ATSAMA5D28A-CN - 500MHz Cortex-A5 MPU, 289-LFBGA | Microchip
MPN: ATSAMA5D28A-CN ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $17.42 | $17.42 |
| 10 | $15.68 | $156.80 |
| 100 | $13.94 | $1,394.00 |
| 500 | $12.62 | $6,310.00 |
| 1,000 | $11.4 | $11,400.00 |
ATSAMA5D28A-CN Overview
An ARM Cortex-A5 MPU is a microprocessor (as opposed to a microcontroller) that executes an operating system such as Linux or RTOS, distinguishing it from MCU-class Cortex-M parts. Within the embedded taxonomy, Cortex-A5 sits below Cortex-A7/A9/A53 in performance but above Cortex-M in capability, offering full application processor features (MMU, caches, NEON optional) at modest power budgets. The SAMA5D2 family is positioned for human-machine interface (HMI), IoT gateways, and industrial control, where Linux support and rich peripherals matter more than raw GHz performance.
Key features include the Arm Cortex-A5 core with NEON and FPU, hardware image sensor interface (ISI), LCD controller up to WXGA (1280x720), Class-D audio amplifier interface, dual Ethernet GMAC with 1588 PTP support, dual CAN-FD, and a peripheral touch controller (PTC). Ultra-low-power backup mode draws approximately 5 uA with RTC retention, and security is enforced via hardware crypto accelerators (AES, SHA, TRNG) plus secure boot with on-chip eFuse OTP.
Architecturally, the SAMA5D28 uses a 65 nm low-power CMOS process and integrates an L1 cache (32 KB I-cache + 32 KB D-cache), an L2 cache controller, and a sophisticated clock tree supporting dynamic frequency scaling. The wide peripheral set is accessed via a multi-layer AHB bus matrix, achieving high aggregate throughput for parallel display, network, and storage workloads without starving the CPU.
Typical applications span industrial HMI panels, IoT edge gateways, building automation controllers, smart energy concentrators, and Linux-based point-of-sale terminals. The combination of low standby power and rich connectivity (dual GbE, CAN-FD, USB, QSPI) makes the part a frequent choice for always-connected battery-backed installations. This page synthesizes distributor pricing, drop-in SAMA5D2 family variants, and practical design notes not found in the manufacturer datasheet alone.
Drop-in alternatives for ATSAMA5D28A-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 ATSAMA5D28A-CN (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Package, Ethernet, USB, Core Architecture, CAN.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
ATSAMA5D27C-CUR
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$12.9 / Unit
View Datasheet →ATSAMA5D26C-CU
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$11.8 / Unit
View Datasheet →ATSAMA5D24B-CU
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$10.42 / Unit
View Datasheet →ATSAMA5D23A-CU
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$7.2 / Unit
View Datasheet →ATSAMA5D28A-CU
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$14.85 / Unit
View Datasheet →ATSAMA5D28A-CN Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Core Architecture | ARM Cortex-A5 (32-bit) with NEON and FPU |
| Maximum CPU Clock | 500 MHz |
| Number of Cores | 1 |
| Internal SRAM | 128 KB |
| External Memory Support | DDR2 / DDR3L / LPDDR2 / LPDDR3 |
| Supply Voltage | 1.2 V (core) |
| Package | 289-LFBGA (14x14 mm, 0.8 mm pitch) |
| Operating Temperature | -40C to +85C (Industrial) |
| Backup Mode Current | 5 uA (RTC retention) |
| Display Controller | LCD up to WXGA (1280x720) |
| Image Sensor Interface | Hardware ISI |
| Ethernet | Dual 10/100/1000 GMAC with 1588 PTP |
| CAN | Dual CAN-FD |
| USB | USB 2.0 Host + Device |
| Storage Interfaces | QSPI, e.MMC, SD/MMC, NAND |
| RoHS Status | Compliant |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount (BGA) |
ATSAMA5D28A-CN 289-lfbga (14x14 mm, 0.8 mm pitch) Pin Configuration Guide
Pin configuration for ATSAMA5D28A-CN (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 ATSAMA5D28A-CN.
Refer to the datasheet for full pin configuration.
Typical Applications
ATSAMA5D28A-CN is suitable for 8 applications: Industrial HMI Panels, IoT Edge Gateways, Building Automation Controllers, Smart Energy Concentrators, Linux-Based Point-of-Sale Terminals, Medical Patient Monitoring Devices, Connected Vehicle Telematics, Aerospace Flight-Data Recorders.
Industrial HMI Panels
The ATSAMA5D28A-CN fits industrial HMI panels because its Cortex-A5 core delivers 500 MHz of deterministic compute for Qt/Linux graphical stacks, while the integrated LCD controller drives WXGA (1280x720) TFT panels without an external bridge. The 128 KB on-chip SRAM caches UI frame data to reduce DRAM wakeups, and the 5 uA backup mode preserves RTC and panel state across power cycles. Hardware peripherals include dual CAN-FD for machine bus connectivity, a peripheral touch controller that interfaces capacitive sensors directly, and class-D audio PWM for panel-mounted speakers and buzzers. Engineers can run Yocto-based Linux with the mainline-atmel kernel, keeping software reuse high across the SAMA5D2 family while meeting IEC 61000-4 EMC immunity requirements common in factory floors.
Recommended
IoT Edge Gateways
The ATSAMA5D28A-CN is well-matched to Linux-based IoT edge gateways that aggregate multiple field buses into cloud uplinks. Its dual 10/100/1000 GMAC ports with IEEE 1588 PTP support hardware time-stamping for industrial Ethernet protocols, and the dual CAN-FD controllers interface directly to CAN-based sensors and actuators. The QSPI and e.MMC interfaces boot from small-footprint flash while keeping a full Linux rootfs on the e.MMC partition. With 5 uA backup retention the gateway can stay alive for years on a coin cell while waiting for a wake event from the low-power UART. Compared with Cortex-M7 gateways, the A5 core runs MQTT brokers, TLS, and lightweight container runtimes comfortably at sub-1W power.
Recommended
Building Automation Controllers
Building automation controllers benefit from the ATSAMA5D28A-CN's combination of dual GbE for IP-based backbone connectivity, dual CAN-FD for HVAC and lighting field buses, and the integrated LCD controller for on-device status displays. The Cortex-A5 500 MHz CPU runs BACnet/Modbus stacks alongside a small Linux userspace, and the AES/SHA hardware crypto engines secure tenant configuration data at rest. The peripheral touch controller adds front-panel capacitive buttons without an external touch IC, reducing BOM and PCB area. Operating from -40C to +85C industrial temperature range covers outdoor equipment enclosures, and the 5 uA backup mode supports battery-backed blackout ride-through.
Recommended
Smart Energy Concentrators
Smart energy concentrators collect data from PLC or wireless smart meters and forward it to utility head-ends; the ATSAMA5D28A-CN provides the headroom for local aggregation, encryption, and time synchronization. The 1588 PTP-capable Ethernet ports timestample meter reads to microsecond accuracy, and the AES/SHA/TRNG hardware crypto accelerators meet IEC 62351 security requirements. The class-D audio PWM can drive an annunciator speaker for fault alerts, while the image sensor interface supports optional camera integration for substation video monitoring. Designers can boot from secure eFuse keys and use tamper-detection GPIOs to meet metering anti-tamper regulations.
Recommended
Linux-Based Point-of-Sale Terminals
POS terminals rely on the ATSAMA5D28A-CN's mix of LCD controller for the operator display, image sensor interface for barcode/2D scanner cameras, and class-D audio for payment confirmation chimes. The Cortex-A5 runs Android or embedded Linux for payment applications, while the hardware crypto block accelerates EMV contact/contactless transaction cryptography. The 289-LFBGA package is small enough for compact countertop hardware, and the industrial temperature grade handles the thermal load of enclosed retail housings. Multiple USB 2.0 ports support printer, NFC reader, and customer-display peripherals simultaneously.
Recommended
Medical Patient Monitoring Devices
Patient monitors use the ATSAMA5D28A-CN to run a real-time Linux on the 500 MHz Cortex-A5 with deterministic response for waveform displays. The integrated LCD controller drives 1280x720 panels for high-resolution ECG/SPO2 traces, while the QSPI/e.MMC interfaces hold a secure, signed firmware image with the eFuse secure-boot chain. Hardware AES/SHA/Tamper pins help meet FDA cybersecurity guidance for medical devices. Dual CAN-FD links to bedside module racks, and the class-D audio PWM can drive alarm speakers. The -40C to +85C industrial range covers sterilizable enclosure environments.
Recommended
Connected Vehicle Telematics
Automotive telematics boxes rely on the ATSAMA5D28A-CN's dual CAN-FD controllers to listen to vehicle CAN buses at high speed without dropping frames. The Cortex-A5 runs Linux with cellular V2X stacks, and the QSPI/e.MMC boot chain supports secure firmware updates over-the-air. Hardware AES and TRNG secure OTA payloads, and the 5 uA backup mode preserves GPS cold-start data during parking. While not AEC-Q100 qualified by default, the industrial temperature grade covers in-cabin deployments; for engine-bay or safety-critical ECUs choose an AEC-Q100 part from Microchip's SAM V71/V8 family instead.
Recommended
Aerospace Flight-Data Recorders
Compact flight-data and payload controllers in UAVs and small aircraft use the ATSAMA5D28A-CN to record sensor streams and run lightweight flight-control algorithms. The 500 MHz Cortex-A5 handles sensor fusion in software or via NEON SIMD acceleration, while the dual GbE interfaces connect to mission computers and onboard cameras through the image sensor pipeline. The industrial temperature range and 289-LFBGA ruggedized package suit vibration-prone installations. Secure boot from eFuse protects flight firmware integrity, and the 5 uA backup mode keeps mission clocks running between sorties.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for ATSAMA5D28A-CN — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | ATSAMA5D27C-CU | ATSAMA5D26C-CU | ATSAMA5D24B-CU | ATSAMA5D23A-CU | ATSAMA5D28A-CU |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Package | 289-LFBGA (14x14) | 289-LFBGA (14x14) - same | 289-LFBGA (14x14) - same | 289-LFBGA (14x14) - same | 289-LFBGA (14x14) - same | 289-LFBGA (14x14) - same |
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| CPU 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 |
| Internal SRAM | 128 KB | 128 KB + 2 MB | 128 KB | 128 KB | 128 KB | 128 KB |
| Image Sensor Interface | Yes (ISI) | Yes (ISI) | No | No | No | Yes (ISI) |
| Ethernet | Dual 10/100/1000 GMAC + 1588 | Dual 10/100/1000 GMAC + 1588 | Dual 10/100/1000 GMAC + 1588 | Single 10/100/1000 GMAC | Single 10/100 Ethernet | Dual 10/100/1000 GMAC + 1588 |
| CAN-FD | Dual CAN-FD | Dual CAN-FD | Dual CAN-FD | Single CAN-FD | Single CAN-FD | Dual CAN-FD |
| Class-D Audio | Yes (PWM) | Yes (PWM) | Yes (PWM) | No | No | Yes (PWM) |
| Hardware Crypto | AES/SHA/TRNG | AES/SHA/TRNG + secure boot | AES/SHA/TRNG | AES/SHA | AES/SHA | AES/SHA/TRNG |
Key Differentiators
- Full SAMA5D2 peripheral set including image sensor interface and class-D audio (vs ATSAMA5D23A-CU)
- Dual Gigabit Ethernet with hardware 1588 PTP timestamping (vs ATSAMA5D24B-CU)
- Same 289-LFBGA footprint as D27C/D26C/D24B siblings for design reuse (vs ATSAMA5D26C-CU)
- Hardware AES/SHA/TRNG plus secure boot eFuse chain (vs ATSAMA5D26A-CU)
Design Notes
The ATSAMA5D28A-CN requires a clean 1.2 V core supply capable of delivering peak currents around 500 mA during DDR3L burst activity. Use a buck converter with at least 30% headroom; Microchip recommends the MCP16331 or MIC23030 for sub-1W SAMA5D2 designs. Add bulk capacitance of at least 22 uF X5R plus 100 nF X7R decoupling on every VDD pin pair to suppress switching transients. Estimated: at 500 MHz full load, total system power is roughly 1.2 V x 350 mA average plus DRAM and I/O, totaling under 1 W active and 5 uA standby.
The 289-LFBGA package has a junction-to-ambient thermal resistance of approximately 25 C/W on a 4-layer JEDEC test board. At 1 W total power dissipation this yields a 25 C rise above ambient, well inside the 85 C industrial limit. Designers should avoid placing the MPU directly above heat-generating sources (DC-DC, GbE PHYs) and should provide a continuous ground pour under the BGA to spread heat. Estimated: theta_JA = 25 C/W on a 4-layer 14x14 mm PCB land pattern per JESD51.
The 289-LFBGA uses a 0.8 mm ball pitch, requiring microvia or sub-100 um laser-drilled via structures in the inner layers. Stack the BGA escape on at least 4 layers with a continuous reference plane under the balls to control impedance for the DDR3L interface. Match DDR3L traces to 50 ohm single-ended and 100 ohm differential within 0.13 mm tolerance, and place the VTT termination divider within 5 mm of the DRAM. Use length-matching of DQ/DQS within 0.5 mm to satisfy SAMA5D2 DDR timing.
Do not boot the ATSAMA5D28A-CN from 1.8 V-only QSPI without enabling the SAMA5D2 internal LDO regulator first; the ROM bootloader expects a specific boot sequence and will fail silently if VDDQSPI rail timing violates the datasheet limits. Also, the LFBGA balls require X-ray or cross-section inspection during PCBA process qualification - optical AOI alone may miss head-in-pillow defects on this fine-pitch package.
For the dual GbE interfaces, route MDI traces as 100 ohm differential pairs with reference ground on layer 2, and place the RJ45 magnetics within 25 mm of the PHY pins. The 1588 PTP accuracy is sensitive to MDI trace skew; keep pair-to-pair skew under 0.5 mm. Use Microchip's LAN8720A or KSZ8061 PHY family which are validated against the SAMA5D2 GMAC reference designs in the Microchip SAMA5D2-XULT evaluation kit.
Compliance Information
RoHS and REACH compliance per Microchip product page. Industrial temperature grade -40C to +85C. Not AEC-Q100 qualified - this is an industrial/consumer MPU; for AEC-Q100 automotive applications consider ATSAMA5D27C-D1G-CU plus additional qualification.