ATSAM3X8EA-AU - 84MHz Cortex-M3 MCU, 512KB Flash | Microchip
MPN: ATSAM3X8EA-AU ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $6.24 | $6.24 |
| 10 | $5.72 | $57.20 |
| 100 | $5.12 | $512.00 |
| 500 | $4.68 | $2,340.00 |
| 1,000 | $4.25 | $4,250.00 |
ATSAM3X8EA-AU Overview
A microcontroller unit (MCU) is a single integrated circuit that combines a processor core, memory, and peripherals into one chip, forming the highest-volume class of embedded processors. The SAM3X/A series belongs to the ARM Cortex-M based Flash MCU family, which sits within the broader hierarchy of 32-bit RISC embedded processors used throughout industrial, consumer, and automotive electronics. Microcontrollers like this one execute deterministic real-time control code while managing communication, sensing, and actuation peripherals on-chip.
Key features include the ARM Cortex-M3 revision 2.0 core with Memory Protection Unit (MPU), Thumb-2 instruction set, 24-bit SysTick counter, and Nested Vector Interrupt Controller. The 512 KB Flash uses a 128-bit wide access with a memory accelerator and dual-bank architecture, while the 100 KB SRAM is split into dual banks. Rich connectivity includes CAN, EBI/EMI, Ethernet MAC, I2C (TWI), IrDA, LIN, and MMC/SD card interfaces. Analog capability comprises a 16-channel 12-bit ADC and 2-channel 12-bit DAC.
Operating from a 1.62V to 3.6V supply (1.8V/2.5V/3.3V rails), the ATSAM3X8EA-AU is the exact MCU used on the Arduino Due, making it highly accessible to embedded developers. Dual-bank Flash supports safe in-application firmware updates.
Typical applications include industrial automation and motor control, IoT gateways and networking equipment, and 3D printer or robotics controller boards. The Ethernet MAC and dual CAN controllers make it particularly well suited to industrial communication nodes.
Design consideration: for Ethernet operation, supply from a clean 3.3V rail and follow the datasheet decoupling guidance on the 144-LQFP, using at least a four-layer PCB with a solid ground plane for analog peripherals.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing, drop-in family alternatives, and practical design guidance not found on standard datasheet portals, as of 2026-09-20.
Drop-in alternatives for ATSAM3X8EA-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 ATSAM3X8EA-AU (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Connectivity, Core Processor, Flash Memory, Package, Series.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
ATSAM3X8CA-AU
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ 参数待验证✓ In Stock
$7.18 / Unit
View Datasheet →ATSAM3X4EA-AU
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ 参数待验证✓ In Stock
$10.4 / Unit
View Datasheet →ATSAM3X4CA-AU
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ 参数待验证📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
ATSAM3A8CA-AU
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ 参数待验证✓ In Stock
$6.3 / Unit
View Datasheet →ATSAM4S8BA-AU
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$3.72 / Unit
View Datasheet →ATSAM3X8EA-AU Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Core Processor | ARM Cortex-M3 revision 2.0 |
| Core Size | 32-bit |
| Maximum Clock Speed | 84 MHz |
| Flash Memory | 512 KB (512K x 8) |
| SRAM | 100 KB (100K x 8), dual bank |
| Supply Voltage | 1.62 V to 3.6 V (1.8 V / 2.5 V / 3.3 V) |
| ADC | 16-channel, 12-bit |
| DAC | 2-channel, 12-bit |
| Connectivity | CAN, EBI/EMI, Ethernet, I2C, IrDA, LIN, MMC/SD, SPI, UART/USART, USB |
| Instruction Set | Thumb-2 |
| Interrupt Controller | NVIC (Nested Vector Interrupt Controller) |
| Memory Protection | MPU (Memory Protection Unit) |
| Package | 144-LQFP (20 x 20 mm) |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| Operating Temperature | -40C to +85C (industrial) |
| Oscillator Type | Internal |
| Terminal Form | Gull Wing |
| Series | SAM3X/A (SAM3X) |
ATSAM3X8EA-AU 144-lqfp (20 x 20 mm) Pin Configuration Guide
Pin configuration for ATSAM3X8EA-AU (144-lqfp (20 x 20 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 ATSAM3X8EA-AU.
Refer to the datasheet for full pin configuration.
Typical Applications
ATSAM3X8EA-AU is suitable for 6 applications: Arduino Due Compatible Boards, Industrial Automation and Motor Control, IoT Gateways and Networking Equipment, 3D Printer and Robotics Controllers, Data Acquisition and Instrumentation, Automotive and Vehicle Subsystems (non-safety).
Arduino Due Compatible Boards
The ATSAM3X8EA-AU is the exact microcontroller mounted on the Arduino Due, making it the mandatory choice for Due-compatible custom PCBs and production builds of open-source hardware. Its 84 MHz Cortex-M3 core, 512 KB Flash, and 100 KB SRAM map one-to-one onto the Arduino Due software model, so sketches and Due-specific libraries execute unchanged. Developers benefit from the Arduino IDE core, the Microchip ASF3 library configurable through Studio 7, and SWD debugging via Atmel-ICE. When laying out a custom board, mirror the Due schematic for the 3.3 V rail, 12 MHz crystal, and USB routing, and verify the I2C/TWI behavior on newer die revisions as reported in community errata discussions.
Recommended
Industrial Automation and Motor Control
Industrial automation nodes demand deterministic real-time control plus robust fieldbus communication, which is precisely the ATSAM3X8EA-AU profile. Its 84 MHz Cortex-M3 with NVIC provides low-latency interrupt handling for PWM-based motor loops, while dual CAN controllers and LIN, IrDA, and EBI/EMI interfaces cover fieldbus and legacy interconnect needs. The 16-channel 12-bit ADC samples encoder and sensor feedback across many channels, and the 12-bit DAC closes analog control loops. Operating from -40C up in the industrial grade, the part runs from a standard 3.3 V rail (1.62 V to 3.6 V tolerance). Use the 128-bit wide dual-bank Flash to stage firmware updates on live factory equipment without bricking the controller.
Recommended
IoT Gateways and Networking Equipment
The integrated Ethernet MAC distinguishes the ATSAM3X8EA-AU within the SAM3X family and anchors its use in IoT gateways, embedded network nodes, and machine-to-machine bridges. Because the MAC requires an external PHY, pair it with a 10/100 PHY over the MII interface on the 144-LQFP pin mux. The 512 KB Flash hosts TCP/IP stacks and application logic with headroom for OTA updates, and 100 KB dual-bank SRAM buffers packets and TLS sessions. Interfaces such as MMC/SD support local logging storage, while UART/SPI/TWI connect sensors and radios. At 84 MHz the core comfortably services interrupt-driven networking while running the main application loop.
Recommended
3D Printer and Robotics Controllers
RepRap-class 3D printer mainboards and hobby robotics controllers widely adopted the ATSAM3X8EA-AU as a 32-bit upgrade from 8-bit AVR boards, driven by the Arduino Due ecosystem. The 84 MHz core computes multi-axis stepper interpolation, and 16 PWM-capable timers-class peripherals drive stepper drivers while the 16-channel 12-bit ADC reads thermistors for closed-loop extruder temperature control. Gull-wing 144-LQFP terminals supply abundant GPIO for endstops, fans, and displays, and dual-bank Flash enables field firmware upgrades. Design at 3.3 V I/O levels and level-shift legacy 5 V peripherals, since the supply range tops out at 3.6 V.
Recommended
Data Acquisition and Instrumentation
The ATSAM3X8EA-AU serves as the processing heart of mid-range data acquisition systems and bench instrumentation. Its 16-channel 12-bit ADC handles multi-sensor front ends, while the 2-channel 12-bit DAC generates stimulus and calibration signals - a complete analog measurement loop on one chip. The EBI/EMI external bus interface attaches parallel ADCs, FPGAs, or memory-mapped displays when the internal peripherals are insufficient. USB connectivity streams results to a host PC at full-speed, and the dual-bank 512 KB Flash stores calibration tables and logging buffers. Keep the analog reference pins decoupled per the datasheet and use a solid ground plane to protect the 12-bit converter noise floor.
Recommended
Automotive and Vehicle Subsystems (non-safety)
Although the ATSAM3X8EA-AU itself is not AEC-Q100 qualified, its dual CAN controllers and LIN support make the SAM3X architecture a common choice for non-safety vehicle subsystems, aftermarket ECUs, and vehicle telematics prototypes. CAN handles powertrain and body-bus communication through external transceivers, while the 84 MHz Cortex-M3 processes sensor fusion and display logic. Designers prototyping on this industrial-grade part typically migrate to a Q-qualified sibling before production. The 1.62 V to 3.6 V supply range supports load-dump-conditioned 3.3 V rails, and the 144-pin LQFP provides the GPIO density needed for button matrices, lighting outputs, and cluster displays in cabin electronics.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for ATSAM3X8EA-AU — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | ATSAM3X8CA-AU | ATSAM3X4EA-AU | ATSAM3A8CA-AU |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Package | 144-LQFP (20 x 20 mm) | 144-LQFP class (verify suffix) | 144-LQFP (20 x 20 mm) - same | 144-LQFP class (verify suffix) |
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Core / Speed | ARM Cortex-M3 @ 84 MHz | ARM Cortex-M3 @ 84 MHz | ARM Cortex-M3 @ 84 MHz | ARM Cortex-M3 @ 84 MHz |
| Flash Memory | 512 KB (dual bank) | 512 KB | 256 KB (-50%) | 512 KB |
| 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 |
Key Differentiators
- Integrated Ethernet MAC plus dual CAN (vs ATSAM3A8CA-AU)
- Maximum Flash in the family at same core speed (vs ATSAM3X4EA-AU)
- Arduino Due software ecosystem compatibility (vs ATSAM4S8BA-AU)
Design Notes
Supply the ATSAM3X8EA-AU from a regulated 3.3 V rail within its 1.62 V to 3.6 V operating window. The 144-LQFP has multiple VDD/VDDIO groups plus separate VDDCORE/VDDPLL domains; decouple each supply pin pair with 100 nF ceramics placed within 2 mm of the pins, plus bulk 10 uF near the regulator. For Ethernet operation, keep the PHY analog supply isolated from the digital rail with a ferrite bead. Never exceed 3.6 V - many failures trace to unregulated USB 5 V or poorly clamped industrial rails.
Use a four-layer stack (signal / GND / power / signal) for any design using the Ethernet MAC, EBI bus, or the 16-channel ADC. The 84 MHz core generates harmonics well above 200 MHz, so return paths under all high-speed traces are essential. Provide a solid, unbroken ground plane beneath the 144-LQFP and stitch the perimeter. Keep the crystal (typically 12 MHz) traces short, guard them with ground, and place load capacitors per the crystal datasheet, not generic 22 pF assumptions.
Verify the die revision before production: community reports (Arduino Forum) document that a die change removed expected I2C/TWI behavior on newer ATSAM3X8EA-AU date codes, breaking clock and EEPROM peripherals in Due-derived designs. Confirm TWI operation on your lot, keep the Arduino/ASF core updated, and test a first-article board from each procurement batch. Also budget Flash margin - dual-bank 512 KB is shared between application and bootloader, so reserve a bank for OTA.
Compliance Information
Mouser lists the part as LQFP144, GREEN IND TEMP, MRLA - indicating green, matte lead-free plating and industrial temperature grade. Not AEC-Q100 qualified; the industrial -40C rating does not imply automotive qualification. Formal REACH and conflict-minerals declarations should be requested from Microchip.