ATSAM3N4CA-CU

Overview

The ATSAM3N4CA-CU is a 32-bit microcontroller based on the ARM Cortex-M3 core, operating at a maximum frequency of 48 MHz. It integrates 256 KB of flash memory and 24 KB of SRAM. The device features an internal oscillator and supports supply voltages between 1.62 V and 3.6 V. Connectivity options include I2C, IrDA, SPI, and UART/USART interfaces. It provides 79 general-purpose I/O pins and includes peripherals such as DMA, PWM, WDT, and brown-out detection/reset circuits. The component is housed in a 100-TFBGA (9x9) package and operates within a temperature range of -40°C to 85°C.

Feature Summary

• Integrates high-performance 32-bit ARM Cortex-M3 processor with Thumb-2 instruction set
• Includes embedded flash memory and static RAM for code and data storage
• Supports multiple communication protocols including I2C, SPI, and USART
• Features hardware peripherals for pulse width modulation and watchdog timer functions

Applications

• Industrial control systems requiring reliable 32-bit processing
• Consumer electronics utilizing low-pin-count interface requirements
• Embedded applications needing integrated flash and standard serial communication

Procurement Notes

Verify component authenticity through authorized Microchip or Atmel distributors. Confirm package integrity and pin alignment for the 100-TFBGA form factor. Check datasheet revisions for any specific electrical characteristic updates. Ensure compliance with RoHS3 standards if required by your assembly process. Validate that the specific suffix matches your board design requirements.

Selection Notes

Select this component when a balance of moderate flash capacity and low pin count is required. The 100-TFBGA package suits space-constrained designs. Consider the 48 MHz speed limit against higher-performance SAM3 or SAM4 series alternatives if greater throughput is needed. Verify that the available I/O count meets all system interface demands before finalizing the selection.

Part Context

This part belongs to the SAM3N family of microcontrollers from Atmel, now part of Microchip Technology. The series targets cost-sensitive applications requiring ARM Cortex-M3 performance. It shares architectural similarities with other SAM3 variants but offers distinct memory and package configurations tailored for specific integration needs.

Replacement Considerations

Consult official cross-reference guides for verified substitutes. Ensure replacement parts maintain compatible voltage ranges and pinout assignments. Verify that alternative components support the same peripheral sets and memory sizes.