NXP Semiconductors is expanding its CoreRide platform with the S32K5 MCU family, the world’s first 16 nm FinFET microcontroller with integrated MRAM for automotive applications. The new MCU generation supports zonal E/E architectures and enables scalable solutions for software-defined vehicles (SDVs).
The S32K5 MCUs combine real-time performance with deterministic communication at low latency and thus support a flexible and safe vehicle architecture. They are based on Arm Cortex cores with clock rates of up to 800 MHz and offer high energy efficiency thanks to the 16 nm FinFET process.
Another core element is the integrated Ethernet switch core, which simplifies network configuration and optimizes the reusability of software. NXP’s dedicated Neural Processing Unit (NPU) also enables efficient real-time processing of sensor data directly at the vehicle’s end nodes.
S32K Partner-ecosystem. (© NXP Semiconductors)
Thanks to the hardware-supported isolation architecture, safety applications up to ASIL-D can be implemented. At the same time, the MRAM memory improves update flexibility: OTA updates can be written up to 15 times faster than with conventional flash memory. In addition, NXP integrates its latest security accelerator, which also supports post-quantum cryptography (PQC) and thus enables future-proof protection of the vehicle software. Test samples of the S32K5 MCU family will be available from the third quarter of 2025. (oe)
