ATSAM3N4BA-MU Equivalent & Substitute Parts

Part Overview

The ATSAM3N4BA-MU is a 32-bit ARM Cortex-M3 microcontroller from Microchip Technology's SAM3N series, featuring 256KB FLASH memory and operating at 48MHz. This device is classified as obsolete, making equivalent and substitute parts necessary for new designs and production continuity. The SAM3N series has been superseded by more advanced SAM4 series microcontrollers that maintain backward compatibility in core functionality while offering enhanced performance and features.

Key Parameters

Parameter	ATSAM3N4BA-MU
Core Processor	ARM Cortex-M3
Core Size	32-Bit Single-Core
Speed	48MHz
Program Memory Size	256KB FLASH
RAM Size	24K x 8
Voltage Supply (Vcc/Vdd)	1.62V ~ 3.6V
Number of I/O	47
Package	64-VFQFN Exposed Pad (9x9)
Operating Temperature	-40°C ~ 85°C
Product Status	Obsolete

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

Substitution of the ATSAM3N4BA-MU is determined by the following critical parameters:

Mandatory Compatibility Parameters:

Package type: 64-VFQFN Exposed Pad (9x9) form factor
Voltage supply range: 1.62V ~ 3.6V
Operating temperature range: -40°C ~ 85°C
Number of I/O pins: 47
Connectivity interfaces: I2C, IrDA, SPI, UART/USART
Peripherals: Brown-out Detect/Reset, DMA, POR, PWM, WDT
Mounting type: Surface Mount

Flexible Parameters (allowing substitution):

Core processor architecture (ARM Cortex-M3 to ARM Cortex-M4)
Operating speed (48MHz baseline)
Program memory size (256KB baseline)
RAM capacity
Data converter specifications
Product status (Obsolete to Active)

The three substitute parts listed below maintain the mandatory compatibility parameters while offering improvements in performance, memory capacity, or feature set.

Parameter Comparison

Parameter	ATSAM3N4BA-MU	ATSAM4N8BA-MU	ATSAM4S4BA-MU	ATSAM4LS4BA-MUR
Series	SAM3N	SAM4N	SAM4S	SAM4L
Core Processor	ARM Cortex-M3	ARM Cortex-M4	ARM Cortex-M4	ARM Cortex-M4
Speed	48MHz	100MHz	120MHz	48MHz
Program Memory	256KB	512KB	256KB	256KB
RAM Size	24K x 8	64K x 8	64K x 8	32K x 8
Voltage Supply	1.62V ~ 3.6V	1.62V ~ 3.6V	1.62V ~ 3.6V	1.68V ~ 3.6V
Number of I/O	47	47	47	48
Package	64-VFQFN Exposed Pad	64-VFQFN Exposed Pad	64-VFQFN Exposed Pad	64-VFQFN Exposed Pad
Operating Temperature	-40°C ~ 85°C	-40°C ~ 85°C	-40°C ~ 85°C	-40°C ~ 85°C
Connectivity	I2C, IrDA, SPI, UART/USART	I2C, IrDA, SPI, UART/USART	I2C, IrDA, Memory Card, SPI, SSC, UART/USART, USB	I2C, IrDA, LINbus, SPI, UART/USART, USB
Peripherals	Brown-out Detect/Reset, DMA, POR, PWM, WDT	Brown-out Detect/Reset, DMA, POR, PWM, WDT	Brown-out Detect/Reset, DMA, POR, PWM, WDT	Brown-out Detect/Reset, DMA, I2S, POR, PWM, WDT
Product Status	Obsolete	Active	Active	Active
RoHS Status	ROHS3 Compliant	ROHS3 Compliant	ROHS3 Compliant	ROHS3 Compliant
MSL Rating	1 (Unlimited)	3 (168 Hours)	3 (168 Hours)	3 (168 Hours)

Engineering Selection Recommendations

ATSAM4N8BA-MU is suitable for applications requiring increased program memory (512KB) and higher processing speed (100MHz) while maintaining the same I/O count and core connectivity. This part is active in production and ROHS3 compliant. The SAM4N series provides a direct performance upgrade path from the SAM3N.

ATSAM4S4BA-MU is recommended for designs requiring extended connectivity options including USB and Memory Card interfaces, with enhanced data converter specifications (11x12-bit A/D, 2x12-bit D/A). This part maintains 256KB program memory matching the original specification and operates at 120MHz. Active production status and ROHS3 compliance are confirmed.

ATSAM4LS4BA-MUR is the manufacturer-recommended substitute, offering the same 48MHz operating speed as the original part with ARM Cortex-M4 architecture. This part includes additional connectivity (LINbus, USB) and I2S peripheral support. Supplied in Tape & Reel packaging. Active production status and ROHS3 compliance are confirmed. Minimum voltage supply is 1.68V (compared to 1.62V for the original).

All three substitutes maintain the 64-VFQFN Exposed Pad package, operating temperature range, and core peripheral set required for functional compatibility.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can ATSAM4N8BA-MU, ATSAM4S4BA-MU, and ATSAM4LS4BA-MUR be used interchangeably with ATSAM3N4BA-MU?

A: These parts share the same 64-VFQFN package, I/O count (47-48), voltage supply range (1.62V-3.6V or 1.68V-3.6V), and core peripheral set. However, they differ in processor architecture (Cortex-M4 vs. M3), operating speed, and memory configuration. Firmware compatibility must be verified for each application, as the Cortex-M4 architecture introduces additional instruction set capabilities.

Q: What is the primary reason for substituting ATSAM3N4BA-MU?

A: The ATSAM3N4BA-MU is classified as obsolete. Microchip Technology has transitioned production to the SAM4 series, which provides enhanced performance, additional features, and continued long-term support. Substitution ensures design continuity and access to active production inventory.

Q: Are all substitute parts ROHS3 compliant?

A: Yes. ATSAM4N8BA-MU, ATSAM4S4BA-MU, and ATSAM4LS4BA-MUR are all ROHS3 compliant and REACH unaffected, matching the compliance profile of the original part.

Q: What is the difference in Moisture Sensitivity Level (MSL) between the original and substitutes?

A: The ATSAM3N4BA-MU has MSL 1 (Unlimited), while all substitute parts have MSL 3 (168 Hours). This requires stricter moisture control during storage and handling for the substitute parts. Devices must be used within 168 hours of opening the original packaging or after exposure to humidity levels exceeding 60% RH at 30°C.

Q: Which substitute part is recommended by the manufacturer?

A: ATSAM4LS4BA-MUR is designated as the manufacturer-recommended substitute. It maintains the 48MHz operating speed of the original part while providing ARM Cortex-M4 architecture and additional connectivity features.

Q: Do the substitute parts support the same connectivity interfaces?

A: All substitute parts support I2C, IrDA, SPI, and UART/USART interfaces present in the original part. ATSAM4S4BA-MU and ATSAM4LS4BA-MUR offer additional connectivity options (USB, Memory Card, LINbus) not present in the original specification.

Q: What packaging options are available for the substitute parts?

A: ATSAM4N8BA-MU and ATSAM4S4BA-MU are supplied in Tray packaging. ATSAM4LS4BA-MUR is supplied in Tape & Reel (TR) packaging. All maintain the 64-VFQFN Exposed Pad (9x9) form factor.

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