Overview
The MCX W23 is a compact, ultra-low-power Bluetooth® Low Energy 5.3 solution designed for extended battery life in IoT applications. It features an embedded microcontroller with integrated flash memory, enabling efficient operation in power-sensitive environments.
Engineered for flexibility, the MCX W23 supports direct operation from a wide range of primary batteries, including single-cell silver-oxide and lithium types. Optimized for space-constrained designs, the MCX W23 delivers a cost-effective solution ideal for body-worn sensors and actuator applications. As part of the Certified EdgeLock Assurance program, it supports both SESIP Level 2 and PSA Level 2 security certifications.
[Image: A young girl is shown holding a small electronic device, possibly a wearable sensor, with a blurred background. The device appears to be connected wirelessly.]
Key Features
- 2.4 GHz RF transceiver supporting Bluetooth Low Energy 5.3
- Arm® Cortex®-M33 with TrustZone®, floating point unit (FPU) and memory protection unit (MPU) for application control and Bluetooth Low Energy host stack
- Security support: HASH, AES, RSA, ECC, UUID, dynamic encrypt and decrypt of embedded flash memory with the PRINCE engine, PUF based key storage, secure boot and debug authentication.
- Real-time clock (RTC) clocked by the FRO_32k at 32.768 kHz with 1 s resolution enables operation in the always-on power domain. Supports all low-power modes with 1 ms resolution.
- Integrated flash memory with error code correction enabling autonomous operation or operation with a host microcontroller.
- Multiple interfaces for control, data, debug, and test.
- SPIFI with execute-in-place (XIP) feature uses up to four data lines to access off-chip SPI/DSPI/QSPI flash memory at a higher rate than standard SPI interfaces.
- Flexible power management unit (PMU) for operation supporting multiple battery types:
- MCX W23xB: High-voltage supply mode (HV_SM) for 3 V battery support using integrated buck DC-DC converter. External regulated supply mode (XR_SM) for PMIC support (bypassing the integrated DC-DC converter).
- MCX W23xA: Low-voltage supply mode (LV_SM) for 1.5 V battery support using integrated boost DC-DC converter.
- High integration enabled by:
- WLCSP package: < 6.56 mm² with 37 bumps
- QFN package: 5mm x 5mm with 40 pins
- Low number of external passive components
- Operating temperature: -40 °C to +85 °C
Block Diagrams
MCX W23xB with 3 V Lithium Cell Block Diagram
[Block Diagram Description: Shows a 3V Lithium cell connected to a buck converter producing 1.2V, which powers the MCX W23xB. The MCX W23xB has connections for VBAT_HV, VDD_IO, VDD_RF, VBAT_LV, NFC, ANTENNA, I2C/SPI interfaces, WAKEUP, and ANT. It also interfaces with NHS2634 / Sensors AFE / Actuators AFE and has optional components. A 32MHz crystal and a 32.768kHz crystal are shown.]
MCX W23xA with 1.5 V Silver Oxide Cell Block Diagram
[Block Diagram Description: Shows a 1.5V Silver Oxide cell connected to a boost converter producing 1.8V, which powers the MCX W23xA. The MCX W23xA has similar connections to the MCX W23xB: VBAT_HV, VDD_IO, VDD_RF, VBAT_LV, NFC, ANTENNA, I2C/SPI interfaces, WAKEUP, and ANT. It also interfaces with NHS2634 / Sensors AFE / Actuators AFE and has optional components. A 32MHz crystal and a 32.768kHz crystal are shown.]
Software and Tools
The MCX W23 is supported by a comprehensive ecosystem for fast software development:
- FRDM and EVK boards containing MCX W23 with support interfaces for SW development.
- VS-Code integrated development environment (IDE) for an easy-to-use development experience.
- Source code for peripheral drivers and example source code.
- MCUXpresso software development kit (SDK) with connectivity stacks and examples.
- Zephyr RTOS support.
The MCX W23 comes with a reference application enabling fast SW development, featuring:
- A modular SW architecture to allow easy reuse and modification.
- Performance optimized for using Bluetooth LE, low-power, and security features of the chip.
Benefits
- Flexible supply options
- Energy efficient
- Small solution size
- Easy enablement
- Safe and private
- Extensive On-chip memory
- Bluetooth Low Energy 5.3 certified
- Flexible interfaces
Development Platforms
[Image: NXP Freedom development board (FRDM-MCXW23), a compact board for evaluating the MCX W23 MCU.]
[Image: MCX W23 Evaluation Kit (EVK) base board, showing interchangeability with radio device modules for comprehensive development.]
Resources
Learn more at: nxp.com/MCXW23
[NXP Logo: The NXP logo, a stylized 'NXP' in blue.]
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