ATSAM4S8CA-CU

Overview

The ATSAM4S8CA-CU is a 32-bit microcontroller from the SAM4S series, built on an ARM Cortex-M4 core operating at 120 MHz. It features 512 KB of Flash memory and 128 KB of SRAM. The device includes a 2 KB cache, a multi-layer AHB matrix, and 21 DMA channels. Connectivity options include FS USB Device, HS SDIO/SD/MMC, three SPIs, two I2Cs, I2S, two USARTs, and two UARTs. Analog peripherals consist of a 16-channel 12-bit ADC, two 12-bit DACs, an analog comparator, and a temperature sensor. Control features include four 16-bit PWMs, six 16-bit timers, WDT, RTT, RTC, CRC unit, MPU, POR, BOD, and two crystal oscillators with two RC oscillators and two PLLs. It operates within a voltage range of 1.62 V to 3.6 V and supports an industrial temperature range of -40°C to +85°C.

Feature Summary

• High-performance processing via ARM Cortex-M4 core with integrated flash read accelerator and optional cache memory for increased system performance.
• Advanced power management capabilities achieving low dynamic consumption and standby mode retention below 25 µA.
• Integrated hardware code protection mechanisms including IP access prevention, secure chip erase support, and memory integrity checks via CRC.
• Native support for Microchip QTouch capacitive touch technology for implementing buttons, sliders, and wheels.

Applications

• Consumer goods and toys
• Industrial control systems
• Metering devices
• Medical equipment
• Test and measurement instruments

Procurement Notes

Verify package type and suffix against official datasheet specifications. Confirm temperature grade and memory configuration match project requirements. Ensure ESD handling protocols are followed during assembly. Check for RoHS compliance documentation. Validate pinout compatibility if migrating from legacy SAM3S or SAM4N devices.

Selection Notes

Select this component for applications requiring high-speed processing with moderate memory density. Consider the 100-pin TFBGA package for space-constrained designs. Evaluate power consumption metrics against battery-operated constraints. Verify peripheral availability for specific communication interfaces like USB or SDIO. Assess development tool ecosystem compatibility for rapid prototyping.

Part Context

This part belongs to the SAM4S family, which offers scalability in memory and performance. It provides pin-to-pin compatibility with SAM4N, SAM3S, SAM3N, and SAM7S devices, facilitating portfolio migration. The series integrates rich peripherals for connectivity and system control, targeting diverse embedded applications.

Replacement Considerations

ATSAM4S8CA-AU (100-pin LQFP)

FAQ

Does the ATSAM4S8CA-CU support capacitive touch sensing?

Yes, it offers native support for Microchip's QTouch technology, enabling easy implementation of buttons, sliders, and wheels.

What is the maximum operating frequency of the core?

The ARM Cortex-M4 core operates at a maximum frequency of 120 MHz.