The At91sam3x8e Datasheet is an indispensable document for anyone looking to harness the capabilities of the Atmel (now Microchip) SAM3X8E microcontroller. This comprehensive guide provides all the technical specifications, electrical characteristics, and functional descriptions needed to successfully integrate and program this powerful ARM Cortex-M3 based device into your projects.
Understanding the At91sam3x8e Datasheet
The At91sam3x8e Datasheet is far more than just a collection of numbers; it's the blueprint for understanding and utilizing a sophisticated piece of embedded hardware. It meticulously details every aspect of the microcontroller, from its core architecture and memory organization to the intricate workings of its peripherals. Engineers, hobbyists, and students alike rely on this document to grasp concepts like clock speeds, power consumption, input/output pin configurations, and the precise voltage levels required for operation. Without it, attempting to design with the SAM3X8E would be akin to building a complex machine with no instructions.
The typical usage of the At91sam3x8e Datasheet involves careful study and reference during various stages of a project. During the initial design phase, it helps determine if the SAM3X8E meets the project's requirements regarding processing power, connectivity, and peripheral set. When writing firmware, developers consult the datasheet to understand how to configure and interact with each peripheral. For example, if you need to use the Universal Synchronous Asynchronous Receiver Transmitter (USART) for serial communication, the datasheet will tell you which pins are dedicated to transmit and receive, what the various operational modes are, and how to set up the baud rate and data format. The importance of this detailed information cannot be overstated for successful and efficient embedded system development.
- Key Information Found in the Datasheet:
- Electrical Characteristics (voltage, current, timing)
- Pinout Diagrams
- Memory Maps
- Peripheral Descriptions (Timers, ADC, DAC, SPI, I2C, etc.)
- Instruction Set Details (for advanced users)
Here's a glimpse of the kind of detail you can expect:
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Core | ARM Cortex-M3 |
| Max Frequency | 100 MHz |
| Flash Memory | 512 KB |
| SRAM | 64 KB |
This datasheet is your definitive resource for understanding and effectively utilizing the At91sam3x8e microcontroller. Refer to the official Atmel/Microchip documentation for the most accurate and up-to-date information.