ATSAM3N4CA-CU Equivalent & Substitute Parts

Part Overview

The ATSAM3N4CA-CU is an ARM® Cortex®-M3 SAM3N Microcontroller IC with 32-Bit Single-Core architecture, 48MHz clock speed, and 256KB FLASH memory in a 100-TFBGA (9x9) package. This part is classified as Obsolete, making identification of functionally equivalent alternatives necessary for ongoing design support and production continuity. Substitute parts must maintain compatibility across core electrical parameters, package form factor, and peripheral connectivity to ensure seamless integration into existing designs.

Substiute Parts

ATSAM3N4CA-CU

Microchip TechnologyIn Stock: 1087ATSAM3N4CA-CU Datasheet

Current PartRFQ

ATSAM4N8CA-CU

AtmelIn Stock: 1533ATSAM4N8CA-CU Datasheet

DirectRFQ

ATSAM4S4CA-CU

Microchip TechnologyIn Stock: 858ATSAM4S4CA-CU Datasheet

DirectRFQ

AT91SAM7X256C-CU

Microchip TechnologyIn Stock: 1218AT91SAM7X256C-CU Datasheet

MFR RecommendedRFQ

Key Parameters

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

Substitution eligibility for the ATSAM3N4CA-CU is determined by the following critical parameters:

• Package compatibility: 100-TFBGA (9x9) form factor
• Voltage supply range: 1.62V ~ 3.6V
• Core architecture: 32-Bit Single-Core ARM-based processor
• Program memory: Minimum 256KB FLASH
• RAM capacity: Minimum 24K x 8
• Connectivity interfaces: I2C, SPI, UART/USART support
• Peripheral set: DMA, PWM, WDT, Brown-out Detect/Reset
• Operating temperature range: -40°C ~ 85°C
• RoHS3 compliance

The identified substitute parts meet these criteria while offering enhanced specifications in processing speed, memory capacity, or peripheral integration. All substitutes maintain the same package footprint and electrical operating parameters, enabling direct replacement in PCB layouts.

Parameter Comparison

Engineering Selection Recommendations

ATSAM4N8CA-CU is the primary substitute for direct replacement applications. This part maintains identical package geometry, I/O count, and voltage supply range while providing enhanced processing capability through ARM® Cortex®-M4 architecture, doubled program memory (512KB), and tripled RAM capacity (64K x 8). Product status is Active, ensuring long-term availability and supply chain stability. RoHS3 compliance status should be verified with the supplier for regulatory documentation requirements.

ATSAM4S4CA-CU serves as an alternative substitute with equivalent program memory (256KB) to the original part but offers superior processing speed (120MHz) and expanded connectivity options including USB, SSC, and Memory Card interfaces. This part carries Active product status and ROHS3 compliance certification, making it suitable for designs requiring enhanced peripheral integration.

AT91SAM7X256C-CU is classified as a manufacturer-recommended substitute but presents architectural differences. The ARM7® core differs from the Cortex®-M3 architecture, and the voltage supply range is narrower (1.65V ~ 1.95V), requiring careful evaluation of power supply compatibility. This part offers expanded connectivity including CANbus and Ethernet but provides fewer I/O pins (62 versus 79). Product status is Active with ROHS3 compliance.

All substitute parts maintain the 100-TFBGA (9x9) package footprint and -40°C ~ 85°C operating temperature range, enabling PCB-level compatibility without layout redesign.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can ATSAM4N8CA-CU be used as a direct pin-for-pin replacement for ATSAM3N4CA-CU?

A: Yes. Both parts share identical 100-TFBGA (9x9) package geometry, 79 I/O pins, and compatible voltage supply range (1.62V ~ 3.6V). The ATSAM4N8CA-CU provides enhanced specifications without requiring PCB modifications. Firmware compatibility should be verified, as the Cortex®-M4 architecture may require code optimization for existing M3-targeted applications.

Q: What is the primary difference between ATSAM4N8CA-CU and ATSAM4S4CA-CU?

A: The ATSAM4N8CA-CU offers higher program memory (512KB versus 256KB) and operates at 100MHz, while the ATSAM4S4CA-CU operates at 120MHz with expanded connectivity interfaces (USB, SSC, Memory Card, EBI/EMI). Both provide 64K x 8 RAM. Selection depends on application requirements for memory capacity versus peripheral feature set.

Q: Is AT91SAM7X256C-CU compatible with the original ATSAM3N4CA-CU design?

A: Compatibility requires careful evaluation. While the package is identical and program memory matches, the voltage supply range is narrower (1.65V ~ 1.95V versus 1.62V ~ 3.6V), and the ARM7® architecture differs from Cortex®-M3. The reduced I/O count (62 versus 79) may impact designs utilizing all available pins. This part is suitable only for applications where power supply and I/O requirements align with its specifications.

Q: Are all substitute parts RoHS3 compliant?

A: ATSAM4S4CA-CU and AT91SAM7X256C-CU carry explicit ROHS3 compliance certification. ATSAM4N8CA-CU RoHS status is not specified in available documentation and should be confirmed with the supplier for regulatory compliance verification.

Q: What is the impact of using a substitute part with higher clock speed?

A: Higher clock speeds (ATSAM4N8CA-CU at 100MHz or ATSAM4S4CA-CU at 120MHz versus original 48MHz) enable faster instruction execution and improved real-time performance. Existing firmware will execute faster without modification. Power consumption may increase proportionally with clock speed; thermal and power supply design should be re-evaluated for the target application.

Q: Can firmware developed for ATSAM3N4CA-CU run on substitute parts without modification?

A: Firmware compatibility depends on architecture alignment. ATSAM4N8CA-CU and ATSAM4S4CA-CU use Cortex®-M4 architecture and are generally compatible with Cortex®-M3 code with potential performance improvements. AT91SAM7X256C-CU uses ARM7® architecture and requires firmware validation or recompilation. Peripheral register layouts and interrupt handling may differ; comprehensive testing is required before production deployment.