NXP Unveils S32N55 Processor for Vehicle Control Integration

New Delhi: NXP Semiconductors announced the S32N55 processor, the first device in the S32N family of vehicle super-integration processors. As the core of the S32 CoreRide central compute solution, it provides a scalable combination of secure, real-time and application processing to meet the central compute needs of vehicle manufacturers. The S32N55 processor specializes in secure, centralized, real-time vehicle control, accommodating high-performance, deterministic computing for maximum functional safety. Through software-defined, hardware-reinforced isolation, it can manage multiple vehicle functions independently.

The S32N55 processor enables integration of vehicle functions, significantly reducing ECU hardware costs. This “super-integration” capability reduces material use and weight, contributing to stability and extended driving range. Ultimately, fewer ECUs and less wiring result in reduced manufacturing complexity and time for car manufacturers. With the S32N55’s hardware isolation and virtualization technologies, its resources can be dynamically partitioned to adapt to evolving vehicle function requirements over time. Hardware-reinforced isolation enables secure consolidation of ECUs, streamlining software development and supporting lifetime enhancements and upgrades. Vehicle functions can receive independent software updates with the S32N55’s secure, granular over-the-air (OTA) upgradeability.

“The S32N55 processor is the central brain for real-time vehicle control in our new S32 CoreRide platform,” said Ray Cornyn, senior vice president and general manager of automotive processors at NXP. With unmatched real-time performance, significant hardware-enforced isolation, and vehicle networking capabilities, it can deliver more functionality with less equipment, reduce costs, and provide upgradability for better and future-proof vehicles.

The S32N55 processor integrates 16 split-locked Arm® Cortex®-R52 processor cores running at 1.2 GHz for real-time computing, supporting various functional security levels up to ISO 26262 ASIL D. Tightly coupled integrated memory and 48 MB system SRAM enables fast execution with low-latency access. An integrated Time-Sensitive Networking (TSN) 2.5 Gbit/s Ethernet switch, a CAN hub, and a PCI Express Gen 4 interface help reduce wiring and system costs. The S32N55 is leading the way for customers with comprehensive enablement by NXP to accelerate customer designs and a strong partner ecosystem, including the S32 CoreRide software partner ecosystem.