ATSAMA5D31A-CFUR - ARM Cortex-A5 536MHz MPU 324-TFBGA | Microchip
MPN: ATSAMA5D31A-CFUR ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $18.42 | $18.42 |
| 10 | $16.78 | $167.80 |
| 100 | $14.95 | $1,495.00 |
| 500 | $13.2 | $6,600.00 |
| 1,000 | $11.65 | $11,650.00 |
ATSAMA5D31A-CFUR Overview
An ARM microprocessor (MPU) is a CPU-centric system-on-chip that integrates memory controllers, peripheral interfaces, and graphics subsystems, distinguishing it from microcontroller units (MCUs) by typically running rich operating systems from external DDR memory. The SAMA5D3 MPU family fits in the broader taxonomy of application processors: Cortex-A5 -> ARM Cortex-A series -> 32-bit application processor -> microprocessor -> system-on-chip -> semiconductor. This hierarchy matters for board architects selecting between MCU, MPU, and DSP based on OS complexity, peripheral bandwidth, and deterministic real-time requirements.
Key differentiating features of the ATSAMA5D31A-CFUR include the 536 MHz Cortex-A5 core with NEON media engine, dual 16-bit DDR2/LPDDR/LPDDR2 controllers supporting up to 1 GB of external memory, hardware video decoder supporting up to 720p H.264, and an integrated LCD controller with TFT/STN support. The device integrates high-speed connectivity peripherals including three HS USB 2.0 ports (one with embedded HS PHY), dual Ethernet GMAC with 1588 PTP support, two CAN-FD controllers, and multiple SD/SDIO/MMC interfaces. The 324-TFBGA package provides the required signal density for this peripheral mix while maintaining a 15x15 mm footprint.
The SAMA5D3 architecture is built on a low-power 65 nm process with multiple power domains, including a separate backup logic region powered by a coin cell for RTC and tamper detection during main power loss. The advanced power management controller supports DDR self-refresh, peripheral clock gating, and dynamic voltage frequency scaling (DVFS) to optimize energy efficiency across active, idle, and deep-sleep states.
Typical applications include industrial human-machine interfaces (HMIs), smart energy gateways, building automation controllers, point-of-sale terminals, and portable medical data acquisition systems. The combination of LCD controller, capacitive touch interface, and Ethernet makes it well suited for connected operator panels in industrial automation.
When designing with this MPU, ensure the PCB stackup supports DDR2/LPDDR2 signal integrity with controlled-impedance routing and matched trace lengths. The 324-ball TFBGA requires via-in-pad or microvia technology for reliable assembly, and decoupling must follow the reference schematic in the BSP board files to suppress core voltage transients.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing, drop-in alternatives, and practical design notes not found in the manufacturer datasheet, giving engineers a single decision-ready reference.
Drop-in alternatives for ATSAMA5D31A-CFUR — 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 ATSAMA5D31A-CFUR (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Package, Ethernet, USB, Core Architecture, Operating Temperature.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
ATSAMA5D31A-CU
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$5.65 / Unit
View Datasheet →ATSAMA5D35A-CUR
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$15 / Unit
View Datasheet →ATSAMA5D21C-CUR
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$11.65 / Unit
View Datasheet →ATSAMA5D36A-CU
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$46.1 / Unit
View Datasheet →ATSAMA5D28B-CUR
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$12.6 / Unit
View Datasheet →ATSAMA5D27B-CUR
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$11.85 / Unit
View Datasheet →ATSAMA5D26B-CU
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$7.5 / Unit
View Datasheet →ATSAMA5D31A-CFUR Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Core Architecture | ARM Cortex-A5 (32-bit) |
| Maximum Core Frequency | 536 MHz |
| Number of Cores | 1 |
| L1 Instruction Cache | 32 KB |
| L1 Data Cache | 32 KB |
| Internal SRAM | 128 KB |
| Floating Point Unit | Yes (VFPv4 + NEON) |
| External Memory Support | DDR2, LPDDR, LPDDR2 (up to 1 GB) |
| Package | 324-TFBGA, 15x15 mm |
| Operating Temperature | -40 C to +85 C (Industrial) |
| Supply Voltage (Core) | 1.2 V typical |
| Supply Voltage (I/O) | 3.3 V typical |
| LCD Controller | Yes, TFT/STN up to 2048x2048 |
| USB Ports | 3x USB 2.0 HS (1 with embedded PHY) |
| Ethernet MAC | 2x GMAC with 1588 PTP |
| CAN | 2x CAN-FD controllers |
| SD/MMC/SDIO | Yes |
| Video Decoder | Hardware H.264 720p |
| RoHS Status | Compliant |
ATSAMA5D31A-CFUR 324-tfbga, 15x15 mm Pin Configuration Guide
Pin configuration for ATSAMA5D31A-CFUR (324-tfbga, 15x15 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 ATSAMA5D31A-CFUR.
Refer to the datasheet for full pin configuration.
Typical Applications
ATSAMA5D31A-CFUR is suitable for 7 applications: Industrial Human-Machine Interface (HMI), Smart Energy Gateway, Building Automation Controller, Point-of-Sale (POS) Terminal, Portable Medical Data Acquisition, Connected Operator Panel / IoT Gateway, Digital Signage Player.
Industrial Human-Machine Interface (HMI)
The ATSAMA5D31A-CFUR fits industrial HMI applications through its integrated LCD controller supporting resolutions up to 2048x2048, combined with a resistive/capacitive touch interface and dual Ethernet GMAC for redundant-network connectivity. The 536 MHz Cortex-A5 with NEON media engine accelerates Qt/Embedded and LVDS rendering at 60 fps on 10.4-inch panels. Its industrial temperature grade (-40C to +85C) ensures reliable operation across factory floors. Compared to MCU-based HMI solutions, this MPU offloads graphics rendering to hardware, freeing the CPU for protocol stacks like Modbus TCP and EtherNet/IP simultaneously.
Recommended
Smart Energy Gateway
The ATSAMA5D31A-CFUR is ideal for smart energy gateways thanks to dual Ethernet GMAC with IEEE 1588 PTP for synchronized metering timestamping, plus two CAN-FD controllers for in-vehicle or sub-station bus aggregation. The Cortex-A5 at 536 MHz runs OpenWrt or Yocto Linux to handle DLMS/COSEM, IEC 61850, and MQTT protocol stacks concurrently. DDR2/LPDDR2 support up to 1 GB enables in-memory aggregation of time-series energy data before cloud upload. Industrial temperature grade supports outdoor meter cabinet installation across seasonal extremes.
Recommended
Building Automation Controller
In building automation, the ATSAMA5D31A-CFUR drives multi-protocol bridges between BACnet, KNX, Modbus, and LonWorks networks, leveraging the 536 MHz Cortex-A5 to handle concurrent IP-based and field-bus traffic. The hardware FPU accelerates trend analysis algorithms and fault-detection routines. Dual Ethernet GMAC supports segregated management and field networks, while the 128 KB internal SRAM enables deterministic interrupt response for safety-critical loops. The industrial temperature grade handles unheated mechanical rooms and outdoor enclosures.
Recommended
Point-of-Sale (POS) Terminal
The ATSAMA5D31A-CFUR powers POS terminals by combining the 536 MHz Cortex-A5 for payment-stack execution, the integrated LCD controller for cashier and customer-facing displays, plus three USB 2.0 HS ports for barcode scanners, receipt printers, and NFC readers. DDR2/LPDDR2 support up to 1 GB handles payment-application memory footprints, while the SD/MMC interface accepts secure-storage cards for transaction logging. The Cortex-A5 NEON engine accelerates encryption libraries for PCI-PTS compliant tokenization without external crypto accelerators.
Recommended
Portable Medical Data Acquisition
The ATSAMA5D31A-CFUR suits portable medical data acquisition systems through its low-power SAMA5D3 architecture with dynamic voltage frequency scaling, plus the Cortex-A5 NEON engine for ECG signal processing and waveform compression. The industrial temperature grade supports clinical environments, while DDR2/LPDDR2 controllers with self-refresh preserve battery life between acquisitions. Dual CAN-FD interfaces connect to bedside monitor busses, and the SD/MMC port accepts removable storage for patient data export.
Recommended
Connected Operator Panel / IoT Gateway
The ATSAMA5D31A-CFUR anchors connected operator panels by combining the LCD controller, touch interface, dual Ethernet, and three USB 2.0 HS ports in one device. The 536 MHz Cortex-A5 with NEON runs containerized workloads like Docker or Podman through mainline Linux, while the hardware H.264 decoder supports remote-assistance video streaming at 720p. Industrial temperature grade supports harsh factory environments, and the dual CAN-FD controllers bridge to legacy industrial machinery for predictive maintenance data aggregation.
Recommended
Digital Signage Player
The ATSAMA5D31A-CFUR drives digital signage players through the integrated LCD controller, hardware H.264 720p decoder, and 536 MHz Cortex-A5 with NEON-accelerated graphics rendering. DDR2/LPDDR2 controllers handle 1080p frame buffers, while dual Ethernet GMAC enables redundant content distribution from CMS servers. The industrial temperature grade supports semi-outdoor enclosures, and three USB 2.0 HS ports connect to interactive peripherals like cameras and NFC readers. Power management features reduce idle-state consumption between content updates.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for ATSAMA5D31A-CFUR — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | ATSAMA5D31A-CU | ATSAMA5D35A-CUR | ATSAMA5D21C-CUR | ATSAMA5D28B-CUR |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Package | 324-TFBGA (15x15) | 324-TFBGA (15x15) - same | 324-TFBGA (15x15) - same | 324-TFBGA (15x15) - same | 324-TFBGA (15x15) - same |
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Core Frequency | 536 MHz | 536 MHz | 536 MHz | 500 MHz | 500 MHz |
| Architecture | Cortex-A5 | Cortex-A5 | Cortex-A5 | Cortex-A5 | Cortex-A5 |
| L1 Cache (I+D) | 32 KB + 32 KB | 32 KB + 32 KB | 32 KB + 32 KB | 32 KB + 32 KB | 32 KB + 32 KB |
| Internal SRAM | 128 KB | 128 KB | 128 KB | 128 KB | 128 KB |
| External Memory | DDR2/LPDDR/LPDDR2 up to 1 GB | DDR2/LPDDR/LPDDR2 up to 1 GB | DDR2/LPDDR/LPDDR2 up to 1 GB | DDR2/LPDDR/LPDDR2 up to 1 GB | LPDDR/DDR2/LPDDR2 up to 1 GB |
| Ethernet MACs | 2x GMAC w/ 1588 PTP | 2x GMAC w/ 1588 PTP | 2x GMAC + crypto | 1x GMAC | 1x GMAC |
| USB Ports | 3x USB 2.0 HS | 3x USB 2.0 HS | 3x USB 2.0 HS | 3x USB 2.0 HS | 3x USB 2.0 HS |
| Operating Temperature | -40C to +85C (Industrial) | 0C to +70C (Commercial) | -40C to +85C (Industrial) | -40C to +85C (Industrial) | -40C to +85C (Industrial) |
Key Differentiators
- Higher 536 MHz core clock vs SAMA5D2 family (vs ATSAMA5D28B-CUR)
- Dual Ethernet GMAC vs single MAC on lower-tier parts (vs ATSAMA5D21C-CUR)
- Industrial temperature grade at industrial price point (vs ATSAMA5D31A-CU)
- SAMA5D3 family with mature Linux BSP (vs ATSAMA5D28B-CUR)
Design Notes
The 324-ball TFBGA at 0.8 mm pitch requires via-in-pad or microvia PCB technology for reliable assembly. Design the PCB stackup with 1 oz copper on outer layers and matched 50 ohm controlled impedance for the DDR2/LPDDR2 signals. Maintain trace length matching within 50 mils for byte lanes per the SAMA5D3 hardware design checklist. Decoupling must place 100 nF X7R ceramics within 2 mm of every VDDCORE and VDDIO pin, with bulk 10 uF tantalum capacitors on each power rail near the MPU.
At full 536 MHz operation with both Ethernet MACs active and DDR2 at full bandwidth, the MPU dissipates approximately 1 W. The 324-TFBGA package has a theta_JA of roughly 25 C/W on a standard 4-layer JEDEC board. Estimated: at 25 C ambient, junction temperature reaches 50 C, providing 35 C of thermal margin below the 85 C industrial limit. For sealed enclosures with no airflow, design thermal vias under the BGA center balls to spread heat into inner copper planes.
Do not omit the backup power domain supply (VDDBU) for RTC and tamper detection during main power loss - the coin-cell backup draws only microamps but preserves secure boot state across power cycles. Always strap the BMS (Boot Mode Select) pins through 10K pull-ups to VDDIO before first power-up, and verify the boot configuration matches your NAND/NOR/SDCard media selection per the SAMA5D3 boot strategy application note.
Use the ACT8865 or equivalent PMIC referenced in the SAMA5D3 BSP to generate the 1.2 V VDDCORE, 1.8 V DDR2 VTT, and 3.3 V VDDIO rails in the correct power-up sequence. Apply VDDCORE before VDDIO to prevent latch-up, and hold the NRST line until all rails stabilize. Dynamic voltage frequency scaling (DVFS) can reduce idle power by 60% by stepping the core voltage from 1.2 V to 1.0 V when CPU load drops below 20%.
Compliance Information
RoHS and REACH compliant per Microchip product page. Industrial temperature grade -40C to +85C. AEC-Q100 not qualified - contact Microchip for automotive-grade SAMA5D3 variants.
