The S32K1 series of automotive microcontrollers by NXP is a general-purpose microcontroller designed to meet the demands of automotive systems. S32K1 provides an ideal microcontroller solution for automotive applications.
With ARM Cortex-M0+ and M4F cores, it delivers exceptional processing performance while maintaining low power consumption. It also supports a wide range of communication protocols, features a rich set of I/O ports, and incorporates advanced security functions, making it suitable for a wide variety of automotive applications
The S32K1 series is an ideal choice for developing automotive ECUs that demand both reliability and high performance.
This page provides a detailed look at the S32K1 microcontroller and its key features.

• NXP feature site
• NXP official site

This section explains the features of the S32K1.

Features of S32K1

• ・Equipped with Arm Cortex-M4F/M0+ cores

  The S32K1 series incorporates Arm Cortex-M4F and M0+ cores, supporting advanced arithmetic processing and real-time control. This enables high performance even in complex automotive systems requiring intricate processing. The Cortex-M4F core includes a floating-point unit (FPU), allowing efficient execution of complex signal processing and control algorithms. The Cortex-M0+ core provides basic control functions while maintaining low power consumption.

• ・CAN-FD compatible

  The series supports CAN FD, enabling high-speed and reliable data communication. CAN FD (Controller Area Network with Flexible Data-Rate) significantly improves data transfer speeds compared to the conventional CAN standard, achieving communication speeds up to 8 Mbps. Using the S32K1's CAN FD support can significantly improve automotive network efficiency.

• ・Equipped with a hardware security engine

  The microcontroller incorporates the CSEc hardware security engine to enhance data protection and system security. This security engine prevents data tampering and unauthorized access by performing encryption and authentication functions at the hardware level.

• ・Functional safety support

  The S32K1 is compliant with ISO 26262 ASIL-B, ensuring functional safety for automotive systems. ISO 26262 is the international standard for functional safety in automotive electrical/electronic systems, and ASIL (Automotive Safety Integrity Level) indicates the level of safety integrity required.

• ・Ultra-low power design

  The design suppresses leakage current. Achieves industry-leading low power consumption through the use of low-power modes.

This section explains the development environment for the S32K1 series.

Real-Time Drivers (RTDs)

The S32K1 series is compatible with the integrated development environment "S32 Design Studio" provided by NXP. This IDE features an intuitive GUI and extensive capabilities, enhancing software development efficiency. Comprehensive debugging features also enable rapid project progression.
S32 Design Studio is also provided free of charge, helping you reduce the initial investment when starting development. Getting started is straightforward thanks to the numerous libraries and sample code included.

S32 Design Studio for S32 Platform

• S32 Design Studio for S32 Platform (NXP official site)

Real-time drivers (RTD) is a software product integrating the MCAL environment for AUTOSAR applications and a Software Development Kit (SDK) for non-AUTOSAR use.

Key features of RTD:

• Compliant with Automotive-SPICE, ISO 26262, ISO 9001, and IATF 16949
• RTD software is included with the purchase of S32 products (S32K1). No additional license costs are required
• Includes support for EB tresos Studio (AUTOSAR) and S32CT (non-AUTOSAR) configurators
• Supports GCC, IAR, DIAB, and Green Hills GHS compilers

• AUTOSAR (Automotive Open System Architecture) is a framework aimed at standardizing automotive software, adopted by many automakers and suppliers.
• MCAL (Microcontroller Abstraction Layer) is part of AUTOSAR, a software layer abstracting the microcontroller hardware. This improves software portability between different microcontrollers and enhances development efficiency.

Real-Time Drivers (RTD)

• Real-Time Drivers (RTD) (NXP official site) 

Other features of RTDs are summarized below.

• RTD software is included with the purchase of S32 products. No additional license costs are required
• Includes support for EB tresos Studio (AUTOSAR) and S32CT (non-AUTOSAR) configurators
• Includes support for bare-metal, AUTOSAR OS, and FreeRTOS applications
• Supports GCC, IAR, DIAB, and Green Hills GHS compilers

About the S32K1 series portfolio

• ・Built-in memory

  The S32K1 series offers built-in flash memory ranging from 128 kb to 2 mb, supporting a variety of applications. This significantly enhances design flexibility.

• ・Diverse pin counts

  Products range from 32 pins to 176 pins, accommodating various design requirements. This allows for flexible adaptation even in complex systems.

• ・Hardware/software compatibility

  The S32K1 series has high hardware and software compatibility, making device migration within the series easy.
  Applying it to platform development significantly reduces development costs and time.

• ・AEC-Q100 compliant

  Complies with AEC-Q100 Grade 1 (-40°C to +125°C Ta), ensuring high reliability even in harsh environments. Also available in Grade 0 (-40°C to +150°C Ta) variants for even more extreme conditions.

• ・Long-term supply guarantee

  The company offers a minimum 15-year supply guarantee program, ensuring peace of mind for long-term projects.

• Long-term product supply (NXP official site)

S32K1 series: minimum 15-year long-term supply guarantee

S32K1 series lineup details
The diagram below shows the S32K1 series lineup. When selecting the most suitable S32K1 microcontroller for your application, start by reviewing this lineup table.

S32K1 series lineup

Here is how to read the lineup table.
The central "Common Features" column lists functions common across the series.

• AEC-Q100, 5V 
• CSEc Security Module
• Low Power Operating Modes & Peripherals
• ASIL-B Capable:(ECC, MPU, CRC, W’DOGs)
• LPUART, LPSPI, LPIIC, FlexIO
• FlexTimers, LP Timers, Prog. Delay Block
• 8-40MHz Ext. Osc, 8/48MHz Osc., 128KHz LPO
• JTAG (S32K14x only)
• S32DS IDE, SDK
• Real Time Drivers(RTD)
• Autosar MCAL / OS
• Application SW

Below is an introduction to S32K1 evaluation boards.

The S32K1 general-purpose evaluation board includes onboard CAN and LIN pins, push switches for evaluation, LEDs for operation confirmation, and more. Power can be supplied via micro USB or an AC adapter.

The S32K1 application development kit/evaluation board is designed for evaluating automotive motor control and automotive Ethernet control. Featuring an S32K1 microcontroller, it provides an optimal environment for customer application development.