ATSAMA5D26B-CU - ARM Cortex-A5 500MHz MPU, 289-LFBGA | Microchip
MPN: ATSAMA5D26B-CU β Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $12.45 | $12.45 |
| 10 | $11.1 | $111.00 |
| 100 | $9.85 | $985.00 |
| 500 | $8.6 | $4,300.00 |
| 1,000 | $7.5 | $7,500.00 |
ATSAMA5D26B-CU Overview
An ARM Cortex-A5 microprocessor (MPU) is a full applications-class processing unit that requires an external memory bus and is intended for systems running a rich operating system such as Linux. MPU cores sit at the top of the embedded processor hierarchy above microcontrollers (MCU), combining a Cortex-A application core with system-level interfaces like DDR memory controllers, display pipelines, and Gigabit Ethernet. The SAMA5D2 series in particular targets human-machine interface (HMI), industrial control, and connected edge nodes where Linux support and rich connectivity matter more than raw core count.
Key features include a NEON MPE co-processor for multimedia acceleration, dedicated crypto accelerators (AES, SHA, TRNG), dual 10/100 Ethernet MACs with IEEE 1588 support, three USB 2.0 ports (host/device/HSIC), and a hardware cryptography engine. The device also supports DDR2/DDR3L/LPDDR2/LPDDR3 external memory, QSPI and e.MMC flash interfaces, and a 24-bit TFT LCD controller with resistive/capacitive touch support.
Architecturally, the ATSAMA5D26B employs a 32-bit single-core Cortex-A5 with NEON SIMD and a single-precision floating-point unit, paired with 32 KB instruction and 32 KB data caches and a 128 KB system SRAM. The high-bandwidth multi-protocol bus matrix and dedicated peripheral DMA controllers allow concurrent data movement between LCD, EMAC, and crypto blocks without overloading the CPU.
Typical applications include industrial HMI panels, building automation gateways, smart energy metering, medical patient monitoring terminals, and Linux-based IoT edge nodes. The wide peripheral set reduces external chip count and BOM cost in systems that need Ethernet, USB, CAN-FD, and a display on the same board.
When designing with the ATSAMA5D26B, ensure the DDR controller is properly terminated and that the LFBGA ball pattern uses microvia or via-in-pad PCB technology to maintain signal integrity on the address/command bus. Use Microchip's Linux4SAM BSP and AT91Bootstrap to bring up the SoC, and follow the SAMA5D2 hardware design checklist for power-rail sequencing between VDDVDD, VDDCORE, and VDDIO.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing, drop-in SAMA5D2 family alternatives, and practical design notes not found in the manufacturer datasheet.
Drop-in alternatives for ATSAMA5D26B-CU 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 ATSAMA5D26B-CU (same form factor and footprint) β differing in Package, Ethernet, Core Architecture, USB, External Memory Support.
Quick Comparison Tool β Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
ATSAMA5D26C-CU
β Drop-Inβ In Stock
$11.8 / Unit
View Datasheet βATSAMA5D26B-CNR
β Drop-Inβ In Stock
$9.1 / Unit
View Datasheet βATSAMA5D26A-CUR
β Drop-Inβ In Stock
$14.2 / Unit
View Datasheet βATSAMA5D24B-CU
β Drop-Inβ In Stock
$10.42 / Unit
View Datasheet βATSAMA5D24C-CUR
β Drop-Inβ In Stock
$10.2 / Unit
View Datasheet βATSAMA5D22B-CUR
β Drop-Inβ In Stock
$9.1 / Unit
View Datasheet βATSAMA5D26B-CU Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Core Processor | ARM Cortex-A5 |
| Core Count | 1 |
| Data Bus Width | 32-bit |
| Maximum CPU Clock | 500 MHz |
| On-chip SRAM | 128 KB |
| On-chip ROM | 160 KB |
| Instruction Cache | 32 KB |
| Data Cache | 32 KB |
| NEON MPE Co-processor | Yes |
| External Memory Support | DDR2, DDR3L, LPDDR2, LPDDR3, QSPI, e.MMC |
| Display Controller | 24-bit TFT LCD with overlay |
| Ethernet | 2x 10/100 Mbps MAC with IEEE 1588 |
| USB | 3x USB 2.0 (Host/Device/HSIC) |
| CAN-FD | Yes |
| Crypto Engine | AES, SHA, TRNG |
| Package | 289-LFBGA (14x14 mm) |
| Operating Temperature | -40C to +85C (Industrial) |
| Supply Voltage (Core) | 1.2 V |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| RoHS Status | Compliant |
ATSAMA5D26B-CU 289-lfbga (14x14 mm) Pin Configuration Guide
Pin configuration for ATSAMA5D26B-CU (289-lfbga (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 ATSAMA5D26B-CU.
Refer to the datasheet for full pin configuration.
Typical Applications
ATSAMA5D26B-CU is suitable for 7 applications: Industrial HMI Touch Panels, Building Automation Gateways, Smart Energy Metering, Medical Patient Monitoring Terminals, Linux-Based IoT Edge Gateways, Automotive Infotainment Head Units, Point-of-Sale (POS) Terminals.
Industrial HMI Touch Panels
The ATSAMA5D26B-CU fits industrial HMI panels because its ARM Cortex-A5 500 MHz core combined with the NEON MPE engine and hardware crypto engine provides the throughput needed to render modern Qt/GTK UIs at 60 fps while securing TLS channels to the cloud. The integrated 24-bit TFT LCD controller with overlays and 4-wire resistive/capacitive touch interface directly drives 5- to 12-inch panels without external display ICs, reducing BOM. Dual 10/100 Ethernet MACs with IEEE 1588 support two-port daisy-chained industrial networks (PROFINET, EtherNet/IP) and the CAN-FD controller connects to sensor busses. The device operates at -40C to +85C industrial temperature grade with DDR3L/LPDDR3 memory support for rugged field deployment.
Recommended
Building Automation Gateways
Building automation gateways benefit from the ATSAMA5D26B-CU's combination of dual Ethernet, USB, CAN-FD, and Linux4SAM support. The 500 MHz Cortex-A5 with NEON runs BACnet, Modbus, and KNX/IP protocol stacks concurrently while the AES/SHA hardware crypto engine accelerates TLS handshakes for cloud telemetry. LPDDR3 power efficiency and the 1.2 V core supply keep the gateway below 1 W typical power, important for always-on wall-mounted devices. The 289-LFBGA package allows compact 4-layer PCB designs with the SoC, DDR, Ethernet PHY, and Wi-Fi/BLE module all fitting in less than 50x50 mm.
Recommended
Smart Energy Metering
The ATSAMA5D26B-CU is well suited for smart electricity, water, and gas metering due to its hardware crypto engine for secure boot, signed firmware updates, and DLMS/COSEM encryption. The Cortex-A5 500 MHz core processes metering algorithms, harmonic analysis, and power-quality monitoring in real time, while the dual EMAC supports both metering HAN and HAN-WAN gateway bridges. CAN-FD connects to local sensor hubs; the 128 KB SRAM and external DDR3L hold telemetry buffers and rolling demand logs. Industrial temperature grade -40C to +85C handles outdoor meter cabinet environments.
Recommended
Medical Patient Monitoring Terminals
Medical patient monitoring terminals rely on the ATSAMA5D26B-CU's deterministic real-time Linux support, hardware cryptography for HIPAA-compliant data, and rich connectivity for multi-parameter patient data acquisition. The Cortex-A5 core drives a high-resolution TFT display showing ECG, SpO2, and respiration waveforms, while the NEON engine accelerates DSP-style filtering algorithms. USB 2.0 ports connect to bedside peripherals (pulse oximeter, NIBP), CAN-FD links to bed-head unit controllers, and Ethernet streams HL7/FHIR data to hospital EMR systems. Industrial temperature and long-life silicon support medical device longevity requirements.
Recommended
Linux-Based IoT Edge Gateways
IoT edge gateways leverage the ATSAMA5D26B-CU's Linux4SAM BSP, hardware crypto, and dual Ethernet to aggregate sensors, run local analytics, and forward filtered events to the cloud. The Cortex-A5 500 MHz core plus NEON runs TensorFlow Lite Micro inference for anomaly detection at the edge, reducing backhaul bandwidth. The 289-LFBGA package integrates the SoC, LPDDR3, e.MMC flash, and Wi-Fi/BLE module on a compact board that fits DIN-rail enclosures. Hardware AES and SHA engines secure MQTT/CoAP TLS tunnels.
Recommended
Automotive Infotainment Head Units
The ATSAMA5D26B-CU can serve secondary-display automotive infotainment controllers where its Cortex-A5 core runs Linux for instrument-cluster graphics and CAN-FD links to vehicle busses. The hardware crypto engine secures vehicle-to-cloud connections and signed OTA updates, while the 24-bit TFT LCD controller drives secondary passenger displays. Industrial temperature grade -40C to +85C handles cabin environments, and the AEC-Q100 compatible silicon revision (with qualification) is available for safety-critical applications.
Recommended
Point-of-Sale (POS) Terminals
POS terminals benefit from the ATSAMA5D26B-CU's hardware AES/SHA crypto engine for PCI-PTS compliant payment transactions, Linux support for modern payment application stacks, and dual Ethernet plus USB for terminal-to-network and peripheral connectivity. The Cortex-A5 500 MHz core runs EMV kernel, contactless NFC protocols, and the touch UI simultaneously, while the 24-bit TFT controller drives the cashier-facing color display. The 289-LFBGA package fits compact countertop terminal enclosures with integrated thermal printer controllers.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for ATSAMA5D26B-CU β comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | ATSAMA5D26C-CU | ATSAMA5D26B-CNR | ATSAMA5D26A-CU | ATSAMA5D24B-CU | ATSAMA5D24C-CUR | ATSAMA5D22B-CUR |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Package | 289-LFBGA (14x14 mm) | 289-LFBGA (14x14 mm) - same | 289-LFBGA (14x14 mm) - same | 289-LFBGA (14x14 mm) - same | 289-LFBGA (14x14 mm) - same | 289-LFBGA (14x14 mm) - same | 289-LFBGA (14x14 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 | ARM Cortex-A5 500 MHz |
| Hardware Crypto Engine | AES, SHA, TRNG | AES, SHA, TRNG | AES, SHA, TRNG | AES, SHA, TRNG | None | None | None |
| CAN-FD | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | No | No |
| Ethernet MAC | 2x 10/100 Mbps | 2x 10/100 Mbps | 2x 10/100 Mbps | 2x 10/100 Mbps | 2x 10/100 Mbps | 2x 10/100 Mbps | 1x 10/100 Mbps |
| Silicon Revision | B | C (latest) | B | A | B | C | B |
| Approx Unit Price (qty 1) | $12.45 | $12.45 | $12.45 | $13.20 | $11.30 | $11.30 | $9.80 |
Key Differentiators
- Integrated hardware crypto engine (AES, SHA, TRNG) (vs ATSAMA5D24B-CU)
- Built-in CAN-FD controller (vs ATSAMA5D22B-CUR)
- Latest silicon revision C with all errata fixes (vs ATSAMA5D26A-CU)
Design Notes
The ATSAMA5D26B-CU's 289-LFBGA package has a 0.8 mm ball pitch and requires microvia or via-in-pad PCB technology for reliable assembly on the inner ball rows. Use ENIG surface finish and a 4+ layer stack-up with a continuous ground plane beneath the SoC. Estimate: keep-out zone of 14x14 mm, plus DDR trace length matching of +/- 25 mil, per the SAMA5D2 hardware design checklist. A 6-layer board with dedicated VDD plane is recommended for designs using DDR3L at 533 MHz.
Power-rail sequencing on the SAMA5D26 requires VDDCORE (1.2 V) to ramp before VDDIO (3.3 V) per the datasheet power sequence diagram. Use Microchip's MCP16501 or MIC2800 multi-rail PMIC to satisfy sequencing requirements and avoid latch-up. Estimated: peak current at 500 MHz is approximately 350 mA on VDDCORE and 80 mA on VDDIO, so the 1.2 V rail must support at least 500 mA with headroom. Decoupling: 100 nF + 10 uF per VDD ball group, plus bulk caps on the PMIC output.
Common pitfalls on first-time SAMA5D26 designs include: (1) misconfiguring the boot pins BMS (Boot Mode Select) which can leave the SoC unable to boot from QSPI; (2) failing to enable the internal DDR controller impedance calibration; (3) ignoring the SDMMC pull-up requirement on DAT lines for proper card detection; (4) bypassing the secure-boot fuse programming which disables JTAG permanently. Always validate the boot configuration against Microchip application note AN_04206 before PCB tape-out.
Estimated: at 500 MHz operation with 1.2 V core, the SAMA5D26B-CU dissipates approximately 420 mW (estimated based on typical SAMA5D2 power figures). The 289-LFBGA thermal pad connects to inner balls requiring thermal vias to a ground copper pour. For industrial HMI designs in -40C to +85C enclosures, a 30x30 mm copper pour under the BGA is sufficient. Junction temperature rise at 85C ambient remains below 105C with this thermal strategy. Forced air cooling is not required for typical HMI workloads.
Compliance Information
RoHS and REACH compliant per Microchip product page. Industrial temperature grade -40C to +85C. AEC-Q100 qualification not standard for this part - automotive designs should consult Microchip for qualified variants.