ATSAM3N1CB-CUR - Cortex-M3 48MHz 64KB MCU | Microchip
MPN: ATSAM3N1CB-CUR β Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $4.21 | $4.21 |
| 10 | $3.9 | $39.00 |
| 100 | $3.58 | $358.00 |
| 500 | $3.25 | $1,625.00 |
| 1,000 | $2.98 | $2,980.00 |
ATSAM3N1CB-CUR Overview
A microcontroller unit (MCU) is a single-chip embedded computer combining a processor core, program memory, data memory, and peripherals on one die. Within the embedded systems hierarchy, the SAM3N family sits in Microchip (formerly Atmel) ARM-based flash MCU portfolio, positioned above 8-bit AVR parts and below the high-performance SAM E70 series, and belongs to the broader class of 32-bit RISC microcontrollers used in industrial and consumer control systems.
Key features include the high-performance ARM Cortex-M3 RISC core at up to 48 MHz, 64 KB (64K x 8) of embedded Flash for code storage, and rich analog integration: the 16-channel, 10-bit ADC supports multi-sensor acquisition without external front ends, while the on-chip 10-bit DAC enables audio cues and control references. Peripheral set covers Brown-out Detect/Reset, DMA, Power-on Reset, PWM channels, and a Watchdog Timer for fault-safe operation.
Technically, the Cortex-M3 core delivers deterministic interrupt handling via its nested vectored interrupt controller, and the DMA controller offloads data movement between peripherals and memory, freeing CPU cycles. The GREEN, halogen-conscious, MRL B qualified package targets industrial temperature environments, and the fine-pitch 0.8 mm ball TFBGA footprint yields a compact 9x9 mm solution for space-constrained boards requiring high I/O density.
Typical applications include industrial sensor hubs leveraging the 16-channel ADC, building automation and HVAC control nodes using PWM outputs, and battery-powered portable instruments exploiting the low-power 1.8V operation mode. The part also suits consumer appliance control panels where DAC-driven feedback tones add user-interface value.
When designing with the ATSAM3N1CB-CUR, budget the TFBGA layout carefully: the fine-pitch ball array requires via-in-pad or fan-out design rules, and multi-layer stackups are recommended to break out the 100-ball footprint. Decouple all VDD/VDDIO pairs per the SAM3N datasheet recommendations.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing, drop-in family alternatives, and practical design notes not found in the manufacturer datasheet, with pricing referenced as of 2026-09-19.
Drop-in alternatives for ATSAM3N1CB-CUR β 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 ATSAM3N1CB-CUR (same form factor and footprint) β differing in Operating Temperature, Package.
Quick Comparison Tool β Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
ATSAM3N1BA-CUR
β Drop-Inπ Reference alternative (not in catalog)
ATSAM3N2CB-CU
β Drop-In β οΈ εζ°εΎ ιͺθ―π Reference alternative (not in catalog)
ATSAM3N4CB-CU
β Drop-In β οΈ εζ°εΎ ιͺθ―π Reference alternative (not in catalog)
ATSAM3N1CB-CUR Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Core Processor | ARM Cortex-M3 |
| Core Size | 32-Bit |
| Max Clock Frequency | 48 MHz |
| Flash Memory | 64 KB (64K x 8) |
| Supply Voltage | 1.8 V / 3.3 V |
| ADC Resolution | 10-bit |
| ADC Channels | 16 |
| DAC Resolution | 10-bit |
| Peripherals | Brown-out Detect/Reset, DMA, POR, PWM, WDT |
| Operating Temperature | -40C to +85C |
| Package | 100-TFBGA (9x9 mm) |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| Packaging | Tape & Reel (TR) |
| Series | SAM3N |
| Grade / Qualification | Automotive, AEC-Q100 (family designation per Octopart); GREEN, IND TEMP, MRL B |
ATSAM3N1CB-CUR 100-tfbga (9x9 mm) Pin Configuration Guide
Pin configuration for ATSAM3N1CB-CUR (100-tfbga (9x9 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 ATSAM3N1CB-CUR.
Refer to the datasheet for full pin configuration.
Typical Applications
ATSAM3N1CB-CUR is suitable for 6 applications: Industrial Sensor Hubs, Building Automation and HVAC Control, Portable and Battery-Powered Instruments, Consumer Appliance Control Panels, Motor Control and Actuation, Data Acquisition and Metering Nodes.
Industrial Sensor Hubs
The ATSAM3N1CB-CUR fits industrial sensor-hub designs because its 16-channel 10-bit ADC can digitize up to sixteen analog sensor inputs without external multiplexers, and its DMA controller streams conversion results to RAM without CPU intervention. Running at 48 MHz, the Cortex-M3 core handles filtering, scaling, and threshold logic while the watchdog timer guarantees recovery from firmware lockups in unattended equipment. Placed on a compact 9x9 mm TFBGA footprint, the MCU consolidates acquisition and control on a single small PCB area. Designers typically clock the ADC from a stable source and average multiple samples per channel to improve effective resolution beyond the native 10 bits, a trade-off of throughput for accuracy that suits slow industrial process variables.
Recommended
Building Automation and HVAC Control
In building automation nodes, the ATSAM3N1CB-CUR's PWM peripherals drive damper motors, fan speed control, and valve actuators, while its 16-channel ADC reads temperature sensors, humidity elements, and pressure transmitters across multiple zones from one controller. The 10-bit DAC can generate analog control references for variable-frequency drive inputs. Operation from 1.8V or 3.3V simplifies integration with both legacy 3.3V logic and newer low-voltage sensor rails, and the -40C to +85C rating covers rooftop and mechanical-room environments. The on-chip brown-out detector ensures safe actuator states during supply sags. Firmware size for typical HVAC scheduling and communication tasks fits comfortably within the 64 KB Flash, keeping the bill of materials at the low end of the SAM3N family.
Recommended
Portable and Battery-Powered Instruments
Battery-powered handheld instruments benefit from the ATSAM3N1CB-CUR's 1.8V operating option, which lowers dynamic power versus fixed 3.3V designs, and from the SAM3N series sleep and wait modes that reduce average current between measurement bursts. The DMA controller moves ADC samples to memory while the CPU rests in a low-power state, extending battery life in datalogging applications. The single 10-bit DAC provides audible alerts or analog output for external recorders without adding a separate DAC IC. The 9x9 mm TFBGA package conserves board area in compact enclosures, though its fine-pitch balls require multilayer PCB fabrication. Firmware for display drivers, menu systems, and measurement routines typically fits well within the 64 KB Flash budget.
Recommended
Consumer Appliance Control Panels
Consumer appliance control panels use the ATSAM3N1CB-CUR to scan touch or mechanical keypads through its ADC channels and GPIO, drive LED indicators and backlights via PWM for dimming effects, and generate user-feedback tones through the on-chip 10-bit DAC. The 48 MHz Cortex-M3 core has ample headroom for menu logic, delay timers, and communication with the main appliance controller over UART. The GREEN, halogen-conscious package designation aligns with consumer environmental requirements, and the industrial -40C to +85C temperature rating exceeds typical household demands, adding margin. Because panel firmware is compact, the 64 KB Flash variant is the cost-optimal choice in the pin-compatible SAM3N lineup, and the TFBGA footprint supports dense, small control PCBs.
Recommended
Motor Control and Actuation
The ATSAM3N1CB-CUR supports small motor control tasks through its PWM outputs, which generate the gating waveforms for brushed DC and stepper motor drivers, while the 16-channel 10-bit ADC reads current-sense amplifiers and position potentiometers for closed-loop feedback. The DMA controller transfers current samples at fixed intervals, keeping control-loop jitter low without CPU loading. The watchdog timer enforces safe shutdown if firmware stalls mid-drive, protecting actuators and loads. The 48 MHz Cortex-M3 core executes PI control loops at several kilohertz update rates, adequate for fans, pumps, and conveyance mechanisms. Designers should verify PWM resolution at their chosen carrier frequency and consult the SAM3N datasheet timer configuration tables for complementary-output arrangements needed by half-bridge drivers.
Recommended
Data Acquisition and Metering Nodes
Distributed data acquisition and utility metering nodes leverage the ATSAM3N1CB-CUR's combination of a 16-channel 10-bit ADC for multi-point measurement, a 10-bit DAC for calibration outputs or analog retransmission, and a UART or SPI link for upstream reporting to gateways. The DMA engine buffers conversion results between communication events, and the brown-out detector plus power-on reset ensure measurement integrity across unstable supply conditions common in field deployments. Storage of calibration constants and rolling logs fits within 64 KB Flash when data is offloaded frequently. The -40C to +85C temperature rating supports outdoor meter cabinets, and the compact 100-TFBGA package lets the acquisition electronics share a PCB with power and communication circuitry in tight meter enclosures.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for ATSAM3N1CB-CUR β comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | ATSAM3N1BA-CUR | ATSAM3N2CB-CU | ATSAM3N4CB-CU |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Package | 100-TFBGA (9x9 mm) | 100-TFBGA (9x9 mm) - same | 100-TFBGA (9x9 mm) - same | 100-TFBGA (9x9 mm) - same |
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Core / Clock | ARM Cortex-M3 / 48 MHz | ARM Cortex-M3 / 48 MHz | ARM Cortex-M3 / 48 MHz | ARM Cortex-M3 / 48 MHz |
| Flash Memory | 64 KB | 64 KB | 128 KB | 256 KB |
| ADC | 16-ch, 10-bit | 16-ch, 10-bit | 16-ch, 10-bit | 16-ch, 10-bit |
| Packaging | Tape & Reel (TR) | Tape & Reel | Tray | Tray |
Key Differentiators
- Lowest-cost 100-pin TFBGA entry point in SAM3N family (vs ATSAM3N4CB-CU)
- On-chip 10-bit DAC plus 16-channel 10-bit ADC (vs ATSAM3N1BA-CUR)
- Upgrade path within same footprint (vs ATSAM3N2CB-CU)
Design Notes
The 100-TFBGA (9x9) package uses a fine-pitch ball array that requires via-in-pad or dog-bone fanout techniques. Plan a minimum four-layer stackup with dedicated ground and power planes so that every VDD/VDDIO ball has a short via to the power plane and every GND ball connects directly to the ground plane. Decouple each supply pair with 100 nF ceramics placed on the inner layer directly beneath the package, supplemented by bulk 10 uF capacitance. Verify your fabricator's capability for the BGA ball pitch before committing the footprint, per standard Microchip SAM3N layout guidance.
Do not assume Flash code room: the ATSAM3N1CB-CUR provides 64 KB, and once a bootloader plus communication stack are included, application space can shrink quickly. If OTA updates or double-banked images are planned, choose the pin-compatible ATSAM3N4CB (256 KB) from the start. Also verify the suffix semantics when ordering: the -CUR ending encodes package, temperature grade, and tape-and-reel packing; ordering the wrong suffix yields a different packing or grade even though the die is identical. Cross-check the ordering-code table in the SAM3N datasheet before release.
The device operates at 1.8V or 3.3V; when running the core and I/O from separate domains, observe the SAM3N datasheet power-up sequencing requirements so VDDCORE is established before or with VDDIO to avoid latch-up or I/O undefined states. Estimated: dynamic power scales roughly with V^2 and frequency, so operating at 1.8V instead of 3.3V can cut core dynamic power by about 70% at the same 48 MHz clock, a significant saving in battery designs. Confirm exact figures against the datasheet current-consumption tables for your clock configuration.
Compliance Information
Mouser listing identifies the part as GREEN (halogen-conscious), IND TEMP, MRL B; Octopart lists the SAM3N family as Automotive, AEC-Q100. REACH and conflict-minerals status not stated in provided data.
