Microchip Technology ATSAMA5D21B-CUR
- Part No.:
- ATSAMA5D21B-CUR
- Manufacturer:
- Microchip Technology
- Category:
- Microprocessors
- Package:
- 196-TFBGA, CSBGA
- Datasheet:
-
ATSAMA5D21B-CUR.pdf
- Description:
- IC MPU SAMA5D2 500MHZ 196TFBGA
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

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Product details
Overview
ATSAMA5D21B-CUR from Microchip Technology is an ultra-low-power Arm Cortex-A5-based microprocessor unit (MPU) operating at up to 500 MHz, featuring a 128-Kbyte configurable L2 cache, TrustZone security, AES/SHA/TRNG crypto accelerators, and integrated 10/100 Ethernet MAC (GMAC), dual CAN-FD controllers, USB high-speed host/device, and QSPI/e.MMC interfaces. It targets secure industrial HMI, IoT edge gateways, and point-of-sale terminals requiring deterministic real-time response and tamper-resistant firmware execution.
For engineers reviewing the ATSAMA5D21B-CUR datasheet, ATSAMA5D21B-CUR pinout, ATSAMA5D21B-CUR application, or ATSAMA5D21B-CUR equivalent, this page delivers verified technical context, exact package mapping (196-ball TFBGA, 11×11 mm, 0.75 mm pitch), confirmed low-power modes (ULP0/ULP1/Backup), validated security features (scrambled SRAM, ICM, secure bootloader), and precise peripheral count (12-channel 12-bit ADC, 5 FLEXCOMs, 2 QSPI, 2 SDMMC).
Technical Context
The ATSAMA5D21B-CUR implements an Armv7-A architecture with NEON SIMD engine and VFPv4 floating-point unit for multimedia acceleration and high-precision computation. Its multilayer bus architecture integrates two 16-channel 64-bit Central DMA Controllers and dedicated peripheral DMAs to sustain concurrent high-bandwidth transfers across DDR, QSPI, GMAC, and USB without CPU intervention.
Security is enforced via hardware-isolated TrustZone domains, 5-Kbyte scrambled internal SRAM (1-Kbyte nonerasable on tamper), Integrity Check Monitor (ICM) using SHA256, and on-the-fly AES encryption/decryption for DDR and QSPI memory. The device supports IEEE 1588 PTP, AVB, and credit-based traffic shaping in its GMAC, and implements MCAN controllers compliant with non-ISO CAN FD frame format per SAMA5D2 documentation.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| CPU Core | Arm Cortex-A5 @ 500 MHz with NEON, VFPv4, MMU, and TrustZone |
| Memory Interface | 16-bit DDR2/DDR3L/LPDDR2/LPDDR3 controller supporting up to 512 Mbytes with on-the-fly AES encryption |
| Security Acceleration | AES-128/192/256, SHA-1/224/256/384/512, TDES, TRNG compliant with FIPS PUB 140-3 and NIST SP 800-22 |
| Connectivity Peripherals | 1× 10/100 Ethernet MAC (IEEE 1588 PTP, AVB, 802.1Qav), 2× MCAN-FD, 2× USB HS (host/device), 2× QSPI, 2× SDMMC |
| User Interface | 24-bit RGB LCD TFT controller (1024×768), 12-channel 12-bit ADC with resistive touchscreen support, 8×8 PTC |
| Power Management | Three software-selectable low-power modes: Idle, Ultra-Low-Power (ULP0/ULP1), and Backup with DDR self-refresh |
| Package | 196-ball TFBGA, 11×11 mm², 0.75 mm pitch, 0.75 mm thickness |
Pinout & Package
ATSAMA5D21B-CUR is housed in a 196-ball Thin Fine-Pitch Ball Grid Array (TFBGA) package measuring 11×11 mm² with 0.75 mm ball pitch and 0.75 mm thickness. Pin functions are defined per the official SAMA5D2 signal description list (DS60001476H), with full multiplexing support across up to eight peripheral functions per I/O line.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| XIN / XOUT | Main crystal oscillator interface | Supports 8–24 MHz external crystal; required for system clock generation and PLL reference |
| XIN32 / XOUT32 | 32.768 kHz slow clock oscillator | Feeds RTC and backup domain; enables timekeeping and wake-up during ULP/Backup modes |
| NRST | Active-low reset input | Asynchronous processor reset; initiates cold boot sequence and clears all internal state |
| SHDN | Shutdown control output | Asserted by software to enter Backup mode; used with PIOBU0 to trigger BSR entry/exit |
| PIOBU0–PIOBU7 | Tamper/wake-up inputs | Eight dedicated pins for static/dynamic intrusion detection and fast wake-up from ULP/Backup modes |
| DDR_D[31:0] / DDR_A[13:0] | DDR data/address bus | 16-bit bidirectional data path and 14-bit address bus for DDR2/DDR3L/LPDDR2/LPDDR3 memory interface |
| GMAC GTX0–GTX3 / GRX0–GRX3 | Ethernet transmit/receive data | 4-bit parallel RMII/MII interface supporting 10/100 Mbps operation with IEEE 1588 timestamping |
| CANRX0/CANTX0, CANRX1/CANTX1 | CAN-FD receive/transmit | Dual MCAN controllers with SRAM-based mailboxes and time-triggered transmission capability |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| TrustZone-enabled secure execution environment | Hardware-enforced isolation between secure/non-secure worlds; enables secure boot, encrypted code execution, and protected peripheral access |
| On-the-fly AESB memory encryption | Real-time AES-128/192/256 decryption of DDR/QSPI content during read; prevents firmware reverse engineering and data leakage |
| Integrity Check Monitor (ICM) | SHA256-based runtime verification of external/internal memory contents; detects unauthorized modification of boot code or critical data |
| Event System for autonomous peripheral interaction | Enables peripherals (e.g., ADC, timers, UART) to trigger actions or exchange data without CPU involvement in Active/Idle modes |
| Low-power Backup mode with DDR self-refresh | Maintains full DDR contents while powering down CPU, caches, and most peripherals; enables <10 µA retention current with RTC + wake logic active |
| Configurable 128-Kbyte L2 cache as SRAM | Software-selectable allocation: either unified L2 cache or tightly coupled SRAM for deterministic real-time ISR or DMA buffer usage |
Applications
| Industrial HMI Terminal | Secure IoT Edge Gateway |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: A factory-floor human-machine interface running Linux with Qt-based GUI, connected to PLCs via CAN-FD and to cloud via Ethernet. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: ATSAMA5D21B-CUR serves as main application processor with integrated LCD controller, 12-bit ADC for analog sensor monitoring, and dual CAN-FD for deterministic fieldbus communication. Use Value: TrustZone isolates GUI stack from real-time CAN firmware; on-the-fly AES encryption protects firmware updates over Ethernet; Backup mode enables instant resume after power loss. |
Use Scenario: An energy meter aggregation gateway collecting data from smart meters via RS-485 (via FLEXCOM) and transmitting securely to utility backend via TLS over Ethernet. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: ATSAMA5D21B-CUR executes Linux with OpenSSL offload via hardware crypto engines, manages dual SDMMC for local logging, and uses ICM to verify integrity of signed firmware images. Use Value: AES/SHA accelerators reduce TLS handshake latency by >60%; scrambled SRAM prevents key extraction during physical tampering; IEEE 1588 PTP enables synchronized time-stamping across distributed meters. |
| Point-of-Sale (POS) Terminal | Medical Device Controller |
Use Scenario: PCI-compliant retail terminal processing EMV chip card transactions, displaying receipts on TFT LCD, and printing via USB. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: ATSAMA5D21B-CUR hosts secure payment OS in TrustZone-protected world, drives 24-bit RGB display, and handles USB printer/host communication with hardware CRC offload. Use Value: Secure bootloader ensures only signed firmware boots; tamper-detection pins (PIOBU) trigger immediate SRAM wipe on enclosure breach; AESB encrypts stored transaction logs in e.MMC. |
Use Scenario: Portable diagnostic device with image sensor (ISC), capacitive touch UI (PTC), and battery-backed RTC for audit logging. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: ATSAMA5D21B-CUR processes raw Bayer images via ISC, renders UI on LCD, monitors analog biosignals via 12-bit ADC, and timestamps events with secure RTC. Use Value: ISC supports up to 5-Mpixel sensors with hardware JPEG compression; Backup mode preserves RTC and 5-Kbyte secure SRAM during battery swap; IEC 60730 Class B compliance simplifies medical certification. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar MPU applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| ATSAMA5D22B-CUR | 256-ball TFBGA, 105 I/Os, 16/32-bit DDR bus, integrated PTC (4×8), single CAN-FD, no AESB | Higher I/O count and DDR bandwidth; lacks on-the-fly DDR encryption and second CAN-FD channel | Select when higher peripheral density and DDR throughput are prioritized over dual CAN-FD and memory encryption. |
| ATSAMA5D27B-CUR | 289-ball LFBGA, 128 I/Os, dual CAN-FD, AESB, environmental monitors (temp/voltage), die shield | Extended industrial qualification (-40°C to +105°C), tamper detection with environmental sensors, larger package | Choose for harsh environments requiring extended temperature range and advanced physical intrusion detection beyond basic PIOBU pins. |
Compared with ATSAMA5D21B-CUR, ATSAMA5D22B-CUR offers greater I/O flexibility but omits AESB and second CAN-FD, while ATSAMA5D27B-CUR adds environmental monitoring and die shielding at the cost of larger footprint and higher thermal envelope-making ATSAMA5D21B-CUR optimal for space-constrained, security-critical industrial HMI where dual CAN-FD and encrypted DDR are essential.
Availability
ATSAMA5D21B-CUR is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial HMI terminals, secure IoT gateways, and point-of-sale systems requiring stable component supply, long-term lifecycle assurance, and traceable sourcing for safety-critical deployments.
Supply support for ATSAMA5D21B-CUR 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 Inc. is a leading provider of microcontrollers, analog components, and Flash-IP solutions, delivering secure, low-power, and highly integrated semiconductor products for industrial, automotive, and IoT markets.
The SAMA5D2 series is Microchip's ultra-low-power Arm Cortex-A5 MPU product line designed specifically for secure, graphics-capable embedded applications demanding real-time responsiveness, cryptographic acceleration, and extended temperature reliability in resource-constrained environments.
FAQ
What is the maximum operating frequency of the ATSAMA5D21B-CUR?
The ATSAMA5D21B-CUR operates at a maximum CPU frequency of 500 MHz, as confirmed in the official SAMA5D2 datasheet (DS60001476H, page 1). This frequency is sustained under typical thermal conditions with appropriate voltage regulation and cooling. The device also includes a 600–1200 MHz system PLL and a dedicated 480 MHz USB PLL to support high-speed peripheral timing requirements without compromising core performance. ATSAMA5D21B-CUR maintains this speed across its qualified industrial temperature range.
Does the ATSAMA5D21B-CUR support on-the-fly AES encryption for external memory?
Yes, the ATSAMA5D21B-CUR supports hardware-accelerated on-the-fly AES encryption and decryption for both DDR and QSPI memories via its AESB (AES Bridge) module. This feature is explicitly documented in the SAMA5D2 datasheet (DS60001476H, pages 2 and 4), enabling real-time decryption of encrypted firmware or data stored in external memory without CPU overhead. ATSAMA5D21B-CUR implements AES-128/192/256 algorithms compliant with FIPS PUB 197, ensuring robust protection against firmware cloning and data exfiltration.
How many CAN-FD controllers does the ATSAMA5D21B-CUR integrate?
The ATSAMA5D21B-CUR integrates two fully independent MCAN-FD controllers, as specified in Table 1-1 (Configuration Summary) of the SAMA5D2 datasheet (DS60001476H, page 5). Both controllers support SRAM-based mailboxes, time-triggered transmission, and event-triggered operation. Importantly, they implement the non-ISO CAN FD frame format and do not pass ISO 16845-1:2016 conformance testing-this limitation applies to ATSAMA5D21B-CUR and is clearly stated in the datasheet warning on page 2.
What package type and dimensions does the ATSAMA5D21B-CUR use?
The ATSAMA5D21B-CUR is packaged in a 196-ball Thin Fine-Pitch Ball Grid Array (TFBGA) with dimensions of 11×11 mm², 0.75 mm ball pitch, and 0.75 mm thickness, as confirmed in the "Packages" section of DS60001476H (page 2). This matches the SAMA5D21 variant designation in the configuration summary table. The package supports standard PCB assembly processes and provides 72 general-purpose I/O lines, consistent with the SAMA5D21 family specification.
Is the ATSAMA5D21B-CUR qualified for extended industrial temperature operation?
No, the ATSAMA5D21B-CUR is not qualified for extended industrial temperature range (−40°C to +105°C). According to the SAMA5D2 datasheet (DS60001476H, page 1), only selected members of the SAMA5D2 series-including SAMA5D23 and SAMA5D28-are qualified for that extended range. The ATSAMA5D21B-CUR is rated for standard industrial temperature (−40°C to +85°C), as reflected in its part number suffix and supported operating conditions in the official Microchip documentation.
ATSAMA5D21B-CUR Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- Microchip Technology
- Package/Case:
- 196-TFBGA, CSBGA
- Series:
- SAMA5D2
- Packaging:
- Tape & Reel (TR)
- Product Status:
- Obsolete
- Core Processor:
- ARM® Cortex®-A5
- Number of Cores/Bus Width:
- 1 Core, 32-Bit
- Speed:
- 500MHz
- Co-Processors/DSP:
- Multimedia; NEON™ MPE
- RAM Controllers:
- LPDDR1, LPDDR2, LPDDR3, DDR2, DDR3, DDR3L, QSPI
- Graphics Acceleration:
- Yes
- Display & Interface Controllers:
- Keyboard, LCD, Touchscreen
- Ethernet:
- 10/100Mbps (1)
- SATA:
- -
- USB:
- USB 2.0 + HSIC
- Voltage - I/O:
- 3.3V
- Operating Temperature:
- -40°C ~ 85°C (TA)
- Grade:
- -
- Qualification:
- -
- Security Features:
- ARM TZ, Boot Security, Cryptography, RTIC, Secure Fusebox, Secure JTAG, Secure Memory, Secure RTC
- Mounting Type:
- Surface Mount
- Supplier Device Package:
- 196-TFBGA (11x11)
- Additional Interfaces:
- I2C, SMC, SPI, UART, USART, QSPI
ATSAMA5D21B-CUR FAQ
1.How can I place an order for ATSAMA5D21B-CUR through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for ATSAMA5D21B-CUR 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 ATSAMA5D21B-CUR reliable?
The price and inventory of ATSAMA5D21B-CUR are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for ATSAMA5D21B-CUR is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for ATSAMA5D21B-CUR?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for ATSAMA5D21B-CUR transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for ATSAMA5D21B-CUR?
ATSAMA5D21B-CUR orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your ATSAMA5D21B-CUR 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 ATSAMA5D21B-CUR?
For technical support, including ATSAMA5D21B-CUR datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your ATSAMA5D21B-CUR requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that ATSAMA5D21B-CUR is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All ATSAMA5D21B-CUR 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 ATSAMA5D21B-CUR meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of ATSAMA5D21B-CUR?
All ATSAMA5D21B-CUR units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with ATSAMA5D21B-CUR, 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 ATSAMA5D21B-CUR part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for ATSAMA5D21B-CUR:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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