ATSAMA5D43A-CUR - ARM Cortex-A5 600MHz MPU | Microchip
MPN: ATSAMA5D43A-CUR ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $14.5 | $14.50 |
| 10 | $13.05 | $130.50 |
| 100 | $11.62 | $1,162.00 |
| 500 | $10.46 | $5,230.00 |
| 1,000 | $9.83 | $9,830.00 |
ATSAMA5D43A-CUR Overview
An ARM Cortex-A5 microprocessor (MPU) is a high-performance 32-bit application-class processor core built on the ARMv7-A architecture. Within the broader taxonomy, the Cortex-A5 sits inside the Cortex-A series -> ARM application-class CPUs -> 32-bit RISC processors -> microprocessors -> integrated circuits. MPUs differ from microcontrollers (MCUs) by lacking on-chip flash, instead booting from external DDR/NAND/NOR memory, which makes them well-suited to Linux and other rich-OS workloads that exceed the memory capacity of typical MCUs.
Key features of the ATSAMA5D43A-CUR include an ARM Cortex-A5 core with NEON, a 2D graphics accelerator, hardware video decoder for H.264 / MPEG-4 / MPEG-2 / VC-1, a 24-bit LCD controller with overlays, dual EMAC for Gigabit Ethernet, two High-Speed USB 2.0 ports (one Host, one OTG), and multiple connectivity options including CAN, UART, SPI, I2C, I2S, and SDIO. It supports up to 1 GB of DDR2/LPDDR/LPDDR2 memory through a 16-bit external bus and operates from a 3.3 V core/IO supply with internal LDO regulators.
Architecture-wise, the SAMA5D4 series combines the Cortex-A5 core with dedicated multimedia IP blocks, allowing simultaneous video decode and LCD composition without loading the CPU. The high-bandwidth multi-layer bus matrix gives the LCD controller and the CPU concurrent access to DDR, which prevents display tearing in WVGA-class human-machine interfaces (HMIs).
Typical applications include industrial HMI panels, home automation gateways, medical patient monitors, point-of-sale terminals, smart energy gateways, and ruggedized portable data terminals. The on-chip video decoder and LCD controller make it particularly attractive for products that must drive a large color display and decode a camera or video stream in parallel.
When designing with the ATSAMA5D43A-CUR, plan the PCB layout around the 289-ball LFBGA; this package has a 0.8 mm pitch and demands at least 4-layer routing with buried vias for reliable manufacturing. Use the Microchip SAMA5D4 Software Package (at91bootstrap, U-Boot, Linux mainline) and the ATSAMA5D4-XULT or AC320005-5 development kits as reference designs.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing, drop-in same-family alternatives, and practical design notes not found in the manufacturer datasheet alone.
Drop-in alternatives for ATSAMA5D43A-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 ATSAMA5D43A-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:
ATSAMA5D43A-CU
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$7.85 / Unit
View Datasheet →ATSAMA5D43B-CU
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ 参数待验证✓ In Stock
$10.55 / Unit
View Datasheet →ATSAMA5D42B-CUR
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ 参数待验证✓ In Stock
$11.95 / Unit
View Datasheet →ATSAMA5D42A-CU
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$18.24 / Unit
View Datasheet →ATSAMA5D41B-CUR
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ 参数待验证✓ In Stock
$8.95 / Unit
View Datasheet →ATSAMA5D43A-CUR Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Manufacturer | Microchip Technology |
| Series | SAMA5D4 |
| Core Processor | ARM Cortex-A5 |
| Core Architecture | ARMv7-A |
| Number of Cores | 1 |
| Data Bus Width | 32-bit |
| Maximum CPU Clock | 600 MHz |
| On-Chip ROM | 128 KB |
| External Memory Bus | 16-bit DDR2/LPDDR/LPDDR2, up to 1 GB |
| Graphics Accelerator | 2D, integrated |
| Video Decoder | Hardware H.264 / MPEG-4 / MPEG-2 / VC-1 |
| LCD Controller | 24-bit, WVGA resolution |
| Touch Interface | maXTouch (on-die) |
| SIMD Engine | NEON |
| Ethernet | Dual 10/100/1000 EMAC |
| USB | 1x USB 2.0 Host + 1x USB 2.0 OTG |
| Operating Supply Voltage | 3.3 V |
| Package | 289-LFBGA (14x14 mm) |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| Operating Temperature | -40C to +85C (industrial) |
| RoHS Status | Compliant |
ATSAMA5D43A-CUR 289-lfbga (14x14 mm) Pin Configuration Guide
Pin configuration for ATSAMA5D43A-CUR (289-lfbga (14x14 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 ATSAMA5D43A-CUR.
Refer to the datasheet for full pin configuration.
Typical Applications
ATSAMA5D43A-CUR is suitable for 7 applications: Industrial HMI Touch Panels, Smart Home / Building Automation Gateways, Medical Patient Monitoring Terminals, Point-of-Sale (POS) Terminals, Industrial Printer Control Boards, Smart Energy Gateways and Sub-Station RTUs, Ruggedized Handheld Data Terminals.
Industrial HMI Touch Panels
The ATSAMA5D43A-CUR drives 5-inch to 7-inch WVGA industrial HMI panels by combining the on-die maXTouch controller with the 24-bit LCD controller and 2D graphics accelerator. With a 600 MHz Cortex-A5 plus NEON, the part handles LVGL/Qt GUI rendering at 60 fps while leaving CPU headroom for EtherCAT slave, PROFINET, or Modbus TCP industrial Ethernet protocols on the dual GMAC. Reference design AC320005-5 + ATSAMA5D4-XULT gives a known-good BOM for panel builders. Operating temperature -40C to +85C covers factory floor enclosures without conformal coating rework.
Recommended
Smart Home / Building Automation Gateways
As a gateway hub, the ATSAMA5D43A-CUR aggregates Zigbee, Z-Wave, KNX, and Wi-Fi sub-systems through its USB 2.0, SDIO, and UART/SPI/I2C interfaces, then exposes a unified cloud API over the dual Gigabit EMAC. The 600 MHz core runs OpenWrt or Buildroot Linux with full mainline support, while the 128 KB on-chip ROM houses the secure bootloader for signed firmware update. Hardware video decode lets the same gateway drive a wall-mounted touch display, removing the need for a separate panel processor and reducing BOM cost by roughly $5-10 per unit.
Recommended
Medical Patient Monitoring Terminals
The ATSAMA5D43A-CUR powers bedside patient monitors by processing multi-lead ECG, SpO2, and NIBP waveforms through its NEON-accelerated DSP libraries, then rendering the waveforms in real time on the 24-bit LCD with maXTouch overlay. The 600 MHz Cortex-A5 with NEON delivers up to 1.6 GFLOPS, sufficient for the 250 Hz ECG sample rate and the on-screen display composition without an external DSP. The industrial temperature grade (-40C to +85C) and long-life Microchip supply program (10+ years) match the regulatory lifecycle of medical devices.
Recommended
Point-of-Sale (POS) Terminals
The ATSAMA5D43A-CUR is well-suited for POS terminals combining a color touchscreen, barcode scanner, NFC reader, thermal printer, and Ethernet backhaul. The on-die maXTouch handles the cashier touchscreen, the LCD controller drives the customer-facing display, and the dual GMAC separates the secure payment LAN from the store LAN. Hardware video decode enables product-promotion video playback on the customer screen during idle time. Linux mainline support means Android 9/10 ports are feasible for retailers that prefer Android-based POS software stacks.
Recommended
Industrial Printer Control Boards
In label and panel printers, the ATSAMA5D43A-CUR drives the LCD status panel through its 24-bit LCD controller, runs the print engine through SPI/UART, and decodes incoming print jobs in H.264/MPEG-4 when the printer doubles as a video label preview terminal. The 16-bit DDR2/LPDDR controller keeps image buffers in external memory, and the dual USB 2.0 ports support both host (USB stick / scanner) and device (service PC) roles. Industrial temperature grade and Microchip's 10-year longevity program make it a strong fit for factory-floor printers.
Recommended
Smart Energy Gateways and Sub-Station RTUs
The ATSAMA5D43A-CUR acts as a sub-station Remote Terminal Unit (RTU) by aggregating IEC 61850, DNP3, and Modbus traffic over the dual Gigabit EMAC, while running local analytics (load forecasting, power-quality FFT) on the NEON engine. The 600 MHz Cortex-A5 with hardware video decode allows the same RTU to drive a 5-inch color touch HMI for field technicians - eliminating the need for a separate panel PC. The -40C to +85C industrial temperature range and Microchip's longevity program fit the 15-20 year service life of sub-station equipment.
Recommended
Ruggedized Handheld Data Terminals
The ATSAMA5D43A-CUR powers rugged handhelds used in warehouses, military logistics, and field-service fleets by combining the 5-inch WVGA maXTouch display, barcode scanner, GPS, and LTE/5G modem under a single Linux image. The hardware video decoder allows the device to play training videos or repair instructions directly on the unit without streaming. The 600 MHz Cortex-A5 plus NEON comfortably runs the inventory-management UI and AES-encrypted local database at the same time, while the 289-LFBGA's small 14x14 mm footprint leaves room for a 5000 mAh battery.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for ATSAMA5D43A-CUR — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | ATSAMA5D43A-CU | ATSAMA5D43B-CU | ATSAMA5D42B-CUR | ATSAMA5D42A-CU | ATSAMA5D41B-CUR |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Package | 289-LFBGA (14x14) | 289-LFBGA (14x14) - same | 289-LFBGA (14x14) - same | 289-LFBGA (14x14) - same | 289-LFBGA (14x14) - same | 289-LFBGA (14x14) - same |
| CPU Core / Clock | Cortex-A5 / 600 MHz | Cortex-A5 / 600 MHz | Cortex-A5 / 600 MHz (Rev B silicon) | Cortex-A5 / 600 MHz | Cortex-A5 / 600 MHz | Cortex-A5 / 600 MHz |
| NEON SIMD | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Hardware Video Decoder | Yes (H.264/MPEG-4/MPEG-2/VC-1) | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
| 2D Graphics Accelerator | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
| maXTouch Touch Controller | Yes (on-die) | Yes (on-die) | Yes (on-die) | No (replaced by 3D Texture Mapper) | No (replaced by 3D Texture Mapper) | No |
| 3D Texture Mapper | No | No | No | Yes | Yes | No |
| LCD Controller | 24-bit, WVGA | 24-bit, WVGA | 24-bit, WVGA | 24-bit, WVGA | 24-bit, WVGA | 24-bit, WVGA |
| Dual Gigabit Ethernet (GMAC) | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Key Differentiators
- On-die maXTouch capacitive touch controller with hardware video decoder in same 289-LFBGA package (vs ATSAMA5D42A-CU)
- Full multimedia IP set within a single 600 MHz Cortex-A5 + NEON device (vs ATSAMA5D41B-CUR)
- Direct 289-LFBGA footprint and software-compatible second source (vs ATSAMA5D43B-CU)
Design Notes
Estimated: The ATSAMA5D43A-CUR ships in a 289-LFBGA with 0.8 mm ball pitch on a 14x14 mm body. Production PCB layout should use at least a 4-layer stack-up with 1 oz copper on outer layers and 0.5 oz on inner layers. Microvia-in-pad is recommended for the inner-row balls to break out the DDR_A0..A15, DDR_D0..15, and LCD_DATA0..23 buses cleanly. Reference the ATSAMA5D4-XULT and AC320005-5 reference designs from Microchip for the exact ball escape pattern and decoupling network (10uF bulk + 100nF per power pin).
Estimated: At full 600 MHz with both CPU and video decoder active, the typical core power dissipation is in the 0.8 W to 1.2 W range depending on DDR2/LPDDR traffic. The 289-LFBGA package's bottom-exposed die pad must be soldered to a continuous ground plane with thermal vias (0.3 mm drill, 0.6 mm pitch, filled and capped) to keep the junction temperature within the -40C to +85C industrial range. Add 4-6 thermal vias under the e-pad for every 1 sq mm of e-pad area as a baseline.
Do not confuse the ATSAMA5D43A (with on-die maXTouch, video decode) with the ATSAMA5D42A (with 3D Texture Mapper instead of maXTouch) - both share the same 289-LFBGA footprint and same 600 MHz core, but the multimedia IP is different. For capacitive touch applications, use the ATSAMA5D43A-CUR only; for 3D-accelerated graphics without touch, use the ATSAMA5D42A-CU. Also note the 'CU' suffix = tape-and-reel; the 'CU' part without an 'R' is the same silicon but may be supplied in tray. Verify boot mode strap (BMS pin) before PCB fab - ROM-code boot order affects first-power-on behavior.
Keep the DDR2/LPDDR2 trace length matched within 25 mils for the data byte lanes and 50 mils for the address/command lanes to the ATSAMA5D43A-CUR. Route the two USB 2.0 differential pairs (90 ohm, length-matched within 150 mils) on the top layer with a continuous ground reference plane beneath, no splits. Place the 24 MHz main crystal within 5 mm of the XIN/XOUT pins and guard it with a ground ring. Reference the SAMA5D4 hardware design checklist (Microchip application note) for the full checklist.
Estimated: The ATSAMA5D43A-CUR requires a 3.3 V main supply for core and IO, plus a separate VDDIODDR rail (1.8 V typical for DDR2, 1.2 V for LPDDR2). Use a low-noise LDO such as the MCP1755 or a buck regulator with at least 80 dB PSRR at 1 kHz for VDDIODDR to avoid display artifacts. Add a 4.7uF X7R ceramic + 100nF X7R bypass on each VDDCORE pin. Power-up sequencing requires VDDCORE before VDDIODDR; the on-die power-on-reset block handles this when both rails rise within 50 ms of each other.
Compliance Information
RoHS and lead-free compliant per Microchip product page. Not AEC-Q100 qualified - this is an MPU, not an automotive-grade part. Halogen-free status not explicitly stated in the verified web data.