- NXP Semiconductors NV
- ICT and Industrial
As in-vehicle systems evolve, ECUs are required to have higher performance, safety, security, and OTA compatibility. NXP's S32K3 series is a next-generation microcontroller that meets these requirements. It represents a significant evolution from the previous S32K1 series, and is suitable for a wide range of applications, including zone controllers, BMS, and gateways.
This page provides detailed information about NXP's S32K3 microcontroller.
NXP Automotive Microcontroller S32K3 Series
First, let's take a closer look at the appeal of the hardware at the core of the S32K3 series. Its high-performance processor, ample memory, and robust design that supports safety enable next-generation automotive control. To further illustrate these strengths, we will introduce the main features of the S32K3 series.
-
High performance
It is equipped with up to five Arm Cortex-M7 cores, supporting operating frequencies from 120 to 320 MHz. This enables complex control and high-speed communication processing. Furthermore, memory capacity has been significantly expanded from 512 KB to 12 MB, enabling it to handle larger software scales. -
Security
The built-in hardware security engine (HSE-B) enables encryption processing and key management in hardware, and its ISO 21434-compliant design supports in-vehicle cybersecurity.
In addition, NXP provides software such as firmware and encryption drivers for HSE from a one-stop shop, and this software is available at no additional cost. -
OTA support
Equipped with RWW (Read-While-Write), A/B swap, and rollback functions, updates can be performed safely without stopping the system even during updates. -
Functional safety
It complies with ISO 26262 ASIL-B to ASIL-D standards, ensuring the functional safety of automotive systems. ISO 26262 is an international standard for functional safety in automotive electrical and electronic systems, and ASIL (Automotive Safety Integrity Level) is an index that indicates the importance of safety within that standard. -
package
A variety of packages are available, including HDQFP, LQFP, and BGA, providing greater design flexibility.
The HDQFP package has TERMINALS that face outward and inward alternately, allowing for higher density mounting than conventional QFPs, thereby improving space efficiency.
HDQFP Package
-
Long-term supply guarantee
We offer a minimum 15-year supply guarantee, giving you peace of mind even in long-term projects.
Comparison of S32K1 and S32K3
Below is a comparison table between S32K1 and S32K3.
With the addition of the S32K3, we are now able to cover an even wider range of applications.
| Item | S32K1 | S32K3 |
|---|---|---|
| core | Cortex-M0+ / M4F | Cortex-M7 (up to 5 cores) |
| frequency | up to 112MHz | up to 320MHz |
| Memory | Maximum 2MB | Maximum 12MB |
| Security | CSEC | HSE-B |
| OTA | RWW | RWW・A/B swap |
| safety | ASIL B | ASIL B to D |
Development environment and software support
The appeal of the S32K3 series is not limited to its hardware. Here we will explain the powerful software support and tools that will help you smoothly proceed with your development.
Real-Time Drivers (RTDs)
・S32 Design Studio IDE
The S32K3 series is compatible with NXP's S32 Design Studio integrated development environment. This IDE features an intuitive GUI and a wide range of functions, improving software development efficiency. Its comprehensive debugging functions enable rapid project progress. Furthermore, S32 Design Studio is provided free of charge, minimizing the initial investment required to begin development. A wide range of libraries and sample code are also provided, making it easy to get started.
Real-time driver (RTD)
The Real-Time Driver (RTD) is a software product that integrates the MCAL environment for AUTOSAR applications with a software development kit (SDK) for non-AUTOSAR applications. AUTOSAR (Automotive Open System Architecture) is FRAMES aimed at standardizing automotive software and is adopted by many automakers and suppliers. The Microcontroller Abstraction Layer (MCAL) is a layer that acts as an intermediary between the hardware and higher-level software layers, abstracting the characteristics of the microcontroller. The MCAL is necessary to improve software portability across different hardware platforms and increase development efficiency. This allows developers to implement functions independently of the hardware.
Customers who purchase any S32 product, including the S32K3, can use this RTD at no additional license cost.
The features of RTDs are summarized below.
- Combine SDK and MCAL environments into one software product, add new features, and update existing features
- Compliant with Automotive-SPICE, ISO 26262, ISO 9001, and IATF 16949
- RTD software is available for use at no additional license cost, including for mass production applications of MCAL
- Supports EB tresos Studio (AUTOSAR) and S32CT (non-AUTOSAR) configurators
- Supports bare metal, AUTOSAR OS, and FreeRTOS applications
- Supports GCC, IAR, DIAB and Green Hills GHS compilers
S32K3 Series Lineup
Next, we will focus on the S32K3 series of products. The wide range of products expands the possibilities for in-vehicle development.
The following diagram shows the lineup of the S32K3 series. When selecting the S32K3 microcontroller that is best suited to your application, please first refer to this lineup table.
S32K3 Series Lineup 1
SS32K3 Series Lineup 2
SS32K3 Series Lineup 3
SS32K3 Series Lineup 4
If you require detailed text, specification comparison tables, data sheets, and other information, we also have a selector guide available, so please feel free to use it.
Product Selector
S32K3 evaluation board
To ensure smooth development of the S32K3 series, it is essential to use an evaluation board.
Here we will introduce some representative general-purpose boards. Please also refer to the NXP official website for details.
S32K3 general-purpose evaluation board
The S32K3 general-purpose evaluation board is equipped with CAN and LIN pins, a push SWITCHES for evaluation, an LED for operation confirmation, etc. POWER SUPPLIES can be supplied via USB or AC ADAPTERS.
This concludes the explanation of the S32K3 series.
Summary
The S32K3 series is an automotive microcontroller that combines performance, security, and OTA support. So far, we have introduced its appeal in detail.
The S32K3 series is a product that can be used for a wide range of automotive applications, including zone controllers, battery management systems (BMS), gateways, and body control. If you are interested, please feel free to Inquiry Nexty Electronics.
Related Info
S32K3 General-Purpose Automotive Microcontroller
S32K1 General-Purpose Automotive Microcontroller
Inquiries regarding detailed explanations and proposals
Inquiry
Related Product Information
Introduction to Edge AI Solutions with NXP's NPU-equipped i.MX/MCX
This article explains the rapidly growing edge AI with real device examples and introduces NXP’s processors and microcontrollers equipped with NPUs.
- NXP Semiconductors NV
- NEXT Mobility
- ICT and Industrial
- Smart Factories and Robotics
An In-Depth Look at the Features of NXP's Automotive CAN/LIN Transceiver Products
This article explains the features of NXP’s automotive CAN/LIN transceivers, designed to withstand harsh in-vehicle conditions, for ECU developers looking for reliable in-car network products.
- NXP Semiconductors NV
- NEXT Mobility
- ICT and Industrial
Introduction to NXP's Automotive Millimeter-Wave Radar Products
This article provides an overview of automotive millimeter-wave radar, a key sensor in advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS), and introduces NXP’s leading radar product family driving the market.
- NXP Semiconductors NV
- NEXT Mobility
- ICT and Industrial
- Smart Factories and Robotics
An In-Depth Look at the Advantages of NXP's Automotive Microcontroller S12 MagniV
NXP’s integrated microcontroller, S12 MagniV, helps miniaturize ECUs and shorten development time, contributing to the electrification of automotive systems. This article explains its features and benefits.
- NXP Semiconductors NV
- NEXT Mobility
- ICT and Industrial
Introducing NXP's CAN TRANSCEIVER products with signal improvement (SIC)
NXP's SIC-equipped CAN TRANSCEIVER actively suppresses ringing on the transmitting side, stabilizing high-speed CANFD communications. It is software and pin compatible, allowing it to be replaced with existing designs, and is compliant with automotive standards.
- NXP Semiconductors NV
- NEXT Mobility
Introducing NXP's automotive LED DRIVER
Introducing NXP's automotive LED DRIVER. This product line supports constant voltage, constant current, high-precision PWM, and I2C/SPI, making it ideal for dimming multiple LEDs and displays.
- NXP Semiconductors NV
- NEXT Mobility
Link to Related Technical Columns
Real-time AI tracking camera built with i.MX 93 - Achieving human tracking with NPU and servo motors
This document explains the procedure for building a camera that uses the i.MX 93 NPU and eIQ to perform face detection and track people in real time, from building a Yocto BSP to configuring PWM and using servo control.
No need for an oscilloscope! High-precision time measurement using ARM-Cortex M DWT CYCCNT - A practical guide to minimized steps
This article provides an easy-to-understand explanation of the procedures and practical points for highly accurate time measurement on ARM Cortex-M using DWT CYCCNT without the need for external equipment.
A thorough explanation of the directories generated by bitbake | Essential for troubleshooting Yocto development
We will explain the structure and use of bitbake's tmp subdirectories (work, work-shared, deploy, etc.), as well as Yocto troubleshooting procedures using log checking and deb distribution.
Azure RTOS ThreadX Practical Guide: Practical Explanation of Task Management and Communication Functions
We will explain multitasking design and communication functions such as message queues in Azure RTOS (ThreadX).
First Steps with Azure RTOS: Creating a "Hello World" Project Using Azure RTOS
This article explains how to create, build, and debug a Hello World message using Azure RTOS (ThreadX) on the i.MX RT1170 evaluation board.
Building an i.MX Development Environment (Yocto Edition) | Technical Column
This article explains how to set up a Yocto development environment using NXP’s i.MX series. It covers hardware, preparation steps, and build procedures, helping you prepare to flash images on i.MX evaluation boards.