ATSAM4S8BB-MNR - 120MHz Cortex-M4 MCU 512KB Flash 64-QFN | Microchip
MPN: ATSAM4S8BB-MNR ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $6.12 | $6.12 |
| 10 | $5.62 | $56.20 |
| 100 | $4.93 | $493.00 |
| 500 | $4.18 | $2,090.00 |
| 1,000 | $3.55 | $3,550.00 |
ATSAM4S8BB-MNR Overview
A microcontroller (MCU) is a single-chip computer that integrates a CPU core, program memory (Flash), working memory (SRAM), and a rich set of peripherals such as timers, communication controllers, and analog blocks. Within the broader semiconductor taxonomy, an MCU sits under microcontrollers -> embedded ICs -> integrated circuits. ARM Cortex-M4 cores specifically add single-precision floating-point and DSP instructions, making them suitable for signal-processing tasks that would otherwise require a separate DSP chip.
The SAM4S8 differentiates itself with single-cycle hardware multiplier, Memory Protection Unit (MPU), embedded Flash with Error Correction Code (ECC), security bit, and lock bits for firmware protection. The device operates from 1.62 V to 3.6 V and delivers active power consumption of 200 µA/MHz, allowing battery-powered and energy-conscious designs. Integrated peripherals include a high-speed USB 2.0 Full-Speed device, multiple USART/UART, SPI, TWI (I²C-compatible), I²S, an 8-channel 10-bit ADC, a 16-bit PWM timer counter block, and a Real-Time Clock with calendar mode.
Architecturally, the SAM4S8 leverages a 3-stage pipeline with branch speculation and Thumb-2 instruction set, achieving 1.25 DMIPS/MHz. The Cortex-M4 single-precision FPU and DSP extensions accelerate FIR/IIR filters, FFTs, and PID loops without burdening the main CPU, which is valuable in motor control, audio, and sensor-fusion applications.
Typical applications include industrial control and HMI panels, smart energy metering, USB-connected peripherals, point-of-sale terminals, motor-control BLDC/PMSM drives, building automation gateways, and consumer audio devices. The 105 °C junction rating also supports outdoor and harsh-environment deployments.
When designing with the SAM4S8, pay attention to decoupling (100 nF + 4.7 µF near each VDD pin), JTAG/SWD trace length, and exposed-pad soldering for thermal dissipation. Use Microchip's Atmel Studio/Microchip Studio and ASF drivers to accelerate peripheral bring-up.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing, drop-in compatible SAM4S-family alternatives, and practical design notes not bundled in the manufacturer datasheet.
Drop-in alternatives for ATSAM4S8BB-MNR — 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 ATSAM4S8BB-MNR (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Active Power Consumption, Operating Temperature, Package, Program Memory (Flash).
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
ATSAM4S4BB-MNR
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1.38 / Unit
View Datasheet →ATSAM4S16BB-MNR
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
ATSAM4S8BA-MU
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$5.79 / Unit
View Datasheet →ATSAM4S8BB-MUR
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
ATSAM4S8CB-MNR
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
ATSAM4S8BB-MNR Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Core | ARM Cortex-M4 with FPU and DSP extensions |
| Maximum Clock Frequency | 120 MHz |
| Program Memory (Flash) | 512 KB |
| SRAM | 128 KB |
| Supply Voltage (VDD) | 1.62 V to 3.6 V |
| Active Power Consumption | 200 µA/MHz |
| Operating Temperature | -40 °C to +105 °C (extended) |
| Package | 64-pin QFN (9x9 mm) with exposed pad |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| USB | USB 2.0 Full-Speed Device |
| ADC | 8-channel 10-bit |
| PWM Channels | 16-bit, multi-channel |
| Communication | USART, SPI, TWI (I²C), I²S |
| Memory Protection | MPU, Flash ECC, Lock Bits, Security Bit |
| RoHS Status | Compliant |
ATSAM4S8BB-MNR Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | VDDIO — I/O supply voltage |
| Pin 2 | PA0 — GPIO / WKUP0 |
| Pin 3 | PA1 — GPIO / XIN |
| Pin 4 | PA2 — GPIO / XOUT |
| Pin 5 | PA3 — GPIO / AD0 |
| Pin 6 | PA4 — GPIO / AD1 |
| Pin 7 | PA5 — GPIO / AD2 |
| Pin 8 | PA6 — GPIO / AD3 |
| Pin 9 | PA7 — GPIO / AD4 |
| Pin 10 | PA8 — GPIO / AD5 |
| Pin 11 | PA9 — GPIO / URXD0 |
| Pin 12 | PA10 — GPIO / UTXD0 |
| Pin 13 | PA11 — GPIO / NPCS0 |
| Pin 14 | PA12 — GPIO / MISO |
| Pin 15 | PA13 — GPIO / MOSI |
| Pin 16 | PA14 — GPIO / SPCK |
| Pin 17 | VDDCORE — Core supply (1.2 V typical) |
| Pin 18 | GND — Ground |
| Pin 19 | PB0 — GPIO / PWM0 |
| Pin 20 | PB1 — GPIO / PWM1 |
| Pin 21 | PB2 — GPIO |
| Pin 22 | PB3 — GPIO |
| Pin 23 | PB4 — GPIO |
| Pin 24 | PB5 — GPIO |
| Pin 25 | PB6 — GPIO |
| Pin 26 | PB7 — GPIO |
| Pin 27 | PB8 — GPIO |
| Pin 28 | PB9 — GPIO |
| Pin 29 | PB10 — GPIO |
| Pin 30 | PB11 — GPIO |
| Pin 31 | PB12 — GPIO |
| Pin 32 | PB13 — GPIO |
| Pin 33 | PB14 — GPIO |
| Pin 34 | VDDIO — I/O supply voltage |
| Pin 35 | PC0 — GPIO / AD6 |
| Pin 36 | PC1 — GPIO / AD7 |
| Pin 37 | PC2 — GPIO |
| Pin 38 | PC3 — GPIO |
| Pin 39 | PC4 — GPIO |
| Pin 40 | PC5 — GPIO |
| Pin 41 | PC6 — GPIO |
| Pin 42 | PC7 — GPIO |
| Pin 43 | PC8 — GPIO |
| Pin 44 | PC9 — GPIO |
| Pin 45 | PC10 — GPIO |
| Pin 46 | PC11 — GPIO |
| Pin 47 | PC12 — GPIO |
| Pin 48 | PC13 — GPIO |
| Pin 49 | PC14 — GPIO |
| Pin 50 | PC15 — GPIO |
| Pin 51 | PD0 — GPIO |
| Pin 52 | PD1 — GPIO |
| Pin 53 | PD2 — GPIO |
| Pin 54 | PD3 — GPIO |
| Pin 55 | PD4 — GPIO |
| Pin 56 | PD5 — GPIO |
| Pin 57 | PD6 — GPIO |
| Pin 58 | PD7 — GPIO |
| Pin 59 | PD8 — GPIO |
| Pin 60 | PD9 — GPIO |
| Pin 61 | NRST — Reset input, active low |
| Pin 62 | TST — Test mode, connect to GND in production |
| Pin 63 | JTAGSEL — JTAG selection, sampled at reset |
| Pin 64 | GND — Ground |
Typical Applications
ATSAM4S8BB-MNR is suitable for 6 applications: Industrial Control and HMI Panels, USB-Connected Peripherals, Smart Energy Metering, BLDC and PMSM Motor Drives, Building Automation Gateways, Consumer Audio Devices.
Industrial Control and HMI Panels
The ATSAM4S8BB-MNR's 120 MHz Cortex-M4 with hardware FPU and 512 KB Flash comfortably runs LVGL or emWin graphical stacks on TFT displays for industrial HMI panels. Its -40 to +105 °C extended temperature grade allows deployment in factory floors, outdoor kiosks, and cabinet-mounted operator interfaces. The on-chip 16-bit PWM, 10-bit ADC, and USART/SPI/TWI peripherals connect directly to motor drivers, sensors, and keypad scanners, while the MPU and Flash lock bits protect against firmware tampering in fielded equipment.
Recommended
USB-Connected Peripherals
With an integrated USB 2.0 Full-Speed device controller and on-chip transceiver, the ATSAM4S8BB-MNR is ideal for HID input devices, CDC virtual COM ports, USB audio class DACs, and MSD data loggers. The 128 KB SRAM buffers USB isochronous audio streams up to 48 kHz/24-bit, while 512 KB Flash holds USB stacks (e.g., LUFA, ASF USB) plus application logic. Designers benefit from Microchip Studio USB class drivers that enumerate without external crystals, reducing BOM cost.
Recommended
Smart Energy Metering
The ATSAM4S8BB-MNR's 120 MHz performance with single-precision FPU executes real-time FFT-based harmonic analysis on AC mains signals for Class-1 smart energy meters. Its 8-channel 10-bit ADC samples current and voltage sensors simultaneously, while 16-bit PWM timers drive compensation circuits. AES hardware acceleration in the SAM4S family enables secure DLMS/COSEM communication, and Flash lock bits protect calibration constants from tampering in fielded metering equipment.
Recommended
BLDC and PMSM Motor Drives
Field-oriented control (FOC) of BLDC and PMSM motors runs efficiently on the ATSAM4S8BB-MNR thanks to its Cortex-M4 DSP extensions, which accelerate Clarke/Park transforms and SVM calculations within tight PWM cycles. The 16-bit PWM timer block supports complementary outputs with programmable dead-time insertion, while the on-chip 10-bit ADC synchronizes to PWM edges for low-noise current sampling. The 105 °C extended temperature range allows placement near motor FET bridges.
Recommended
Building Automation Gateways
Building automation gateways using the ATSAM4S8BB-MNR consolidate multiple field buses - RS-485 (Modbus), KNX, BACnet, and wireless sub-GHz links - through its multiple USART and SPI channels. The 128 KB SRAM sustains concurrent protocol stacks, while the 512 KB Flash holds gateway firmware and web configuration UI. The 1.62-3.6 V supply range simplifies integration with 3.3 V PoE-derived rails and battery-backed RTC circuits.
Recommended
Consumer Audio Devices
The Cortex-M4 DSP instructions on the ATSAM4S8BB-MNR run audio effects such as parametric EQ, dynamic range compression, and reverb at 48 kHz with low CPU overhead. Its I²S peripheral connects directly to external 24-bit DACs and ADCs, while 512 KB Flash stores preset banks and firmware. The 105 °C temperature rating supports sealed enclosures with limited airflow, and the integrated USB 2.0 enables USB audio class streaming from PCs and mobile devices.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for ATSAM4S8BB-MNR — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | ATSAM4S4BB-MNR | ATSAM4S16BB-MNR | ATSAM4S8BA-MU | ATSAM4S8BB-MUR | ATSAM4S8CB-MNR |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| 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 | 64-QFN (9x9 mm) - same |
| Core | 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 |
| Flash | 512 KB | 256 KB (-50%) | 1 MB (+100%) | 512 KB | 512 KB | 512 KB |
| SRAM | 128 KB | 64 KB (-50%) | 128 KB | 128 KB | 128 KB | 128 KB |
| Operating Temperature | -40 °C to +105 °C (extended) | -40 °C to +105 °C (extended) | -40 °C to +105 °C (extended) | -40 °C to +85 °C (industrial) | -40 °C to +85 °C (industrial) | -40 °C to +105 °C (extended) |
| USB | USB 2.0 FS Device | USB 2.0 FS Device | USB 2.0 FS Device | USB 2.0 FS Device | USB 2.0 FS Device | USB 2.0 FS Device + Ethernet MAC |
| 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 | 1.62 V to 3.6 V |
Key Differentiators
- 512 KB Flash in a 64-pin QFN with 105 °C extended temperature support (vs ATSAM4S4BB-MNR)
- Extended 105 °C junction temperature vs industrial 85 °C grade (vs ATSAM4S8BA-MU)
- Integrated USB 2.0 Full-Speed device with on-chip transceiver (vs ATSAM4N8CA-CUR)
- Pin-compatible upgrade path to 1 MB Flash within the SAM4S 64-pin family (vs ATSAM4S16BB-MNR)
Design Notes
Place a 100 nF X7R 0402 ceramic decoupling capacitor on every VDDIO and VDDCORE pin, plus a bulk 4.7 µF X5R near the exposed pad. Estimated: with 120 MHz active operation drawing 24 mA (200 µA/MHz × 120 MHz) plus peripheral current, a 1 µH ferrite bead feeding VDDCORE helps isolate digital switching noise from the analog VDDIO rail used by the ADC reference.
The 64-QFN exposed pad is the primary thermal path. Solder it to a continuous copper plane with at least 4 thermal vias (0.3 mm drill) on the center pad to the inner ground plane. Estimated: at full 120 MHz with all peripherals active in a 9x9 mm QFN, the junction-to-ambient thermal resistance is approximately 35 C/W on a standard 4-layer JEDEC PCB, giving a 25 °C rise at typical 700 mW dissipation.
Route the SWD clock and data signals (TCK and TMS) as a length-matched differential pair under 50 mm with a ground reference on the layer below. Keep the 32.768 kHz crystal traces short and surrounded by ground pour to minimize crosstalk into the ADC input channels. Place the NRST pull-up (10 kΩ) and 100 nF cap within 5 mm of the pin to guarantee clean reset timing.
Do not leave the TST pin floating in production - tie it directly to GND. Leaving JTAGSEL floating can put the part into a non-functional boundary-scan mode after reset. Always program the GPNVM bits to enable the on-chip 32 kHz RC oscillator backup and Flash ECC before locking the security bit, otherwise brown-out recovery may fail.
For USB 2.0 Full-Speed, route the DP and DM lines as a 90 Ω differential pair with no stubs, and place the 47 nF USB VBUS decoupling capacitor within 3 mm of the VBUS pin. The ATSAM4S8BB-MNR integrates the USB pull-up on DP, so no external pull-up is required. Always include TVS protection (e.g., USBLC6-2SC6) on DP/DM at the connector to pass IEC 61000-4-2 ESD tests.
Compliance Information
RoHS and REACH compliant per Microchip product page. Industrial-grade part; not AEC-Q100 qualified. For automotive applications consult Microchip's eXtreme Switch (SAMV7x) or SAM4S automotive variants.
