ATSAM4E8CA-CU Equivalent & Substitute Parts

Part Overview

The ATSAM4E8CA-CU is an ARM Cortex-M4 SAM4E microcontroller IC manufactured by Microchip Technology. This 32-bit single-core processor operates at 120MHz with 512KB FLASH memory and 128KB RAM, housed in a 100-TFBGA (9x9) surface mount package. The device is Active in product status and widely used in embedded applications requiring CANbus, Ethernet, IrDA, MMC/SD, SPI, UART/USART, and USB connectivity. Substitute parts are identified when equivalent electrical specifications, memory configurations, and package types are available from the same manufacturer series, enabling design flexibility and supply chain optimization.

Key Parameters

Parameter	Value
Manufacturer	Microchip Technology
Series	SAM4E
Core Processor	ARM Cortex-M4
Core Size	32-Bit Single-Core
Speed	120MHz
Program Memory Size	512KB (512K x 8) FLASH
RAM Size	128K x 8
Package Type	100-TFBGA (9x9)
Voltage Supply Range	1.62V ~ 3.6V
Operating Temperature	-40°C ~ 85°C (TA)
Product Status	Active
RoHS Status	ROHS3 Compliant

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

Substitute parts for the ATSAM4E8CA-CU are identified based on strict equivalence across the following critical parameters:

Manufacturer and Series: Both parts must originate from Microchip Technology within the SAM4E series to ensure firmware compatibility and pin-level equivalence.

Core Architecture: ARM Cortex-M4 32-bit single-core processor at 120MHz is the baseline requirement.

Memory Configuration: 512KB FLASH and 128KB RAM must be identical to maintain software compatibility.

Package Type: 100-TFBGA (9x9) surface mount package ensures mechanical and electrical pin compatibility.

Connectivity and Peripherals: CANbus, Ethernet, IrDA, MMC/SD, SPI, UART/USART, USB, and integrated peripherals (Brown-out Detect/Reset, DMA, POR, PWM, WDT) must be present.

Compliance: RoHS3 compliance and MSL 3 rating are required for manufacturing and environmental standards.

Parameter Comparison

Parameter	ATSAM4E8CA-CU	ATSAM4E8CB-CN	Compatibility
Manufacturer	Microchip Technology	Microchip Technology	Identical
Series	SAM4E	SAM4E	Identical
Core Processor	ARM Cortex-M4	ARM Cortex-M4	Identical
Core Size	32-Bit Single-Core	32-Bit Single-Core	Identical
Speed	120MHz	120MHz	Identical
Program Memory Size	512KB (512K x 8) FLASH	512KB (512K x 8) FLASH	Identical
RAM Size	128K x 8	128K x 8	Identical
Package Type	100-TFBGA (9x9)	100-TFBGA (9x9)	Identical
Voltage Supply Range	1.62V ~ 3.6V	1.62V ~ 3.6V	Identical
Operating Temperature	-40°C ~ 85°C (TA)	-40°C ~ 105°C (TA)	Extended Range
Connectivity	CANbus, Ethernet, IrDA, MMC/SD, SPI, UART/USART, USB	CANbus, Ethernet, IrDA, MMC/SD, SPI, UART/USART, USB	Identical
Peripherals	Brown-out Detect/Reset, DMA, POR, PWM, WDT	Brown-out Detect/Reset, DMA, POR, PWM, WDT	Identical
Number of I/O	79	79	Identical
Data Converters	A/D 16x12b; D/A 2x12b	A/D 16x12b; D/A 2x12b	Identical
RoHS Status	ROHS3 Compliant	ROHS3 Compliant	Identical
MSL Rating	3 (168 Hours)	3 (168 Hours)	Identical

Engineering Selection Recommendations

The ATSAM4E8CB-CN serves as a direct substitute for the ATSAM4E8CA-CU with one notable distinction: extended operating temperature range. The ATSAM4E8CB-CN operates from -40°C to 105°C, compared to the ATSAM4E8CA-CU's -40°C to 85°C range. All other electrical specifications, memory configurations, connectivity options, peripherals, and compliance certifications are identical.

Both parts maintain Active product status and ROHS3 compliance, ensuring long-term availability and environmental regulatory adherence. The identical package type (100-TFBGA 9x9), pin configuration, and functional specifications enable direct substitution at the PCB layout and firmware levels without design modifications.

Selection between these parts should be based on application operating temperature requirements. Applications operating within the -40°C to 85°C range may use either part. Applications requiring operation above 85°C or up to 105°C must use the ATSAM4E8CB-CN.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can ATSAM4E8CB-CN replace ATSAM4E8CA-CU in existing designs?

A: Yes. The ATSAM4E8CB-CN is electrically and mechanically equivalent to the ATSAM4E8CA-CU. Identical core processor, memory configuration, package type, and peripheral set enable direct substitution without PCB redesign or firmware modification.

Q: What is the primary difference between these two parts?

A: The operating temperature range differs. ATSAM4E8CA-CU operates from -40°C to 85°C, while ATSAM4E8CB-CN operates from -40°C to 105°C. All other specifications are identical.

Q: Are both parts in Active product status?

A: Yes. Both ATSAM4E8CA-CU and ATSAM4E8CB-CN are Active products from Microchip Technology, ensuring continued availability and support.

Q: Do these parts require different PCB layouts or footprints?

A: No. Both parts use the identical 100-TFBGA (9x9) package with 79 I/O pins. PCB layout, footprint, and pin assignments are identical.

Q: Are both parts RoHS3 compliant?

A: Yes. Both ATSAM4E8CA-CU and ATSAM4E8CB-CN are ROHS3 compliant with MSL 3 (168 Hours) moisture sensitivity rating.

Q: Which part should I select for high-temperature applications?

A: For applications requiring operation above 85°C up to 105°C, select ATSAM4E8CB-CN. For applications within -40°C to 85°C, either part is suitable.

Q: Are firmware and software compatible between these parts?

A: Yes. Identical ARM Cortex-M4 core architecture, memory configuration, and peripheral set ensure complete firmware compatibility.

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