ATSAM3N2CA-AU Equivalent & Substitute Parts

Part Overview

The ATSAM3N2CA-AU is an ARM Cortex-M3 SAM3N microcontroller IC featuring 32-bit single-core architecture, 48MHz clock speed, and 128KB FLASH memory in a 100-LQFP package. This part is classified as obsolete, making equivalent and substitute parts necessary for new designs and ongoing production requirements. Substitute parts must maintain compatibility across core electrical parameters, package form factor, and functional connectivity while accounting for enhanced specifications in active alternatives.

Key Parameters

Parameter	Value
Core Processor	ARM Cortex-M3
Core Size	32-Bit Single-Core
Speed	48MHz
Program Memory Size	128KB (128K x 8) FLASH
RAM Size	16K x 8
Voltage Supply (Vcc/Vdd)	1.62V ~ 3.6V
Number of I/O	79
Package / Case	100-LQFP (14x14)
Mounting Type	Surface Mount
Operating Temperature	-40°C ~ 85°C (TA)
RoHS Status	ROHS3 Compliant

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

Substitution logic for the ATSAM3N2CA-AU is based on the following critical parameters: identical 100-LQFP package form factor, compatible voltage supply range (1.62V ~ 3.6V), matching operating temperature range (-40°C ~ 85°C), surface mount mounting type, and functional connectivity support (I2C, SPI, UART/USART). Substitute parts are grouped into two categories:

Category 1: Direct Microchip SAM Series Upgrades — Parts maintaining the same manufacturer ecosystem with enhanced specifications while preserving pin compatibility and package dimensions.

Category 2: Cross-Manufacturer Alternatives — Parts from alternative manufacturers offering equivalent electrical characteristics and package compatibility for design flexibility.

Parameter Comparison

Parameter	ATSAM3N2CA-AU (Main)	ATSAM4N8CA-AU	ATSAM4S2CA-AU	STM32F101VBT6
Manufacturer	Microchip Technology	Microchip Technology	Microchip Technology	STMicroelectronics
Core Processor	ARM Cortex-M3	ARM Cortex-M4	ARM Cortex-M4	ARM Cortex-M3
Core Size	32-Bit Single-Core	32-Bit Single-Core	32-Bit Single-Core	32-Bit Single-Core
Speed	48MHz	100MHz	120MHz	36MHz
Program Memory Size	128KB FLASH	512KB FLASH	128KB FLASH	128KB FLASH
RAM Size	16K x 8	64K x 8	64K x 8	16K x 8
Voltage Supply (Vcc/Vdd)	1.62V ~ 3.6V	1.62V ~ 3.6V	1.62V ~ 3.6V	2V ~ 3.6V
Number of I/O	79	79	79	80
Package / Case	100-LQFP (14x14)	100-LQFP (14x14)	100-LQFP (14x14)	100-LQFP (14x14)
Mounting Type	Surface Mount	Surface Mount	Surface Mount	Surface Mount
Operating Temperature	-40°C ~ 85°C	-40°C ~ 85°C	-40°C ~ 85°C	-40°C ~ 85°C
Product Status	Obsolete	Active	Active	Active
RoHS Status	ROHS3 Compliant	ROHS3 Compliant	ROHS3 Compliant	ROHS3 Compliant

Engineering Selection Recommendations

ATSAM4N8CA-AU — Recommended for applications requiring increased processing performance and memory capacity within the Microchip SAM ecosystem. This part maintains identical package dimensions and voltage supply compatibility while offering ARM Cortex-M4 architecture, 100MHz clock speed, and 512KB FLASH memory. Active product status ensures long-term availability and supply chain stability.

ATSAM4S2CA-AU — Recommended for applications requiring enhanced performance with extended connectivity options. This part preserves the 128KB FLASH memory specification of the original part while providing ARM Cortex-M4 architecture, 120MHz clock speed, and expanded peripheral support including USB and Memory Card interfaces. Active product status and ROHS3 compliance support modern design requirements.

STM32F101VBT6 — Recommended for applications requiring cross-manufacturer flexibility or existing STMicroelectronics ecosystem integration. This part maintains ARM Cortex-M3 architecture, 128KB FLASH memory, and 16K x 8 RAM matching the original specification. Voltage supply range begins at 2V (compared to 1.62V for Microchip parts), which may require design consideration for ultra-low-power applications. Active product status ensures availability.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can ATSAM4N8CA-AU directly replace ATSAM3N2CA-AU in existing designs?

A: Pin-compatible replacement is possible due to identical 100-LQFP package dimensions and matching I/O count (79 pins). However, firmware validation is required to confirm compatibility with enhanced specifications including increased clock speed (100MHz vs. 48MHz), expanded RAM (64K vs. 16K), and additional FLASH memory (512KB vs. 128KB).

Q: What is the minimum voltage supply difference between ATSAM3N2CA-AU and STM32F101VBT6?

A: ATSAM3N2CA-AU operates from 1.62V minimum, while STM32F101VBT6 operates from 2V minimum. Applications requiring operation below 2V must use Microchip SAM series parts (ATSAM3N2CA-AU, ATSAM4N8CA-AU, or ATSAM4S2CA-AU).

Q: Are all substitute parts ROHS3 compliant?

A: Yes. ATSAM3N2CA-AU, ATSAM4N8CA-AU, ATSAM4S2CA-AU, and STM32F101VBT6 are all ROHS3 compliant, meeting environmental and regulatory requirements for modern electronics manufacturing.

Q: What is the primary difference between ATSAM4N8CA-AU and ATSAM4S2CA-AU?

A: ATSAM4N8CA-AU provides 512KB FLASH memory and 100MHz clock speed with standard connectivity (I2C, IrDA, SPI, UART/USART). ATSAM4S2CA-AU provides 128KB FLASH memory and 120MHz clock speed with extended connectivity including USB and Memory Card interfaces. Selection depends on application memory and peripheral requirements.

Q: Is the ATSAM3N2CA-AU still available for purchase?

A: ATSAM3N2CA-AU is classified as obsolete. Active substitute parts (ATSAM4N8CA-AU, ATSAM4S2CA-AU, STM32F101VBT6) are recommended for new designs and ongoing production to ensure long-term supply chain stability.

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