Atmel Samples High Density Embedded Flash Cortex-M4 Processor-Based MCU

Atmel Corporation announced sampling of the SAM4SD32, the first 2MB embedded Flash Cortex-M4 processor-based microcontroller (MCU).

Further expanding the company’s Cortex-M processor-based portfolio, theSAM4SD32 offers low power consumption at 200uA/MHz in active mode, a savings of over 50% vs. the nearest competitor – when running at 120MHz.

With 2MB of embedded Flash, the SAM4SD32 is a device for industrial and consumer applications requiring increased program memory, data storage and low power consumption. Such applications include wireless thermostats, GPS sport watches, smart meters and 1D bar code readers. Wired and wireless communication stacks, multi-language and multi-applications support, and data logging requirements are driving the need for higher memory densities in these applications.

SAM4SD32 runs at 120MHz operating frequency and features cache memory for accelerated code execution out of flash. In addition, the Cortex-M4 processor-based device integrates code protection features, 160KB of SRAM and dual-bank flash for safe in-field firmware upgrades.

The SAM4SD32 will be available in a new smaller VFBGA100 7x7mm package option.

It is supported by the SAM4S-EK2, an evaluation kit that enables development and code evaluation. The SAM4S-EK2 is supported by the recently launched Atmel Studio 6 integrated development environment (IDE), which accelerates the design process while also reducing the overall cost of creating new designs because it includes professional development tools and Atmel Software Framework, and is free of charge. With Atmel Software Framework, designers get a library of proven and free source code – including over 1,100 project examples.

"We are continuing to expand our ARM portfolio of devices for higher performance applications and growing memory requirements in the consumer and industrial segments," said Ingar Fredriksen, senior director of microcontrollers, Atmel. "These new products with the latest Cortex-M4 core will ensure designers have, from our comprehensive portfolio, all the right devices they need for their unique design requirements."

Pricing and Availability
The SAM4SD32 is sampling with availability in September 2012. The device is available in QFP100 packaging priced at $7.94 in 1000-piece quantities. Sampling now, the SAM4S-EK2 kit supports the SAM4SD32 for faster development and code execution. The kits will be priced at US $149 and will be available in September 2012.