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Adafruit Grand Central M4 Express (SAMD51)

₹5,559.00 (Inclusive of all taxes)
Out of Stock

The Adafruit Grand Central M4 Express is a powerful development board featuring the ATSAMD51 Cortex M4 processor running at 120MHz, designed in the Arduino Mega form factor. It offers extensive I/O, advanced analog capabilities, and native USB, making it an excellent choice for high-performance embedded projects and rapid prototyping with Arduino IDE or CircuitPython.

Features

  • Powered by ATSAMD51P20 Cortex M4 processor at 120MHz with FPU.
  • Arduino Mega-compatible form factor with 62 accessible GPIO pins.
  • Features 8MB QSPI flash for ample program storage and a microSD slot.
  • Integrated dual ADC/DAC, native USB, and UF2 bootloader for easy development.
  • Supports both Arduino IDE and CircuitPython for flexible programming.

Out of stock

Description

The Adafruit Grand Central M4 Express redefines high-performance embedded development within the familiar Arduino Mega footprint. At its core lies the ATSAMD51 Cortex M4 processor, clocked at 120MHz and equipped with floating-point support, delivering robust computational power for demanding applications. This board offers a comprehensive set of peripherals, including 62 versatile GPIO pins, 16 analog inputs, and dual high-speed analog-to-digital (ADC) and digital-to-analog (DAC) converters, enabling sophisticated sensor integration and signal generation.

Designed for flexibility and ease of use, the Grand Central M4 Express features 8MB of onboard QSPI flash storage for large programs and data, complemented by a microSD card slot for expandable external storage. Native USB support simplifies programming via its UF2 bootloader, allowing for drag-and-drop code deployment without additional hardware. With full compatibility with both the Arduino IDE and CircuitPython, it caters to a wide range of developers, from beginners exploring embedded systems to seasoned engineers building complex IoT, robotics, or industrial control solutions. Onboard NeoPixel and status LEDs provide immediate visual feedback for debugging and user interaction.

Key Features

  • High-performance 120MHz Cortex M4 processor with DSP and floating-point support.
  • Arduino Mega-compatible form factor ensures broad shield and accessory compatibility.
  • Boasts 62 general-purpose input/output (GPIO) pins, including 16 analog inputs.
  • Advanced analog capabilities with dual 1 MSPS ADCs and dual 1 MSPS DACs.
  • Integrated 8MB QSPI flash memory for substantial program and data storage.
  • Native USB interface and UF2 bootloader for straightforward drag-and-drop programming.
  • MicroSD card slot provides convenient external storage for data logging and assets.
  • Built-in NeoPixel and status LEDs enhance debugging and user feedback.
  • Eight configurable SERCOM interfaces supporting I2C, SPI, and UART protocols.
  • Hardware cryptographic engine for AES-256, True RNG, and public-key operations.
  • Stereo I2S support with MCK for audio applications.

Applications

  • High-speed robotics control and automation.
  • IoT gateway and sensor node applications requiring local processing.
  • Edge AI and machine learning inference for embedded systems.
  • Advanced data logging and real-time data acquisition.
  • Custom human-machine interface (HMI) and display projects.
  • Industrial control systems and process monitoring.
  • Audio processing and synthesis projects using I2S.

Technical Specifications

MicrocontrollerATSAMD51P20
CoreCortex M4
CPU Speed120 MHz
Floating Point SupportYes (DSP instructions)
Flash Memory1 MB
RAM256 KB
Logic Level3.3 V
Total GPIO Pins70
Usable GPIO Pins62
Analog Inputs16
ADCDual 1 MSPS
Analog Outputs2 (DAC)
DACDual 1 MSPS
SERCOM Interfaces8 (I2C/SPI/UART configurable)
PWM Outputs22
Communication InterfacesSPI, I2C, UART
USB SupportNative USB
Storage8 MB QSPI Flash
External StorageMicroSD Card Slot (SPI)
I2S SupportStereo I2S with MCK
Parallel Capture12-bit (camera/video input)
Crypto EngineAES-256, True RNG, Public Key
Power Input (DC Jack)6V–12V (polarity protected)
Power Input (USB)5V via Micro USB
BootloaderUF2 (drag-and-drop programming)
IndicatorsPower LED, RX/TX LEDs, user LED
RGB LED1 x NeoPixel
Form FactorArduino Mega compatible
Dimentions104 x 54 x 10 mm
Weight34 g

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the primary microcontroller on the Adafruit Grand Central M4 Express?

The board features the ATSAMD51P20 microcontroller, which is an ARM Cortex-M4 processor running at 120MHz. This MCU includes a floating-point unit (FPU) and DSP instructions, providing robust performance for complex computations and real-time applications, making it suitable for demanding embedded projects.

Which programming environments are supported by the Grand Central M4 Express?

The Adafruit Grand Central M4 Express supports both the Arduino IDE and CircuitPython. Its native USB and UF2 bootloader allow for easy drag-and-drop programming, simplifying the development workflow. This broad compatibility caters to both C++ developers using Arduino and Python enthusiasts seeking rapid prototyping capabilities.

What are the power requirements and key storage features of this board?

The board can be powered via its Micro USB port at 5V or through the DC jack with 6V–12V. It includes 8MB of onboard QSPI flash memory for program and data storage, along with a microSD card slot for expandable external storage. This configuration is ideal for data logging and applications requiring large codebases.

How many GPIO pins and analog capabilities does the Grand Central M4 offer?

The Grand Central M4 Express provides 62 usable GPIO pins, which includes 16 analog input pins. It features dual 1 MSPS analog-to-digital converters (ADCs) and dual 1 MSPS digital-to-analog converters (DACs), enabling precise sensor interfacing, signal generation, and advanced analog processing for various embedded applications.

Package Includes

  • 1 x Adafruit Grand Central M4 Express featuring the SAMD51
  • 4 x Rubber Bumper

Additional Information

Weight 0.034 kg
Dimensions 10.4 × 5.4 × 1 cm