM4S4AA-AU 48-lqfp (7x7 mm) Pin Configuration Guide
Pin configuration for ATSAM4S4AA-AU (48-lqfp (7x7 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 ATSAM4S4AA-AU.
Refer to the datasheet for full pin configuration.
Typical Applications
ATSAM4S4AA-AU is suitable for 6 applications: Industrial Control and Automation, Motor Control Drives, Building Automation and Smart Sensors, Consumer Appliances, Portable and Battery-Powered Instruments, Networking and Communication Modules.
Industrial Control and Automation
The ATSAM4S4AA-AU fits industrial control nodes because its 120 MHz Cortex-M4 core executes PID and communication stacks with headroom, while 256KB flash accommodates Modbus/CAN-style protocol firmware plus OTA upgrade reservations. In a typical PLC expansion module, the MCU runs the control loop in the main clock domain and delegates UART/SPI data movement to the 12-channel DMA controller, keeping CPU load low. Its 1.62V-3.6V supply and -40C to +85C industrial rating suit 24V backplane systems with a local 3.3V regulator. Compared to an 8-bit controller, the 32-bit core delivers deterministic interrupt latency for multi-axis coordination at the same PCB footprint.
Recommended
Motor Control Drives
For BLDC and PMSM drives, the ATSAM4S4AA-AU provides the DSP instructions and single-cycle MAC that field-oriented control demands, closing current loops in the 10-20 kHz range at 120 MHz. The SAM4S PWM unit generates complementary outputs with dead-time insertion, and the ADC with DMA streams phase-current samples without CPU intervention. 256KB flash holds the FOC algorithm plus position-sensor and fault-handling code with margin. Designers should budget CPU load carefully - unlike SAM4E/SAM4C parts with hardware FPU, this FPU-free part uses fixed-point arithmetic, which is standard practice in cost-sensitive drive boards.
Recommended
Building Automation and Smart Sensors
Building automation sensors benefit from the ATSAM4S4AA-AU's low active consumption (about 180 uA-class per Microchip's SAM4S4A data) and multiple sleep modes, allowing battery-backed occupancy, temperature, and air-quality nodes to run for years. The 64KB SRAM buffers sensor fusion data while the Cortex-M4 runs filtering and cryptographic overhead for secure network joins. Dual flash planes let the node log configuration while executing firmware. Its 38 GPIO in a 7x7 mm 48-LQFP drive LEDs, relays, and multiple I2C sensor buses without port expanders, and pin-compatible SAM3S/SAM4N siblings provide cost or power stepping within the same PCB.
Recommended
Consumer Appliances
In appliances such as rice cookers, coffee machines, and air purifiers, the ATSAM4S4AA-AU combines user-interface work (capacitive touch scanning, segment LCD driving, beeper control) with real-time power control on one die. The 120 MHz core leaves cycle budget for both HMI responsiveness and closed-loop heater or fan regulation, while 256KB flash stores multi-language menus and OTA-ready bootloaders. The industrial -40C to +85C rating covers unventilated enclosures, and the 3.3V-tolerant peripheral set interfaces directly with isolated AC-sensing front ends. Tray packaging and wide distributor stock simplify mid-volume appliance manufacturing.
Recommended
Portable and Battery-Powered Instruments
Handheld measurement tools use the ATSAM4S4AA-AU because the Cortex-M4 DSP instructions accelerate FFT and calibration math, and wait/backup modes cut sleep current for months of battery life. The 64KB SRAM accommodates waveform capture buffers, while 256KB flash holds the application plus bootloader for field firmware updates over USB-UART. A 1.62V-3.6V supply range lets the design run directly from two alkaline cells through an LDO. Typical front-ends pair the internal ADC with an external precision converter via SPI; using DMA for sample transfer keeps the CPU free for display rendering between acquisitions at sustained rates.
Recommended
Networking and Communication Modules
The ATSAM4S4AA-AU serves as a host or companion controller in embedded communication modules - serial-to-WiFi bridges, RS-485 gateways, and GNSS loggers - where USART throughput at 120 MHz sustains multi-megabit links with DMA. The I2S interface pairs with audio codecs for voice nodes, and 256KB flash stores TLS-style stacks with room to spare. Pin compatibility with SAM3S and SAM7S devices documented in datasheet 60001419B lets module makers reuse a proven footprint while stepping up processing power. The 48-pin LQFP keeps module height and cost low compared with BGA alternatives, easing inspection and rework in contract manufacturing.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for ATSAM4S4AA-AU β comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | ATSAM4S4CA-AU | ATSAM4S2AA-AU | ATSAM4S8CA-AU | ATSAM3S4AA-AU |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Package | 48-LQFP (7x7 mm) | 48-LQFP (7x7 mm) - same | 48-LQFP (7x7 mm) - same | 48-LQFP (7x7 mm) - same | 48-LQFP (7x7 mm) - same |
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Core / Max Clock | ARM Cortex-M4 / 120 MHz | ARM Cortex-M4 / 120 MHz | ARM Cortex-M4 / 120 MHz | ARM Cortex-M4 / 120 MHz | ARM Cortex-M3 / 64 MHz |
| Flash | 256 KB | 512 KB | 128 KB | 1024 KB | 256 KB |
| SRAM | 64 KB | 64 KB | 64 KB | 128 KB | 64 KB |
| 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 / FPU | DSP yes / FPU no | DSP yes / FPU no | DSP yes / FPU no | DSP yes / FPU no | None (Cortex-M3) |
Key Differentiators
- Cortex-M4 DSP instructions at same cost tier (vs ATSAM3S4AA-AU)
- Balanced 256KB/64KB memory for mid-size firmware (vs ATSAM4S2AA-AU)
- Footprint-identical upgrade path to 1-2 MB (vs ATSAM4S8CA-AU)
Design Notes
Decouple VDDCORE/VDDIO with 100 nF ceramics at each supply pin plus one 4.7-10 uF bulk capacitor near the LQFP. The 1.62V-3.6V range tolerates Li-ion cell dropout, but flash programming requires the supply to stay above the minimum through erase cycles - size the regulator for at least 100 mA peak including I/O. Estimated: a 3.3V/150 mA LDO covers the MCU (about 40 mA at 120 MHz per family data class) plus a radio module with margin. Verify exact active current in the SAM4S datasheet power tables for your clock configuration.
Use a 2-layer board minimum with a solid ground plane under the 48-LQFP. Keep the 12 MHz (or 32.768 kHz) crystal within 10 mm of the OSC pins with guard ground and load capacitors matched to the crystal datasheet - typically 10-20 pF; compute CL from the crystal spec, not a generic value. Route SWD (SWDIO/SWCLK) to a 2x5 debug header; SAM4S parts are hard to recover if the SWD pins are consumed by peripherals and the bootloader is not provisioned. Add series 22-33 ohm resistors on high-speed SPI lines over 20 cm traces.
Three recurring mistakes with SAM4S designs: (1) forgetting that flash erase/write requires waiting for the ready flag and that code executing from the same flash plane stalls - use the dual-plane feature for parameter storage; (2) enabling peripheral clocks in PMC but never configuring the GPIO multiplexer, leaving pins in reset state; (3) assuming hardware FPU - the Cortex-M4 in SAM4S has DSP/MAC but no FPU, so floating-point-heavy DSP code compiles to slow soft-float; prefer fixed-point math. Cross-check errata sheets for your silicon revision before production release.
Compliance Information
Distributor listings (DigiKey, Mouser) describe the part as LQFP GRN IND TEMP MRL A - green (halogen-free), industrial temperature, lead-free. REACH and conflict-minerals status not stated in provided data; confirm via Microchip compliance portal.