ATSAM3N1AA-AU - 32-bit ARM Cortex-M3 MCU 48MHz | Microchip
MPN: ATSAM3N1AA-AU ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $0 | $0.00 |
| 10 | $0 | $0.00 |
| 100 | $0 | $0.00 |
| 500 | $0 | $0.00 |
| 1,000 | $0 | $0.00 |
ATSAM3N1AA-AU Overview
A microcontroller unit (MCU) is a single integrated circuit that combines a processor core, memory, and programmable peripherals into one chip, forming the lowest tier of the embedded computing hierarchy: MCU -> embedded processor -> microprocessor-based system. The ATSAM3N1AA-AU belongs to Microchip (formerly Atmel) SMART ARM-based MCU family, sitting within the SAM3N series of cost-optimized Cortex-M3 devices.
Key features include the ARM Cortex-M3 revision 2.0 core executing Thumb-2 instructions, a 24-bit SysTick counter, and a Nested Vector Interrupt Controller (NVIC) for deterministic interrupt handling. The device operates from a 1.8V to 3.3V supply and uses an internal oscillator, reducing external component count and BOM cost. Program memory is 64KB (64K x 8) of embedded FLASH with 8KB (8K x 8) of SRAM for data and stack.
Architecturally, the SAM3N series is the migration path from the SAM3S series for applications requiring reduced BOM cost, and it is pin-to-pin compatible with the SAM3S series. This allows designers to reuse PCB layouts and firmware across family members while scaling memory and peripherals. The aggressive price point and high integration push its scope into cost-sensitive, high-volume products.
Typical applications include industrial control panels, consumer appliances, metering and sensor hubs, and building automation nodes where 32-bit performance is needed at 8-bit pricing.
When designing with this part, budget the 8KB SRAM carefully for stack and buffers, and leverage the internal oscillator to eliminate crystals in cost-driven designs. The 47 I/O lines cover most mid-complexity embedded needs.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing, drop-in alternatives, comparison data, and practical design notes not found in the manufacturer datasheet alone. Pricing references are as of 2026-09-19.
Drop-in alternatives for ATSAM3N1AA-AU — 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 ATSAM3N1AA-AU (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Core Processor, Flash Memory, RoHS Status, Package, Packaging.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
ATSAM3N1AB-AU
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$3.98 / Unit
View Datasheet →ATSAM3N1BA-AU
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ 参数待验证✓ In Stock
$2.85 / Unit
View Datasheet →ATSAM3N1CA-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 →ATSAM3S1AA-AU
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$2.68 / Unit
View Datasheet →ATSAM4S8BA-AU
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$3.72 / Unit
View Datasheet →ATSAM3N1AA-AU Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Core Processor | ARM Cortex-M3 (revision 2.0) |
| Core Size | 32-bit |
| Max Clock Speed | 48 MHz |
| Program Memory Size | 64KB (64K x 8) |
| Program Memory Type | FLASH |
| RAM Size | 8KB (8K x 8) |
| Number of I/O | 47 |
| Supply Voltage | 1.8V / 3.3V |
| Oscillator Type | Internal |
| Instruction Set | Thumb-2 |
| SysTick Counter | 24-bit |
| Interrupt Controller | NVIC (Nested Vector Interrupt Controller) |
| Package / Case | 48-LQFP (7x7 mm) |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| Packaging | Tray |
| Series | SAM3N |
| Pin Compatibility | Pin-to-pin compatible with SAM3S series |
ATSAM3N1AA-AU 48-lqfp (7x7 mm) Pin Configuration Guide
Pin configuration for ATSAM3N1AA-AU (48-lqfp (7x7 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 ATSAM3N1AA-AU.
Refer to the datasheet for full pin configuration.
Typical Applications
ATSAM3N1AA-AU is suitable for 6 applications: Industrial Control Panels, Consumer Appliances, Metering and Sensor Hubs, Building Automation Nodes, Portable and Battery-Powered Devices, Legacy SAM7/SAM3S Migration and EOL BOM Rescue.
Industrial Control Panels
The ATSAM3N1AA-AU fits industrial control panels where a 32-bit ARM Cortex-M3 at 48 MHz handles button scanning, display driving, and relay sequencing without the cost of higher-end MCUs. Its 47 GPIO lines directly address keypads, status LEDs, and discrete sensor inputs, while the NVIC provides deterministic interrupt response for timing-critical interlocks. Operation from a 1.8V/3.3V rail simplifies integration with industrial 3.3V logic, and the internal oscillator removes crystal BOM items in designs tolerant of internal-clock accuracy. Because the SAM3N series is pin-to-pin compatible with the SAM3S series, panel designs can later migrate to higher-memory SAM3S variants on the same PCB as feature sets grow.
Recommended
Consumer Appliances
Cost-sensitive, high-volume appliance controls are the core target of the SAM3N series; the Atmel datasheet explicitly positions it for reduced-BOM migration from the SAM3S. The ATSAM3N1AA-AU provides a 48 MHz Cortex-M3 with Thumb-2 code density, meaning smaller FLASH footprints and lower unit cost per feature. The 64KB FLASH accommodates typical appliance UI firmware, and 8KB SRAM supports state machines and display buffers. The internal oscillator and wide 1.8V/3.3V operation reduce external component count on cost-optimized boards. Tray packaging supports high-volume SMT assembly lines typical of appliance manufacturing.
Recommended
Metering and Sensor Hubs
Energy and utility metering front-ends benefit from the ATSAM3N1AA-AU's combination of 32-bit arithmetic capability and low system cost. The Cortex-M3 core performs metering calculations and communication protocol stacks, while 47 I/O lines interface with pulse outputs, optical ports, and status circuitry. The 24-bit SysTick timer supports time-base generation for measurement windows. Running at 1.8V allows direct operation in low-voltage measurement sections, reducing level-shifting circuitry. When measurement firmware grows beyond 64KB, pin-compatible ATSAM3N1BA-AU or ATSAM3N1CA-AU parts upgrade memory with zero PCB rework, protecting long-lived metering product roadmaps.
Recommended
Building Automation Nodes
Building automation nodes - occupancy sensors, damper controllers, and thermostat heads - require moderate compute, rich GPIO, and aggressive cost targets, all matched by the ATSAM3N1AA-AU. Its 48 MHz Cortex-M3 executes communication stacks (e.g., Modbus-style polling) alongside control loops, and the internal oscillator supports nodes where crystal cost and placement matter across thousands of installed units. The 1.8V/3.3V supply range integrates with battery-backed or bus-powered nodes. Series pin compatibility with SAM3S allows a single PCB platform to span node variants, with firmware and footprint reused from low-cost SAM3N nodes to feature-rich SAM3S gateways.
Recommended
Portable and Battery-Powered Devices
Handheld instruments, portable readers, and battery-powered accessories use the ATSAM3N1AA-AU because 1.8V operation matches single-cell power architectures and the internal oscillator removes startup-latency and space penalties of external crystals. The 48 MHz Cortex-M3 delivers responsive user interfaces, while Thumb-2 instruction density keeps 64KB FLASH sufficient for menus, drivers, and BLE/IR companion logic implemented externally. The 24-bit SysTick enables precise timing for measurement modes. For products with evolving firmware, the pin-compatible 128KB/256KB FLASH family members provide upgrade headroom on the same 48-LQFP (7x7 mm) footprint without respinning the PCB.
Recommended
Legacy SAM7/SAM3S Migration and EOL BOM Rescue
The ATSAM3N1AA-AU serves as a landing point for designs migrating from older 8-bit MCUs or consolidating BOMs during end-of-life events. Because the SAM3N series is pin-to-pin compatible with the SAM3S series per the Atmel datasheet, boards laid out for SAM3S can adopt the lower-cost SAM3N without layout changes, and cross-reference tools (DigiKey cross-reference, ETEI, icdirectory) also list the same-footprint ATSAM4S8BA-AU Cortex-M4 as a performance-boosting alternative. This ecosystem of footprint-compatible parts makes the 48-LQFP SAM3N/SAM3S/SAM4S family a resilient supply-chain choice where drop-in alternates are required quickly.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for ATSAM3N1AA-AU — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | ATSAM3N1AB-AU | ATSAM3N1BA-AU | ATSAM3S1AA-AU | ATSAM4S8BA-AU |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Package | 48-LQFP (7x7 mm) | 48-LQFP - same | 48-LQFP - same | 48-LQFP - same | 48-LQFP - same |
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Core | ARM Cortex-M3 | ARM Cortex-M3 | ARM Cortex-M3 | ARM Cortex-M3 | ARM Cortex-M4 |
| FLASH | 64KB | 64KB | 128KB | 64KB | 512KB |
| SRAM | 8KB | 8KB | 8KB | 8KB | 128KB |
| GPIO Count | 47 | 47 | 47 | 47 | 47 |
| Pin Compatibility | Pin-to-pin with SAM3S series | Pin-to-pin within SAM3N family | Pin-to-pin within SAM3N family | Datasheet-documented SAM3N/SAM3S pin-to-pin | Same LQFP-48 footprint; peripheral set differs |
Key Differentiators
- Lowest-cost entry to 32-bit with SAM3S footprint compatibility (vs ATSAM3S1AA-AU)
- Memory upgrade path without PCB rework (vs ATSAM3N1BA-AU)
- Performance ceiling differs (vs ATSAM4S8BA-AU)
Design Notes
Design the supply for the 1.8V/3.3V operating range stated in the datasheet. Estimated: at 48 MHz a Cortex-M3 class core typically draws tens of milliamps; provide per-pin 100nF ceramic decoupling plus a 4.7uF to 10uF bulk capacitor near the VDDIO/VDDCORE domains, placed within a few millimeters of the pins. If core and I/O rails are derived from separate LDOs, verify sequencing requirements in the manufacturer datasheet power section before production, as rail-order violations are a common bring-up failure.
Do not assume external crystal presence: the ATSAM3N1AA-AU uses an internal oscillator, so clock-accuracy-dependent peripherals (UART baud, USB timing if applicable) must be validated against internal-oscillator tolerance. Second, budget the 8KB SRAM early - linker overflows are the most common late-stage failure on this family; reserve headroom for ISR stacks. Third, since SAM3N is pin-to-pin compatible with SAM3S, do not mix datasheets: peripheral register maps differ between series even where the pinout matches.
The 48-LQFP (7x7 mm) with 0.5 mm pitch suits standard SMT assembly; use solder-mask-defined pads per IPC guidance for LQFP land patterns and keep SWD debug header traces short (<10 cm) with series resistors on SWDIO/SWCLK for robust programming. Because family migration (SAM3N to SAM3S to SAM4S footprint alternates) is a design goal, reserve uncommitted GPIO pads near standard peripheral locations so future same-footprint variants can access extra peripherals without respinning.
At 48 MHz the edge rates are modest, but routing GPIO with more than 100 mm of trace for fast external buses or clocked peripherals warrants series termination (estimated 22 to 33 ohm) to control ringing. Keep analog or measurement signal traces separated from the oscillator and switching regulator areas, and place a local ground return via near high-toggle-rate I/O groups to limit ground bounce across the 47-I/O port structure.
Compliance Information
Compliance statements were not captured in the verified web data for this MPN; confirm RoHS/REACH status on the official Microchip product page for the specific date code.