ATSAM4S4AB-ANR - 120MHz Cortex-M4 256KB MCU | Microchip
MPN: ATSAM4S4AB-ANR ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $6.23 | $6.23 |
| 10 | $5.61 | $56.10 |
| 100 | $4.98 | $498.00 |
| 500 | $4.45 | $2,225.00 |
| 1,000 | $3.99 | $3,990.00 |
ATSAM4S4AB-ANR Overview
A microcontroller unit (MCU) is a single-chip computer that integrates a processor core, memory, and programmable peripherals on one die, sitting within the broader hierarchy of embedded processors beneath MPUs and application processors. The SAM4S family belongs to Microchip (formerly Atmel) ARM-based flash MCUs, positioned for cost-sensitive embedded control where a 32-bit core, DSP instructions, and a rich peripheral set are required in a small footprint.
Key features include the Cortex-M4 core with DSP extension and a single-cycle hardware multiplier/floating-point capable instruction set, 120 MHz maximum CPU frequency, 256 KB (256K x 8) of flash memory for code storage, and an industrial temperature grade of -40C to +105C. The device operates from a single supply in the 1.62V to 3.6V range with a nominal 3.3V rail.
The SAM4S architecture provides an extensive peripheral set for connectivity, system control, and analog interfacing, including UART/USART serial channels, SPI, TWI (I2C), timers, PWM, an ADC, and a DMA controller for data movement without CPU intervention. Native support for Microchip QTouch capacitive touch technology enables buttons, sliders, and wheels without external components. Per the SAM4S family product page, the family is pin-to-pin compatible with Microchip SAM7S, SAM3N, SAM4N, and SAM3S MCUs, simplifying migration across memory and performance tiers within the same PCB footprint.
Typical applications include industrial automation and control nodes, consumer and IoT devices with capacitive touch interfaces, motor control and power conversion, and embedded connectivity bridges where a 120 MHz 32-bit core with DMA-accelerated serial transfers is beneficial.
When designing with this device, budget the flash for bootloader plus application and consider the pin-compatible larger-memory SAM4S variants for upgrade headroom. Follow Microchip layout guidance for decoupling and VDDIO/VDDCORE domains.
This page synthesizes verified distributor pricing, drop-in alternatives within the pin-compatible SAM4S/SAM3S ecosystem, and practical design notes not found in the manufacturer datasheet.
Drop-in alternatives for ATSAM4S4AB-ANR — 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-ANR (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Package, Core Architecture, Core Processor, Operating Temperature, Packaging.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
ATSAM4S4CB-ANR
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ Specs Unverified📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
ATSAM4S2CB-ANR
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ Specs Unverified✓ In Stock
$3.2 / Unit
View Datasheet →ATSAM4S8CB-ANR
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ Specs Unverified📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
ATSAM4S16CB-ANR
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ Specs Unverified📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
ATSAM4SA16CB-ANR
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ Specs Unverified✓ In Stock
$7.05 / Unit
View Datasheet →ATSAM4S4AB-ANR Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Core Processor | ARM Cortex-M4 |
| Core Size | 32-Bit |
| Maximum Clock Frequency | 120 MHz |
| Flash Memory Size | 256 KB (256K x 8) |
| RAM Size | 64K x 8 |
| Supply Voltage Range | 1.62 V to 3.6 V |
| Core Supply Voltage | 1.2 V / 3.3 V |
| Operating Temperature | -40C to +105C (TA) |
| Package | 48-LQFP (7x7 mm) |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| Packaging | Tape & Reel (TR), Cut Tape (CT) |
| Connectivity | UART/USART, SPI, I2C (TWI) |
| Touch Technology | QTouch capacitive touch (native) |
| Pin Compatibility | SAM7S, SAM3N, SAM4N, SAM3S |
| RoHS Status | Compliant (GREEN package) |
| Temperature Grade | Industrial |
| Number of Terminals | 48 |
ATSAM4S4AB-ANR 48-lqfp (7x7 mm) Pin Configuration Guide
Pin configuration for ATSAM4S4AB-ANR (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-ANR.
Refer to the datasheet for full pin configuration.
Typical Applications
ATSAM4S4AB-ANR is suitable for 6 applications: Industrial Automation and Control Nodes, Capacitive Touch Human-Machine Interfaces, Motor Control and Power Conversion, IoT Sensor Nodes and Smart Home Devices, Embedded Connectivity Bridges and Gateways, Portable Measurement and Handheld Instruments.
Industrial Automation and Control Nodes
The ATSAM4S4AB-ANR fits industrial control nodes because its -40C to +105C industrial rating and 120 MHz Cortex-M4 core handle real-time control loops and protocol processing in harsh environments. In a PLC remote I/O or sensor-aggregation node, the MCU runs the fieldbus parsing on UART/USART channels while DMA moves data without CPU stalls, and the 256 KB flash holds application plus bootloader with margin. Placed on a 3.3V rail with local 100 nF decoupling per pin group, the device tolerates noisy industrial grounds; the on-chip ADC samples analog sensor inputs directly, removing an external converter from the BOM. Its pin compatibility with SAM3S/SAM4N lets one PCB span cost and performance tiers across a product line.
Recommended
Capacitive Touch Human-Machine Interfaces
Microchip's SAM4S family natively supports QTouch capacitive touch technology, making the ATSAM4S4AB-ANR ideal for HMI panels with buttons, sliders, and wheels. The 120 MHz Cortex-M4 runs the QTouch acquisition library alongside the main application without a separate touch controller, and the 64 KB SRAM buffers touch plus graphics state. In a white-goods or thermostat panel, the MCU scans electrodes through its PIO pins with series resistors per the QTouch layout guide, achieving robust water-tolerant sensing; the 256 KB flash stores firmware plus touch tuning tables. Because no external touch IC is required, the BOM drops by one active component and the touch sensitivity is fully firmware-tunable in the field.
Recommended
Motor Control and Power Conversion
The ATSAM4S4AB-ANR suits motor control because the Cortex-M4's DSP instructions execute Clarke/Park transforms and PI loops efficiently at 120 MHz, while on-chip PWM and timer peripherals generate the inverter gate signals. In a BLDC or PMSM drive, the MCU reads current shunt signals through the ADC triggered by PWM events for low-latency sampling, and the DMA service keeps serial diagnostics from disturbing the control interrupt. The 1.62V to 3.6V single-supply operation simplifies the isolated-side supply design. The 256 KB flash accommodates field-oriented control firmware plus parameter storage, and the industrial temperature grade covers motor-drive ambient conditions from -40C to +105C.
Recommended
IoT Sensor Nodes and Smart Home Devices
For battery-friendly IoT nodes, the ATSAM4S4AB-ANR combines a 32-bit core with a rich peripheral set and low-power modes, waking on USART or PIO events to process sensor data and push it over SPI or I2C radios. In a smart-home sensor using QTouch buttons for local interface, the SAM4S runs both touch sensing and the mesh-radio protocol stack in its 256 KB flash. The 1.62V minimum supply allows direct operation from a lithium cell through the lower end of the range, extending battery life versus 5V parts. Its 48-pin LQFP offers enough GPIO for multiple sensors and LEDs while keeping the PCB compact at 7x7 mm, fitting enclosure-constrained consumer designs.
Recommended
Embedded Connectivity Bridges and Gateways
The ATSAM4S4AB-ANR works well as a protocol bridge, translating between legacy serial interfaces and modern buses. The SAM4S peripheral set includes multiple UART/USART, SPI, and TWI channels, and the parallel input/output data-capture mode noted on the Microchip product page offloads high-throughput transfers. In a Modbus-to-Ethernet edge gateway front end, the 120 MHz core parses protocol frames while DMA streams serial data, sustaining line-rate throughput without polling overhead. The 64 KB SRAM buffers packet queues, and the 256 KB flash holds two firmware banks for fail-safe field updates. The industrial temperature grade and wide 3.3V supply tolerance suit unconditioned cabinet environments.
Recommended
Portable Measurement and Handheld Instruments
Handheld meters and portable test instruments benefit from the ATSAM4S4AB-ANR's balance of compute, analog capability, and low power. The Cortex-M4 runs digital filtering and calibration math on ADC samples, while the 48-pin LQFP supplies enough GPIO for keypads, QTouch controls, and LCD segment drive. At 3.3V operation with power-gating of unused peripherals, the device supports battery operation across a working shift; the -40C to +105C rating tolerates workshop and vehicle environments. The 256 KB flash stores multiple instrument personalities and a bootloader for USB or UART firmware updates. Designers can later drop in the 512 KB ATSAM4S8CB-ANR on the same PCB for feature-rich SKUs.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for ATSAM4S4AB-ANR — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | ATSAM4S4CB-ANR | ATSAM4S2CB-ANR | ATSAM4S8CB-ANR | ATSAM4S16CB-ANR |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 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 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 |
| Flash Memory | 256 KB | 256 KB | 128 KB | 512 KB | 1024 KB |
| SRAM | 64 KB | 64 KB | 64 KB | 128 KB | 128 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 |
| Operating Temperature | -40C to +105C | -40C to +105C | -40C to +105C | -40C to +105C | -40C to +105C |
| QTouch Support | Yes (native) | Yes (native) | Yes (native) | Yes (native) | Yes (native) |
Key Differentiators
- Balanced 256 KB flash / 64 KB SRAM mid-tier option (vs ATSAM4S2CB-ANR)
- Lowest-cost footprint-compatible tier in family (vs ATSAM4S8CB-ANR)
- Cortex-M4 DSP core vs legacy ARM7/Cortex-M3 pin-compatible parts (vs SAM3S / SAM4N family members)
Design Notes
Estimated: at 120 MHz active operation the SAM4S draws in the tens of milliamps from a 3.3 V rail, so budget roughly 100-150 mW for the core plus I/O loads (verify exact figures in the SAM4S datasheet power chapter for your clock and peripheral configuration). Provide one 100 nF ceramic capacitor per supply pin group plus a 4.7-10 uF bulk capacitor, placed within 2 mm of the pins. If running below 3.0 V, confirm the flash programming voltage and speed-grade margins still hold, since the SAM4S has frequency-versus-voltage operating regions.
The LQFP-48 (7x7 mm, 0.5 mm pitch) footprint requires a standard 0.5 mm pitch land pattern per IPC-7351; use non-soldermask-defined pads with slight extension for reliable gull-wing joints. Route the crystal (typically 12 MHz master oscillator) traces as short as possible, guard with ground, and keep the PLL supply pin decoupled separately from the I/O supply. Do not route fast switching signals under the chip between the exposed center area and the pads; use the center region for a solid ground pour connected to the ground plane with an array of vias.
A frequent mistake on SAM4S designs is ignoring the pin-multiplexing assignments: many PIO pins serve up to four peripheral functions (A/B/C/D), so verify the multiplexer selection in the SAM4S datasheet pinout tables before locking the schematic - changing a pin function later forces a PCB respin. Also note that the SAM4S flash-based part uses a separate boot process; ensure the GPNVM bits and boot-mode pins are set correctly so the MCU boots from flash rather than ROM after reset, and reserve a debug/programming header (SWD via Cortex-M debug port) for in-system updates.
Compliance Information
Mouser lists the package as GREEN (Microchip lead-free/halogen-free green packaging) and LCSC marks the part ROHS compliant. REACH and conflict-minerals status not stated in provided data.