ATSAMA5D26C-CNR - ARM Cortex-A5 MPU 500MHz 289-LFBGA | Microchip
MPN: ATSAMA5D26C-CNR β Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $18.75 | $18.75 |
| 10 | $16.2 | $162.00 |
| 100 | $13.95 | $1,395.00 |
| 500 | $12.1 | $6,050.00 |
| 1,000 | $10.85 | $10,850.00 |
ATSAMA5D26C-CNR Overview
An ARM Cortex-A5 MPU belongs to the application processor class of embedded microprocessors β a category higher than microcontrollers (MCUs) because it executes a full operating system (typically Linux) from external memory, while an MCU typically runs bare-metal or an RTOS from on-chip Flash. Within Microchip's SAM family, the SAMA5D2 series sits in the low-power, high-integration tier aimed at industrial HMI, IoT gateways, and connected appliances that need graphical user interfaces or network stacks without the cost of higher-end Cortex-A7/A53 parts.
Key features include a single ARM Cortex-A5 core with Neon and FPU, 32 KB L1 I-cache and 32 KB L1 D-cache, a comprehensive peripheral set (EMAC, USB HS, CAN-FD, multiple UART/SPI/I2C, SD/MMC, 12-bit ADC), and dedicated secure-boot and tamper-detection pins. The advanced interrupt controller (AIC) and 12-bit parallel CMOS sensor interface support camera and audio pipelines in fanless designs.
Typical applications include industrial human-machine interfaces (HMIs), smart-home gateways, IoT edge nodes, building-automation controllers, and low-power Linux-based point-of-sale terminals. The wide industrial temperature range and low-power modes (shutdown, ultra-low-power) make it suited to always-on battery-backed devices.
When designing the PCB, allocate a 4-layer board with continuous reference planes under the BGA, route DDR signals with matched-length tracking, and provide a 1.2 V core supply decoupling network sized for 500 MHz operation. Use a Microchip-supported mainline Linux distribution (e.g., Buildroot or Yocto) and the SAMA5D2 Software Package to shorten firmware bring-up.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing, verified drop-in alternatives, and practical PCB/Linux bring-up notes drawn from Microchip application notes and reference designs β context not consolidated on any single distributor or manufacturer page.
Drop-in alternatives for ATSAMA5D26C-CNR 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 ATSAMA5D26C-CNR (same form factor and footprint) β differing in Ethernet, Package, USB, External Memory Support, CAN.
Quick Comparison Tool β Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
ATSAMA5D26B-CNR
β Drop-Inβ In Stock
$9.1 / Unit
View Datasheet βATSAMA5D26B-CU
β Drop-Inβ In Stock
$7.5 / Unit
View Datasheet βATSAMA5D26A-CUR
β Drop-Inβ In Stock
$14.2 / Unit
View Datasheet βATSAMA5D26A-CN
β Drop-Inβ In Stock
$15.2 / Unit
View Datasheet βATSAMA5D24C-CUR
β Drop-Inβ In Stock
$10.2 / Unit
View Datasheet βATSAMA5D23B-CNR
β Drop-Inβ In Stock
$10.25 / Unit
View Datasheet βATSAMA5D22A-CNR
β Drop-Inβ In Stock
$10.8 / Unit
View Datasheet βATSAMA5D26C-CNR Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Core Architecture | ARM Cortex-A5 (32-bit) |
| Maximum Core Clock | 500 MHz |
| Number of Cores | 1 |
| Instruction Set | ARMv7-A with Neon and FPU |
| L1 Instruction Cache | 32 KB |
| L1 Data Cache | 32 KB |
| Internal SRAM | 128 KB |
| External Memory Support | DDR2, DDR3L, LPDDR2, LPDDR3, QSPI, e.MMC |
| Hardware Cryptography | AES, SHA, TRNG, secure boot |
| Package | 289-LFBGA (14x14 mm, 0.8 mm pitch) |
| Graphics / LCD | Integrated LCD controller (up to WXGA 1280x720) |
| Ethernet | 10/100 Mbps EMAC with GMII/RMII/MII |
| USB | USB 2.0 High-Speed Host + Device |
| CAN | CAN-FD |
| Operating Temperature (Industrial) | -40C to +85C |
| Core Supply Voltage | 1.2 V (typ) |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount (BGA) |
| RoHS Status | Compliant |
ATSAMA5D26C-CNR 289-lfbga (14x14 mm, 0.8 mm pitch) Pin Configuration Guide
Pin configuration for ATSAMA5D26C-CNR (289-lfbga (14x14 mm, 0.8 mm pitch) 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 ATSAMA5D26C-CNR.
Refer to the datasheet for full pin configuration.
Typical Applications
ATSAMA5D26C-CNR is suitable for 6 applications: Industrial Human-Machine Interface (HMI), IoT Edge Gateway and Sensor Hub, Smart Home and Connected Appliance, Building Automation Controller, Low-Power Linux Point-of-Sale Terminal, Industrial Printer and Labeling Controller.
Industrial Human-Machine Interface (HMI)
The ATSAMA5D26C-CNR's integrated LCD controller (up to 1280x720 WXGA), 500 MHz Cortex-A5 core, and 128 KB SRAM make it well-suited to drive industrial HMIs with Qt or LVDS graphical stacks. The 289-LFBGA package supports fanless PCB layouts with a 0.8 mm ball pitch that simplifies trace escape for RGB display and touch IΒ²C buses. Compared with STM32MP1, the ATSAMA5D26C-CNR's lower BOM and Microchip long-term Linux support favor industrial panel PCs and operator terminals that must remain in production for a decade.
Recommended
IoT Edge Gateway and Sensor Hub
With integrated 10/100 EMAC, USB HS, CAN-FD, and multiple SPI/IΒ²C/UART ports, the ATSAMA5D26C-CNR aggregates field-sensor data into a Linux MQTT or OPC UA pipeline. The hardware AES/SHA/TRNG block accelerates TLS handshakes for secure cloud uplinks, while low-power shutdown modes help battery-backed gateways meet Energy Star targets. Industrial temperature grade (-40C to +85C) and Microchip mainline Linux support make it a strong fit for DIN-rail mounted smart-building and energy-management gateways.
Recommended
Smart Home and Connected Appliance
The Cortex-A5 plus Neon DSP supports voice-front-end processing, audio echo cancellation, and local command recognition in smart speakers and connected appliances. The integrated LCD controller and touch support enable appliance front-panel displays without an external graphics chip. Designers benefit from the 0.8 mm pitch BGA package, which simplifies low-cost 4-layer PCB stack-ups typical in white-goods manufacturing, and from Microchip's full mainline Linux support that streamlines Matter/Thread bridging.
Recommended
Building Automation Controller
The ATSAMA5D26C-CNR's CAN-FD and 10/100 EMAC make it a reliable BACnet/Modbus gateway for HVAC, lighting, and access-control subsystems. Industrial temperature grade and wide DDR support simplify field-replacement logistics because end customers can standardize on a single controller board across product tiers. The hardware crypto engine enables secure boot and signed firmware updates mandated by IEC 62443 for building-automation cybersecurity compliance.
Recommended
Low-Power Linux Point-of-Sale Terminal
The 500 MHz Cortex-A5 with Neon delivers enough throughput for barcode scanning, payment-card encryption (PCI PTS), and receipt printing over USB. The 128 KB on-chip SRAM buffers transactions during network outages, while DDR3L support keeps BOM cost low for compact POS designs. Compared to ARM9 legacy POS designs, the ATSAMA5D26C-CNR extends product life with mainline Linux LTS support and Microchip's 15-year longevity program for industrial customers.
Recommended
Industrial Printer and Labeling Controller
The integrated LCD, USB HS device port, and high-speed QSPI/e.MMC interfaces let the ATSAMA5D26C-CNR drive industrial thermal printers and labelers running embedded Linux. The Neon engine accelerates image-rendering pipelines for 300 dpi and 600 dpi print heads, while hardware AES secures proprietary consumable-authentication schemes. Industrial temperature grade and Microchip's longevity commitment align with the 7-10 year lifecycle typical of factory-floor printer installations.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for ATSAMA5D26C-CNR β comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | ATSAMA5D26B-CNR | ATSAMA5D26B-CU | ATSAMA5D24C-CUR | ATSAMA5D23B-CNR | ATSAMA5D22A-CNR |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Package | 289-LFBGA (14x14) | 289-LFBGA (14x14) | 289-LFBGA (14x14) | 289-LFBGA (14x14) | 289-LFBGA (14x14) | 289-LFBGA (14x14) |
| Silicon Revision | C | B | B | C (SAMA5D24 die) | B (SAMA5D23 die) | A (SAMA5D22 die) |
| Core Clock | 500 MHz | 500 MHz | 500 MHz | 500 MHz | 500 MHz | 500 MHz |
| Internal SRAM | 128 KB | 128 KB | 128 KB | 128 KB | 128 KB | 128 KB |
| Hardware Cryptography | AES, SHA, TRNG | AES, SHA, TRNG | AES, SHA, TRNG | Not included | AES, SHA, TRNG | AES, SHA, TRNG |
| LCD Controller | Yes (up to WXGA) | Yes (up to WXGA) | Yes (up to WXGA) | Reduced | Yes | Not included |
| Temperature Grade | Industrial -40C to +85C | Industrial -40C to +85C | Industrial -40C to +85C | Industrial -40C to +85C | Industrial -40C to +85C | Industrial -40C to +85C |
| Approx Unit Price (qty 1) | $18.75 | Lower (legacy stock) | Lower (legacy stock) | $15.50 (approx) | $14.00 (approx) | $12.50 (approx) |
Key Differentiators
- Drop-in replacement for prior silicon revisions B and A in identical 289-LFBGA (vs ATSAMA5D26B-CNR)
- Higher integration with LCD controller and crypto engine retained (vs ATSAMA5D24C-CUR)
- Full feature set within SAMA5D2 family (vs ATSAMA5D22A-CNR)
- Mainline Linux support with Microchip longevity commitment (vs NXP i.MX 6SoloX (cross-brand))
Design Notes
Use a 4-layer PCB stack-up with continuous GND and 1.2 V core planes directly under the 289-LFBGA. The 0.8 mm ball pitch allows dog-bone fan-out on outer layers for balls A1-A13 and micro-via-in-pad only if escape on inner layers is infeasible. Estimate: signal breakout via 6/6 mil trace/space, length-matched DDR traces within 25 mil of the longest byte lane for DDR3L-1600 operation. Reference Microchip application note AN4857 (SAMA5D2 Hardware Design Considerations) for full routing rules.
Provide separate LDOs for VDDCORE (1.2 V, ~250 mA peak), VDDPLL (1.2 V analog-isolated), and VDDIO (3.3 V). Add 10 uF + 100 nF decoupling at each BGA quadrant to suppress transient current during Cortex-A5 clock gating transitions. Estimated: at 500 MHz active, total IC current is approximately 200-250 mA; budget at least 350 mA headroom on the 1.2 V rail to avoid throttling under software bursts.
Estimated: the LFBGA package dissipates approximately 0.6-1.0 W at 500 MHz active with DDR3L active, well within the 14x14 mm BGA thermal envelope. A 4-layer PCB with continuous GND plane keeps theta_JA below 25 C/W, so no external heatsink is required for industrial environments. Monitor junction temperature in software via the SAMA5D2 thermal sensor driver if the design seals the MPU in an enclosure with restricted airflow.
Do not route DDR3L address/command signals without series-damping resistors per Microchip reference schematics; signal integrity violations are the leading cause of SAMA5D2 boot failures. Also, ensure the NRST and JTAG pins are accessible on test points for first-article bring-up, and do not strap unused boot-mode pins to GND without consulting the boot-mode matrix in datasheet section 16.
Keep the 25 MHz main crystal traces under 5 mm and shield them with a GND guard ring to avoid coupling into the analog audio PLL. Place the audio CODEC (if used) on the opposite side of the BGA with isolated GND return path. The SAMA5D2 Embedded Audio Subsystem (I2SC) supports 24-bit 48 kHz streams without CPU intervention if DMA buffers are configured correctly in the device tree.
Compliance Information
RoHS and REACH compliance per Microchip product page. Not AEC-Q100 qualified (industrial grade only). For automotive applications, use the SAMA5D2 AEC-Q100-qualified variant.