NXP introduces the new S32K3 MCU that addresses the cost and complexity of automotive software development

     NXP Semiconductors announced the S32K3 microcontroller (MCU) family, the latest addition to the S32K product line. The release of the S32K1 series in 2017 was an important turning point, highlighting the central role of software in automotive development. Dedicated to body electronics systems, battery management and emerging domain controllers, the new S32K3 series continuously simplifies software development with an enhanced package covering cybersecurity, functional safety and underlying drivers.

     The S32K3 extends NXP's S32 automotive platform from gateway and domain control to area control and edge nodes. In addition, it enables software reuse across multiple applications, reducing the complexity of automotive software development and reducing the burden on Tier 1 suppliers and automakers.

     Ed Sarrat, Director of Product Management, Automotive Processing, NXP, said: "Software development is one of the major challenges facing modern automotive development, and the S32K3 MCU family is designed to help customers meet this challenge. It can leverage free automotion-grade drivers to accelerate development, simplify cybersecurity updates and over-the-air updates, and optimize functional safety compliance."

     The S32K3 cybersecurity solution includes a hardware security engine designed to meet the ongoing ISO/SAE 21434 standard and future OEM requirements. In addition to hardware, NXP offers its own firmware and encryption drivers to reduce the cost and complexity of working with third-party providers. The firmware maximizes the performance of the hardware security engine, intercepts improper access to protect the integrity of the security subsystem, and is upgradeable in the field to address evolving cybersecurity threats.

     Customers will benefit from the S32K3's system-level functional safety approach, which includes security framework software, kernel self-test library, and hardware features such as lock-in core and clock/power/temperature monitoring, easily compliant with ISO 26262 requirements. Along with the S32K3 comes the NXP FS26 Secure Energy Management IC. The portfolio includes software drivers, reference designs, and joint security documentation to further accelerate customers' security application development timelines.

     The unique Real-time Driver (RTD) integrates AUTOSAR with the underlying drivers of a proprietary software architecture. As a result, Tier 1 suppliers and automakers are able to reuse software platforms without having to maintain different architectures. The real-time driver is a production-grade program and complies with ISO 26262 standards, which reduces the time required for customer code validation.

     S32K3 can ensure the security of software in the process of wireless update. The smart memory design supports downloading updates during normal operation, while the automatic address mapping function requires no software reconfiguration. Thanks to these features, you can immediately switch to the new software version after a reset, and the original software is retained as a rollback option.

     The S32K3 series offers scalability from 512KB to 8MB flash memory and contains up to three Arm Cortex® M7 cores. In addition, this is NXP's first MCU to feature the breakthrough MaxQFP package, which takes up as much as 55% less space compared to the standard QFP. The S32K3 combines scalable hardware with easy-to-use software designed to accelerate innovation that enables the next generation of automotive capabilities.