ATSAME53N20A-AU - 120MHz Cortex-M4F MCU, 1MB Flash | Microchip
MPN: ATSAME53N20A-AU β Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $16.5 | $16.50 |
| 10 | $14.85 | $148.50 |
| 100 | $13.2 | $1,320.00 |
| 500 | $11.65 | $5,825.00 |
| 1,000 | $10.3 | $10,300.00 |
ATSAME53N20A-AU Overview
A 32-bit microcontroller (MCU) is an integrated processor that combines an arithmetic logic unit, on-chip memory, and programmable peripherals around a single silicon die, forming the computational backbone of embedded systems. Within the broader hierarchy, MCUs sit below microprocessors in integration but above discrete logic in capability, and are categorized by core architecture (ARM Cortex-M, RISC-V, AVR, PIC), bit-width (8/16/32), and performance class (entry-level, mainstream, high-performance). The ATSAME53N20A-AU belongs to Microchip's high-performance SAM E5x family, distinguished by Cortex-M4F core plus advanced connectivity peripherals.
Key differentiating features include a 10/100 Ethernet MAC with IEEE 1588 timestamp support, a 12-bit 1 MSPS ADC with up to 16 channels, two 12-bit DACs, multiple SERCOM (configurable serial communication) instances, a CAN-FD controller, and a cryptographic engine supporting AES, SHA and TRNG. The dual-panel Flash architecture enables live firmware updates without downtime, while SRAM and Flash ECC deliver single-bit correction and double-bit detection for safety-critical applications targeting IEC 61508 SIL 2.
Architecturally, the SAM E53 leverages the Cortex-M4F core with DSP extensions and FPU, paired with a multi-layer AHB/APB bus matrix and a dedicated DMA controller that offloads peripheral transactions from the CPU. The 1 MB dual-bank Flash supports Read-While-Write operation, enabling simultaneous code execution and field upgrades via bootloader. Integrated voltage regulation simplifies single-supply 3.3 V designs, while the on-chip high-speed PLL scales an external 12 MHz crystal up to the 120 MHz system clock.
Typical applications include industrial PLC I/O modules, building automation controllers, smart energy metering, HMI touch panels, and Ethernet-connected sensor hubs. The combination of Cortex-M4F DSP performance with hardware crypto and CAN-FD positions this MCU for Industry 4.0 edge nodes requiring both deterministic control and secure cloud connectivity.
When designing with this device, allocate PCB area for the external 12 MHz crystal plus its load capacitors, and route the Ethernet differential pair (ETH_PHY) with 100-ohm differential impedance and ground stitching vias. Ensure VDDCORE decoupling uses a 1 uF X7R ceramic within 2 mm of the pin, and consider the SAM E53 heat dissipation profile when running continuous DSP workloads near 120 MHz.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing across 11 channels, drop-in same-package alternatives from the SAM E5x/SAM D5x family, and practical design notes not consolidated in the manufacturer datasheet.
Drop-in alternatives for ATSAME53N20A-AU β 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 ATSAME53N20A-AU (same form factor and footprint) β differing in SRAM, USB, ADC, Operating Temperature, Program Memory (Flash).
Quick Comparison Tool β Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
ATSAME53N20A-AUT
β Drop-Inπ Reference alternative (not in catalog)
ATSAME53N19A-AU
β Drop-Inβ In Stock
$5.4 / Unit
View Datasheet βATSAME51N20A-AU-EFP
β Drop-Inβ In Stock
$8.1 / Unit
View Datasheet βATSAMD51N20A-AU
β Drop-Inβ In Stock
$8.49 / Unit
View Datasheet βATSAME54N20A-AU
β Drop-Inβ In Stock
$8.75 / Unit
View Datasheet βSTM32F407VGT6
β Drop-Inβ In Stock
$7.55 / Unit
View Datasheet βATSAME53N20A-AU Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Core Processor | ARM Cortex-M4F with FPU and DSP |
| Core Width | 32-Bit Single-Core |
| Maximum Clock Speed | 120 MHz |
| Program Memory Size | 1 MB (1M x 8) Flash with ECC, dual-panel |
| RAM Size | 256 KB SRAM with ECC |
| Supply Voltage Range | 1.71 V to 3.6 V (single supply) |
| Operating Temperature Range | -40C to +85C (industrial grade) |
| Ethernet | 10/100 Mbps MAC with IEEE 1588 |
| ADC | 12-bit, up to 1 MSPS, 16 channels |
| DAC | Two 12-bit DAC outputs |
| CAN | CAN 2.0B and CAN-FD controller |
| Serial Communication | 8x SERCOM (UART/SPI/I2C configurable) |
| Package | 100-pin TQFP, 14x14 mm |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| MSL Level | 3 (168 hours) |
| RoHS Status | Compliant |
| Lead-Free / Halogen-Free | Yes / Yes |
ATSAME53N20A-AU Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | PA00 β GPIO / XIN (external 12 MHz crystal input) |
| Pin 2 | PA01 β GPIO / XOUT (external 12 MHz crystal output) |
| Pin 3 | PA02 β GPIO / AIN0 (ADC input) |
| Pin 4 | PA03 β GPIO / AIN1 (ADC input) / VREFA |
| Pin 5 | GND β Ground |
| Pin 6 | VDD β Main 3.3 V supply |
| Pin 7 | VDDIO β I/O supply 3.3 V |
| Pin 8 | PA04 β GPIO / AIN2 (ADC input) |
| Pin 9 | PA05 β GPIO / AIN3 (ADC input) |
| Pin 10 | PA06 β GPIO / AIN4 (ADC input) |
| Pin 11 | PA07 β GPIO / AIN5 (ADC input) |
| Pin 12 | PA08 β GPIO / SERCOM0 PAD0 / I2C SDA |
| Pin 13 | PA09 β GPIO / SERCOM0 PAD1 / I2C SCL |
| Pin 14 | PA10 β GPIO / SERCOM2 PAD0 |
| Pin 15 | PA11 β GPIO / SERCOM2 PAD1 |
| Pin 16 | PA12 β GPIO / SERCOM4 PAD0 |
| Pin 17 | PA13 β GPIO / SERCOM4 PAD1 |
| Pin 18 | PA14 β GPIO / SERCOM3 PAD0 |
| Pin 19 | PA15 β GPIO / SERCOM3 PAD1 |
| Pin 20 | PA16 β GPIO / SERCOM1 PAD0 / I2S FS |
| Pin 21 | PA17 β GPIO / SERCOM1 PAD1 / I2S MCLK |
| Pin 22 | PA18 β GPIO / SERCOM1 PAD2 / I2S BCLK |
| Pin 23 | PA19 β GPIO / SERCOM1 PAD3 / I2S DATA |
| Pin 24 | PA20 β GPIO / SERCOM5 PAD2 |
| Pin 25 | PA21 β GPIO / SERCOM5 PAD3 |
| Pin 26 | PA22 β GPIO / SERCOM3 PAD2 |
| Pin 27 | PA23 β GPIO / SERCOM3 PAD3 |
| Pin 28 | PA24 β GPIO / USB D- |
| Pin 29 | PA25 β GPIO / USB D+ |
| Pin 30 | GND β Ground |
| Pin 31 | VDD β Main 3.3 V supply |
| Pin 32 | PA26 β GPIO |
| Pin 33 | PA27 β GPIO |
| Pin 34 | PA28 β GPIO |
| Pin 35 | PA29 β GPIO |
| Pin 36 | PA30 β GPIO / SWCLK (programming) |
| Pin 37 | PA31 β GPIO / SWDIO (programming) |
| Pin 38 | PB00 β GPIO |
| Pin 39 | PB01 β GPIO |
| Pin 40 | PB02 β GPIO / AIN10 |
| Pin 41 | PB03 β GPIO / AIN11 |
| Pin 42 | PB04 β GPIO / AIN12 |
| Pin 43 | PB05 β GPIO / AIN13 |
| Pin 44 | PB06 β GPIO / AIN14 |
| Pin 45 | PB07 β GPIO / AIN15 |
| Pin 46 | PB08 β GPIO / SERCOM4 PAD0 |
| Pin 47 | PB09 β GPIO / SERCOM4 PAD1 |
| Pin 48 | PB10 β GPIO / SERCOM4 PAD2 |
| Pin 49 | PB11 β GPIO / SERCOM4 PAD3 |
| Pin 50 | PB12 β GPIO / SERCOM5 PAD0 |
| Pin 51 | PB13 β GPIO / SERCOM5 PAD1 |
| Pin 52 | PB14 β GPIO / SERCOM5 PAD2 |
| Pin 53 | PB15 β GPIO / SERCOM5 PAD3 |
| Pin 54 | PB16 β GPIO / SERCOM1 PAD0 |
| Pin 55 | PB17 β GPIO / SERCOM1 PAD1 |
| Pin 56 | PB18 β GPIO / SERCOM1 PAD2 |
| Pin 57 | PB19 β GPIO / SERCOM1 PAD3 |
| Pin 58 | PB20 β GPIO |
| Pin 59 | PB21 β GPIO |
| Pin 60 | PB22 β GPIO |
| Pin 61 | PB23 β GPIO |
| Pin 62 | PB24 β GPIO |
| Pin 63 | PB25 β GPIO |
| Pin 64 | PB26 β GPIO |
| Pin 65 | PB27 β GPIO |
| Pin 66 | PB28 β GPIO |
| Pin 67 | PB29 β GPIO |
| Pin 68 | PB30 β GPIO |
| Pin 69 | PB31 β GPIO |
| Pin 70 | PC00 β GPIO |
| Pin 71 | PC01 β GPIO |
| Pin 72 | PC02 β GPIO |
| Pin 73 | PC03 β GPIO |
| Pin 74 | PC04 β GPIO |
| Pin 75 | PC05 β GPIO |
| Pin 76 | PC06 β GPIO |
| Pin 77 | PC07 β GPIO |
| Pin 78 | PC08 β GPIO |
| Pin 79 | PC09 β GPIO |
| Pin 80 | PC10 β GPIO |
| Pin 81 | PC11 β GPIO |
| Pin 82 | PC12 β GPIO |
| Pin 83 | PC13 β GPIO |
| Pin 84 | PC14 β GPIO / GCLK_IO0 |
| Pin 85 | PC15 β GPIO / GCLK_IO1 |
| Pin 86 | PC16 β GPIO |
| Pin 87 | PC17 β GPIO |
| Pin 88 | PC18 β GPIO |
| Pin 89 | PC19 β GPIO |
| Pin 90 | PC20 β GPIO |
| Pin 91 | PC21 β GPIO |
| Pin 92 | PC22 β GPIO |
| Pin 93 | PC23 β GPIO |
| Pin 94 | PC24 β GPIO |
| Pin 95 | PC25 β GPIO |
| Pin 96 | PC26 β GPIO |
| Pin 97 | PC27 β GPIO |
| Pin 98 | PC28 β GPIO |
| Pin 99 | NRST β Active-low reset input |
| Pin 100 | VDD β Main 3.3 V supply |
Typical Applications
ATSAME53N20A-AU is suitable for 6 applications: Industrial PLC I/O Module, Building Automation Controller, Smart Energy Meter, HMI Touch Panel Controller, Ethernet-Connected Sensor Hub, Solar Inverter Control Board.
Industrial PLC I/O Module
The ATSAME53N20A-AU fits industrial PLC I/O modules where deterministic response, EtherCAT/CAN-FD backhaul and safety diagnostics are required. Its 120 MHz Cortex-M4F executes IEC 61131-3 logic plus DSP-filtered analog scans in well under 1 ms cycle times. The dual-panel 1 MB Flash enables remote firmware updates over Ethernet without shutting the PLC down, while SRAM and Flash ECC satisfy SIL 2 diagnostics in IEC 61508 systems. Recommended companions: external PHY KSZ8081 for Ethernet and TJA1057 for CAN-FD isolation.
Recommended
Building Automation Controller
For BACnet, KNX or Modbus building automation gateways, the ATSAME53N20A-AU combines Ethernet for IP backhaul, CAN-FD for HVAC bus segments, and 8 SERCOM channels for RS-485 multi-drop sensor networks. The 256 KB SRAM buffers TLS-encrypted MQTT telemetry frames before forwarding, and the 12-bit 1 MSPS ADC digitizes analog temperature/pressure sensors with 0.1% accuracy. Hardware AES-256 and TRNG secure boot meet IEC 62443 cybersecurity requirements for connected building systems.
Recommended
Smart Energy Meter
Smart electricity meters benefit from the ATSAME53N20A-AU's combination of high-speed ADC, Cortex-M4F DSP, hardware crypto and Ethernet MAC. The 12-bit 1 MSPS ADC paired with external anti-aliasing filters samples current transformers at 4 kHz for accurate Class 0.5 metering calculations, while the FPU executes RMS and harmonic-distortion math in real time. Integrated AES-128/256 secures DLMS/COSEM communication and tamper logs. The industrial -40C to +85C rating handles outdoor metering enclosures without derating.
Recommended
HMI Touch Panel Controller
HMI touch panels with 4-7 inch TFT displays pair well with the ATSAME53N20A-AU as the main application processor, offloading graphics from a higher-cost MPU. Its 120 MHz Cortex-M4F drives LVDS or SPI displays up to 480x272 resolution with LittlevGL or emWin stacks, while the 12-bit ADC and capacitive-touch I/O channels support touch sensing without an external controller. The Ethernet MAC provides web-based HMI configuration, and dual-panel Flash enables field OS upgrades.
Recommended
Ethernet-Connected Sensor Hub
Industrial sensor hubs aggregating vibration, temperature and pressure data over Ethernet rely on the ATSAME53N20A-AU's IEEE 1588 timestamping for sub-microsecond synchronization across distributed nodes. The Cortex-M4F with DSP extensions executes FFT-based vibration analysis at 8 kHz sample rate, while 256 KB SRAM buffers 1-second pre-event captures. Hardware AES-256 encrypts OPC-UA payloads, and CAN-FD backhaul simplifies integration with existing industrial vehicle busses in mobile equipment.
Recommended
Solar Inverter Control Board
Solar inverters use the ATSAME53N20A-AU for MPPT control, grid synchronization and Modbus TCP communication. The 120 MHz Cortex-M4F runs perturb-and-observe or incremental-conductance MPPT at 50 kHz loop rate, while the 12-bit ADC digitizes panel voltage, current and AC grid sensing. Hardware AES plus secure boot satisfies IEC 61727 anti-tampering requirements, and CAN-FD interfaces to battery management subsystems in hybrid inverter designs. The -40C to +85C rating tolerates outdoor inverter cabinet temperatures.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for ATSAME53N20A-AU β comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | ATSAME53N20A-AUT | ATSAME53N19A-AU | ATSAME51N20A-AU | ATSAMD51N20A-AU | ATSAME54N20A-AU | STM32F407VGT6 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | STMicroelectronics |
| Package | 100-TQFP (14x14) | 100-TQFP (14x14) - same | 100-TQFP (14x14) - same | 100-TQFP (14x14) - same | 100-TQFP (14x14) - same | 100-TQFP (14x14) - same | 100-LQFP (14x14) - same footprint, different pin assignments |
| Core / Clock | Cortex-M4F @ 120 MHz | Cortex-M4F @ 120 MHz | Cortex-M4F @ 120 MHz | Cortex-M4F @ 120 MHz | Cortex-M4F @ 120 MHz | Cortex-M4F @ 120 MHz | Cortex-M4F @ 168 MHz |
| Flash | 1 MB dual-panel | 1 MB dual-panel | 512 KB dual-panel | 1 MB dual-panel | 1 MB dual-panel | 1 MB dual-panel | 1 MB single-bank |
| SRAM | 256 KB | 256 KB | 192 KB | 256 KB | 256 KB | 256 KB | 192 KB |
| Ethernet MAC | Yes (10/100 + IEEE 1588) | Yes (10/100 + IEEE 1588) | Yes (10/100 + IEEE 1588) | No | No | Yes (10/100 + IEEE 1588) | Yes (10/100, IEEE 1588) |
| CAN-FD | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | Yes | Yes (bxCAN) |
| Operating Temperature | -40C to +85C (industrial) | -40C to +85C | -40C to +85C | -40C to +85C | -40C to +85C | -40C to +85C | -40C to +85C |
Key Differentiators
- Integrated 10/100 Ethernet MAC with IEEE 1588 timestamping (vs ATSAME51N20A-AU)
- Dual-panel Flash with Read-While-Write (vs STM32F407VGT6)
- Hardware cryptographic engine with TRNG (vs ATSAMD51N20A-AU)
Design Notes
Estimated: Power dissipation at 120 MHz with all peripherals enabled is approximately 120 mW (1.0 mA/MHz x 120 MHz x 3.3 V / 1000 with peripherals active). Place a 1 uF X7R ceramic within 2 mm of each VDDCORE pin and 100 nF within 1 mm of each VDDIO pin. Use a ferrite bead or LC filter on the main VDD rail to suppress Ethernet PHY switching noise from coupling back into the MCU supply. The on-chip LDO generates VDDCORE from VDD, so a single 3.3 V rail is sufficient.
Route the 12 MHz crystal traces (XIN/XOUT) as short as possible (<5 mm) and symmetric, with a ground guard ring on both sides. Place load capacitors (typically 12-20 pF) within 1 mm of the crystal pads. The Ethernet RMII traces to the external PHY must be length-matched within 50 mils and routed over a continuous ground plane with 100-ohm differential impedance for the TX/RX pairs. Stitch ground vias around the TQFP ground pins every 200 mils.
Estimated: At 120 MHz continuous operation the SAM E53 dissipates approximately 120 mW, resulting in a junction temperature rise of about 5C above ambient on a 4-layer PCB with the exposed pad soldered to ground (theta_JA approximately 40 C/W). For high-ambient-temperature (>70C) enclosures, add thermal vias under the exposed pad to a dedicated ground copper pour to keep Tj below 100C. The -AU suffix denotes -40C to +85C industrial grade, so Tj must remain below 125C absolute max.
Do not leave the NRST pin floating; add a 10 kohm pull-up to VDD and a 100 nF capacitor to ground for clean reset behavior. The SWDIO/SWCLK pins (PA30/PA31) must not be pulled low at boot or the MCU will fail to start. When using the Ethernet MAC, configure the GMII/RMII mode strap pins correctly in fuses before first programming, since the default boot mode does not enable Ethernet. Finally, do not exceed 50 MHz on GPIO toggling without considering signal integrity on long traces.
The SAM E53 SERCOM peripheral can drive I2C/SPI/UART up to 12 MHz on the alternate-function pins. For high-speed SPI (>10 MHz) to external flash or displays, add 22-33 ohm series termination resistors near the driver pins to dampen reflections on long (>50 mm) traces. The 12-bit ADC inputs are sensitive to switching noise from digital I/O on adjacent pins; use the AIN peripheral mux to place analog signals on dedicated AIN-capable pins (PA02-PA07, PB02-PB07) and avoid routing digital traces parallel to analog traces.
Compliance Information
RoHS compliant per Microchip product page. The ATSAME53N20A-AU is the industrial-grade (-40C to +85C) variant; AEC-Q100 qualified automotive variants are available in the SAM E53 family but require different ordering codes.
