ATSAM4S4AB-AN - Cortex-M4 120MHz 256KB MCU | Microchip
MPN: ATSAM4S4AB-AN β Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $4.8 | $4.80 |
| 10 | $4.4 | $44.00 |
| 100 | $4.05 | $405.00 |
| 500 | $3.8 | $1,900.00 |
| 1,000 | $3.55 | $3,550.00 |
ATSAM4S4AB-AN Overview
A microcontroller (MCU) is a single integrated circuit that combines a processor core, program memory, data RAM, and a rich set of peripherals into one chip, forming the backbone of embedded systems. Within the voltage-regulator-like hierarchy of embedded components, the SAM4S sits at the mid-to-high tier of Microchip's ARM-based MCU portfolio, positioned above the Cortex-M0+ SAMD series and pin-compatible with the SAM7S, SAM3N, SAM3S, and SAM4N families, enabling straightforward migration between price/performance points.
Key features of the ATSAM4S4AB-AN include the 120 MHz Cortex-M4 core with DSP instructions, 256KB of Flash program memory, on-chip connectivity peripherals (I2C/TWI, SPI, UART/USART, SSC, USB 2.0 device, IrDA, and memory-card interfaces), and system peripherals such as DMA, PWM, watchdog timer (WDT), brown-out detect/reset, and power-on reset (POR). The device provides 34 general-purpose I/O pins in the 48-LQFP footprint.
Architecturally, the Cortex-M4 core features a 3-stage pipeline and single-cycle MAC, giving efficient signal-processing capability for motor control and digital filtering. The Flash accelerator minimizes wait-state penalties at full 120 MHz operation, while the multi-layer bus matrix and DMA allow peripherals to move data without core intervention, reducing real-time latency.
Typical applications include industrial automation and control nodes, consumer appliances, USB-connected instrumentation, and motor-control or touch-sensing systems using Microchip QTouch technology, which is natively supported by the SAM4S peripheral set.
A key design consideration is power budgeting: at 120 MHz, active current is substantially higher than in low-speed sleep modes, so designers should exploit the SAM4S sleep, wait, and backup modes to hit energy targets in battery-powered designs.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing, drop-in same-family alternatives, application guidance, and design notes not found in the manufacturer datasheet.
Drop-in alternatives for ATSAM4S4AB-AN 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 ATSAM4S4AB-AN (same form factor and footprint) β differing in Package, Flash Memory, RoHS Status, Mounting Type, SRAM.
Quick Comparison Tool β Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
ATSAM4S4BB-AN
β Drop-In β οΈ εζ°εΎ ιͺθ―π Reference alternative (not in catalog)
ATSAM4S4CB-AN
β Drop-In β οΈ εζ°εΎ ιͺθ―β In Stock
$3.5 / Unit
View Datasheet βATSAM4S2CB-AN
β Drop-In β οΈ εζ°εΎ ιͺθ―π Reference alternative (not in catalog)
ATSAM4S8CB-AN
β Drop-In β οΈ εζ°εΎ ιͺθ―π Reference alternative (not in catalog)
ATSAM4S4AB-AU
β Drop-Inπ Reference alternative (not in catalog)
ATSAM4S4AB-AN Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Core Processor | ARM Cortex-M4 |
| Core Size | 32-bit |
| Maximum Clock Speed | 120 MHz |
| Program Memory (Flash) | 256KB (256K x 8) |
| Number of I/O | 34 |
| Connectivity | I2C, IrDA, Memory Card, SPI, SSC, UART/USART, USB |
| Peripherals | Brown-out Detect/Reset, DMA, POR, PWM, WDT |
| Series | SAM4S |
| Operating Temperature | -40C to +105C (TA) |
| Supply Voltage | 1.2V (core domain, per part listing) |
| Package | 48-LQFP (7x7 mm) |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| Pin-to-Pin Compatibility | Compatible with Microchip SAM7S, SAM3N, SAM4N, SAM3S MCUs |
| Touch Technology | Microchip QTouch native support (buttons, sliders, wheels) |
| Part Status | Active |
| RoHS Status | Compliant (green package) |
| Packaging | Tray |
ATSAM4S4AB-AN 48-lqfp (7x7 mm) Pin Configuration Guide
Pin configuration for ATSAM4S4AB-AN (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 ATSAM4S4AB-AN.
Refer to the datasheet for full pin configuration.
Typical Applications
ATSAM4S4AB-AN is suitable for 6 applications: Industrial Automation and Control, USB-Connected Instruments and Dongles, Motor Control Systems, Capacitive Touch Human-Machine Interfaces, Consumer Appliances, Data Acquisition and Sensor Nodes.
Industrial Automation and Control
The ATSAM4S4AB-AN fits factory automation nodes because its 120 MHz Cortex-M4 core with DSP instructions executes control loops and protocol stacks deterministically, while hardware UART/USART, I2C, and SPI links interface PLC I/O, sensors, and HMI panels without glue logic. The integrated DMA and multi-layer bus matrix move ADC samples and communication payloads without core intervention, cutting interrupt latency in time-critical scanning cycles. With a -40C to +105C industrial temperature rating and a RoHS green 48-LQFP package, it mounts directly on DIN-rail I/O boards and sensor transmitters. The watchdog timer and brown-out reset add the fault containment required in unattended equipment, and 34 GPIO drive relays, indicators, and keypad matrices directly.
Recommended
USB-Connected Instruments and Dongles
The ATSAM4S4AB-AN suits USB-connected test instruments, data loggers, and programming dongles because it integrates a USB device peripheral on-chip, eliminating an external USB interface chip and its firmware complexity. The 120 MHz Cortex-M4 core sustains CDC/MSC/HID class stacks alongside application code within the 256KB Flash, while the Flash accelerator prevents wait-state stalls during bulk transfers. DMA channels stream sample data from ADC or memory to the USB endpoint with minimal CPU load, and the 1.2V-core design keeps power within USB bus-budget limits when combined with sleep modes between transfers. The 48-LQFP (7x7 mm) footprint keeps the PCB small enough for handheld enclosure designs.
Recommended
Motor Control Systems
The ATSAM4S4AB-AN is well suited to brushless DC and stepper motor control: the Cortex-M4 DSP instructions and single-cycle MAC compute field-oriented-control mathematics in microseconds at 120 MHz, while integrated PWM peripherals drive three-phase inverters through external gate drivers. The watchdog timer and brown-out reset protect power stages during supply glitches, and DMA shuttles ADC current-sense readings into the control loop with deterministic latency. QTouch native support allows capacitive touch speed dials on the same chip. The industrial -40C to +105C rating covers drive-electronics thermal environments, and the 48-pin LQFP provides the 34 GPIO needed for gate enables, encoder inputs, and fault feedback.
Recommended
Capacitive Touch Human-Machine Interfaces
The ATSAM4S4AB-AN natively supports Microchip QTouch capacitive touch technology, per the manufacturer's product page, enabling buttons, sliders, and wheels to be implemented with no dedicated touch controller. The 120 MHz core runs the QTouch library and application logic concurrently, and the 34 GPIO of the 48-LQFP package provide ample electrodes plus backlight and LED indicators. UART/I2C links report touch events to a host controller, while USB enables PC-connected touch panels. Its wide -40C to +105C operating range supports touch panels in appliances and industrial equipment, and the green RoHS package aligns with consumer-product environmental requirements. Sleep and wait modes keep standby current low for always-on touch surfaces.
Recommended
Consumer Appliances
Home appliances such as coffee machines, rice cookers, air purifiers, and small HVAC units benefit from the ATSAM4S4AB-AN's combination of DSP-grade processing and low-cost 48-LQFP packaging. The 120 MHz Cortex-M4 executes PID loops for temperature and motor fan control, PWM outputs drive heaters and blowers, and UART or I2C communicates with displays and cloud-connectivity modules. The -40C to +105C rating handles the hot interior zones of cooking appliances, while brown-out detection keeps firmware state coherent through mains dips. The 256KB Flash holds control firmware plus localized UI strings, and QTouch support enables sealable glass touch panels that survive grease and moisture without mechanical switches.
Recommended
Data Acquisition and Sensor Nodes
The ATSAM4S4AB-AN serves as the processing core of data-acquisition nodes: its DMA controller streams ADC samples to the 256KB Flash or to a memory card via the on-chip memory-card interface, while SPI and I2C read external precision converters and digital sensors. The 120 MHz Cortex-M4 applies DSP filtering (FIR/IIR) in real time, and SSC/IrDA interfaces handle legacy industrial audio-style links. Sleep, wait, and backup modes extend battery life in wireless sensor deployments, and the watchdog guarantees autonomous recovery in remote installations. Operation to +105C allows mounting inside motor junction boxes and outdoor enclosures, and the 7x7 mm LQFP fits compact node PCBs with the 34 GPIO handling sensor enable lines and status signaling.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for ATSAM4S4AB-AN β comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | ATSAM4S4BB-AN | ATSAM4S4CB-AN | ATSAM4S2CB-AN | ATSAM4S8CB-AN | ATSAM4S4AB-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 | 48-LQFP (7x7 mm) - same |
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology (Atmel legacy) |
| Core / Speed | 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 | ARM Cortex-M4 @ 120 MHz |
| Program Flash | 256KB | 512KB | 1MB | 128KB | 512KB | 256KB |
| Number of I/O | 34 | 34 | 34 | 34 | 34 | 34 |
| Operating Temperature | -40C to +105C | -40C to +105C | -40C to +105C | -40C to +105C | -40C to +105C | -40C to +105C (industrial) |
| Connectivity | I2C, IrDA, Memory Card, SPI, SSC, UART/USART, USB | Same peripheral set (USB, SPI, I2C, USART, SSC) | Same peripheral set (USB, SPI, I2C, USART, SSC) | Same peripheral set (USB, SPI, I2C, USART, SSC) | Same peripheral set (USB, SPI, I2C, USART, SSC) | Same peripheral set (USB, SPI, I2C, USART, SSC) |
| Lifecycle Status | Active | Active | Active | Active | Active | Active (legacy Atmel suffix) |
Key Differentiators
- Balanced 256KB Flash / 120 MHz Cortex-M4 price-performance point (vs ATSAM4S4CB-AN)
- Cost-reduced entry into the pin-compatible SAM4S footprint (vs ATSAM4S2CB-AN)
- Native QTouch capacitive touch support without a touch IC (vs Generic ARM Cortex-M4 competitors)
- Trade-off: no verified cross-brand drop-in exists (vs STM32F4-series competitors)
Design Notes
Estimated: active-mode current scales roughly linearly with the 120 MHz core clock on the SAM4S family, so a design running flat-out will draw substantially more than one parked in sleep/wait modes. Budget the 3.3V rail for worst-case active current plus all GPIO loads, and decouple each VDD/VDDIO pair with 100 nF ceramics placed within 2 mm of the pins, plus one bulk 10 uF per supply domain. Use the backup and wait modes between processing bursts in battery designs, and verify exact per-mode current figures in the SAM4S datasheet electrical characteristics table before finalizing the power budget.
For the 48-LQFP (7x7 mm) footprint, follow Microchip's SAM4S hardware design guidance: place the 0.1 uF decoupling array on the component side directly under or beside the package, route the USB D+/D- pair as a 90-ohm differential with matched lengths if USB is used, and keep the crystal (if used) within a few millimeters of the OSC pins with a solid ground guard. Provide a continuous ground plane rather than hatched fills, and connect the exposed LQFP thermal relief through multiple vias to ground. MSL handling: bake or follow floor-life rules before reflow per the tray label.
Two frequent mistakes on SAM4S designs: first, firmware migration from SAM3S/SAM4N parts assumes identical peripheral register maps - the Cortex-M4 core adds DSP and the Flash accelerator, so re-verify clock configuration and wait states when porting at 120 MHz. Second, designers forget that the 48-pin variant limits GPIO to 34 pins; enumerate all pins (SWD debug, USB, crystal, reset) before committing the netlist, or you will run out of I/O and need the larger package. Always break out the SWD interface on production boards for field programming, and validate the brown-out threshold against your supply's droop behavior.
At a 120 MHz core clock, keep high-speed peripheral traces (USB, memory-card CLK) short and referenced to a continuous ground plane; stubs on the USB data pair above a few centimeters can cause eye-diagram failures at full-speed signalling. Series-terminate 22-33 ohm resistors on fast SPI clock lines driving cable harnesses to damp ringing. For QTouch electrodes routed on the same board, keep touch traces away from USB and SPI clock lines to avoid coupling-induced false touches, and follow Microchip's QTouch layout guidelines for electrode size and ground hatching.
Compliance Information
Mouser lists the package as 'LQFP, GREEN, IND TEMP, MRL B' and LCSC flags ROHS for C1338263, indicating a RoHS-compliant green industrial package. REACH, halogen-free, and conflict-minerals statements were not found in the provided data - obtain formal certificates from Microchip's compliance portal.