ATSAM3N0CA-AUR - 48MHz Cortex-M3 MCU 32KB Flash | Microchip
MPN: ATSAM3N0CA-AUR ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $3.55 | $3.55 |
| 10 | $3.24 | $32.40 |
| 100 | $2.95 | $295.00 |
| 500 | $2.7 | $1,350.00 |
| 1,000 | $2.45 | $2,450.00 |
ATSAM3N0CA-AUR Overview
A microcontroller (MCU) is a single-chip computer that combines a processor core, memory, and peripherals on one die, sitting at the heart of embedded systems. Within the power-management hierarchy of a product, an MCU such as the SAM3N0C executes firmware, manages sensors and actuators, and handles communication. The SAM3N series belongs to Microchip's (formerly Atmel) ARM-based SAM family, positioned as a cost-optimized, low-power line for high-volume applications.
Key features include the high-performance 32-bit Cortex-M3 RISC core with nested vectored interrupt controller, 32 KB of single-cycle flash with a page-erase architecture, and low power consumption suited to battery-operated designs. Peripherals include USART/UART serial ports, two-wire interface (TWI/I2C), SPI, timers/counters, PWM channels, and the 16-channel 10-bit ADC with 10-bit DAC, reducing external component count.
Technically, the SAM3N0C leverages the ARMv7-M architecture with Thumb-2 instruction set, delivering efficient code density and deterministic interrupt latency. The flash accelerator keeps the 48 MHz core fed from wait-state-limited flash, while the multi-layer bus matrix (AHB-APB bridge) allows peripheral access without stalling the core.
Typical applications include industrial control boards, consumer appliances, metering products, and sensor interfaces where the 16-channel ADC and rich serial connectivity are exploited at aggressive cost targets.
A key design consideration: the SAM3N series is pin-to-pin compatible with the SAM3S series, giving designers a straightforward flash-upgrade or cost-down path on an unchanged PCB.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing, drop-in alternatives, pinout guidance, and practical design notes not found in the manufacturer datasheet.
Drop-in alternatives for ATSAM3N0CA-AUR — same package, pin-to-pin compatible. Different-package parts requiring PCB rework are excluded.
Variants in this series
Same-series models that are drop-in compatible with ATSAM3N0CA-AUR (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Packaging, Core Processor, Core Size, Number of I/O, Package.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
ATSAM3N0BA-AU
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ 参数待验证📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
ATSAM3N0AA-AU
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ 参数待验证✓ In Stock
$2.58 / Unit
View Datasheet →ATSAM3N1AA-AU
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ 参数待验证✓ In Stock
Contact for price
View Datasheet →ATSAM3N2AA-AU
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ 参数待验证✓ In Stock
$2.68 / Unit
View Datasheet →ATSAM3S4CA-AU
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
ATSAM3N0CA-AUR Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Core Processor | ARM Cortex-M3 |
| Core Size | 32-bit |
| Maximum Clock Frequency | 48 MHz |
| Flash Program Memory | 32 KB (32K x 8) |
| SRAM | 8 KB |
| Supply Voltage Range | 1.62 V to 3.6 V |
| Operating Supply Voltage | 1.8 V / 2.5 V / 3 V / 3.3 V |
| ADC Resolution | 10-bit |
| ADC Channels | 16-channel |
| DAC Resolution | 10-bit |
| Operating Temperature | -40C to +85C (Industrial) |
| Package | 100-LQFP (14x14 mm) |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| Packaging | Tape & Reel (T&R) |
| RoHS Status | Compliant (Green package per Mouser) |
| Series | SAM3N |
ATSAM3N0CA-AUR 100-lqfp (14x14 mm) Pin Configuration Guide
Pin configuration for ATSAM3N0CA-AUR (100-lqfp (14x14 mm) package). This digital IC includes GPIO, communication interfaces (UART, SPI, I2C), and power pins. Refer to the manufacturer datasheet for alternate pin functions and configuration options. Essential for embedded system design and PCB layout.
No detailed pinout data available for ATSAM3N0CA-AUR.
Refer to the datasheet for full pin configuration.
Typical Applications
ATSAM3N0CA-AUR is suitable for 6 applications: Industrial Control Boards, Sensor Interface Nodes, Consumer Appliances, Metering Products, Embedded Networking Nodes, Portable and Battery Devices.
Industrial Control Boards
The ATSAM3N0CA-AUR fits industrial control nodes where a 48 MHz Cortex-M3 core handles real-time I/O loops, and the industrial -40C to +85C temperature rating covers factory-floor ambient extremes. Its 16-channel 10-bit ADC digitizes multiple analog sensor inputs (pressure, level, current loops via external conditioning) without an external front-end, while USART, SPI, and TWI interfaces link to HMI panels, actuators, and fieldbus transceivers. Placed on a 3.3V rail with local 100nF decoupling per power pin, the MCU runs deterministic interrupt-driven control firmware in its 32 KB flash. Because the SAM3N series is pin-to-pin compatible with the SAM3S series, control-board designers can validate on the feature-richer SAM3S4CA and cost-down to the ATSAM3N0CA-AUR for volume production on the same 100-pin LQFP PCB, protecting margin in price-sensitive industrial products.
Recommended
Sensor Interface Nodes
With a 16-channel 10-bit ADC and a 10-bit DAC on chip, the ATSAM3N0CA-AUR serves multi-sensor acquisition nodes that would otherwise need an external analog front end. Up to 16 analog inputs can be multiplexed for temperature, humidity, and strain measurements at moderate sample rates, and the DAC drives analog control or calibration outputs. The Cortex-M3 core at 48 MHz applies filtering and scaling in firmware within the 8 KB SRAM working set, then forwards processed data over USART or I2C/TWI to a gateway. Operating from 1.62V to 3.6V, the MCU runs directly from Li-ion or 2-cell alkaline rails through a simple LDO, supporting battery-deployed sensor boxes. The 100-pin LQFP also leaves abundant GPIO for relay drivers and status signaling, consolidating an entire measurement node in a single 14x14 mm component.
Recommended
Consumer Appliances
The SAM3N series is described by Microchip's datasheet as pushing its scope of use into cost-sensitive, high-volume applications, and appliance control is a primary example. The ATSAM3N0CA-AUR provides the control core for washing machines, small kitchen appliances, and HVAC fan boards: 32 KB flash stores the state-machine firmware, PWM-capable timers drive triacs/MOSFETs for motor and heater control, and the 10-bit ADC reads thermistors, buttons, and door sensors. The 48 MHz Cortex-M3 core with Thumb-2 code density executes UI and control tasks with margin, while the industrial temperature rating tolerates warm enclosure environments. At roughly $3.55 per unit as of 2026-09-19, it delivers ARM-level performance at 8-bit-class economics, and the pin-compatible SAM3S path gives a no-respin upgrade route if features such as faster ADC sampling are added later.
Recommended
Metering Products
Energy, water, and heat meters benefit from the ATSAM3N0CA-AUR's combination of analog integration and low supply range. The 16-channel 10-bit ADC samples shunt or divider-sensed analog front-end outputs for current and voltage measurement channels, and firmware computes consumption in the 8 KB SRAM. Serial peripherals (USART with ISO 7816 support in the SAM3N family, TWI, SPI) connect to metering front ends, EEPROM, and communication modules such as RF or PLC links. The 1.62V minimum supply allows operation from battery-backed supplies, and sleep modes extend service life in battery meters. The 100-pin LQFP provides enough GPIO to drive segment LCDs via external drivers, keypads, and tamper switches in one 14x14 mm device. Designers can begin on the pin-compatible SAM3S4CA with more flash for protocol stacks, then drop in the ATSAM3N0CA-AUR once firmware is optimized under 32 KB.
Recommended
Embedded Networking Nodes
For cost-conscious networked devices - access terminals, environmental monitors, and sub-system controllers - the ATSAM3N0CA-AUR offers the serial interface set needed to bridge field devices onto a larger network. Multiple USARTs and the TWI/SPI masters connect sensors, displays, and external modules, while an external UART-to-Ethernet chip or wireless module such as the ATWINC1500 handles higher-layer connectivity. The 48 MHz Cortex-M3 core with nested vectored interrupt controller manages concurrent communication tasks deterministically within 32 KB flash, adequate for slim protocol firmware. Operating from a single 3.3V rail with industrial temperature compliance, the MCU suits DIN-rail and wall-mounted enclosures. Because firmware footprint stays compact with Thumb-2 code, the 8 KB SRAM handles buffering comfortably for modest packet sizes, and the pin-compatible SAM3N1AA variant (64 KB flash) offers growth headroom on the same PCB.
Recommended
Portable and Battery Devices
The ATSAM3N0CA-AUR's 1.62V to 3.6V operating range and the SAM3N series' low-power design make it practical for portable instruments, handheld meters, and battery-powered data loggers. The MCU sleeps between measurement cycles, waking on RTC or external interrupts to run the 16-channel ADC across sensor arrays before transmitting results over USART or TWI. The 10-bit DAC can generate test stimulus or audio-level output in handheld instruments. Cortex-M3 Thumb-2 density keeps application code small, letting the 32 KB flash hold logging, UI, and power-management firmware comfortably. Powered directly from a Li-ion cell (3.0V-3.6V) through a low-Iq LDO, the design avoids a boost converter. The 14x14 mm 100-pin LQFP still supplies ample GPIO for keypads and displays, and the pin-compatible SAM3N0B offers a further cost-down for entry models sharing the same board.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for ATSAM3N0CA-AUR — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | ATSAM3N0BA-AU | ATSAM3N0AA-AU | ATSAM3N1AA-AU | ATSAM3S4CA-AU |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Package | 100-LQFP (14x14 mm) | 100-LQFP (14x14 mm) - same | 100-LQFP (14x14 mm) - same | 100-LQFP (14x14 mm) - same | 100-LQFP (14x14 mm) - same |
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Flash Memory | 32 KB | 16 KB | 16 KB | 64 KB | 256 KB |
| Core / Frequency | ARM Cortex-M3 @ 48 MHz | ARM Cortex-M3 @ 48 MHz | ARM Cortex-M3 @ 48 MHz | ARM Cortex-M3 @ 48 MHz | ARM Cortex-M3 @ 48 MHz |
| Supply Voltage | 1.62 V to 3.6 V | 1.62 V to 3.6 V | 1.62 V to 3.6 V | 1.62 V to 3.6 V | 1.62 V to 3.6 V |
| ADC | 16-ch 10-bit + 10-bit DAC | 16-ch 10-bit | Reduced channel count | 16-ch 10-bit | 16-ch 10-bit, faster conversion |
| Typical Use Case | Cost-sensitive 32KB firmware designs | Entry firmware <=16KB, cost-down | Minimal-feature cost-optimized builds | Growing firmware headroom | Feature-rich designs, faster ADC |
Key Differentiators
- Full 32 KB flash at the cost-optimized SAM3N0 tier (vs ATSAM3N0BA-AU)
- Pin-to-pin compatibility with SAM3S series (vs ATSAM3S4CA-AU)
- Integrated analog: 16-ch 10-bit ADC plus 10-bit DAC (vs Cross-brand Cortex-M3 equivalents (e.g., STM32F103 class))
Design Notes
Supply the ATSAM3N0CA-AUR from a clean 1.62V to 3.6V rail, typically 3.3V. Decouple every VDD/VDDIO pin pair with 100nF ceramic capacitors placed within 2 mm of the pin, plus one bulk 4.7uF-10uF capacitor near the device. The 1.8V/2.5V/3V/3.3V options in the datasheet indicate approved nominal rails - do not power from a switching regulator output without an LC filter, as ADC accuracy on the 16-channel 10-bit converter degrades with supply ripple. Estimated: at 48 MHz active mode, core current is in the tens of milliamps class per the SAM3N datasheet; size the LDO accordingly plus margin.
The 100-pin LQFP (0.5 mm pitch) requires careful land-pattern compliance with the IPC-recommended footprint for LQFP-100. Keep the 10-bit ADC reference (VREF) trace short, guarded by ground, and route it away from USART/SPI clock lines to minimize crosstalk-induced ADC noise. Place a 100nF capacitor directly on VREFIN/VDDCORE as shown in the datasheet typical application schematic. Use a solid ground plane on layer 2; do not split ground under the analog section. Pin 1 is marked by a dot - verify orientation against the datasheet pinout before stencil cutting.
Common SAM3N mistakes: (1) Assuming SAM3S firmware runs unmodified - the SAM3N lacks some SAM3S peripherals such as the SSC; check the migration note before pin-to-pin swapping to ATSAM3S4CA or back. (2) Omitting the NRST pull-up and 100nF reset capacitor, causing erratic reset in noisy industrial environments. (3) Exceeding flash: 32 KB fills quickly with protocol stacks - if code size approaches 28 KB, plan migration to the pin-compatible ATSAM3N1AA (64 KB) on the same 100-pin LQFP footprint. (4) Using the erase-all pin (Erase) inadvertently exposed on a header.
Compliance Information
Mouser lists the part as 'LQFP, Green, IND TEMP, MRL A, T&R' indicating a green (RoHS, halogen-free) package. REACH and conflict minerals declarations must be obtained from Microchip environmental documentation.