
SAM3S Series: Highly-integrated Cortex™- M3 Flash MCUs Simplify PCB Design and Reduce Power Consumption
Atmel extends its One-stop Shop for ARM-based micros with the SAM3S, a Cortex-M3 Flash MCU series that integrates features to simplify PCB design and reduce power consumption down to 2.3 mW at 1 MHz operation.Inspired by the best-selling SAM7S series, the SAM3S provides the ideal migration path to a more powerful and feature-rich MCU, while preserving hardware and software investments.
Simplified PCB Design and Low System Cost
Integrated serial resistors eliminate the need for external resistors to preserve signal integrity, resulting in reduced BOM cost, real estate savings and simplified PCB design.
1.62 to 3.6V Operation and Low Power
True 1.8V±10% operation extends device operation when running from two AA alkaline batteries. The SAM3S only consumes1.45mW/MHz at 64 MHz operation and 1.6 uA in backup mode with the RTC running.
Parallel Capture Mode
The SAM3S is the first ARM MCU with parallel data capture mode on PIOs and DMA support. The parallel data capture mode on the PIOs complements the external bus interface for data collection from external devices that are not compliant with standard memory read protocols, such as low-cost image sensors.
Safety and Security
Memory protection unit improves code protection and secures multi-application/task execution. Unique 128-bit ID and scrambled external bus interface ensure software confidentiality while the hardware CRC checks memory integrity.
Pin-to-pin Compatibility between SAM3S and SAM7S MCUs
In its 64-pin version, the SAM3S is pin-to-pin compatible with the SAM7S, enabling customers to upgrade performance while maintaining hardware, thus preserving previously made investments.
Data Speedway
Native 4-layer bus AHB matrix support with 21 peripheral DMA channels and distributed memory for high-speed uninterrupted data flows with minimum processor overhead.
Application Areas
Consumer, industrial control, metering, toys, medical,test and measurement, 802.15.4 wireless networking, and PC, cell phone and gaming peripherals.