ATSAMA5D24A-CU - ARM Cortex-A5 MPU 500MHz 256-TFBGA | Microchip
MPN: ATSAMA5D24A-CU ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $16.42 | $16.42 |
| 10 | $14.78 | $147.80 |
| 100 | $12.95 | $1,295.00 |
| 500 | $11.2 | $5,600.00 |
| 1,000 | $9.85 | $9,850.00 |
ATSAMA5D24A-CU Overview
A microprocessor (MPU) is a class of integrated circuit that combines a central processing unit, memory management unit, cache, and rich peripherals on a single die. The SAMA5D2 family sits in the broader taxonomy as follows: ARM Cortex-A core -> application processor -> microprocessor (MPU) -> embedded processing IC -> semiconductor. Cortex-A5 MPUs specifically target Linux-capable embedded applications where deterministic real-time response is unnecessary but high throughput, hardware graphics, and advanced connectivity are required.
Key features include a peripheral touch controller (PTC) for touch-sensitive HMIs without an external touch IC, a hardware crypto block with AES on-the-fly (AESOTF) decryption for secure boot and encrypted XIP execution, and a high-speed inter-chip (HSIC) USB interface. The integrated LCD controller with graphical acceleration enables cost-effective HMI designs, while the audio subsystem with I2S, SSC, and class-D amplifier support simplifies multimedia product development.
Architecturally, the ATSAMA5D24A-CU uses a single-issue, in-order Cortex-A5 core with 32 KB instruction cache and 32 KB data cache, plus a NEON SIMD engine for media workloads and a single-precision floating-point unit. The advanced power management controller (PMC) supports multiple low-power modes including backup mode with 5 µA retention current, enabling battery-powered or energy-harvesting applications. The on-chip secure boot ROM and tamper-detection pins provide hardware root-of-trust.
Typical applications include industrial HMI panels, smart home gateways, building automation controllers, medical patient-monitoring terminals, point-of-sale terminals, and Linux-based IoT edge nodes. The combination of Cortex-A5 performance, integrated peripherals, and ultra-low-power modes makes the ATSAMA5D24A-CU particularly attractive for fan-less, sealed-enclosure designs that must run full Linux distributions.
When designing with this device, pay attention to PCB layout of the 0.8 mm pitch TFBGA-256 package - it requires laser-drilled micro-vias and 4-layer or 6-layer stack-up for reliable production. Ensure the DDR3/LPDDR2 interface length-matching is verified with the SAMA5D2 PCB design checklist from Microchip.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing, drop-in SAMA5D2 family alternatives, and practical design notes for the 256-TFBGA footprint that go beyond the manufacturer datasheet alone.
Drop-in alternatives for ATSAMA5D24A-CU — 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 ATSAMA5D24A-CU (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Ethernet, Package, Operating Temperature, USB, Backup Mode Current.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
ATSAMA5D24B-CU
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$10.42 / Unit
View Datasheet →ATSAMA5D23B-CU
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$11.9 / Unit
View Datasheet →ATSAMA5D22C-CU
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$7.14 / Unit
View Datasheet →ATSAMA5D21C-CUR
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$11.65 / Unit
View Datasheet →ATSAMA5D225C-D1M-CU
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$12.6 / Unit
View Datasheet →ATSAMA5D24A-CU Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Manufacturer | Microchip Technology |
| Series | SAMA5D2 |
| Core Processor | ARM Cortex-A5 |
| Core Count | 1 |
| Data Bus Width | 32-bit |
| Maximum Clock Speed | 500 MHz |
| On-chip SRAM | 128 KB |
| Instruction Cache | 32 KB |
| Data Cache | 32 KB |
| Package | 256-TFBGA (8x8 mm) |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| Memory Controllers | LPDDR1, LPDDR2, LPDDR3, DDR2, DDR3, DDR3L, QSPI |
| Graphics Acceleration | Yes (LCD controller) |
| NEON SIMD Engine | Yes |
| Floating Point Unit | Single-precision FPU |
| Cryptography | AES, SHA, AES-OTF, Secure Boot |
| Touch Controller | Peripheral Touch Controller (PTC) |
| USB | USB 2.0 + HSIC |
| Ethernet | 10/100 Mbps (1) |
| Operating Temperature | -40C to +85C |
| Backup Mode Current | 5 uA (typical) |
| I/O Voltage | 1.2 V, 1.8 V, 3.3 V |
| RoHS Status | Compliant |
ATSAMA5D24A-CU 256-tfbga (8x8 mm) Pin Configuration Guide
Pin configuration for ATSAMA5D24A-CU (256-tfbga (8x8 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 ATSAMA5D24A-CU.
Refer to the datasheet for full pin configuration.
Typical Applications
ATSAMA5D24A-CU is suitable for 7 applications: Industrial HMI Control Panels, Smart Home and Building Automation Gateways, Medical Patient Monitoring Terminals, Point-of-Sale Terminals and Payment Kiosks, Edge IoT Linux Sensor Hubs, Automotive Infotainment HMI Auxiliary Displays, Audio and Video Streaming Appliances.
Industrial HMI Control Panels
The ATSAMA5D24A-CU's integrated LCD controller with hardware 2D graphics acceleration and RGB TFT output up to WXGA (1280x720) directly drives industrial touch panels without an external GPU. Combined with the on-chip Peripheral Touch Controller (PTC), a complete HMI design needs only the MPU, an LCD, and a touch sensor - eliminating a dedicated touch IC. The 500 MHz Cortex-A5 plus 128 KB SRAM comfortably runs Buildroot Linux with Qt or LVDS framebuffer UI stacks, while the wide DDR3L/LPDDR2 support lets designers match memory cost to BOM targets.
Recommended
Smart Home and Building Automation Gateways
The ATSAMA5D24A-CU serves as a Linux-capable gateway processor aggregating multiple building protocols - Zigbee, KNX, Modbus, BACnet - over its high-speed peripheral bus. The HSIC USB 2.0 interface offloads radio co-processors without consuming a USB PHY, and the 10/100 Ethernet MAC with built-in PHY connects to wired building networks. The 5 µA backup current with RTC retention enables always-listening battery-backed operation, while the secure-boot ROM plus AES-OTF protects over-the-air firmware updates - critical for IP-connected building controllers.
Recommended
Medical Patient Monitoring Terminals
The ATSAMA5D24A-CU's hardware AES/SHA crypto accelerator with AES-OTF meets HIPAA-adjacent encryption-at-rest requirements for patient records stored on local DDR. The integrated Class-D audio interface plus I2S provides direct connection to digital stethoscope and pulse-oximetry front ends, while the LCD controller drives clinician-facing 7-10 inch panels. The Cortex-A5 NEON engine accelerates real-time ECG/QRS detection DSP workloads, and the wide operating temperature range (-40C to +85C) supports clinical-environment deployments near sterilizing equipment.
Recommended
Point-of-Sale Terminals and Payment Kiosks
The ATSAMA5D24A-CU combines the secure-boot ROM, hardware AES-OTF, and tamper-detection pins needed for PCI PTS POI terminal certification. Its integrated LCD controller drives the customer-facing touchscreen, while USB 2.0 plus HSIC connect to magnetic-stripe, EMV chip-card, and NFC readers. The Cortex-A5 performance runs a hardened Linux distribution with the payment application stack at sub-second transaction latency, and the QSPI memory controller provides execute-in-place from encrypted serial flash for tamper-resistant firmware storage.
Recommended
Edge IoT Linux Sensor Hubs
The ATSAMA5D24A-CU runs full Linux on a battery budget through its 5 µA backup mode with RTC wake, making it ideal for edge IoT gateways that aggregate sensor data over Ethernet or HSIC, perform local analytics with the Cortex-A5 NEON engine, and forward summaries to the cloud. The peripheral touch controller enables on-device configuration UIs without extra components. Hardware AES/SHA offloads TLS handshake computation, and the secure-boot chain prevents firmware-tampering attacks common in remote-deployed IoT devices.
Recommended
Automotive Infotainment HMI Auxiliary Displays
The ATSAMA5D24A-CU drives secondary passenger-side or rear-seat entertainment LCDs in automotive IVI systems. Its LCD controller overlays navigation, climate, and media content onto shared RGB TFT panels, while the Cortex-A5 with NEON accelerates video codec decode for streaming media. The hardware crypto block protects HDCP-encrypted content paths, and the CAN-FD plus LIN interfaces integrate with the vehicle bus. The 256-TFBGA package's 8x8 mm footprint fits behind compact display bezels where larger MPUs cannot be placed.
Recommended
Audio and Video Streaming Appliances
The ATSAMA5D24A-CU's integrated audio subsystem (I2S, SSC, Class-D amplifier interface) plus LCD controller with 2D graphics acceleration make it a strong fit for whole-home audio streamers and digital signage media players. The Cortex-A5 NEON engine accelerates MP3, AAC, and Opus decode while keeping CPU utilization below 30%, leaving headroom for networking and UI. The DDR3L memory controller sustains high-throughput media buffering, and the wide temperature range supports both rack-mounted AV gear and outdoor signage enclosures.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for ATSAMA5D24A-CU — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | ATSAMA5D24B-CU | ATSAMA5D23B-CU | ATSAMA5D22C-CU | ATSAMA5D21C-CUR | ATSAMA5D225C-D1M-CU |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Package | 256-TFBGA (8x8 mm) | 256-TFBGA (8x8 mm) - same | 256-TFBGA (8x8 mm) - same | 256-TFBGA (8x8 mm) - same | 256-TFBGA (8x8 mm) - same | 256-TFBGA (8x8 mm) - same |
| Core | ARM Cortex-A5 500 MHz | ARM Cortex-A5 500 MHz | ARM Cortex-A5 500 MHz | ARM Cortex-A5 500 MHz | ARM Cortex-A5 500 MHz | ARM Cortex-A5 500 MHz |
| LCD Controller | Yes (with 2D graphics) | Yes (with 2D graphics) | No (headless) | No (headless) | No (headless) | Yes (with 2D graphics) |
| Peripheral Touch Controller | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | No | Yes |
| Memory Controllers | LPDDR1/2/3, DDR2/3/3L, QSPI | LPDDR1/2/3, DDR2/3/3L, QSPI | LPDDR1/2/3, DDR2/3/3L, QSPI | LPDDR1/2/3, DDR2/3/3L, QSPI | LPDDR1/2/3, DDR2/3/3L, QSPI | LPDDR1/2/3, DDR2/3/3L, QSPI |
| Ethernet | 10/100 Mbps (1) | 10/100 Mbps (1) | 10/100 Mbps (1) | 10/100 Mbps (1) | 10/100 Mbps (1) | 10/100 Mbps (1) |
| Operating Temperature | -40C to +85C | -40C to +85C | -40C to +85C | -40C to +85C | -40C to +85C | -40C to +105C (extended) |
| Hardware Crypto (AES-OTF) | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Key Differentiators
- Integrated LCD controller with hardware 2D graphics acceleration in 8x8 mm package (vs ATSAMA5D23B-CU)
- Peripheral Touch Controller (PTC) on-chip (vs ATSAMA5D22C-CU)
- Wide memory controller support including DDR3L (vs ATSAMA5D21C-CUR)
Design Notes
The ATSAMA5D24A-CU uses a 256-ball TFBGA at 0.8 mm pitch in an 8x8 mm body. Routing this package requires 4-layer or 6-layer PCB stack-up with laser-drilled micro-vias (0.1 mm pad / 0.2 mm drill) on the BGA breakout. The Microchip SAMA5D2 PCB Design Checklist recommends 1-oz copper on outer layers for the BGA fanout and a continuous ground plane on layer 2 to control the DDR3 reference-plane return path impedance.
DDR3L/LPDDR2 memory interface length-matching must follow the SAMA5D2 DDR3 design guide. For DDR3L at 533 MHz, keep the address/command traces within 25 ps of the longest segment, and the data byte lanes within 5 ps. Use fly-by topology for DDR3L with VTT termination at the end of the address/command fly-by chain. Series-damping resistors (33 ohm) on each DQ/DQS pair are recommended to damp reflections on the densely-routed inner layers.
Estimated: at 500 MHz with DDR3L active and LCD controller driving WXGA output, typical power consumption is approximately 0.5-0.8 W. The 256-TFBGA package has a typical theta-JA of around 25 C/W on a 4-layer JEDEC test board, yielding a 12-20 C junction rise above ambient. In sealed enclosures without forced airflow, provide at least 4 cm² of copper pour connected to the thermal pad balls (balls A1-A16) to keep junction temperature below 100 C at 85 C ambient.
Power sequencing for the ATSAMA5D24A-CU requires VDDCORE (1.2 V typ), VDDPLL, VDDOSC, and the I/O domains (VDDIOP for 3.3 V or 1.8 V peripherals, VDDIOM for memory) to ramp in the order specified in the SAMA5D2 datasheet section on PMC. Decoupling: place 100 nF X7R on every power pin pair, plus 4.7 uF bulk caps near the BGA's split power islands. Avoid placing inductors near the 32.768 kHz crystal load capacitors - the oscillator is sensitive to within 5 mm.
Do not boot from QSPI flash without first programming the boot configuration word in the MPU's eFuse - if eFuse is unprogrammed, the part will fall through to UART recovery mode and the system appears dead. Always tie the JTAG TRST pin low (or to the POR output) at reset; floating TRST can latch the JTAG TAP controller into an undefined state on power-up. For production units, disable JTAG/SWD in the secure-boot configuration to prevent boundary-scan extraction of firmware.
Compliance Information
RoHS and REACH compliant per Microchip product declaration. AEC-Q100 qualification not applicable to standard ATSAMA5D24A-CU; extended-temperature variant ATSAMA5D225C-D1M-CU may offer automotive-grade screening.
