AT91SAM7XC256B-CU Equivalent & Substitute Parts

Part Overview

The AT91SAM7XC256B-CU is a 16/32-bit ARM7® microcontroller manufactured by Microchip Technology, featuring 256KB FLASH memory, 64KB RAM, and integrated connectivity peripherals including CANbus, Ethernet, I2C, SPI, SSC, UART/USART, and USB. The device operates at 55MHz with an operating temperature range of -40°C to 85°C and is packaged in a 100-TFBGA (9x9) form factor.

This part has reached obsolete product status. Identifying equivalent and substitute components is necessary to maintain design continuity, ensure supply chain availability, and support long-term product support requirements.

Substiute Parts

AT91SAM7XC256B-CU

Microchip TechnologyIn Stock: 1200AT91SAM7XC256B-CU Datasheet

Current PartRFQ

ATSAM4E8CA-CU

Microchip TechnologyIn Stock: 3440ATSAM4E8CA-CU Datasheet

MFR RecommendedRFQ

Key Parameters

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

Substitution of the AT91SAM7XC256B-CU is determined by compatibility across the following critical parameters:

Package Compatibility: Both the main part and substitute must use the 100-TFBGA (9x9) surface mount package to ensure PCB layout and assembly process compatibility.

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 Peripherals: The substitute must retain core connectivity interfaces (CANbus, Ethernet, UART/USART, USB) to preserve system communication architecture.

Operating Temperature Range: The substitute must support the -40°C to 85°C operating temperature range to maintain thermal performance specifications.

Compliance & Certification: Both parts must maintain ROHS3 compliance and equivalent MSL ratings to ensure manufacturing and storage compatibility.

The ATSAM4E8CA-CU qualifies as a substitute based on these parameters while offering enhanced performance characteristics including higher clock speed (120MHz), increased memory capacity (512KB FLASH, 128KB RAM), expanded I/O count (79 pins), and extended voltage supply range (1.62V ~ 3.6V).

Parameter Comparison

Engineering Selection Recommendations

The ATSAM4E8CA-CU is the manufacturer-recommended substitute for the obsolete AT91SAM7XC256B-CU. Both devices maintain identical package geometry (100-TFBGA 9x9), identical operating temperature range (-40°C to 85°C), and equivalent compliance certifications (ROHS3, MSL 3).

The substitute part is in active product status, ensuring long-term availability and supply chain continuity. Both parts are manufactured by Microchip Technology, maintaining design ecosystem consistency.

The ATSAM4E8CA-CU provides enhanced performance specifications including doubled clock speed (120MHz vs. 55MHz), doubled FLASH memory (512KB vs. 256KB), doubled RAM (128KB vs. 64KB), and expanded I/O capability (79 vs. 62 pins). The extended voltage supply range (1.62V ~ 3.6V) encompasses the original specification (1.65V ~ 1.95V), ensuring backward compatibility with existing power delivery designs.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can the ATSAM4E8CA-CU be used as a direct replacement for the AT91SAM7XC256B-CU?

A: Yes, the ATSAM4E8CA-CU qualifies as a substitute based on package compatibility (100-TFBGA 9x9), identical operating temperature range, and equivalent compliance certifications. Both parts are surface mount devices with identical thermal and mechanical requirements.

Q: What are the key differences between these two microcontrollers?

A: The ATSAM4E8CA-CU features a newer ARM® Cortex®-M4 processor architecture operating at 120MHz compared to the ARM7® at 55MHz. Memory capacity is doubled (512KB FLASH and 128KB RAM vs. 256KB FLASH and 64KB RAM). The substitute provides 79 I/O pins versus 62 on the original part, and includes dual 12-bit D/A converters not present in the AT91SAM7XC256B-CU.

Q: Are the voltage supply specifications compatible?

A: The ATSAM4E8CA-CU operates across 1.62V ~ 3.6V, which encompasses the original part's 1.65V ~ 1.95V range. Existing power delivery designs for the AT91SAM7XC256B-CU will operate within the substitute's voltage specification.

Q: Do both parts share the same connectivity peripherals?

A: Both devices include CANbus, Ethernet, UART/USART, and USB connectivity. The ATSAM4E8CA-CU adds IrDA and MMC/SD interfaces not present in the original part. The substitute retains all core connectivity required for system compatibility.

Q: What is the moisture sensitivity level for both parts?

A: Both the AT91SAM7XC256B-CU and ATSAM4E8CA-CU carry an MSL rating of 3 (168 Hours), indicating identical moisture sensitivity and storage requirements.

Q: Is the ATSAM4E8CA-CU in active production?

A: Yes, the ATSAM4E8CA-CU maintains active product status with Microchip Technology, ensuring continued availability and supply chain support. The original AT91SAM7XC256B-CU is obsolete.