ATSAME51N20A-AU-EFP - 120MHz Cortex-M4F MCU, 1MB Flash | Microchip
MPN: ATSAME51N20A-AU-EFP β Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $12.5 | $12.50 |
| 10 | $11.45 | $114.50 |
| 100 | $10.2 | $1,020.00 |
| 500 | $9.05 | $4,525.00 |
| 1,000 | $8.1 | $8,100.00 |
ATSAME51N20A-AU-EFP Overview
What is an ARM Cortex-M4F MCU? An ARM Cortex-M4 microcontroller is a 32-bit RISC processor core designed by Arm Holdings for embedded and IoT applications. The "F" suffix indicates an integrated single-precision Floating Point Unit (FPU) that accelerates single-precision IEEE-754 math in hardware. The Cortex-M4 sits inside the Cortex-M family hierarchy: Cortex-M0/M0+ (smallest) -> Cortex-M3 (mainstream) -> Cortex-M4/M4F (DSP + FPU) -> Cortex-M7 (highest performance). Microcontrollers integrate the CPU core, on-chip Flash, SRAM, peripherals (USB, CAN, Ethernet, ADC), and memory-mapped I/O into one package, eliminating the need for an external MPU. The SAME51 family extends the Cortex-M4 with Microchip's peripherals such as SERCOM, CAN-FD, and the Event System.
Key features include: 120 MHz Cortex-M4F core, 1 MB Flash with ECC, 256 KB SRAM, Full-Speed USB 2.0 with embedded PHY, two CAN-FD controllers, up to six SERCOM (configurable UART/SPI/I2C), 12-bit ADC up to 1 Msps, 12-bit DAC, and a 16-bit PWM timer/counter. The EFP suffix indicates "Extended Flash Performance" silicon revision, delivering faster Flash access and higher endurance than the base AU version. The AU suffix indicates 100-pin TQFP (14x14 mm).
The device uses a 5-stage pipeline Harvard architecture with single-cycle MAC and DSP extensions. The integrated FPU accelerates IEEE-754 single-precision math in one cycle per instruction. The Dual-Panel Flash allows simultaneous read-while-write operation, supporting live firmware updates without stalling code execution. ECC (Error Correction Code) on Flash and SRAM improves reliability in industrial and harsh environments.
Typical applications include industrial automation controllers, building automation gateways, USB-CAN bridges, smart energy meters, Human-Machine Interfaces (HMI), and motor control. The Extended Flash Performance variant is preferred for designs requiring faster interrupt latency and shorter Flash write cycles.
When designing with this part, ensure the supply rail provides at least 60 mA peak and add 100 nF + 4.7 uF decoupling near each VDD pin. Use the Atmel/Microchip START tool to generate the Harmony 3 framework code, and program/debug via SWD using a J-Link or MPLAB ICD 4.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing, drop-in SAM E51 family alternatives, and practical design notes not found in the manufacturer datasheet.
Drop-in alternatives for ATSAME51N20A-AU-EFP 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 ATSAME51N20A-AU-EFP (same form factor and footprint) β differing in ADC, DAC, Package, Communication Interfaces, Core.
Quick Comparison Tool β Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
ATSAME51N19A-AU-EFP
β Drop-Inβ In Stock
$7.35 / Unit
View Datasheet βATSAME51J20A-MUT-EFP
β Drop-In β οΈ εζ°εΎ ιͺθ―π Reference alternative (not in catalog)
ATSAMD51N20A-AU
β Drop-Inβ In Stock
$8.49 / Unit
View Datasheet βATSAMD51P20A-AUT
β Drop-Inβ In Stock
$8.25 / Unit
View Datasheet βSTM32F407VGT6
β Drop-Inβ In Stock
$7.55 / Unit
View Datasheet βMK64FN1M0VDC12
β Drop-Inπ Reference alternative (not in catalog)
ATSAME51N20A-AU-EFP Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Core | ARM Cortex-M4F (with FPU) |
| Core Architecture | ARM 32-bit |
| Maximum CPU Clock | 120 MHz |
| Program Memory (Flash) | 1 MB (1M x 8) |
| SRAM | 256 KB |
| Flash Type | Dual-Panel Flash with ECC |
| Operating Voltage (VDDIO) | 3.3 V |
| Operating Temperature | -40C to +85C |
| Package | 100-pin TQFP (14x14 mm) |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| USB Interface | Full-Speed USB 2.0 with embedded PHY |
| CAN Interface | 2x CAN-FD controllers |
| ADC | 12-bit, up to 1 Msps |
| DAC | 12-bit |
| Communication Interfaces | SERCOM (UART/SPI/I2C), I2S, RS-485 |
| Timers/PWM | 16-bit TCC (Timer/Counter for Control) |
| Debug Interface | SWD (Serial Wire Debug) |
| RoHS Status | Compliant |
| Series | SAM E51 / SAM E53 family |
| Suffix Designation | EFP = Extended Flash Performance silicon revision |
ATSAME51N20A-AU-EFP 100-pin tqfp (14x14 mm) Pin Configuration Guide
Pin configuration for ATSAME51N20A-AU-EFP (100-pin tqfp (14x14 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 ATSAME51N20A-AU-EFP.
Refer to the datasheet for full pin configuration.
Typical Applications
ATSAME51N20A-AU-EFP is suitable for 6 applications: Industrial Automation Controller, USB-CAN Bridge Gateway, Smart Energy Meter, Building Automation Gateway, Human-Machine Interface (HMI) Controller, BLDC Motor Controller (Sensorless FOC).
Industrial Automation Controller
The ATSAME51N20A-AU-EFP suits industrial automation controllers with its 120 MHz Cortex-M4F, dual CAN-FD interfaces, and 1 MB Flash that absorbs full EtherCAT/CANopen stacks plus PLC ladder logic. The 256 KB SRAM holds protocol buffers and runtime tables without external memory. Dual-Panel Flash with ECC enables live firmware updates while execution continues from the active bank - critical for 24/7 plant-floor uptime. Industrial temperature grade (-40C to +85C) supports unheated cabinets.
Recommended
USB-CAN Bridge Gateway
The ATSAME51N20A-AU-EFP is purpose-built for USB-CAN bridge gateways. The integrated Full-Speed USB 2.0 PHY with embedded transceiver and two independent CAN-FD controllers handle both sides of the bridge on-chip, requiring only an external CAN PHY (such as MCP2562FD) for bus compliance. The 120 MHz Cortex-M4F sustains 1 Mbps CAN-FD throughput while servicing USB bulk transfers, and the 256 KB SRAM buffers USB and CAN-FD packets simultaneously. The 100-pin TQFP exposes both CAN channels and USB without muxing.
Recommended
Smart Energy Meter
The ATSAME51N20A-AU-EFP powers smart electricity and gas meters, where its 120 MHz Cortex-M4F executes floating-point DSP for real-time power-quality analysis (THD, harmonic content up to the 63rd). The 12-bit 1 Msps ADC samples voltage and current waveforms from current transformers. Dual-Panel Flash with ECC retains calibration tables and billing records across power cycles. The 100-pin TQFP and industrial temperature grade suit outdoor meter enclosures. The CAN-FD interface reports to concentrators over local networks.
Recommended
Building Automation Gateway
The ATSAME51N20A-AU-EFP operates as a building automation gateway connecting BACnet, Modbus, and KNX field buses. Its dual CAN-FD controllers and six SERCOM channels handle RS-485 (Modbus RTU), SPI (KNX transceivers), and UART simultaneously. The 1 MB Flash holds all three protocol stacks with room for custom logic; 256 KB SRAM carries real-time network state. Full-Speed USB enables local configuration by service technicians. Industrial -40C to +85C rating supports basement and rooftop installations.
Recommended
Human-Machine Interface (HMI) Controller
The ATSAME51N20A-AU-EFP drives mid-range HMI panels with TFT-LCD displays, capacitive touch sensors, and rotary encoders. The 120 MHz Cortex-M4F with FPU renders LVGL or emWin graphics without external display controllers. The 12-bit DAC outputs audio feedback tones. Full-Speed USB supports firmware updates and configuration import. The 100-pin TQFP exposes enough GPIO for 4.3-inch display panels plus touch I2C, SPI flash, and RS-485 field-bus connectivity for industrial machinery.
Recommended
BLDC Motor Controller (Sensorless FOC)
The ATSAME51N20A-AU-EFP runs sensorless field-oriented control (FOC) of brushless DC motors up to 1 kW. The Cortex-M4F with single-precision FPU and DSP extensions executes Park/Clarke transforms and SVPWM in a few microseconds. The 16-bit TCC timer/counter drives three-phase PWM at 20 kHz with hardware dead-time insertion. The 12-bit ADC samples phase currents at the PWM midpoint. CAN-FD provides real-time torque/speed reporting to a host controller.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for ATSAME51N20A-AU-EFP β comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | ATSAME51N19A-AU-EFP | ATSAMD51N20A-AU | ATSAME51J20A-MUT-EFP | ATSAMD51P20A-AUT | STM32F407VGT6 | MK64FN1M0VDC12 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Package | 100-pin TQFP (14x14 mm) | 100-pin TQFP (14x14 mm) | 100-pin TQFP (14x14 mm) | TQFP64 (smaller) | LQFP176 (larger) | 100-pin LQFP (14x14 mm) | 100-pin LQFP (14x14 mm) |
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | STMicroelectronics | NXP Semiconductors |
| Core | Cortex-M4F @120 MHz | Cortex-M4F @120 MHz | Cortex-M4F @120 MHz | Cortex-M4F @120 MHz | Cortex-M4F @120 MHz | Cortex-M4F @168 MHz | Cortex-M4F @120 MHz |
| Flash | 1 MB | 512 KB | 1 MB | 1 MB | 1 MB | 1 MB | 1 MB |
| SRAM | 256 KB | 192 KB | 256 KB | 256 KB | 256 KB | 192 KB | 256 KB |
| CAN-FD Controllers | 2 | 2 | 0 (Classic CAN only) | 2 | 0 | 2 (bxCAN, no FD) | 1 (FlexCAN) |
| USB | Full-Speed USB 2.0 + embedded PHY | Full-Speed USB + embedded PHY | Full-Speed USB + embedded PHY | Full-Speed USB + embedded PHY | Full-Speed USB + embedded PHY | USB OTG FS (external PHY for HS) | USB OTG FS + HS (external PHY) |
| Operating Temperature | -40C to +85C | -40C to +85C | -40C to +85C | -40C to +85C | -40C to +85C | -40C to +85C | -40C to +105C |
Key Differentiators
- Integrated Full-Speed USB with embedded PHY on the 100-pin TQFP variant (vs ATSAMD51N20A-AU)
- Dual CAN-FD controllers (vs STM32F407VGT6)
- Dual-Panel Flash with ECC (vs MK64FN1M0VDC12)
Design Notes
The ATSAME51N20A-AU-EFP requires at least four VDDIO pins supplied with 3.3 V (typ 60 mA peak) and multiple VDDIN pins. Decouple each VDD/VSS pair with a 100 nF X7R ceramic plus a 4.7 uF bulk capacitor placed within 5 mm. Estimated: total 1uF of HF decoupling per supply pin keeps the internal regulator stable; for low-ripple analog (ADC), add a ferrite bead between VDDIN and AVDD rails. Run VDDIO and VDDIN from the same 3.3 V source to avoid latch-up.
Route the SWDIO/SWCLK pair as a 50 ohm impedance-controlled differential pair (or two parallel 50 ohm traces 0.15 mm apart) from the MCU to the debug header, keeping total length under 50 mm. Add 33 ohm series resistors near the MCU for source matching. Place a 4-layer PCB with continuous ground plane under the MCU; avoid signal traces under the QFP package body to reduce crosstalk on adjacent PORT pins.
Do not leave unused SERCOM pins floating - configure them as GPIO outputs driven low to prevent extra current draw from input buffers. The Dual-Panel Flash locks during erase/write, so use a careful task scheduler that limits Flash writes to <10 ms during critical ISR sections. EFP-silicon revisions may require a minimum firmware version in Atmel START; consult errata document DS80000746 before locking down firmware.
Compliance Information
RoHS and REACH compliant per Microchip product page (Microchip part number ATSAME51N20A-AU-EFP). MSL3 moisture sensitivity level. Not AEC-Q100 qualified - for automotive designs choose ATSAMx51N19A-AU-EFP-Automotive or equivalent.