ATSAM3N4CA-AU Equivalent & Substitute Parts

Part Overview

The ATSAM3N4CA-AU is an ARM Cortex-M3 SAM3N microcontroller IC manufactured by Microchip Technology, featuring 32-bit single-core architecture, 48MHz clock speed, and 256KB FLASH memory in a 100-LQFP package. This part is classified as obsolete, making equivalent and substitute parts necessary for ongoing design support and production continuity. The device is ROHS3 compliant and suitable for embedded applications requiring moderate processing capability and integrated connectivity options.

Substiute Parts

ATSAM3N4CA-AU

Microchip TechnologyIn Stock: 1445ATSAM3N4CA-AU Datasheet

Current PartRFQ

ATSAM4N8CA-AU

Microchip TechnologyIn Stock: 2293ATSAM4N8CA-AU Datasheet

DirectRFQ

ATSAM4S4CA-AU

Microchip TechnologyIn Stock: 1580ATSAM4S4CA-AU Datasheet

DirectRFQ

SPC560B40L3B6E0Y

STMicroelectronicsIn Stock: 675SPC560B40L3B6E0Y Datasheet

MFR RecommendedRFQ

Key Parameters

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

Substitution eligibility for the ATSAM3N4CA-AU is determined by the following critical parameters: identical package type (100-LQFP 14x14), compatible voltage supply range (1.62V ~ 3.6V minimum overlap), matching I/O count (79 pins), and compatible connectivity interfaces (I2C, SPI, UART/USART). Substitute parts must maintain surface mount mounting type and ROHS3 compliance.

The substitute parts are grouped into two categories:

Microchip SAM Series Upgrades: ATSAM4N8CA-AU and ATSAM4S4CA-AU represent direct Microchip Technology alternatives with enhanced specifications while maintaining package compatibility and core connectivity features.

Cross-Manufacturer Alternative: SPC560B40L3B6E0Y from STMicroelectronics provides functional equivalence with different core architecture (e200z0h) and extended voltage range, suitable for applications where automotive-grade qualification is beneficial.

Parameter Comparison

Engineering Selection Recommendations

ATSAM4N8CA-AU is the primary substitute for new designs requiring Microchip ecosystem continuity. This part maintains identical package footprint and voltage supply compatibility while providing enhanced performance through ARM Cortex-M4 architecture, doubled FLASH memory (512KB), and tripled RAM capacity (64K x 8). Active product status ensures long-term availability and support.

ATSAM4S4CA-AU serves as an alternative when maximum processing performance is required within the same memory footprint. The 120MHz clock speed and enhanced data converter specifications (16x12-bit A/D, 2x12-bit D/A versus 16x10-bit and 1x10-bit) support applications demanding higher analog resolution. Extended connectivity options including USB and memory card interfaces provide additional integration flexibility.

SPC560B40L3B6E0Y is suitable for applications requiring automotive-grade qualification (AEC-Q100) or extended operating temperature range (-40°C to 105°C). The extended voltage supply range (3V ~ 5.5V) accommodates higher supply voltages. Cross-manufacturer substitution requires firmware and peripheral driver adaptation due to different core architecture and connectivity interface set (CANbus, LINbus, SCI versus I2C, IrDA, UART/USART).

All substitute parts maintain ROHS3 compliance and identical 100-LQFP package dimensions, enabling direct PCB footprint compatibility.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can ATSAM4N8CA-AU and ATSAM4S4CA-AU be used interchangeably with ATSAM3N4CA-AU?

A: Both parts share identical package type (100-LQFP 14x14), voltage supply range (1.62V ~ 3.6V), I/O count (79 pins), and core connectivity interfaces. Pin-level compatibility exists for standard peripheral functions. However, firmware recompilation is required due to different core processors (Cortex-M4 versus Cortex-M3) and enhanced peripheral capabilities. Peripheral register maps and interrupt handling may differ between SAM3N and SAM4 series.

Q: What are the key differences between Microchip SAM4 substitutes and the STMicroelectronics SPC560B40L3B6E0Y?

A: Microchip SAM4 parts maintain ARM Cortex architecture and Microchip peripheral integration, requiring minimal firmware adaptation. The SPC560B40L3B6E0Y uses e200z0h core architecture and STMicroelectronics peripheral set, necessitating significant firmware rewrite. Connectivity differs substantially: SAM4 provides I2C, IrDA, SPI, UART/USART; SPC560 provides CANbus, LINbus, SCI, SPI. Voltage supply ranges differ (1.62V-3.6V versus 3V-5.5V).

Q: Is the ATSAM3N4CA-AU still available for purchase?

A: The ATSAM3N4CA-AU is classified as obsolete. Inventory availability is limited to existing stock. For new production designs, migration to active-status alternatives (ATSAM4N8CA-AU or ATSAM4S4CA-AU) is recommended to ensure long-term supply chain continuity.

Q: What is the impact of increased clock speed in substitute parts?

A: ATSAM4N8CA-AU (100MHz) and ATSAM4S4CA-AU (120MHz) operate at higher clock speeds than the original ATSAM3N4CA-AU (48MHz). Higher clock speeds increase power consumption and may require PCB layout adjustments for signal integrity. Firmware timing-dependent code requires recalibration. Enhanced performance enables more complex real-time processing within the same package footprint.

Q: Are all substitute parts ROHS3 compliant?

A: Yes. ATSAM4N8CA-AU, ATSAM4S4CA-AU, and SPC560B40L3B6E0Y are all ROHS3 compliant with identical moisture sensitivity level (MSL 3, 168 hours) to the original ATSAM3N4CA-AU.