Cortex-M-based MCUs set pace for automotive design

Article By : EDN Asia

The scalable S32K1 family features up to 2MB flash memory; features 32-bit ARM Cortex-M4F and Cortex-M0+ based MCUs.

NXP has launched the S32K1 product line which bundles a suite of automotive-grade tools and software to support ARM Cortex-based MCUs with future-proof features. This combination enables end-to-end development in automotive applications.

Simplified system development

In applications where AUTOSAR is not mandated, NXP is providing a pre-installed software development kit (SDK) in a free S32 Design Studio (DS) as a turn-key option that enables rapid prototyping with drag and drop functionality. The SDK includes:

• MISRA and SPICE Level 3 compliant low-level drivers (LLDs) for all peripherals
• Optional application-specific middleware for LIN, NFC and touch sensing
• FreeRTOS operating system
• Drivers for complementary NXP ICs for faster application bring-up and production readiness e.g. system basis chip (SBC) drivers
• Documented source code and out-of-the-box examples eliminating the need for device documentation during application bring-up

NXP’s S32 DS is an Eclipse-based integrated development environment (IDE) supporting multiple compiler and debugger options.

For AUTOSAR applications, the Complex Device Drivers (CDD) and ARCCORE S32K starter have been added to NXP’s standard MCAL and OS support.

 
[NXP S32K MCUs fig1 (cr)]
Figure 1: ARM Cortex-M based SK32 MCUs assure security, safety and low power suitable for automotive and industrial applications.
 

Future-proofed

While existing solutions require multiple MCU platforms, the S32K1 family will span 128KB-2MB of flash memory based on high performance ARM Cortex-M cores. All family members include ISO CAN FD, CSEc hardware security, ASIL-B support and power efficient. The S32K1 microchips also enable customers to reuse and reconfigure. S32K MCUs are included in NXP’s Product Longevity Program which assures supply for a minimum of 15 years.

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