S32K3 ARM® Cortex®-M7 Based MCUs: Simplifying Software Development for Automotive and Industrial

Introduction

The S32K3 family offers scalable 32-bit Arm Cortex-M7 based MCUs in single, dual, and Lockstep core configurations, supporting up to ASIL D level safety. Key features include a hardware security subsystem with NXP firmware, support for firmware over-the-air (FOTA) updates, and an ISO 26262 compliant Real-Time Drivers (RTD) software package for AUTOSAR™ and non-AUTOSAR applications. S32K3 MCUs utilize NXP's MaxQFP packaging technology, reducing package footprint by up to 55% compared to standard QFP packages.

Features and Performance

• Lockstep Arm Cortex-M7 cores, operating at 120-240 MHz with FPU.
• Memory options: 512 KB to 8 MB Flash with ECC.
• FOTA, A/B firmware swap with zero downtime and roll-back support, including automatic address translation.
• 12-bit 1Msps ADCs and 16-bit eMIOS timers with logic control units for motor control.
• Low power Run and Standby modes with fast wake-up, clock, and power gating.
• Available in MaxQFP and BGA packages.

MaxQFP Package Technology

• Combines QFP 'gull-wing' and PLCC 'J-lead' in a single package.
• Available in 172-pin (16 x 16 mm) and 100-pin (10 x 10 mm) configurations with 0.65 mm pin pitch.
• AEC-Q100 qualified: Grade 1 (-40° C to +125°C) and Grade 2 (-40°C to +105° C).

Safety, Security, and Connectivity

• ISO 26262 compliance up to ASIL D.
• Fault Collection and Control Unit (FCCU).
• Hardware and software watchdogs, clock/power/temperature monitors.
• Safety documentation and SafeAssure® community support.
• HSE (Hardware Security Engine) with AES-128/192/256, RSA, and ECC encryption; secure boot and key storage; side-channel protection; ISO 21434 compliance.
• Connectivity options: Ethernet TSN and AVB (100Mbps/1Gbps), I3C, CAN-FD, FlexIO (SPI/IIC/IIS/SENT protocol), serial audio interface, QSPI.

Production-Grade Software

• Real-Time Drivers (RTD): Free for AUTOSAR and non-AUTOSAR applications, ASIL D compliant.
• Security firmware: NXP provided, field upgradeable.
• Safety Framework Software (SAF) and Core Self-Test library for functional safety applications.
• S32 Design Studio IDE (S32DS): Eclipse-based IDE with GCC and debugger, supporting 3rd party tools.
• Model-Based Design Toolbox (MBDT) for MATLAB®.

S32K Family Scalability and Block Diagram

The S32K family offers a range of configurations from single-core Cortex-M7 MCUs (e.g., S32K311) to multi-core and lockstep configurations (e.g., S32K358 with dual Cortex-M7 cores and lockstep capability). Core frequencies range from 80 MHz to 240 MHz. Memory options scale from 128 KB Flash up to 8 MB Flash, with SRAM ranging from 64 KB to 1152 KB. Peripherals like CAN-FD, Ethernet (TSN), and various communication interfaces (SPI, I2C, I3C) are integrated depending on the specific part. The diagram illustrates the core count, frequency, memory size, and key peripherals across the S32K family members (K31x, K32x, K33x, K34x, K35x).

Key Scalability Features:

• Core Configurations: Single, Dual, Triple, Lockstep (LS) Arm Cortex-M7 cores.
• Frequencies: Ranging from 80 MHz to 240 MHz.
• Memory: Flash from 128 KB to 8 MB; SRAM from 64 KB to 1152 KB.
• Package Options: From 32/48 pins up to 289 pins (LQFP, MaxQFP, MAPBGA).
• Peripherals: Extensive integration of CAN-FD (up to 8 channels), Ethernet (100Mbps/1Gbps TSN), FlexIO, ADCs, timers, and security features.

Target Applications

• Body controllers
• Zone controllers
• Battery Management Systems (BMS)
• Infotainment IO controllers
• E-shifters
• Motor control (e.g., Belt-Starter Generator (BSG), fan/pump controllers, turbo chargers)

S32K3 Software Enablement Ecosystem

NXP provides a comprehensive software ecosystem for the S32K3 MCUs, categorized into Premium, Standard, and Reference software. This ecosystem supports various application domains including AUTOSAR, motor control, safety, and security.

Premium Software (Available under license)

• Safety Software Framework (SAF): For fault detection and recovery in safety-critical applications, reducing development effort.
• Structural Core Self-Test (SCST) library: For runtime detection of permanent hardware faults with high diagnostic coverage.
• HSE Firmware (OEM-customised version): OEM-specific security firmware.
• Automotive Math and Motor Control Library (AMMCLIB): Optimized libraries for motor control and general math functions.
• Battery Management System (BMS) Safety Library: For BMS reference designs.
• ISELED LED lighting driver: For S32K MCUs in ISELED lighting applications.

Standard Software (Included in silicon cost)

• Real-Time Drivers (RTD): Software drivers for AUTOSAR/non-AUTOSAR applications, ISO 26262 ASIL D compliant.
• Safety Peripheral Drivers: Low-level drivers for safety peripherals like BIST manager and Extended Microcontroller Error Manager (eMcem).
• HSE Firmware (standard version): SHE+ support, field upgradeable, extended security services.
• Inter-Platform Communication Framework (IPCF): Middleware for inter-core communications and resource sharing.

Reference Software (Included in silicon cost)

• Platform Integration Software: General software examples.
• Communication Stacks: TCP/IP, LIN.
• FreeRTOS OS.
• S32 Design Studio IDE: Eclipse-based IDE with GNU compiler and debugger, supporting 3rd party tools. Includes S32 Config Tool for peripheral configuration.
• Model-Based Design Toolbox (MBDT): Plug-in for MATLAB® and Simulink®.
• Motor Control Tools: FreeMASTER real-time debug monitor and Motor Control Application Tuning (MCAT).

S32K3 Hardware Tools

NXP offers evaluation boards to facilitate development with the S32K3 MCUs.

S32K3X4EVB-Q172

• Supports S32K344/24/14 (172MaxQFP).
• FS26 power SBC: +5.0 V, +3.3V, and +1.5 V.
• Arduino™ UNO footprint-compatible for expansion.
• Integrated debug adapter with P&E firmware and JTAG connectors.
• Easy access to all MCU I/O pins.
• MII/RMII Ethernet Interface (10/100TBase) with RJ45 connector.
• Touch Pad Interface, Push Buttons, RGB LED, ADC Potentiometers.
• CAN Physical Layers with TJA1153 Secure HS-CAN Transceiver.
• LIN Physical Layers with TJA1021 LIN 2.1/SAE J2602 Transceiver.
• MX25L6433FM2R-08G 64Mb Serial NOR Flash Memory.

S32K3X4EVB-Q257

• Supports S32K344/24/14 (257BGA).
• FS26 power SBC: +5.0 V, +3.3V, and +1.5 V.
• Arduino UNO footprint-compatible for expansion.
• Integrated debug adapter with P&E firmware and JTAG connectors.
• Easy access to all MCU I/O pins.
• MII/RMII Ethernet Daughter Board Connector (compatible with ADTJA1101-RMII).
• Touch Pad Interface, Push Buttons, RGB LEDs, ADC Potentiometers, and MMA8452Q 3-Axis Digital Accelerometer.
• CAN Physical Layers with TJA1153 Secure HS-CAN Transceiver.
• LIN Physical Layers with TJA1021 LIN 2.1/SAE J2602 Transceiver.
• MX25L6433FM2R-08G 64Mb Serial NOR Flash Memory.
• SAI Connector and SGTL5000 Audio Codec Interface.

S32K3 Family Overview

S32K3 Resources

• Product information: nxp.com/S32K3
• Community: community.nxp.com/S32K
• Real-Time Drivers (RTD): nxp.com/RTD
• SafeAssure®: nxp.com/SafeAssure
• Product Longevity: nxp.com/ProductLongevity