Microchip Technology ATSAMA5D42B-CU
- Part No.:
- ATSAMA5D42B-CU
- Manufacturer:
- Microchip Technology
- Category:
- Microprocessors
- Package:
- 361-TFBGA
- Datasheet:
-
ATSAMA5D42B-CU.pdf
- Description:
- IC MPU SAMA5D4 600MHZ 361TFBGA
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

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Product details
Overview
ATSAMA5D42B-CU from Microchip Technology is a high-performance, power-efficient Arm® Cortex®-A5 microprocessor unit (MPU) operating at up to 600 MHz, featuring 128 KB L2 cache, TrustZone security, dual 10/100 Ethernet MACs with IEEE 1588 v2 support, and hardware-accelerated LCD controller for 720p displays. It targets secure industrial gateways and HMI systems requiring video playback, real-time connectivity, and cryptographic integrity.
For engineers reviewing the ATSAMA5D42B-CU datasheet, ATSAMA5D42B-CU pinout, ATSAMA5D42B-CU application, or ATSAMA5D42B-CU equivalent, key selection criteria include DDR2/LPDDR2 memory interface width (32-bit), absence of integrated video decoder (vs. SAMA5D44), tamper-detection I/O capability, and TFBGA361 package compatibility with industrial thermal and layout constraints.
Technical Context
The ATSAMA5D42B-CU implements an Armv7-A architecture with Thumb-2 instruction set, NEON SIMD engine, and MMU for full Linux OS support. Its multi-layer bus architecture sustains high bandwidth via 32 DMA channels and integrates dedicated peripherals including a 5-channel 10-bit ADC with resistive touchscreen interface and four TWI (I²C) controllers supporting up to 400 kbit/s.
Security is enforced through hardware-based TrustZone, on-the-fly AES encryption/decryption of DDR traffic, Integrity Check Monitor (ICM) using SHA-256, tamper detection on eight PIOBU pins, and a dedicated public-key coprocessor (CPKCC) supporting RSA, ECC, and FIPS-compliant AES-256, SHA-512, and TRNG.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| CPU Core | Arm Cortex-A5 @ 600 MHz, 945 MIPS worst-case performance with NEON and TrustZone |
| Memory Interface | 32-bit DDR2/LPDDR/LPDDR2 controller with 24-bit ECC and on-the-fly AES encryption |
| Security Engine | Dedicated CPKCC coprocessor + AESB bridge + ICM (SHA-256) + 8 tamper-detect PIOBU pins |
| Connectivity | Dual 10/100 Ethernet MACs with IEEE 1588 v2 timestamping; 3x HS USB ports (1 device + 3 host) |
| Display & Imaging | LCD controller supporting 720p resolution, 4 overlays, alpha blending, rotation; ISI interface for CMOS sensors |
| Analog Input | 5-channel 10-bit ADC with resistive touchscreen function and external trigger input (ADTRG) |
| Low-Power Modes | Three software-selectable states: Idle (CPU halted, full bus speed), Ultra-low-power (CPU halted, min bus speed), Backup (RTC + SRAM only) |
Pinout & Package
ATSAMA5D42B-CU is packaged in a 361-ball stubless TFBGA (16×16 mm body, 0.8 mm pitch), optimized for industrial thermal dissipation and high-density PCB routing. The package supports 152 configurable I/Os with slew-rate control, Schmitt-trigger inputs, and programmable pull-up/pull-down resistors.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| PA0–PA31, PB0–PB31, etc. | Programmable I/O (PIO) banks A–E | Multi-function GPIO with peripheral alternate functions (e.g., LCDDAT0–23, G0/G1 Ethernet signals, SPI/MCI/USART) |
| DDR_A0–DDR_A13, DDR_D0–DDR_D31 | DDR2/LPDDR2 address/data bus | 32-bit data path with differential DQS strobes and calibration pins (DDR_CALP/N) for stable 512 MB memory interface |
| G0_TX0–G0_RX3, G1_TX0–G1_RX3 | Ethernet PHY interface (dual MAC) | Two independent 10/100 Mbps MACs with MII/RMII support and IEEE 1588 timestamp registers |
| LCDDAT0–LCDDAT23, LCDVSYNC, LCDHSYNC | LCD TFT controller outputs | 24-bit RGB interface supporting up to 2048×2048 resolution or 720p video format with hardware overlays |
| PIOBU0–PIOBU7 | Secure tamper-detection I/O | Dedicated hardened I/Os for static/dynamic intrusion monitoring per Secure Box Module (SBM) specification |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| TrustZone-enabled secure boot | Hardware-enforced isolation between secure/non-secure worlds; prevents unauthorized firmware execution at startup |
| On-the-fly DDR encryption | AES-128/256 encryption/decryption applied automatically to all DDR read/write transactions without CPU overhead |
| Hardware video acceleration | LCD controller with 4 independent overlays, alpha blending, rotation, and gamma correction - no video decoder (unlike SAMA5D44) |
| Industrial-grade low-power operation | Backup mode draws <10 µA while retaining RTC, backup SRAM, and wakeup logic - critical for battery-backed systems |
| Secure cryptographic coprocessor | CPKCC accelerates RSA/ECC signing/verification and AES/SHA operations independently of main CPU, meeting FIPS 140-2/3 requirements |
Applications
| Industrial Secure Gateway | Human-Machine Interface (HMI) |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Edge gateway aggregating Modbus TCP, CANopen, and MQTT data from factory-floor devices into cloud platforms with TLS-secured uplinks. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Main application processor executing Linux, managing dual Ethernet interfaces with IEEE 1588 time synchronization, and enforcing secure boot and runtime memory integrity checks. Use Value: Eliminates need for external security ICs; enables deterministic timing for synchronized control loops via hardware timestamping and low-jitter interrupt handling. | Use Scenario: Touch-enabled panel PC for medical equipment displaying real-time vitals, treatment protocols, and alarm overlays with anti-tamper logging. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: System-on-chip driving 720p LCD with hardware-accelerated UI composition, resistive touchscreen digitization, and secure storage of audit logs in scrambled internal SRAM. Use Value: Reduces BOM cost by integrating LCD controller, ADC, crypto engine, and Ethernet - no external graphics or security chips required. |
| Smart Energy Meter Hub | IoT Video Analytics Node |
Use Scenario: AMI concentrator collecting meter readings over PLC/RF mesh, performing local tariff calculations, and transmitting encrypted usage data to utility backend. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: MPU running embedded Linux with secure boot, AES-256 encryption of stored billing data, and tamper detection via PIOBU pins monitoring enclosure integrity. Use Value: Meets IEC 62056 and UL 2900 cybersecurity standards with hardware-rooted trust - avoids software-only crypto vulnerabilities. | Use Scenario: Low-power edge node capturing 720p video from IP camera, applying lightweight AI inference, and triggering alerts over Ethernet with timestamped metadata. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Application processor interfacing CMOS sensor via ISI, offloading image preprocessing to hardware LCD controller overlays, and timestamping frames via GMAC IEEE 1588 clock. Use Value: Enables frame-accurate synchronization across distributed cameras without GPS - essential for forensic video correlation in smart city deployments. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar MPU applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| ATSAMA5D44B-CU | Includes hardware MPEG-4/H.264 video decoder; same TFBGA361 package and 32-bit DDR interface | Required for local video playback (e.g., digital signage); ATSAMA5D42B-CU lacks VDEC block entirely | Select ATSAMA5D44B-CU only if video decode acceleration is mandatory; otherwise ATSAMA5D42B-CU offers lower cost and identical security/peripheral set |
| ATSAMA5D36B-CU | Arm Cortex-A5 @ 536 MHz; no TrustZone; no CPKCC; single Ethernet MAC; 16-bit DDR interface | Suitable for cost-sensitive non-security-critical HMIs; lacks tamper detection, ICM, and dual-GMAC IEEE 1588 support | Choose only when security certification (e.g., IEC 62443) is not required and system bandwidth needs are ≤200 MB/s |
Compared with ATSAMA5D44B-CU, ATSAMA5D42B-CU removes the video decoder to reduce die size and cost while retaining identical security engines, dual Ethernet, and LCD capabilities - making it optimal for secure gateways where video playback is unnecessary. Versus ATSAMA5D36B-CU, it adds TrustZone, CPKCC, dual-GMAC, and 32-bit DDR - enabling certified industrial IoT deployments.
Availability
ATSAMA5D42B-CU is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial secure gateways, human-machine interfaces, and smart energy meter hubs requiring stable component supply, long-term lifecycle support, and traceable sourcing.
Supply support for ATSAMA5D42B-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 is a leading provider of microcontrollers, analog components, and Flash-IP solutions, serving automotive, industrial, communications, and consumer markets with vertically integrated silicon and development tools.
The SAMA5D4 series is designed specifically for secure, high-connectivity embedded applications - emphasizing hardware-rooted security, dual-Ethernet real-time networking, and rich multimedia I/O for industrial HMI and IoT edge nodes.
FAQ
What is the maximum operating frequency of the ATSAMA5D42B-CU?
The ATSAMA5D42B-CU operates at up to 600 MHz under worst-case conditions (105°C junction temperature, minimum VDDCORE), delivering 945 MIPS performance with its Arm Cortex-A5 core and NEON SIMD engine. This frequency is sustained across industrial temperature ranges (-40°C to +105°C) with appropriate power rail regulation and thermal management.
Does the ATSAMA5D42B-CU include a hardware video decoder?
No, the ATSAMA5D42B-CU does not include a hardware video decoder (VDEC). Per Microchip's official documentation (DS60001525C, page 3), only the SAMA5D44 variant features MPEG-4/H.264/H.263/VP8/JPEG decode capability. The ATSAMA5D42B-CU retains the full LCD controller with 4 overlays and 720p support but omits the VDEC block to reduce cost and power consumption.
What security features are implemented in hardware on the ATSAMA5D42B-CU?
The ATSAMA5D42B-CU implements multiple hardware security features: Arm TrustZone for secure/non-secure world isolation, on-the-fly AES-128/256 DDR encryption/decryption, Integrity Check Monitor (ICM) using SHA-256, 8 dedicated tamper-detection PIOBU pins, secure boot loader in scrambled ROM, and a dedicated CPKCC coprocessor for RSA/ECC/AES/SHA/TRNG operations compliant with FIPS 140-2/3.
Which package type is used for the ATSAMA5D42B-CU?
The ATSAMA5D42B-CU uses a 361-ball stubless TFBGA package with 16×16 mm body size and 0.8 mm ball pitch. This package is explicitly listed in Microchip's datasheet (DS60001525C, page 3) for the SAMA5D42 device and supports 152 configurable I/Os with industrial-grade thermal performance and signal integrity.
How many Ethernet MAC interfaces does the ATSAMA5D42B-CU support?
The ATSAMA5D42B-CU supports two independent 10/100 Mbps Ethernet MAC controllers (GMAC0 and GMAC1), both compliant with IEEE 1588 v2 for precision time protocol (PTP) timestamping. Each MAC provides full MII/RMII interface capability and dedicated DMA channels, enabling simultaneous operation in redundant or time-synchronized network topologies.
ATSAMA5D42B-CU Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- Microchip Technology
- Package/Case:
- 361-TFBGA
- Series:
- SAMA5D4
- Packaging:
- Tray
- Product Status:
- Active
- Core Processor:
- ARM® Cortex®-A5
- Number of Cores/Bus Width:
- 1 Core, 32-Bit
- Speed:
- 600MHz
- Co-Processors/DSP:
- Multimedia; NEON™ SIMD
- RAM Controllers:
- LPDDR, LPDDR2, DDR2
- Graphics Acceleration:
- Yes
- Display & Interface Controllers:
- LCD, Touchscreen
- Ethernet:
- 10/100Mbps (1)
- SATA:
- -
- USB:
- USB 2.0 (3)
- Voltage - I/O:
- 1.2V, 1.8V, 3.3V
- Operating Temperature:
- -40°C ~ 85°C (TA)
- Grade:
- -
- Qualification:
- -
- Security Features:
- AES, SHA, TDES, TRNG
- Mounting Type:
- Surface Mount
- Supplier Device Package:
- 361-TFBGA (16x16)
- Additional Interfaces:
- EBI, I2C, MMC/SD/SDIO, SPI, SSC, UART, USART
ATSAMA5D42B-CU FAQ
1.How can I place an order for ATSAMA5D42B-CU through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for ATSAMA5D42B-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 ATSAMA5D42B-CU reliable?
The price and inventory of ATSAMA5D42B-CU are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for ATSAMA5D42B-CU is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for ATSAMA5D42B-CU?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for ATSAMA5D42B-CU transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for ATSAMA5D42B-CU?
ATSAMA5D42B-CU orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your ATSAMA5D42B-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 ATSAMA5D42B-CU?
For technical support, including ATSAMA5D42B-CU datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your ATSAMA5D42B-CU requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that ATSAMA5D42B-CU is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All ATSAMA5D42B-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 ATSAMA5D42B-CU meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of ATSAMA5D42B-CU?
All ATSAMA5D42B-CU units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with ATSAMA5D42B-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 ATSAMA5D42B-CU part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for ATSAMA5D42B-CU:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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