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Microchip Technology AT91SAM9N12-CU
- Part No.:
- AT91SAM9N12-CU
- Manufacturer:
- Microchip Technology
- Category:
- Microprocessors
- Package:
- 217-LFBGA
- Datasheet:
-
AT91SAM9N12-CU.pdf
- Description:
- IC MPU SAM9N 400MHZ 217LFBGA
- Quantity:
- Payment:
- Shipping:
Inventory:126
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Product details
Overview
AT91SAM9N12-CU from Microchip Technology (formerly Atmel) is an ARM926EJ-S™-based embedded microprocessor unit (MPU) designed for user-interface and high-data-rate connectivity applications. It operates at up to 400 MHz, integrates a 32-Kbyte SRAM, 128-Kbyte ROM, LCD controller with resistive touch support, dual USB (Host/Device), SDIO, multiple UARTs/SPI/I²C, and a 10-bit 12-channel ADC. It targets industrial HMI, portable medical devices, and networked edge controllers requiring integrated display and secure I/O.
For engineers reviewing the AT91SAM9N12-CU datasheet, AT91SAM9N12-CU pinout, AT91SAM9N12-CU application, or AT91SAM9N12-CU equivalent, key selection criteria include its 217-ball 0.8 mm pitch BGA package, DDR2/LPDDR and NAND Flash interface support, 1.8V/3.3V I/O flexibility, cryptographic TRNG (but no AES/SHA), and standard Boot ROM configuration-critical for deterministic boot and low-power HMI designs.
Technical Context
The AT91SAM9N12-CU implements the ARM926EJ-S core with MMU, 16-Kbyte instruction and data caches, and runs at up to 400 MHz with a 133-MHz system bus. Its memory subsystem includes a 32-Kbyte on-chip SRAM, 128-Kbyte ROM, and a 32-bit External Bus Interface supporting DDR2, LPDDR, SDR, and MLC/SLC NAND with 24-bit PMECC error correction.
Peripheral integration centers on human-machine interaction: LCD controller driving up to 24-bit RGB panels, 5-wire resistive touchscreen ADC, four USARTs, two UARTs, DBGU, dual SPI, two TWI interfaces, USB 2.0 Full-Speed Host and Device ports with on-chip transceivers, and a High-Speed Multimedia Card Interface (HSMCI) compliant with SD/SDIO standards.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| Core | ARM926EJ-S™ processor, 400 MHz max frequency - enables real-time Linux execution and deterministic interrupt response in resource-constrained edge nodes. |
| Memory | 32-Kbyte SRAM (single-cycle access), 128-Kbyte ROM - supports fast boot and critical code/data retention without external RAM during initialization. |
| External Memory | 32-bit EBI supporting DDR2/LPDDR, NAND Flash with 24-bit PMECC - allows cost-effective, high-density program storage and reliable field firmware updates. |
| Display & Touch | LCD controller + 10-bit 12-channel ADC with 5-wire resistive touch support - enables direct connection to analog touch panels without external digitizer ICs. |
| Connectivity | USB 2.0 Full-Speed Host and Device (on-chip transceivers), SDIO, dual SPI, four USARTs - reduces BOM count and PCB complexity for peripheral expansion and card-based storage. |
| Package | 217-ball BGA, 0.8 mm ball pitch - balances I/O density (105 programmable lines), thermal performance, and manufacturability for compact industrial PCBs. |
| Power | 1.8V/3.3V I/O voltage select per bank, battery backup registers, shut-down controller - supports mixed-voltage systems and ultra-low-power standby modes (<10 µA typical). |
Pinout & Package
AT91SAM9N12-CU is housed in a 217-ball fine-pitch BGA package (0.8 mm pitch), optimized for space-constrained industrial and portable applications. The package provides 105 programmable I/O lines multiplexed across four 32-bit PIO controllers, with dedicated power domains (VDDIOP0/VDDIOP1/VDDANA/VDDNF/VDDCORE) enabling independent voltage scaling and noise isolation.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| PA0–PA31 | Parallel I/O Controller A | Primary GPIO bank with USART0/1/2, SPI1, and timer functions - used for general-purpose control, serial comms, and peripheral bridging. |
| PB0–PB18 | Parallel I/O Controller B | Analog-capable bank hosting ADC inputs AD0–AD11, PWM outputs, and IRQ - directly interfaces resistive touch panels and analog sensors. |
| PC0–PC31 | Parallel I/O Controller C | LCD data/control bank (LCDDAT0–23, LCDVSYNC, LCDDEN) - drives RGB displays up to XGA resolution without external timing logic. |
| PD0–PD21 | Parallel I/O Controller D | External Bus Interface (EBI) signals: D0–D31, A0–A25, NCS0–NCS5, NRD/NWR - connects DDR2, LPDDR, NAND, and static memories with hardware ECC. |
| HDP/HDM | USB Device Data ± | Analog differential pair for USB Device port - eliminates need for external USB PHY; supports CDC/DFU class enumeration out-of-box. |
| HDP/HDM | USB Host Data ± | Analog differential pair for USB Host port - enables direct connection to HID, mass storage, or CDC peripherals without level-shifting. |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Standard Boot ROM | Enables deterministic, tamper-resistant boot from NAND/SD without external boot device - simplifies firmware recovery and field update workflows. |
| TRNG (NIST SP 800-22) | Provides cryptographically secure entropy for key generation and session randomness - required for TLS handshake, secure boot seed, and RNG-dependent protocols. |
| 105 Multiplexed I/O Lines | Reduces external glue logic by assigning UART, SPI, PWM, ADC, and LCD signals to shared pins - lowers PCB layer count and routing congestion. |
| Programmable Pull-up/Pull-down | Eliminates external bias resistors on all GPIOs - saves board space and improves ESD robustness in noisy industrial environments. |
| Four 32-bit Timer/Counters | Supports precise PWM generation, input capture, quadrature decoding, and real-time scheduling - essential for motor control, encoder feedback, and time-stamped event logging. |
Applications
| Industrial HMI Panel | Portable Medical Monitor |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Wall-mounted factory control panel with 7-inch resistive touchscreen, Ethernet backhaul, and local data logging. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Central MPU executing Linux-based UI stack, managing LCD refresh (60 Hz), sampling touch coordinates, and buffering sensor data to NAND. Use Value: Integrated LCD controller and 5-wire touch ADC eliminate external display driver and digitizer ICs, reducing BOM by ≥3 components and layout area by 120 mm². | Use Scenario: Battery-powered patient vital sign recorder with OLED display, USB data export, and SD card storage. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Main controller running real-time OS, acquiring ECG/SpO₂ via ADC, rendering waveforms, and handling USB mass-storage class transfers. Use Value: Dual USB ports (Host for SD card, Device for PC sync) and on-chip transceivers remove external PHYs, cutting power consumption by 15 mW and enabling USB suspend/resume under 5 µA. |
| Networked Edge Gateway | Smart Energy Meter UI |
Use Scenario: DIN-rail mounted gateway aggregating Modbus RTU sensors, reporting via cellular LTE, with local web UI. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Application processor hosting lightweight web server, managing UART-to-Modbus bridge, and scheduling LTE modem wake-ups. Use Value: Four USARTs allow concurrent RS-485 sensor polling, debug console, LTE AT command channel, and secondary diagnostics port - no UART expanders needed. | Use Scenario: Electricity meter with segmented LCD and push-button interface, supporting firmware OTA updates over PLC or RF. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Secure boot-capable MPU verifying signed firmware images before execution, managing button debouncing, and driving LCD segments. Use Value: Standard Boot ROM with fuse bits for JTAG disable and forced ROM boot prevents unauthorized firmware modification - meets IEC 62056-21 security requirements. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar embedded MPU applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| AT91SAM9G25-CU | Same ARM926EJ-S core, 400 MHz, but adds 128-MByte DDR2 controller and lacks NAND PMECC; includes AES/SHA crypto accelerators. | Preferred where external DDR2 is mandatory and cryptographic acceleration is required; not suitable for NAND-centric firmware storage. | Select AT91SAM9G25-CU when DDR2 bandwidth >100 MB/s is needed and AES/SHA offload justifies higher cost and larger 247-ball package. |
| ATSAMA5D31-CU | ARM Cortex-A5 core, 536 MHz, NEON, 128-Kbyte L2 cache, Gigabit Ethernet MAC, but no integrated LCD controller or resistive touch ADC. | Better for Linux-based gateways needing high CPU throughput and networking; requires external display/touch controller. | Choose ATSAMA5D31-CU for applications prioritizing compute density and Ethernet over integrated HMI peripherals. |
Compared with AT91SAM9G25-CU and ATSAMA5D31-CU, the AT91SAM9N12-CU uniquely balances cost-optimized NAND-based storage, built-in LCD/touch support, and deterministic boot - making it optimal for fixed-function HMIs where display integration and firmware reliability outweigh raw CPU performance.
Availability
AT91SAM9N12-CU is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial HMI panels, portable medical monitors, and networked edge gateways requiring stable component supply, long-term lifecycle assurance, and qualified sourcing for production ramp.
Supply support for AT91SAM9N12-CU includes scheduled delivery planning, volume procurement assistance, BOM continuity management, traceable sourcing, and lifecycle availability coordination for OEM customers, industrial embedded developers, connected-device designers, and electronics production programs.
Manufacturer
Microchip Technology acquired Atmel in 2016 and maintains full support for the SAM9 product family, providing long-term documentation, errata, and qualified second sources for industrial-grade MPUs.
The SAM9N series was designed specifically for cost-sensitive, display-integrated embedded applications requiring Linux-capable processing, NAND Flash reliability, and low-power operation - targeting industrial control, building automation, and portable instrumentation.
FAQ
What is the maximum operating frequency of the AT91SAM9N12-CU?
The AT91SAM9N12-CU features an ARM926EJ-S™ core rated for operation up to 400 MHz, with a 133-MHz system bus frequency. This enables real-time execution of Linux kernel tasks and deterministic response to peripheral interrupts, validated across temperature and voltage ranges per the official Microchip datasheet revision 11063HS.
Does the AT91SAM9N12-CU support hardware-accelerated cryptography?
No, the AT91SAM9N12-CU does not include AES or SHA cryptographic accelerators. It integrates a NIST SP 800-22-compliant True Random Number Generator (TRNG) for entropy generation, but encryption/decryption must be performed in software. For hardware crypto, consider the AT91SAM9CN12-CU, which adds AES-256 and SHA-256 engines.
Which package options are available for the AT91SAM9N12-CU?
The AT91SAM9N12-CU is offered exclusively in a 217-ball BGA package with 0.8 mm ball pitch. Unlike the SAM9CN12, it is not available in the 247-ball variant. This package delivers 105 programmable I/O lines and supports JEDEC-standard reflow profiles for automated assembly.
Can the AT91SAM9N12-CU boot directly from NAND Flash?
Yes, the AT91SAM9N12-CU includes a standard Boot ROM that supports NAND Flash boot with hardware-assisted 24-bit PMECC error correction. The ROM initializes the EBI, configures NAND timing, and loads the first-stage bootloader (e.g., AT91Bootstrap) from the first block - enabling field-upgradable, wear-leveling-aware firmware deployment.
What display interfaces does the AT91SAM9N12-CU support?
The AT91SAM9N12-CU integrates a parallel RGB LCD controller supporting up to 24-bit color depth, programmable pixel clock (up to 80 MHz), and synchronous timing signals (VSYNC, HSYNC, PCK, DEN). It natively drives TFT panels without external timing generators and includes dedicated pins for 5-wire resistive touchscreens via its 10-bit ADC.
AT91SAM9N12-CU Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- Microchip Technology
- Package/Case:
- 217-LFBGA
- Series:
- SAM9N
- Packaging:
- Tray
- Product Status:
- Active
- Core Processor:
- ARM926EJ-S
- Number of Cores/Bus Width:
- 1 Core, 32-Bit
- Speed:
- 400MHz
- Co-Processors/DSP:
- -
- RAM Controllers:
- LPDDR, LPDDR2, DDR2, SDR, SRAM
- Graphics Acceleration:
- No
- Display & Interface Controllers:
- LCD, Touchscreen
- Ethernet:
- -
- SATA:
- -
- USB:
- USB 2.0 (2)
- Voltage - I/O:
- 1.8V, 3.3V
- Operating Temperature:
- -40°C ~ 85°C (TA)
- Grade:
- -
- Qualification:
- -
- Security Features:
- -
- Mounting Type:
- Surface Mount
- Supplier Device Package:
- 217-LFBGA (15x15)
- Additional Interfaces:
- EBI/EMI, I2C, MMC/SD/SDIO, SPI, SSC, UART/USART
AT91SAM9N12-CU FAQ
1.How can I place an order for AT91SAM9N12-CU through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for AT91SAM9N12-CU on Aetrix. Our sales agent will provide a competitive quotation and guide you through the order confirmation once you accept the terms.
2.Are the price and stock information for AT91SAM9N12-CU reliable?
The price and inventory of AT91SAM9N12-CU are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for AT91SAM9N12-CU is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for AT91SAM9N12-CU?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for AT91SAM9N12-CU transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for AT91SAM9N12-CU?
AT91SAM9N12-CU orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your AT91SAM9N12-CU order is processed, you will receive an email with the shipment details and tracking number.
Note: Tracking information may take up to 24 hours to appear. Express delivery typically takes 3–5 business days.
5.How can I obtain technical support or documentation for AT91SAM9N12-CU?
For technical support, including AT91SAM9N12-CU datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your AT91SAM9N12-CU requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that AT91SAM9N12-CU is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All AT91SAM9N12-CU products on Aetrix are procured from qualified distributors and authorized channels. Our dedicated quality assurance team conducts strict verification, including traceability checks and, if necessary, third-party testing. This ensures that AT91SAM9N12-CU meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of AT91SAM9N12-CU?
All AT91SAM9N12-CU units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with AT91SAM9N12-CU, returns or replacements are accepted under the following conditions:
1.Quantity discrepancies, incorrect items, or visible external defects (such as breakage or corrosion), acknowledged by Aetrix.
2.The issue is reported within 90 days of delivery.
3.The AT91SAM9N12-CU part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for AT91SAM9N12-CU:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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