AT91SAM7XC256B-AU Equivalent & Substitute Parts

Part Overview

The AT91SAM7XC256B-AU is an ARM7® SAM7XC microcontroller IC featuring 16/32-bit architecture, 55MHz clock speed, and 256KB FLASH memory in a 100-LQFP package. This device is classified as obsolete, making equivalent and substitute parts necessary for new designs and production continuity. The SAM7XC series has reached end-of-life status, requiring migration to active alternatives that maintain functional compatibility within the SAM family architecture.

Substiute Parts

AT91SAM7XC256B-AU

Microchip TechnologyIn Stock: 2559AT91SAM7XC256B-AU Datasheet

Current PartRFQ

ATSAM4E8CA-AU

Microchip TechnologyIn Stock: 1853ATSAM4E8CA-AU Datasheet

MFR RecommendedRFQ

Key Parameters

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

Substitution for the AT91SAM7XC256B-AU is determined by the following critical parameters:

Package Compatibility: Both the main part and substitute must use the 100-LQFP (14x14) surface mount package to ensure PCB footprint compatibility without redesign.

Voltage Supply Range: The substitute must operate within or encompass the original supply voltage specification of 1.65V ~ 1.95V to maintain power delivery compatibility.

Connectivity Interfaces: The substitute must retain core communication protocols including CANbus, Ethernet, UART/USART, and USB to preserve system integration.

Peripheral Feature Set: Essential peripherals such as Brown-out Detect/Reset, DMA, POR, and PWM must be present in the substitute.

Operating Temperature Range: The substitute must support the industrial temperature range of -40°C ~ 85°C.

Compliance Standards: Both RoHS3 compliance and REACH unaffected status must be maintained.

The ATSAM4E8CA-AU qualifies as a substitute based on these parameters while offering enhanced specifications including higher clock speed, increased memory capacity, and expanded I/O count.

Parameter Comparison

Engineering Selection Recommendations

The ATSAM4E8CA-AU is the qualified substitute for the AT91SAM7XC256B-AU based on the following engineering criteria:

Product Status Alignment: The AT91SAM7XC256B-AU is obsolete, while the ATSAM4E8CA-AU maintains active product status with ongoing manufacturer support and availability.

Compliance Continuity: Both devices maintain ROHS3 compliance and REACH unaffected status, ensuring regulatory requirements are met in both legacy and new designs.

Package Compatibility: Identical 100-LQFP (14x14) surface mount packaging eliminates PCB redesign requirements.

Voltage Supply Compatibility: The ATSAM4E8CA-AU supply range of 1.62V ~ 3.6V encompasses the original 1.65V ~ 1.95V specification, ensuring power delivery compatibility.

Peripheral Feature Retention: Both devices include Brown-out Detect/Reset, DMA, POR, PWM, and WDT peripherals, maintaining core system functionality.

Operating Temperature Range: Both devices support -40°C ~ 85°C operation, preserving industrial temperature specifications.

The ATSAM4E8CA-AU provides enhanced performance characteristics including 120MHz clock speed versus 55MHz, doubled FLASH memory capacity (512KB versus 256KB), and expanded I/O count (79 versus 62), making it suitable for designs requiring increased computational capability or memory headroom.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can the ATSAM4E8CA-AU be used as a direct replacement for the AT91SAM7XC256B-AU without PCB modifications?

A: Yes. Both devices use the 100-LQFP (14x14) surface mount package with identical pin count and footprint, eliminating PCB redesign requirements. Pin-to-pin compatibility must be verified against the specific application schematic.

Q: What is the primary reason for substitution?

A: The AT91SAM7XC256B-AU is classified as obsolete. The ATSAM4E8CA-AU is an active product with ongoing manufacturer support, ensuring long-term availability and supply chain continuity.

Q: Are there voltage supply compatibility concerns?

A: The ATSAM4E8CA-AU operates at 1.62V ~ 3.6V, which encompasses the original device's 1.65V ~ 1.95V range. Existing power supply designs require verification to ensure they deliver voltage within the substitute's operating range.

Q: What connectivity interfaces are retained in the substitute?

A: Both devices support CANbus, Ethernet, SPI, and UART/USART interfaces. The ATSAM4E8CA-AU adds IrDA and MMC/SD connectivity. The original I2C and SSC interfaces are not present in the substitute and must be evaluated for application impact.

Q: How do memory specifications compare?

A: The ATSAM4E8CA-AU provides 512KB FLASH and 128K x 8 RAM compared to the original 256KB FLASH and 64K x 8 RAM. This increased memory capacity supports more complex firmware implementations.

Q: Are moisture sensitivity levels equivalent?

A: Yes. Both devices specify MSL 3 (168 Hours), maintaining identical handling and storage requirements.

Q: What is the impact of the higher clock speed?

A: The ATSAM4E8CA-AU operates at 120MHz versus the original 55MHz. This increased performance may require firmware timing adjustments and power consumption analysis for battery-powered applications.