AT91SAM (AT91SAM Smart ARM-based Microcontrollers) are a family of Atmel microcontrollers based on the 32-bit RISC microprocessors from ARM. They include embedded Flash and SRAM memories together with a number of peripherals and standard communications and networking interfaces. This qualifies them as system-on-a-chip devices.
The AT91SAM comes in both ARM7 and ARM9 versions.
External interfaces include USB, CAN, Ethernet, SPI, USART and ADC. A DMA controller provides direct communication channels between external interfaces and memories, increasing data throughput with minimal processor intervention.
Peripherals include counter/timers, power-on reset generators, voltage regulators and advanced interrupt controller. This enhances the real time performance of the processor. A power management controller keeps power consumption to a minimum by powering down unused peripherals and interfaces, and enabling the processor to be put in standby mode.