ATSAMA5D42B-CU - 600MHz ARM Cortex-A5 MPU | Microchip
MPN: ATSAMA5D42B-CU ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $14.04 | $14.04 |
| 10 | $13.1 | $131.00 |
| 100 | $12.2 | $1,220.00 |
| 500 | $11.05 | $5,525.00 |
| 1,000 | $10.4 | $10,400.00 |
ATSAMA5D42B-CU Overview
An ARM Cortex-A5 MPU is a microprocessor unit based on the ARM Cortex-A5 application-class core, designed for embedded systems requiring rich operating system support, multimedia capabilities, and connectivity. It sits within the broader hierarchy of: ARM Cortex-A5 -> ARM Cortex-A family -> 32-bit application processor -> microprocessor -> embedded processing IC -> semiconductor. Unlike microcontrollers (MCUs) that integrate Flash and RAM with the CPU, MPUs typically require external memory and are used when running full operating systems such as Linux or RTOS platforms requiring MMU support.
Key features of the ATSAMA5D42B-CU include a dedicated NEON media engine for multimedia workloads, an LCD/touchscreen controller supporting resolutions up to 2048x2048, three USB 2.0 High-Speed ports, a 12-bit ADC, and dual CAN-FD interfaces. The hardware crypto accelerator supports AES (128/192/256-bit), 3DES, SHA-1/SHA-2 (HMAC), and TRNG, enabling secure-boot and secure-element use cases without external accelerators.
From an architecture standpoint, the SAMA5D4 series uses a single-issue, in-order ARM Cortex-A5 core with NEON SIMD and FPU, achieving 1.56 DMIPS/MHz while consuming roughly 200 mW at full load. The integrated 2D graphics engine handles overlays, alpha-blending, and color-space conversion, offloading display tasks from the CPU. A 24-bit LPDDR controller supports up to 1 GB of addressable memory.
Typical applications include industrial HMI panels, building automation gateways, smart-grid concentrators, medical patient monitors, ruggedized IoT edge nodes, and point-of-sale terminals. The wide temperature range and hardware crypto make it ideal for unattended outdoor and industrial equipment.
When designing with this part, allocate a 4-layer PCB with impedance-matched DDR routing for LPDDR signals, provide 1.2V, 1.8V, and 3.3V rails separately, and observe the BGA ball-out sequence for power/ground distribution. The device boots from NAND, SD/MMC, SPI Flash, or eMMC depending on boot configuration strap pins.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing, drop-in same-package alternates, and design notes not found on a single manufacturer or distributor page, going beyond the datasheet alone.
Drop-in alternatives for ATSAMA5D42B-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 ATSAMA5D42B-CU (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Package, Ethernet, USB, Operating Temperature, MSL Level.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
ATSAMA5D41B-CU
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$10.95 / Unit
View Datasheet →ATSAMA5D43B-CU
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$10.55 / Unit
View Datasheet →ATSAMA5D44B-CU
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$24.95 / Unit
View Datasheet →ATSAMA5D42B-CUR
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$11.95 / Unit
View Datasheet →ATSAMA5D42A-CU
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$18.24 / Unit
View Datasheet →ATSAMA5D42B-CU Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Series | SAMA5D4 |
| Core Processor | ARM Cortex-A5 |
| Core Count | 1 |
| Data Bus Width | 32-bit |
| Maximum Clock Speed | 600 MHz |
| ROM Size | 128 KB |
| SRAM Size | 128 KB |
| Operating Voltage (Core) | 1.1 V to 1.32 V |
| I/O Voltage | 1.2 V, 1.8 V, 3.3 V |
| Operating Temperature | -40 C to +85 C (Industrial) |
| Package | 361-LFBGA (16x16 mm, TFBGA) |
| Memory Controller | LPDDR, LPDDR2, DDR2, LPDDR3, DDR3, DDR3L |
| USB | 3 x USB 2.0 High-Speed |
| Ethernet | 10/100 Mbps (1x, GMII/RMII) |
| Graphics | 2D engine + LCD controller up to 2048x2048 |
| Cryptography | AES, 3DES, SHA-256, TRNG, HMAC |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount (BGA) |
| MSL Level | 3 |
| RoHS Status | Compliant |
ATSAMA5D42B-CU 361-lfbga (16x16 mm, tfbga) Pin Configuration Guide
Pin configuration for ATSAMA5D42B-CU (361-lfbga (16x16 mm, tfbga) 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 ATSAMA5D42B-CU.
Refer to the datasheet for full pin configuration.
Typical Applications
ATSAMA5D42B-CU is suitable for 6 applications: Industrial HMI Panels, Building Automation Gateways, Smart-Grid Concentrators, Medical Patient Monitors, Ruggedized IoT Edge Nodes, Point-of-Sale Terminals.
Industrial HMI Panels
The ATSAMA5D42B-CU fits industrial HMI panels because it integrates an LCD controller supporting up to 2048x2048 resolution together with a 2D graphics engine for overlays and alpha-blending. At 600 MHz with NEON SIMD, the CPU can drive Qt, LVGL, or WebKit-based GUI stacks while leaving headroom for protocol stacks. Its industrial -40C to +85C temperature range tolerates factory-floor enclosures, and its 3 USB 2.0 ports easily handle touchscreens plus external peripherals.
Recommended
Building Automation Gateways
Building automation gateways benefit from the ATSAMA5D42B-CU's 1x 10/100 Ethernet port with IEEE 1588 PTP support plus its integrated cryptography block for TLS-terminated BACnet/Modbus/LoRaWAN gateways. The 600 MHz Cortex-A5 runs full Linux with Node-RED or Mosquitto MQTT brokers, while the DDR3 controller addresses up to 1 GB for in-memory caching of telemetry buffers. Industrial temp and long-term Microchip silicon support suit building-infrastructure life cycles of 10-15 years.
Recommended
Smart-Grid Concentrators
Smart-grid concentrators (DLMS/COSEM data aggregation points, distribution automation terminals) deploy the ATSAMA5D42B-CU because of its dual CAN-FD interfaces for sub-station communication, hardware AES-256 for DLMS security, and industrial temperature grade. At 600 MHz it handles thousands of metering nodes with concurrency. The ROM-based bootloader supports secure field firmware updates via the cryptographic primitives.
Recommended
Medical Patient Monitors
Patient monitors (multi-parameter bedside units) leverage the ATSAMA5D42B-CU's LCD controller for crisp waveform rendering, its NEON engine for ECG signal processing, and its 12-bit ADC for direct sensor interface. Hardware crypto enables HIPAA-grade secure data export. The industrial temp range accommodates continuous-operation clinical environments, and the SAMA5D4 family's long-term Microchip supply continuity matches medical device certification windows.
Recommended
Ruggedized IoT Edge Nodes
Ruggedized IoT edge nodes (outdoor cellular gateways, roadside units, fleet telematics) benefit from the ATSAMA5D42B-CU's -40C to +85C operating window, integrated TRNG/AES/SHA for secure MQTT-SN over LTE, and flexible DDR controller that lets designers pick LPDDR for low-power battery installs. The 3 USB 2.0 ports accommodate GPS, cellular, and Wi-Fi radios without external hubs.
Recommended
Point-of-Sale Terminals
POS terminals deploy the ATSAMA5D42B-CU because it runs a Linux stack with Qt or HTML5 UIs at 600 MHz, integrates an LCD/touchscreen controller for the cashier display, and embeds hardware crypto for PCI-P2PE encryption. The Ethernet port supports IP-based payment terminals while 3 USB 2.0 ports connect barcode scanners, NFC readers, and receipt printers. The BGA package enables compact slim-form-factor enclosures.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for ATSAMA5D42B-CU — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | ATSAMA5D41B-CU | ATSAMA5D43B-CU | ATSAMA5D44B-CU | ATSAMA5D42B-CUR | ATSAMA5D42A-CU |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Package | 361-LFBGA (16x16 mm) | 361-LFBGA (16x16 mm) - same | 361-LFBGA (16x16 mm) - same | 361-LFBGA (16x16 mm) - same | 361-LFBGA (16x16 mm) - same | 361-LFBGA (16x16 mm) - same |
| Core / Architecture | ARM Cortex-A5 32-bit | ARM Cortex-A5 32-bit (same family) | ARM Cortex-A5 32-bit (same family) | ARM Cortex-A5 32-bit (same family) | ARM Cortex-A5 32-bit (identical die) | ARM Cortex-A5 32-bit (prior silicon rev) |
| Max CPU Speed | 600 MHz | 600 MHz | 600 MHz | 600 MHz | 600 MHz | 600 MHz |
| Ethernet Ports | 10/100 Mbps x1 | 10/100 Mbps x1 | 10/100 Mbps x1 | 10/100 Mbps x2 | 10/100 Mbps x1 | 10/100 Mbps x1 |
| USB Ports | 3 x USB 2.0 High-Speed | 3 x USB 2.0 | 3 x USB 2.0 | 3 x USB 2.0 | 3 x USB 2.0 | 3 x USB 2.0 |
| Operating Temperature | -40C to +85C | -40C to +85C | -40C to +85C | -40C to +85C | -40C to +85C | -40C to +85C |
| Approx. Unit Price (1k qty) | ~$10.40 | ~$11.00 | ~$11.50 | ~$12.00 | ~$10.40 | ~$9.50 (prior rev) |
Key Differentiators
- Same SAMA5D4 family drop-in dual-Ethernet option (vs ATSAMA5D44B-CU)
- Tape-and-reel identical silicon drop-in (vs ATSAMA5D42B-CUR)
- B revision silicon with errata fixes (vs ATSAMA5D42A-CU)
Design Notes
Estimated: the 361-ball LFBGA at 0.8 mm pitch requires a 4-6 layer PCB with stacked micro-vias for fan-out. Keep all DDR traces matched within +/-25 mil, series-terminated, and routed on an inner ground-referenced layer. Use the Microchip MEB reference design as the starting point for the DDR3L routing topology; an LPDDR variant can reduce by 1 PCB layer but needs 1.8V support circuitry.
Provide separate, decoupled 1.2V, 1.8V, and 3.3V rails. Estimated: at 600 MHz the core draws around 350 mA from the 1.2V rail, so use a PMIC or buck regulator rated for at least 600 mA continuous. Place 22 uF + 100 nF + 10 nF bypass capacitors within 5 mm of the BGA balls, with the smallest cap closest to the die. Watch sequencing: 1.2V must come up before 1.8V and 3.3V per Microchip power-rail requirements.
Estimated: the 361-LFBGA has theta_JA around 25 C/W on a 4-layer JEDEC test board. At full-load (1.2V x 350 mA = 0.42 W core) the junction rises ~10 C above ambient - well within the 85C industrial limit. If you push the CPU to 600 MHz with sustained NEON workloads in a sealed enclosure, add thermal vias under the BGA thermal balls or a small heatsink to keep Tj below 100 C for long-term reliability.
Do not assume boot from SPI Flash by default - the boot mode strap pins (BMS, NCS0) select NAND, SD/MMC, SPI, or eMMC. Confirm straps on your hardware match your firmware layout. A missing pull-down on a strap pin can cause silent boot failure. Always validate the secure-boot signature key is provisioned before locking write-protect fuses.
Compliance Information
RoHS compliant per Microchip product page; industrial-grade (-40C to +85C). Halogen-free status not explicitly stated; assume 'unknown' until verified against the latest Microchip compliance letter.
