Atmel expands Cortex-A5 MPU lineup

Atmel has expanded its ARM Cortex-A5 microprocessor (MPU) portfolio with new SAMA5D3 devices that deliver smaller packaging, extended temperature support and an alternative peripheral mix. The latest SAMA5D3 devices – designed to neatly balance high performance and low-power operation – also offer an expanded ecosystem with new software and hardware.

As we’ve previously discussed on Bits & Pieces, Atmel’s Cortex-A5 processor-based MPUs are capable of achieving 850DMIPS at 536MHz and hitting 1328MB/s at 166MHz bus speed. Indeed, the devices facilitate fast connectivity along with advanced user interfaces for home automation and control panels. Meanwhile, ultra-low power consumption comes in under 200mW in active mode at maximum speed – slipping below 0.5mW in low-power mode for wearables such as smart watches.

“To better meet wearable, portable computing and medical application requirements, we have added a smaller package option to the SAMA5D31 to include a tiny, fine-pitch 12x12mm BGA324 0.5mm ball pitch package,” Jacko Wilbrink, Sr. Director of ARM Products, Atmel Corporation, explained.

“For volumes starting at 100,000 pieces, Atmel offers the SAMA5D3 in-die, facilitating the development of Silicon in Package (SiP) solutions for even smaller form factor designs. Incremental support for the industrial and automotive aftermarket is provided by the new SAMA5D36, a superset device providing a unique combination of user interface (UI) and connectivity features including an LCD, 2x Ethernet ports and dual CAN support. The SAMA5D36 – along with the SAMA5D35 – also supports an ambient temperature range of -40 degrees to 105 degree C.”

According to Wilbrink, Atmel has been shipping its Cortex-A5 processor-based MPUs for over 10 months to customers in a number vertical markets.

“We’ve listened closely to our customers, implementing additional features and functionality to our Cortex A5 processor-based MPUs to ensure we improve their designs or make it possible,” he said. “Simply put, Atmel’s diverse portfolio offers customers all the right features, from high performance and low power to expanded temperature ranges, smaller packaging and a more robust ecosystem environment.”

In addition, says Wilbrink, Atmel’s already robust SAMA5D3 MPU ecosystem has been expanded to include close collaboration with various partners. For example, the free Atmel Linux distribution is now available on the Yocto build system, along with a free Android 4.2 port here.

Meanwhile, more C-language examples are available in the Atmel software package (aka softpack) for non-OS users, with Atmel significantly bolstering its SAMA5D3 ecosystem to include Windows Compact 7 BSP, QNX, NuttX BSP, Micrium uC-OS/III operating system support, Rowley Crossworks or ATollic True Studio development tool support, as well as active-semi power management ICs.

Interested in learning more about Atmel’s expanded Cortex-A5 MPU lineup? You can check out our extensive device portfolio here.