ATSAM4SA16CB-AN - 120MHz Cortex-M4 MCU, 1MB Flash, 100-LQFP
MPN: ATSAM4SA16CB-AN β Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $8.37 | $8.37 |
| 10 | $7.85 | $78.50 |
| 100 | $7.2 | $720.00 |
| 500 | $6.55 | $3,275.00 |
| 1,000 | $5.95 | $5,950.00 |
ATSAM4SA16CB-AN Overview
An ARM Cortex-M4 microcontroller is a 32-bit processor core that pairs deterministic interrupt handling with DSP extensions and a single-precision FPU, making it the workhorse of embedded designs that need real-time control plus signal-processing math. The Cortex-M4 sits within the broader ARM Cortex-M family (Cortex-M0/M0+/M3/M4/M7), which belongs to the microcontroller IC category under the integrated circuits hierarchy, and integrates memory, peripherals, and clocking into a single die for compact, low-power embedded systems.
Key features include an on-chip 120 MHz Cortex-M4 core with FPU and DSP instructions, 1 MB Flash program memory, 152 KB SRAM, a 16-bit External Bus Interface, USB 2.0 Full-Speed Device, CAN, EMAC, HS USB, multiple UART/USART/SPI/TWI/I2S interfaces, 12-bit ADC, analog comparator, and RTC. The 100-LQFP (14x14) package gives designers generous I/O access while keeping the board footprint manageable.
The SAM4SA16 architecture uses a multi-layer bus matrix connecting the Cortex-M4 core, Flash, SRAM, and peripherals, supporting parallel DMA and peripheral-to-peripheral transfers for high-throughput pipelines. Pin-to-pin compatibility with SAM7S, SAM3N, and SAM3S lets existing designs scale Flash/RAM upward without PCB rework.
Typical applications include industrial control and HMI, factory automation, motor control, smart energy metering, medical instrumentation, USB peripherals, barcode scanners, and consumer audio. The wide peripheral mix also suits automotive body and gateway modules when used within its industrial temperature envelope.
When designing with this part, prioritize decoupling (100 nF per VDD pair plus bulk) and route the 32 kHz crystal traces carefully to avoid corrupting the RTC reference. Choosing revision B is strongly recommended by Microchip for new prototypes and production runs.
This page combines distributor pricing, drop-in alternatives within the SAM4S family, and practical design notes not available on a bare datasheet link.
Drop-in alternatives for ATSAM4SA16CB-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 ATSAM4SA16CB-AN (same form factor and footprint) β differing in ADC, Package, USB, Operating Temperature, CAN.
Quick Comparison Tool β Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
ATSAM4S16CB-AN
β Drop-Inπ Reference alternative (not in catalog)
ATSAM4SA16CA-AUR
β Drop-In β οΈ εζ°εΎ ιͺθ―β In Stock
$6.23 / Unit
View Datasheet βATSAM4SA16CA-ANR
β Drop-In β οΈ εζ°εΎ ιͺθ―β In Stock
$5.38 / Unit
View Datasheet βATSAM4S8CB-CFN
β Drop-Inβ In Stock
$4.74 / Unit
View Datasheet βATSAM4S8CB-CFNR
β Drop-In β οΈ εζ°εΎ ιͺθ―β In Stock
$6.85 / Unit
View Datasheet βATSAM4SA16CB-AN Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Core Architecture | ARM Cortex-M4 |
| Core Bit Width | 32-bit |
| Maximum Clock Speed | 120 MHz |
| FPU | Yes (single-precision) |
| DSP Instructions | Yes |
| Program Memory (Flash) | 1 MB (1M x 8) |
| SRAM | 152 KB |
| Supply Voltage (VDD) | 1.62 V to 3.6 V |
| Operating Temperature | -40 C to +85 C (industrial) |
| Package | 100-LQFP (14x14 mm), green |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| USB | USB 2.0 Full-Speed Device |
| CAN | Yes (CAN 2.0A/B) |
| Ethernet | EMAC (10/100) |
| ADC | 12-bit, multi-channel |
| Pin Count | 100 |
| RoHS Status | Compliant |
ATSAM4SA16CB-AN 100-lqfp (14x14 mm), green Pin Configuration Guide
Pin configuration for ATSAM4SA16CB-AN (100-lqfp (14x14 mm), green 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 ATSAM4SA16CB-AN.
Refer to the datasheet for full pin configuration.
Typical Applications
ATSAM4SA16CB-AN is suitable for 6 applications: Industrial Control and HMI, USB Peripherals and Barcode Scanners, Smart Energy Metering, Motor Control and BLDC Drives, Medical Instrumentation, Industrial Gateway and IoT Edge.
Industrial Control and HMI
The ATSAM4SA16CB-AN fits industrial control and HMI applications because its Cortex-M4 core at 120 MHz executes control loops and graphic refresh tasks in parallel, while the 1 MB Flash accommodates large graphical libraries and protocol stacks. The 152 KB SRAM is enough to hold a touch-calibration buffer and a multi-page UI without external memory. Designers typically pair the MCU with a 4.3- to 7-inch TFT and an SPI/QSPI flash for assets. The 100-LQFP footprint exposes enough GPIO for keypad scan, PWM backlight, and RS-485. Industrial -40 C to +85 C operation lets the same board serve factory-floor panels without derating.
Recommended
USB Peripherals and Barcode Scanners
The ATSAM4SA16CB-AN integrates a USB 2.0 Full-Speed Device controller, making it well suited to USB peripherals such as barcode scanners, POS terminals, and custom HID/CDC devices. The Cortex-M4 DSP extensions accelerate image-decode pipelines used by 2D barcode readers, while 1 MB Flash stores firmware plus multiple symbology libraries. Designers route USB DP/DN through the on-chip PHY, saving an external ULPI chip and reducing BOM cost. The 12-bit ADC reads analog sensors for laser or imaging modules alongside the digital image stream.
Recommended
Smart Energy Metering
Energy meters benefit from the ATSAM4SA16CB-AN's combination of a 32-bit Cortex-M4 core, 12-bit ADC, and RTC. The 120 MHz core computes RMS, harmonic distortion, and reactive-power algorithms in real time, while the RTC provides accurate time-of-use billing timestamps even during brownouts. The 1 MB Flash holds metering stacks, calibration tables, and DLMS/COSEM or Modbus libraries. Industrial temperature operation supports outdoor meter housings, and the EMAC enables AMR (automatic meter reading) gateways. Anti-tamper GPIOs are exposed on the 100-LQFP for switch and cover detection.
Recommended
Motor Control and BLDC Drives
The ATSAM4SA16CB-AN drives BLDC and PMSM motors in industrial and appliance applications thanks to its PWM timers, 12-bit ADC, and Cortex-M4 FPU. Field-oriented control algorithms run comfortably at 120 MHz with 152 KB SRAM dedicated to current/voltage sample buffers and observer state. The 100-LQFP exposes the timers and ADC channels needed for three-phase inverter feedback, and 1 MB Flash accommodates sensorless startup routines plus application profiles. CAN and UART links integrate the drive into industrial networks.
Recommended
Medical Instrumentation
Medical instrumentation such as patient monitors, infusion pumps, and point-of-care analyzers fit the ATSAM4SA16CB-AN's profile because the Cortex-M4 FPU speeds DSP-style filters on biosignals (ECG, SpO2, PPG). The 1 MB Flash supports FDA-style firmware revision logging, and 152 KB SRAM handles waveform buffers without external memory. USB 2.0 FS Device enables tethered data transfer to a host PC or tablet. Industrial temperature operation covers clinical environments; for IEC 60601 isolation design, the MCU remains on the secondary side behind a reinforced barrier.
Recommended
Industrial Gateway and IoT Edge
The ATSAM4SA16CB-AN is a strong fit for industrial IoT gateways because it bridges USB, CAN, UART, and Ethernet concurrently using its integrated EMAC and USB 2.0 controllers. The Cortex-M4 at 120 MHz runs TLS stacks, MQTT-SN brokers, and Modbus/TCP translators on top of the Cortex-M4 DSP extensions used for edge analytics. The 1 MB Flash stores multi-protocol firmware, while the 152 KB SRAM serves as packet buffer space. Designers benefit from the 100-LQFP's generous GPIO for status LEDs, console, and configuration switches.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for ATSAM4SA16CB-AN β comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | ATSAM4S16CB-AN | ATSAM4SA16CA-AUR | ATSAM4SA16CA-ANR | ATSAM4S8CB-CFN | ATSAM4S8CB-CFNR |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Package | 100-LQFP (14x14) | 100-LQFP (14x14) - same | 100-LQFP (14x14) - same | 100-LQFP (14x14) - same | 100-LQFP (14x14) - same | 100-LQFP (14x14) - same |
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Core | ARM Cortex-M4 | ARM Cortex-M4 | ARM Cortex-M4 | ARM Cortex-M4 | ARM Cortex-M4 | ARM Cortex-M4 |
| Clock Speed | 120 MHz | 120 MHz | 120 MHz | 120 MHz | 120 MHz | 120 MHz |
| Flash Memory | 1 MB | 1 MB | 1 MB | 1 MB | 512 KB | 512 KB |
| SRAM | 152 KB | 152 KB | 152 KB | 152 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 | 1.62 V to 3.6 V |
| Operating Temperature | -40 C to +85 C | -40 C to +85 C | -40 C to +85 C | -40 C to +85 C | -40 C to +85 C | -40 C to +85 C |
| 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 |
Key Differentiators
- Pin-to-pin compatibility with SAM7S, SAM3N, and SAM3S families (vs ATSAM4S8CB-CFN)
- 1 MB Flash and 152 KB SRAM with USB 2.0 FS and EMAC 10/100 (vs ATSAM4S8CB-CFN)
- Revision B errata fixes for EMAC and USB (vs Older ATSAM4SA16CA-AUR (revision A))
Design Notes
Place a 100 nF decoupling capacitor on every VDD/VDDCORE pair as close to the pin as possible, plus a 4.7 uF bulk capacitor on the main 3.3 V rail. The SAM4S SAM4SA16CB-AN is sensitive to supply ripple during Flash programming; insufficient decoupling causes sporadic programming failures. The 1.62 V to 3.6 V range lets you run directly from a 3.3 V LDO without a separate core regulator.
Route the 32.768 kHz crystal traces short and symmetric, guarded by a ground ring, to keep RTC accuracy. Keep high-speed USB DP/DN traces 90 ohm differential-matched and length-matched within 150 mil. The 100-LQFP (14x14 mm) leaves room for a 4-layer PCB with a dedicated ground plane beneath the MCU, which is the recommended layout per the SAM4S-EK2 reference design.
Do not use revision A silicon for new prototypes: Microchip explicitly recommends revision B (the 'B' in ATSAM4SA16CB-AN is revision B; the ATSAM4S16CB-AN is the recommended baseline) because revision A has known errata affecting the EMAC and USB controllers. Also avoid leaving unused GPIO floating; configure them as inputs with enabled pull-ups to prevent shoot-through current.
Compliance Information
RoHS and REACH compliance per Microchip product page. Industrial temperature grade; not AEC-Q100 qualified - select SAM V71/V70 automotive parts for AEC-Q100.
