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Microchip Technology ATSAMA5D21C-CUR
- Part No.:
- ATSAMA5D21C-CUR
- Manufacturer:
- Microchip Technology
- Category:
- Microprocessors
- Package:
- 196-TFBGA, CSBGA
- Datasheet:
-
ATSAMA5D21C-CUR.pdf
- Description:
- IC MPU SAMA5D2 500MHZ 196TFBGA
- Quantity:
- Payment:
- Shipping:
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Product details
Overview
ATSAMA5D21C-CUR from Microchip Technology is an ultra-low-power Arm Cortex-A5-based microprocessor unit (MPU) operating at up to 500 MHz, integrating a 128-Kbyte configurable L2 cache, TrustZone security, NEON SIMD engine, and hardware crypto accelerators (AES-256, SHA-256, TRNG). It supports DDR2/DDR3L/LPDDR2/LPDDR3, QSPI, e.MMC, and NAND Flash, and targets secure industrial HMI, IoT gateways, and point-of-sale terminals requiring real-time connectivity and tamper resistance.
For engineers reviewing the ATSAMA5D21C-CUR datasheet, ATSAMA5D21C-CUR pinout, ATSAMA5D21C-CUR application, or ATSAMA5D21C-CUR equivalent, this page delivers verified technical context, exact package mapping (196-ball TFBGA, 11×11 mm), confirmed low-power modes (ULP0/ULP1/Backup), validated peripheral set (1×GMAC, 2×CAN-FD, 12-bit ADC with touchscreen, LCDC), and two rigorously confirmed alternative MPUs for design continuity.
Technical Context
The ATSAMA5D21C-CUR implements an Armv7-A architecture Cortex-A5 core with MMU, 32-Kbyte L1 instruction and data caches, and a 128-Kbyte L2 cache configurable as SRAM or cache. Its multilayer bus architecture integrates two 16-channel XDMAC controllers and dedicated peripheral DMAs to sustain high-bandwidth transfers for LCD, ISC, and GMAC without CPU intervention.
Security is enforced via Arm TrustZone, 5-Kbyte scrambled SRAM (1-Kbyte nonerasable on tamper), eight tamper pins (PIOBU0–7), Integrity Check Monitor (ICM) with SHA-256, and on-the-fly AES encryption/decryption for DDR and QSPI memories. The device supports IEEE 802.1AS timestamping, AVB traffic shaping, and PTP for deterministic Ethernet applications.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| CPU Core | Arm Cortex-A5 @ up to 500 MHz with NEON, FPU, and TrustZone - enables Linux execution and real-time signal processing in resource-constrained embedded systems. |
| Memory Interface | 16-bit DDR2/DDR3L/LPDDR2/LPDDR3 controller supporting up to 512 Mbytes - matches cost-optimized memory subsystems while enabling fast boot and application loading. |
| Security Features | AES-256/SHA-256/TRNG crypto engines, 5-Kbyte tamper-protected SRAM, ICM, and secure bootloader - provides hardware-rooted trust for secure boot, encrypted firmware updates, and anti-cloning. |
| Peripherals | 1×10/100 GMAC with AVB/PTP, 2×CAN-FD (non-ISO frame format), 12-channel 12-bit ADC with resistive touchscreen support, 24-bit RGB LCDC - enables industrial networking, automotive diagnostics, and rich GUIs without external controllers. |
| Low-Power Modes | ULP0 (512 Hz clocking), ULP1 (full clock stop), Backup (RTC + wake logic active) - achieves sub-100 µA standby current with fast wake-up from multiple sources including UART, analog comparator, and PIOBU pins. |
| Package & I/O | 196-ball TFBGA, 11×11 mm, 0.75 mm pitch; 72 programmable I/Os with 8-function multiplexing - fits compact PCB layouts and supports flexible peripheral routing for mixed-signal designs. |
| Temperature Range | Extended industrial grade: –40°C to +105°C ambient - qualified for deployment in harsh environments such as factory automation and outdoor infrastructure. |
Pinout & Package
ATSAMA5D21C-CUR is housed in a 196-ball Thin Fine-Pitch Ball Grid Array (TFBGA) package measuring 11 mm × 11 mm with 0.75 mm ball pitch and 0.75 mm thickness. This package supports 72 user-accessible I/Os distributed across four banks (PA–PD), each with configurable pull-up/down, Schmitt trigger, and slew rate control.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| PA0–PA31, PB0–PB31, PC0–PC31, PD0–PD31 | Programmable I/O Banks | 72 total GPIOs with per-pin function selection (e.g., UART, SPI, PWM, ADC); support synchronous 32-bit output writes and partial wake-up triggering. |
| DDR_D[15:0], DDR_A[13:0], DDR_BA[2:0], DDR_CKE, DDR_CS, DDR_WE, DDR_RAS/CAS | DDR2/DDR3L/LPDDR2/LPDDR3 Interface | 16-bit data bus, 14-bit address, 3-bit bank select, and control signals - directly interfaces standard low-power SDRAM without glue logic. |
| GMAC_GTX0–GTX3, GRX0–GRX3, GMDIO, GMDC, GREFCK | 10/100 Ethernet MAC Physical Interface | Supports RMII/MII; includes IEEE 1588 timestamp registers and AVB hardware shapers - enables time-sensitive networking in industrial control systems. |
| CANRX0/CANTX0, CANRX1/CANTX1 | CAN-FD Controller Interfaces | Two independent MCAN controllers with SRAM mailboxes and time-triggered transmission - handles automotive diagnostics and deterministic fieldbus communication (non-ISO CAN FD frame format). |
| LCDDAT[23:0], LCDHSYNC, LCDVSYNC, LCDPCK, LCDDEN | LCD TFT Controller Outputs | 24-bit parallel RGB interface supporting up to 1024×768 resolution with alpha blending and rotation - drives industrial displays without external video processors. |
| AD0–AD11 | Analog Inputs | 12 single-ended or 6 differential 12-bit ADC channels with built-in resistive touchscreen controller - eliminates need for external touch IC in HMI designs. |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| TrustZone-enabled Secure Boot | Enforces authenticated, encrypted firmware load from QSPI or DDR using hardware-verified keys - prevents unauthorized code execution and ensures supply chain integrity. |
| On-the-fly AESB Memory Encryption | Decrypts code/data from QSPI or DDR in real time using AES-128/192/256 - protects intellectual property and sensitive data without software overhead or latency penalty. |
| Event System with Peripheral Chaining | Allows peripherals (e.g., ADC → PWM → TC) to trigger each other autonomously - reduces CPU load and enables deterministic response in closed-loop control applications. |
| Ultra-Low-Power Backup Mode | Maintains RTC, wake logic, and 5-Kbyte SRAM in <10 µA state while DDR enters self-refresh - enables battery-backed operation for remote sensors and edge nodes. |
| Dual CAN-FD with Time-Triggered Transmission | Supports synchronized message scheduling across two CAN buses - meets deterministic timing requirements in automotive ECUs and industrial motion controllers. |
Applications
| Industrial HMI Terminal | Secure IoT Gateway |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: A wall-mounted factory floor display with capacitive touch, Ethernet backhaul, and local CAN bus monitoring. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: ATSAMA5D21C-CUR serves as main application processor running Linux, driving 1024×768 RGB LCD via LCDC, sampling 12-bit analog sensor inputs, and managing dual CAN-FD links to PLCs. Use Value: Integrated LCDC, ADC, and CAN-FD eliminate discrete interface ICs; TrustZone and AESB protect firmware against reverse engineering during field updates. |
Use Scenario: A cellular-connected edge gateway aggregating data from Modbus RTU field devices and forwarding to cloud via TLS-secured Ethernet/Wi-Fi. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: ATSAMA5D21C-CUR executes Linux with real-time extensions, hosts secure TLS stack using hardware crypto engines, and routes traffic between GMAC, UARTs, and FLEXCOMs. Use Value: SHA-256 and TRNG accelerate certificate validation; IEEE 1588 PTP enables precise time-stamping of sensor events for audit compliance. |
| Point-of-Sale (POS) Terminal | Smart Energy Meter Interface |
Use Scenario: A PCI-compliant retail terminal with EMV contactless reader, thermal printer, and tamper-evident enclosure. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: ATSAMA5D21C-CUR runs certified payment OS, validates cryptographic signatures using on-chip AES/SHA, detects physical intrusion via eight PIOBU tamper pins, and logs timestamps in secure RTC. Use Value: Hardware-scrambled 5-Kbyte SRAM stores keys securely; tamper detection erases sensitive registers within microseconds - satisfies PCI PTS v6.0 physical security requirements. |
Use Scenario: A DIN-rail mounted meter concentrator collecting AMI data over RS-485 and reporting via LTE with firmware update capability. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: ATSAMA5D21C-CUR manages dual UARTs for legacy meter polling, executes signed OTA updates using secure bootloader, and maintains accurate billing timestamps via calibrated RTC. Use Value: Independent watchdog and crystal failure detection ensure continuous operation; ICM verifies integrity of flash-resident metering algorithms against corruption. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar MPU applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| ATSAMA5D22C-CUR | 105 I/Os, 16/32-bit DDR bus, integrated PTC (8×8 touch), one CAN-FD channel - larger package (256-ball TFBGA), higher pin count. | Required when capacitive touch screen support or additional I/Os needed beyond ATSAMA5D21C-CUR's 72 I/Os and no PTC. | Select for designs needing native touch controller or expanded peripheral routing flexibility; not drop-in due to different pinout and package size. |
| ATSAMA5D27C-CUR | 128 I/Os, dual CAN-FD, PTC, environmental monitors (temp/voltage), die shield - LFBGA289 package, extended security features. | Suitable for safety-critical deployments requiring temperature/voltage monitoring and active die shielding against side-channel attacks. | Choose when NDA-accessible environmental monitoring and enhanced physical security are mandatory; requires PCB redesign due to 289-ball LFBGA footprint. |
Compared with ATSAMA5D21C-CUR, the ATSAMA5D22C-CUR adds touch capability and I/O headroom but increases board area, while the ATSAMA5D27C-CUR introduces environmental sensing and die-level protection at the cost of larger package and NDA-restricted documentation - all three share identical Cortex-A5 core, TrustZone, and crypto engine implementation.
Availability
ATSAMA5D21C-CUR is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial HMI, secure IoT gateways, and point-of-sale terminals requiring stable component supply, long-term lifecycle assurance, and traceable sourcing from authorized channels.
Supply support for ATSAMA5D21C-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 was designed specifically for secure, ultra-low-power Linux-capable applications in industrial automation, smart energy, and trusted edge devices - emphasizing hardware-enforced security, deterministic real-time peripherals, and extended temperature reliability.
FAQ
What is the maximum operating frequency of the ATSAMA5D21C-CUR?
The ATSAMA5D21C-CUR operates at up to 500 MHz on its Arm Cortex-A5 core. This frequency is achievable under typical conditions with appropriate power supply regulation and thermal management. The device includes a 600–1200 MHz system PLL and a dedicated 480 MHz USB PLL to support high-speed peripheral operation without compromising CPU performance. All timing specifications in the official DS60001476H datasheet are validated at this maximum frequency.
Does the ATSAMA5D21C-CUR support CAN FD, and what are its limitations?
Yes, the ATSAMA5D21C-CUR integrates two MCAN controllers supporting CAN FD operation. However, it implements the non-ISO CAN FD frame format and does not pass the ISO 16845-1:2016 conformance test. This means it is suitable for proprietary or vendor-specific CAN FD networks but not for standards-compliant automotive applications requiring ISO-certified FD frames. Both CAN channels support time-triggered transmission and SRAM-based mailboxes.
Which memory types are supported by the ATSAMA5D21C-CUR's external memory controller?
The ATSAMA5D21C-CUR supports DDR2, DDR3L, LPDDR1, LPDDR2, and LPDDR3 via its 16-bit wide DDR controller. It also interfaces with QSPI Flash, e.MMC 4.51 (SDMMC0), SD 2.0 (SDMMC1), and 8-bit SLC/MLC NAND Flash with up to 32-bit PMECC correction. The controller includes on-the-fly AES encryption/decryption for DDR and QSPI, and supports "DLL off only" mode for DDR3L compatibility.
What security features are implemented in hardware on the ATSAMA5D21C-CUR?
The ATSAMA5D21C-CUR includes Arm TrustZone, 5-Kbyte scrambled SRAM (1-Kbyte nonerasable on tamper), eight tamper detection pins (PIOBU0–7), Integrity Check Monitor (ICM) with SHA-256, hardware AES-256/SHA-256/TRNG engines, secure bootloader, and write-protected registers. These features collectively enable secure boot, runtime firmware validation, physical intrusion response, and cryptographic acceleration without software overhead.
What package type and dimensions does the ATSAMA5D21C-CUR use?
The ATSAMA5D21C-CUR uses a 196-ball Thin Fine-Pitch Ball Grid Array (TFBGA) package measuring 11 mm × 11 mm with 0.75 mm ball pitch and 0.75 mm thickness. This package is documented in Microchip's DS60001476H datasheet Section "Packages" and is distinct from the 256-ball TFBGA (SAMA5D22) and 289-ball LFBGA (SAMA5D27) variants. Pin compatibility is not guaranteed across SAMA5D2 family members.
ATSAMA5D21C-CUR Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- Microchip Technology
- Package/Case:
- 196-TFBGA, CSBGA
- Series:
- SAMA5D2
- Packaging:
- Tape & Reel (TR)
- Product Status:
- Active
- 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
ATSAMA5D21C-CUR FAQ
1.How can I place an order for ATSAMA5D21C-CUR through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for ATSAMA5D21C-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 ATSAMA5D21C-CUR reliable?
The price and inventory of ATSAMA5D21C-CUR are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for ATSAMA5D21C-CUR is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for ATSAMA5D21C-CUR?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for ATSAMA5D21C-CUR transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for ATSAMA5D21C-CUR?
ATSAMA5D21C-CUR orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your ATSAMA5D21C-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 ATSAMA5D21C-CUR?
For technical support, including ATSAMA5D21C-CUR datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your ATSAMA5D21C-CUR requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that ATSAMA5D21C-CUR is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All ATSAMA5D21C-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 ATSAMA5D21C-CUR meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of ATSAMA5D21C-CUR?
All ATSAMA5D21C-CUR units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with ATSAMA5D21C-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 ATSAMA5D21C-CUR part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for ATSAMA5D21C-CUR:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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