ATSAMA5D42B-CUR - 600MHz ARM Cortex-A5 MPU 361-TFBGA | Microchip
MPN: ATSAMA5D42B-CUR ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $17.72 | $17.72 |
| 10 | $16.45 | $164.50 |
| 100 | $14.82 | $1,482.00 |
| 500 | $13.21 | $6,605.00 |
| 1,000 | $11.95 | $11,950.00 |
ATSAMA5D42B-CUR Overview
An ARM Cortex-A5 microprocessor is a 32-bit application-class processor core implementing the ARMv7-A architecture with optional NEON media processing engine and floating-point unit. The Cortex-A5 belongs to the Cortex-A family of application processors that run full operating systems such as Linux, Android, and ThreadX, distinguishing them from Cortex-M microcontrollers. The SAMA5D4 series further adds dedicated hardware blocks for cryptography (AES, 3DES, SHA), secure boot, and a system bus matrix that supports multi-layer AHB/AXI traffic to feed the L2 cache and peripherals.
Key features of the ATSAMA5D42B-CUR include up to 600 MHz CPU clock, 32 KB L1 instruction cache plus 32 KB L1 data cache, 128 KB L2 cache, dual external memory bus interface (DDR2/LPDDR/DDR3/LPDDR3), and an LCD controller supporting up to 2048x2048 resolution. The device operates from a 3.3 V I/O supply with core logic powered by an internal voltage regulator, and supports industrial temperature range of -40C to +85C.
The architecture uses a Cortex-A5 core with NEON and FPU extensions, a multi-port L2 cache controller, and a peripheral DMA matrix. The advanced interrupt controller (AIC) and secure interrupt handling make the device suitable for safety-aware applications. Hardware crypto accelerators (AES 256-bit, 3DES, SHA-1/256) offload common security workloads from the CPU, and the ROM contains standard bootloader and Atmel/Microchip signing routines.
Typical applications include human-machine interfaces (HMI) with TFT LCD, industrial control gateways, point-of-sale terminals, IoT edge nodes running Linux, smart energy metering, and medical patient monitors. The combination of high-speed DDR memory interface and rich connectivity makes the part particularly suited for graphics-rich embedded products.
When designing with the ATSAMA5D42B-CUR, careful PCB layout of the 361-ball TFBGA is critical - the design requires at least 4-layer PCB with controlled impedance for DDR traces, matched-length routing for USB differential pairs, and thermal vias under the exposed die pad for heat dissipation. Power sequencing of the 3.3 V and 1.2 V rails must follow the datasheet sequence to avoid latch-up.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing, drop-in alternatives from the SAMA5D4 family, and practical design notes not aggregated on a single manufacturer or distributor page.
Drop-in alternatives for ATSAMA5D42B-CUR — 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-CUR (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Package, USB, Ethernet, Core Architecture, External Memory Interface.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
ATSAMA5D41B-CUR
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$8.95 / Unit
View Datasheet →ATSAMA5D43A-CU
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$7.85 / Unit
View Datasheet →ATSAMA5D42B-CU
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$10.4 / Unit
View Datasheet →ATSAMA5D42A-CU
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$18.24 / Unit
View Datasheet →ATSAMA5D28B-CUR
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$12.6 / Unit
View Datasheet →ATSAMA5D42B-CUR Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Core Architecture | ARM Cortex-A5 (ARMv7-A) |
| Maximum CPU Clock | 600 MHz |
| Core Count | 1 |
| Data Bus Width | 32-bit |
| ROM Size | 128 KB |
| SRAM Size | 128 KB |
| L1 Instruction Cache | 32 KB |
| L1 Data Cache | 32 KB |
| L2 Cache | 128 KB |
| External Memory Interface | DDR2/LPDDR/DDR3/LPDDR3 |
| Supply Voltage (Core) | 1.2 V (typ) |
| Supply Voltage (I/O) | 3.3 V (typ) |
| Operating Temperature | -40C to +85C (industrial) |
| Package | 361-TFBGA (16x16 mm) |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| RoHS Status | Compliant |
| Series | SAMA5D4 |
ATSAMA5D42B-CUR 361-tfbga (16x16 mm) Pin Configuration Guide
Pin configuration for ATSAMA5D42B-CUR (361-tfbga (16x16 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 ATSAMA5D42B-CUR.
Refer to the datasheet for full pin configuration.
Typical Applications
ATSAMA5D42B-CUR is suitable for 6 applications: Human-Machine Interface (HMI) with TFT LCD, Industrial IoT Gateway, Point-of-Sale (POS) Terminal, Smart Energy Meter, Medical Patient Monitor, Building Automation Controller.
Human-Machine Interface (HMI) with TFT LCD
The ATSAMA5D42B-CUR is well suited for TFT-LCD-based HMI panels because it combines an ARM Cortex-A5 600 MHz core with a hardware LCD controller supporting up to 2048x2048 resolution and a 24-bit RGB interface. The on-chip 128 KB L2 cache keeps pixel-buffer reads off the DDR bus, while the 2D graphics accelerator (overlay/blender) composites UI layers without CPU intervention. In a typical 7-inch 1024x600 HMI design, the part drives the LCD, runs Linux or Qt for UI, and still leaves headroom for CAN, RS-485, and USB host connections.
Recommended
Industrial IoT Gateway
For industrial IoT gateways, the ATSAMA5D42B-CUR delivers 600 MHz ARM Cortex-A5 performance with Linux support and the GMAC Ethernet controller for deterministic TCP/IP communication. The dual CAN interfaces, multiple UARTs, and SD card controller allow integration with field-bus networks (CANopen, Modbus). Hardware AES and SHA accelerators secure MQTT payloads to cloud brokers at line rate, while the industrial -40C to +85C temperature grade supports deployment in cabinets and outdoor enclosures.
Recommended
Point-of-Sale (POS) Terminal
In a POS terminal, the ATSAMA5D42B-CUR runs Linux on the Cortex-A5 600 MHz core while driving the operator display, encrypting card transactions via the on-chip AES-256 accelerator, and reading magnetic-stripe or smart-card peripherals over UART/SPI. The 128 KB SRAM supports secure key storage, and the image sensor interface (ISI) connects to a 1D/2D barcode scanner module. Power consumption typically stays below 1.5 W even with display active, enabling fanless operation in retail environments.
Recommended
Smart Energy Meter
Smart electricity, gas, and water meters benefit from the ATSAMA5D42B-CUR's combination of Cortex-A5 600 MHz processing, hardware crypto, and dual CAN/UART connectivity for DLMS/COSEM or M-Bus communications. The DDR2/3 controller handles logging buffers, while the 128 KB L2 cache accelerates Modbus TCP parsing. Industrial-grade parts operate from -40C to +85C for outdoor meter cabinets, and the secure boot ROM protects firmware integrity against tampering.
Recommended
Medical Patient Monitor
Medical patient monitors use the ATSAMA5D42B-CUR to acquire ECG, SpO2, and temperature data from sensor front-ends, run signal-processing algorithms on the Cortex-A5 with NEON SIMD acceleration, and display results on a high-resolution TFT LCD. The hardware AES accelerator secures HL7 / FHIR data sent to hospital networks. The 361-TFBGA industrial-temperature part supports fanless IP65 enclosures, and the DDR3 controller handles continuous waveform buffers without dropping samples.
Recommended
Building Automation Controller
Building automation controllers using BACnet, KNX, or Modbus leverage the ATSAMA5D42B-CUR's multiple UARTs, dual CAN interfaces, and hardware cryptography for encrypted building network traffic. The 600 MHz Cortex-A5 core runs a full Linux distribution for HVAC scheduling, lighting control, and energy management while the LCD controller drives a 7-inch operator panel. Industrial temperature grade and long-life Microchip supply make the part suitable for 10+ year field deployments.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for ATSAMA5D42B-CUR — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | ATSAMA5D41B-CUR | ATSAMA5D43A-CU | ATSAMA5D42B-CU | ATSAMA5D42A-CU | ATSAMA5D28B-CUR |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| 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 |
| Core Architecture | ARM Cortex-A5 600 MHz | ARM Cortex-A5 600 MHz | ARM Cortex-A5 600 MHz | ARM Cortex-A5 600 MHz | ARM Cortex-A5 600 MHz | ARM Cortex-A5 500 MHz |
| Image Sensor Interface | Yes | No | No | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Ethernet MAC | 1x GMAC | 1x GMAC | 2x GMAC | 1x GMAC | 1x GMAC | 1x GMAC |
| L2 Cache | 128 KB | 128 KB | 128 KB | 128 KB | 128 KB | 128 KB |
| Operating Temperature | -40C to +85C (industrial) | -40C to +85C | -40C to +85C | -40C to +85C | -40C to +85C | -40C to +85C |
| Silicon Revision | B | B | A | B | A | B |
| Packaging | Tape & Reel | Tape & Reel | Tray | Tray | Tray | Tape & Reel |
Key Differentiators
- Includes Image Sensor Interface (ISI) for camera capture (vs ATSAMA5D41B-CUR)
- Single GMAC leaves 2nd GMAC pins free for other functions (vs ATSAMA5D43A-CU)
- Silicon revision B includes errata fixes over revision A (vs ATSAMA5D42A-CU)
Design Notes
The 361-TFBGA package with 0.5 mm ball pitch requires at least a 4-layer PCB with microvia-in-pad (VIP) technology for reliable assembly. Per Microchip design guidelines, route DDR traces with 50 ohm controlled impedance, matched length to within 25 mil, and provide at least 6 thermal vias under the exposed die pad connected to an inner ground plane. Use ENIG surface finish to ensure good solder joint reliability. Estimated: VIP adds roughly $0.10-0.20 per cm2 to PCB fabrication cost over standard 6-layer stackup.
Power sequencing for the ATSAMA5D42B-CUR requires 3.3 V I/O rail to come up before or simultaneously with the 1.2 V core rail. Reverse sequencing can cause latch-up. Use Microchip's recommended MCP16502 PMIC or a discrete LDO chain with a power-good signal fed back to the SHDN pin. Estimated: at 600 MHz full load the part draws ~600 mA from 1.2 V and ~150 mA from 3.3 V, so a 1.5 W 1.2 V LDO with thermal pad is recommended.
At 600 MHz full CPU load, junction temperature rises approximately 15-20 C above ambient with proper PCB thermal design (1 sq inch inner copper pour). For sealed enclosures without airflow, derate CPU clock to 500 MHz to keep Tj below 110 C. Use the on-chip thermal sensor (internal diode) routed to an external NCT72 or MAX31760 fan controller if the application requires active cooling.
Common pitfalls include forgetting to configure the DDR3L calibration ZQ resistor (typically 240 ohm 1% to ground), omitting the boot mode strap resistors (BMS pin needs 10 kohm to VDDANA for default boot from NAND), and not enabling the image sensor interface clock domain before driving the parallel bus. Verify the secure boot configuration fuses match your signed image or the ROM will refuse to start the application.
Compliance Information
RoHS and REACH compliant per Microchip product page. Not AEC-Q100 qualified - this is a commercial/industrial MPU not intended for automotive safety-critical applications.
