ATSAMA5D42A-CU - ARM Cortex-A5 MPU 600MHz 361-TFBGA | Microchip
MPN: ATSAMA5D42A-CU ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $28.5 | $28.50 |
| 10 | $25.65 | $256.50 |
| 100 | $22.8 | $2,280.00 |
| 500 | $20.52 | $10,260.00 |
| 1,000 | $18.24 | $18,240.00 |
ATSAMA5D42A-CU Overview
An embedded MPU (microprocessor unit) is a high-performance processor IC designed for applications requiring richer operating systems (typically Linux) than what microcontrollers can offer. Within the broader product hierarchy, an MPU sits above microcontrollers (MCUs) in the embedded compute stack and below application processors used in mobile phones; the Cortex-A5 core specifically targets low-power, cost-sensitive applications that still require the ARMv7-A architecture, MMU and full OS support.
Key features of the ATSAMA5D42A-CU include a dedicated 720p hardware video decoder supporting H.264, MPEG-4, MPEG-2, VC-1 and JPEG codecs at up to 30 fps, an LCD controller with TFT/STN support up to XGA resolution, a 12-bit camera interface, dual EMAC Gigabit Ethernet controllers with 1588 PTP hardware timestamping, USB 2.0 high-speed host and device ports, and an advanced security subsystem featuring secure boot, hardware cryptographic accelerators (AES, SHA, TRNG), and tamper detection pins.
The architecture is built on a high-performance 65nm CMOS process with an ARM Cortex-A5 core that supports the ARMv7-A instruction set including Thumb-2, TrustZone security extensions, and a Memory Management Unit (MMU) for full Linux/embedded OS support. The on-chip L2 cache and tightly-coupled memory (TCM) interfaces minimize external memory access latency, while the multi-layer bus matrix (64-bit) with separate DDR2/LPDDR/DDR3 memory controller provides the bandwidth required for video decoding applications.
Typical applications include industrial human-machine interfaces (HMIs), panel PCs and operator terminals, smart energy gateways, building automation controllers, medical patient monitoring displays, point-of-sale terminals, and 720p video-capable embedded devices such as video doorbells and access control panels. The integrated security block also makes it suitable for payment terminals and other tamper-resistant systems.
When designing with the ATSAMA5D42A-CU, ensure the PCB footprint accommodates the 16x16 mm TFBGA-361 package with 0.8 mm ball pitch - this is a fine-pitch BGA requiring assembly with X-ray inspection or proper BGA rework capability. Power supply sequencing is critical: the device requires multiple voltage rails (typically 1.2V core, 1.8V DDR, 3.3V I/O) brought up in the correct order, and the exposed-die DGA package requires thermal vias for adequate heat dissipation at full 600 MHz operation.
Drop-in alternatives for ATSAMA5D42A-CU — 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 ATSAMA5D42A-CU (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Package, USB, Operating Temperature, Core Architecture, Ethernet.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
ATSAMA5D41B-CU
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$10.95 / Unit
View Datasheet →ATSAMA5D41B-CUR
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$8.95 / Unit
View Datasheet →ATSAMA5D44A-CU
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$21.4 / Unit
View Datasheet →ATSAMA5D42A-CUR
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ 参数待验证✓ In Stock
$18.4 / Unit
View Datasheet →ATSAMA5D42A-CN
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
ATSAMA5D42B-CU
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ 参数待验证✓ In Stock
$10.4 / Unit
View Datasheet →ATSAMA5D42A-CU Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Core Processor | ARM Cortex-A5 |
| Core Architecture | ARMv7-A with Thumb-2, NEON, FPU, MMU |
| Number of Cores | 1 |
| Data Bus Width | 32-bit |
| Maximum Clock Speed | 600 MHz |
| L1 Instruction Cache | 32 KByte |
| L1 Data Cache | 32 KByte |
| L2 Cache | 128 KByte |
| Internal SRAM | 128 KByte |
| Operating Voltage (Core) | 1.2 V to 1.32 V |
| Operating Voltage (I/O) | 1.8 V / 3.3 V |
| DDR Memory Controller | DDR2/LPDDR/DDR3, 16-bit data bus |
| Package | 361-TFBGA (16x16 mm, 0.8 mm pitch) |
| Operating Temperature | -40C to +85C (industrial) |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount (BGA) |
| MSL Level | 3 (per JEDEC J-STD-020) |
| RoHS Status | Compliant |
ATSAMA5D42A-CU 361-tfbga (16x16 mm, 0.8 mm pitch) Pin Configuration Guide
Pin configuration for ATSAMA5D42A-CU (361-tfbga (16x16 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 ATSAMA5D42A-CU.
Refer to the datasheet for full pin configuration.
Typical Applications
ATSAMA5D42A-CU is suitable for 6 applications: Industrial HMI Panel PC, Video Doorbell / Smart Access Control, Smart Energy Gateway / Building Automation, Medical Patient Monitor Display, Point-of-Sale (POS) Terminal, Industrial Printer / Label Maker.
Industrial HMI Panel PC
The ATSAMA5D42A-CU is well suited to industrial HMI panels because its Cortex-A5 core at 600 MHz runs Linux smoothly with Qt or Web-based UI frameworks, while the integrated LCD controller supports TFT displays up to XGA (1024x768) with hardware overlay. Its 128 KByte L2 cache and dedicated 2D graphics acceleration deliver responsive touch response times under 50 ms. The dual 10/100/1000 Ethernet MACs with IEEE 1588 PTP hardware timestamping enable synchronized data acquisition panels used in factory automation. Operating temperature of -40C to +85C matches IEC 61131-2 industrial environment specs. Pair with the ATSAMA5D2-XULT development board for early prototype validation.
Recommended
Video Doorbell / Smart Access Control
The integrated hardware 720p H.264 video decoder in the ATSAMA5D42A-CU offloads decode from the CPU, allowing simultaneous camera capture at 30 fps and low-latency network streaming without buffering glitches. The 12-bit parallel camera interface accepts raw Bayer data from typical CMOS image sensors, and the on-chip LCD controller drives local preview displays at the doorbell station. Hardware AES/SHA cryptographic accelerators and secure boot protect against firmware tampering in physical-access security applications. Power consumption scales via DVFS, allowing battery-backed operation during AC outages. Pair with the ATSAMA5D35-EK kit for bring-up.
Recommended
Smart Energy Gateway / Building Automation
Building automation controllers benefit from the ATSAMA5D42A-CU because the dual Gigabit Ethernet MACs with 1588 PTP timestamping enable precise time synchronization of distributed energy meters and BACnet/IP traffic. The Cortex-A5 core runs full Linux with KNX, BACnet, or Modbus TCP stacks concurrently, while the LCD controller drives the operator touchscreen. Secure boot and the tamper detection pins support utility-grade metering certifications. The wide industrial temperature range of -40C to +85C covers unheated basement installations. Pair with ATSAMA5D4-XULT kit for early software development.
Recommended
Medical Patient Monitor Display
Medical patient monitoring displays leverage the ATSAMA5D42A-CU's reliable industrial-grade operation and hardware cryptography for HIPAA-compliant patient data handling. The Cortex-A5 runs Linux with medical UI frameworks, and the LCD controller drives high-resolution bedside displays up to XGA. Hardware secure boot prevents unauthorized firmware loading - a regulatory requirement under IEC 62304 for medical device software lifecycle. The on-chip AES/SHA accelerators encrypt HL7/patient data at line rate without burdening the CPU. Pair with ATSAMA5D2-XULT for early BSP development.
Recommended
Point-of-Sale (POS) Terminal
POS terminals using the ATSAMA5D42A-CU benefit from the integrated secure boot, hardware AES/SHA accelerators, and tamper detection pins required by PCI PTS 5.x certification for payment terminals. The Cortex-A5 at 600 MHz runs full Linux with payment applications, and the LCD controller drives the merchant-facing touchscreen up to XGA. The dual Ethernet MACs support both customer Wi-Fi hotspot and back-office network connectivity simultaneously. The industrial temperature range supports kitchen/restaurant environments where POS hardware must survive elevated ambient temperatures.
Recommended
Industrial Printer / Label Maker
Industrial label printers benefit from the ATSAMA5D42A-CU because its high-performance Cortex-A5 core handles complex ZPL/ EPL printer languages and bitmap rendering at print speeds above 200 mm/s. The Ethernet MACs with 1588 PTP synchronize networked printers in factory MES environments, while USB 2.0 high-speed host ports accept USB dongles for barcode scanner input. The industrial -40C to +85C temperature range supports unheated warehouse installations. The on-chip SRAM and L2 cache reduce DDR access during frequent small bitmap operations, improving throughput.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for ATSAMA5D42A-CU — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | ATSAMA5D41B-CU | ATSAMA5D41B-CUR | ATSAMA5D44A-CU | ATSAMA5D42A-CUR | ATSAMA5D42A-CN | ATSAMA5D42B-CU |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Package | 361-TFBGA (16x16 mm) | 361-TFBGA (16x16 mm) - same | 361-TFBGA (16x16 mm) - same | 361-TFBGA (16x16 mm) - same | 361-TFBGA (16x16 mm) - same | 361-TFBGA (16x16 mm) - same | 361-TFBGA (16x16 mm) - same |
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Core | ARM Cortex-A5 (ARMv7-A) | ARM Cortex-A5 | ARM Cortex-A5 | ARM Cortex-A5 | ARM Cortex-A5 | ARM Cortex-A5 | ARM Cortex-A5 |
| Max Clock Speed | 600 MHz | 600 MHz | 600 MHz | 600 MHz | 600 MHz | 528 MHz | 600 MHz |
| L2 Cache | 128 KByte | 128 KByte | 128 KByte | 128 KByte | 128 KByte | 128 KByte | 128 KByte |
| Hardware Video Decoder | Yes (720p H.264/MPEG-4/MPEG-2/VC-1/JPEG) | Yes (same decoder IP) | Yes (same decoder IP) | Yes (same decoder IP) | Yes (same decoder IP) | Yes (same decoder IP) | Yes (same decoder IP) |
| Temperature Grade | Industrial (-40C to +85C) | Industrial | Industrial | Industrial | Industrial | Commercial (0C to +70C) | Industrial |
| Enhanced Security | Standard secure boot + tamper pins | Standard | Standard | Enhanced (additional tamper pins) | Standard | Standard | Standard |
Key Differentiators
- Integrated hardware 720p video decoder (vs ATSAMA5D31A-CU (SAMA5D3 family))
- Enhanced security block with extra tamper pins (vs ATSAMA5D41B-CU)
- Dual Gigabit Ethernet MACs with 1588 PTP (vs ATSAMA5D27C-D5M-CU (SAMA5D2))
Design Notes
The 361-TFBGA with 0.8 mm ball pitch requires a PCB land pattern compliant with IPC-7351 nominal-density BGA guidelines. Place thermal vias in a 1.0 mm grid array under the die to extract heat; a minimum of 9 thermal vias (3x3) on the central exposed balls is recommended for continuous 600 MHz operation. Use ENIG or OSP surface finish to ensure reliable BGA solder joint formation; HASL is not recommended for fine-pitch BGA.
The SAMA5D4 requires sequenced power rails: VDDCORE (1.2V) must rise before VDDPLL, VDDOSC, and VDDIODDR (1.8V), with VDDIOP (3.3V) last or in parallel with VDDIODDR. Use a dedicated PMIC such as the MIC2800 or discrete LDO+sequencer chain to enforce the sequence. Decoupling: place 100 nF X7R 0402 capacitors within 2 mm of each power pin and bulk 4.7 uF X5R 0805 capacitors at each power rail entry.
Estimated: At full 600 MHz operation with all peripherals active, the SAMA5D4 silicon dissipates approximately 1.5 W. The 361-TFBGA has theta_JA of approximately 18 C/W with proper thermal via array, yielding a junction temperature rise of 27 C above ambient. For sealed enclosures with no airflow, add a copper heat spreader or thermal pad to the top of the package. Always validate with a thermocouple on the actual board since PCB copper density significantly affects real-world thermal performance.
DDR traces to the SAMA5D4 must be length-matched within 25 mil for the byte groups and 50 mil across bytes. Use 50-ohm controlled impedance with reference plane on layer 2 or 3. Route clock (DDR_CK) on the inner layer with the longest matching length and 2W spacing from other DDR signals. Series-termination resistors are not recommended for DDR2/DDR3 - rely on the on-chip ODT (On-Die Termination) per JEDEC JESD79-3.
Common pitfalls when designing with the ATSAMA5D42A-CU: (1) The boot mode straps (BMS) must be pulled correctly at reset - a floating BMS pin leaves the part in an undefined state. (2) The DDR calibration ZQ pin requires an external 240-ohm 1% resistor to ground - omitting it causes DDR training failures. (3) The JTAG TDI/TDO/SWCLK/SWDIO pins are not 5V-tolerant; level-shifters must use 3.3V references. (4) The 'CU' suffix is industrial grade, not automotive - for AEC-Q100 qualified parts, look at the SAMA5D4 automotive catalog number.
Compliance Information
RoHS and REACH compliant per Microchip product page. Not AEC-Q100 qualified - this is industrial-grade; for automotive, see the SAMA5D4x automotive catalog number. Halogen-free per Microchip environmental certification.
