ATSAMA5D27A-CN - Cortex-A5 MPU 500MHz LFBGA-289 | Microchip
MPN: ATSAMA5D27A-CN ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $28.5 | $28.50 |
| 10 | $26.4 | $264.00 |
| 100 | $24.3 | $2,430.00 |
| 500 | $22.1 | $11,050.00 |
| 1,000 | $20.5 | $20,500.00 |
ATSAMA5D27A-CN Overview
A microprocessor (MPU) is an integrated circuit containing a complete central processing unit capable of running a full operating system such as Linux or RTOS. In the broader hierarchy, an MPU sits above microcontrollers (MCUs) in compute capability, above digital signal processors (DSPs) in system-level integration, and below application processors (APs) in raw multimedia performance. The Cortex-A5 core inside the ATSAMA5D27A-CN implements the Armv7-A architecture with NEON media engine and Floating Point Unit (FPU), giving it enough horsepower for HMI panels, gateway products, and edge-node analytics.
Key features include an integrated ARM Cortex-A5 core at 500 MHz, support for DDR2/DDR3L/LPDDR2/LPDDR3 external memory, hardware cryptography accelerator (AES, SHA, TRNG), 10/100 Ethernet MAC with IEEE 1588, two USB 2.0 ports (Host + Device), two CAN-FD controllers, and an LCD TFT controller up to 1024x768. The SAMA5D27A variant specifically integrates an advanced security subsystem including secure boot, tamper detection, and Arm TrustZone for Cortex-A5. Power consumption is optimized through multiple low-power modes including ULP0/ULP1 deep-sleep states with fast wake-up.
The architecture uses a multi-layer AHB/APB matrix bus that allows simultaneous transactions between the Cortex-A5 core, DMA controllers, and peripherals, eliminating bus contention in data-intensive applications. Hardware cryptography offloads AES/SHA/TRNG operations from the CPU, freeing the core for application logic. The on-chip LCD controller, image sensor interface, and audio subsystem make it well suited for multimedia-capable industrial gateways.
Typical applications include industrial HMI panels with TFT LCD, IoT edge gateways running Linux, smart energy metering terminals, building automation controllers, and POS terminals with secure boot. The advanced security features also make it suitable for payment terminals and access control systems requiring tamper detection.
When designing with this part, ensure the PCB provides a 4-layer stackup with controlled impedance for DDR traces, plus adequate decoupling on the LFBGA-289 power rails. Boot mode configuration via BMS pin must be set before reset release. Validate the operating system BSP (Linux buildroot/Yocto or FreeRTOS) compatibility before committing to firmware development.
This page consolidates distributor pricing tiers, same-family drop-in alternatives, and engineering design guidance - practical context that augments the manufacturer datasheet's parametric tables.
Drop-in alternatives for ATSAMA5D27A-CN — 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 ATSAMA5D27A-CN (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Ethernet, Package, CAN, External Memory Support, Operating Temperature.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
ATSAMA5D27C-CU
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$11.9 / Unit
View Datasheet →ATSAMA5D28A-CUR
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$10.8 / Unit
View Datasheet →ATSAMA5D26A-CN
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$15.2 / Unit
View Datasheet →ATSAMA5D27B-CN
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$5.79 / Unit
View Datasheet →ATSAMA5D22A-CN
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$9.95 / Unit
View Datasheet →ATSAMA5D27A-CN Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Core Processor | ARM Cortex-A5 |
| Core Architecture | Armv7-A with NEON and FPU |
| Maximum Clock Speed | 500 MHz |
| Number of Cores | 1 |
| Bus Width | 32-bit |
| On-chip SRAM | 128 KB |
| On-chip ROM | 160 KB |
| External Memory Support | DDR2, DDR3L, LPDDR2, LPDDR3, QSPI, e.MMC |
| Package Type | LFBGA-289 |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| Core Voltage | 1.2 V |
| Operating Temperature Grade | Industrial (-40C to +85C) |
| USB Ports | 2 x USB 2.0 (Host + Device) |
| Ethernet | 10/100 MAC with IEEE 1588 |
| CAN | 2 x CAN-FD |
| LCD Controller | TFT up to 1024x768 |
| Cryptography Accelerator | AES, SHA, TRNG |
| Security Features | Arm TrustZone, secure boot, tamper detection |
| RoHS Status | Compliant |
ATSAMA5D27A-CN lfbga-289 Pin Configuration Guide
Pin configuration for ATSAMA5D27A-CN (lfbga-289 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 ATSAMA5D27A-CN.
Refer to the datasheet for full pin configuration.
Typical Applications
ATSAMA5D27A-CN is suitable for 7 applications: Industrial HMI Panels, IoT Edge Gateways, Smart Energy Metering, Building Automation Controllers, POS Terminals with Secure Boot, Medical Device Controllers, Access Control Panels.
Industrial HMI Panels
The ATSAMA5D27A-CN's Cortex-A5 core at 500 MHz with integrated TFT LCD controller up to 1024x768 makes it ideal for industrial human-machine interface panels running Qt or LVGL graphical stacks. Hardware AES/SHA accelerators offload secure credential handling from the CPU, while the 10/100 Ethernet MAC enables Modbus TCP connectivity to factory networks. With 128 KB on-chip SRAM and external DDR3L support, multi-page graphical UIs with real-time data refresh perform smoothly without bus contention.
Recommended
IoT Edge Gateways
For Linux-based IoT edge gateways, the ATSAMA5D27A-CN provides the computational headroom to run containerized workloads, TLS-secured MQTT brokers, and protocol translation between CAN-FD, Modbus, and OPC-UA. The dual CAN-FD controllers interface directly with industrial sensors and actuators, while the QSPI interface supports high-speed NOR flash for fast boot. TrustZone secure boot ensures OTA firmware authenticity, critical for unattended edge deployments in the field.
Recommended
Smart Energy Metering
The ATSAMA5D27A-CN is well suited for smart electricity, water, and gas metering terminals requiring secure data logging and tamper-resistant firmware. Its hardware TRNG plus AES accelerator enable encrypted storage of consumption data and credentials, while the tamper-detection pins trigger secure memory wipe on physical intrusion attempts. Dual CAN-FD controllers interface with downstream meter clusters, and the Cortex-A5 core runs DLMS/COSEM or custom metering protocol stacks under Linux or RTOS.
Recommended
Building Automation Controllers
Building automation controllers based on the ATSAMA5D27A-CN leverage its multi-layer AHB bus to simultaneously handle BACnet/Modbus traffic, graphical touch-panel updates, and secure credential storage. The TFT controller drives the local operator display, while Ethernet and dual CAN-FD interfaces connect to HVAC, lighting, and access-control subsystems. Low-power ULP1 sleep modes reduce idle consumption below 5 mA, important for always-on building installations.
Recommended
POS Terminals with Secure Boot
Payment terminals and POS systems benefit from the ATSAMA5D27A-CN's hardware secure boot, TrustZone, and tamper detection. The Cortex-A5 runs Linux with payment applications, while the integrated LCD controller drives the customer-facing display. Hardware AES-256 acceleration keeps transaction encryption latency under PCI PTS timing requirements. The 128 KB SRAM plus external DDR3L supports graphical UI with EMV chip-card and NFC readers on the same board.
Recommended
Medical Device Controllers
Medical device controllers such as patient monitors, infusion pumps, and diagnostic instruments use the ATSAMA5D27A-CN for its deterministic Cortex-A5 performance, hardware cryptography for HIPAA-compliant data handling, and rich peripheral set. The TFT LCD controller drives bedside displays, while CAN-FD connects to hospital networks. Industrial temperature grade and long-term Microchip supply commitment support the 10-15 year lifecycle typical of medical equipment.
Recommended
Access Control Panels
Access control and security panels leverage the ATSAMA5D27A-CN's secure boot, tamper detection, and Ethernet connectivity for centralized credential management. The Cortex-A5 runs authentication protocols (Wiegand, OSDP) and the LCD controller drives the operator interface. Hardware AES-128/256 encryption protects stored biometric templates and access logs from physical extraction attacks, making it suitable for high-security installations.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for ATSAMA5D27A-CN — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | ATSAMA5D27C-CU | ATSAMA5D28A-CUR | ATSAMA5D26A-CN |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Package | LFBGA-289 | LFBGA-289 | LFBGA-289 | LFBGA-289 |
| Core Processor | ARM Cortex-A5 @ 500 MHz | ARM Cortex-A5 @ 500 MHz | ARM Cortex-A5 @ 500 MHz | ARM Cortex-A5 @ 500 MHz |
| Silicon Revision | A | C (latest) | A | A |
| On-chip SRAM | 128 KB | 128 KB | 128 KB | 128 KB |
| CAN-FD Controllers | 2 | 2 | 3 | 2 |
| USB Ports | 2 x USB 2.0 | 2 x USB 2.0 | 3 x USB 2.0 | 2 x USB 2.0 |
| Packaging | Tray | Tray | Tape & Reel | Tray |
| Operating Temperature | Industrial -40C to +85C | Industrial -40C to +85C | Industrial -40C to +85C | Industrial -40C to +85C |
Key Differentiators
- Latest silicon revision with improved errata fixes (vs ATSAMA5D27C-CU)
- Additional CAN-FD and USB ports for advanced gateways (vs ATSAMA5D28A-CUR)
- Cost-optimized with same Cortex-A5 core (vs ATSAMA5D26A-CN)
Design Notes
The LFBGA-289 package with 0.8 mm ball pitch requires a 4-layer PCB stackup with microvia-in-pad for reliable BGA assembly. Use ENIG surface finish and follow Microchip's recommended land pattern with NSMD pads. DDR signal traces must be length-matched within 25 mil and routed on inner layers with reference ground planes to maintain 50 ohm controlled impedance.
Core voltage (VDDCORE) requires 1.2 V with tolerance +/-5%. Place 10 uF and 100 nF decoupling capacitors within 5 mm of each power pin pair. Use a buck converter with at least 80% efficiency at the typical 500 mA load. Add a bulk 47 uF tantalum capacitor near the regulator output to handle load transients during core wake-up from ULP1 sleep mode.
Boot mode configuration via the BMS pin must be set before nRESET release. Common mistake: leaving BMS floating which causes boot failure or boot from the wrong interface. Use a 10 kohm pull-up or pull-down resistor to select between internal ROM boot, SAM-BA monitor, or external memory boot. Validate boot mode selection with a logic analyzer during bring-up.
Estimated: At 500 MHz full load with peripherals active, the ATSAMA5D27A-CN dissipates approximately 1.5-2.0 W. With LFBGA-289 theta_JA around 25 C/W (4-layer JEDEC board), junction temperature rise is approximately 50C above ambient. At 85C ambient industrial limit, ensure adequate thermal vias under the package and consider a thermal pad on inner copper layers.
Compliance Information
RoHS and REACH compliant per Microchip product page. Industrial temperature grade -40C to +85C. Not AEC-Q100 qualified; this is an MPU for industrial/consumer applications, not automotive.
