Dual-core + multi-protocol + more secure: this is the standard configuration of the new generation of wireless MCU

Many of today's devices require a host microcontroller (Host MCU) to connect to a wireless network, which increases size and complexity, while also making design, software development, procurement, supply chain and logistics more complicated. The new K32W0x wireless MCU platform, representing a new generation of Kinetis MCUs, as part of NXP's broad edge computing portfolio, can make devices more powerful and secure.

The K32W0x platform is a complementary and enhanced version of its predecessor, addressing the evolving IoT landscape with higher performance, more features and higher security. This new platform is the first single-chip device with dual-core architecture and embedded multi-protocol RF, enabling IoT product developers to obtain a range of services from silicon chips, software, tools, support to procurement through a single supplier, thereby reducing the overall complexity, size and cost of the product while improving functionality and security.

As the first product of NXP's new generation of Kinetis MCUs, the K32W0x MCU platform integrates the main controller and wireless MCU into a small device, miniaturizing complex applications that previously required larger and more expensive dual-chip solutions. Consumer devices (such as wearable devices, smart door locks, thermostats and other smart home devices) and various health care, commercial and industrial IoT applications can benefit from the multi-protocol RF and powerful performance advantages of the K32W0x wireless MCU platform.

Key features of the K32W0x wireless MCU platform:

• Dual core: Arm Cortex-M4 core for high-performance application processing and Cortex-M0+ core for low-power connectivity and sensor processing

• Large memory: 1.25 MB flash and 384 kB SRAM support full-featured applications and connection protocols

• Multi-protocol RF: Supports Bluetooth 5 and IEEE 802.15.4, including IP-based Thread Mesh network protocol stack and ZigBee 3.0 Mesh network protocol stack

• Supports HomeKit and connects to iCloud via Bluetooth 5

K32W0x Wireless MCU System Block Diagram

Many of today’s IoT devices do not have the security levels required to protect against security threats that could compromise networks. Protecting against these evolving threats is a primary focus of the K32W0x platform – designed to ensure the confidentiality, integrity and authenticity of IoT devices and their data. Security features of the K32W0x security system include:

• Cryptographic subsystem (including dedicated cores, dedicated instructions, and data memory) for encryption, signing, and execution of hash algorithms (including AES, DES, SHA, RSA, and ECC)

• Secure Key Management for storing and protecting sensitive security keys

• Erases cryptographic subsystem memory (including security keys) upon detection of a security breach or physical tampering event

• Resource domain controller for access control, system memory protection, and peripheral device isolation

• Built-in secure boot and secure over-the-air programming (OTA) to ensure only authorized and authenticated code runs in the device

To expand the on-chip security features of the K32W0x MCU platform, NXP has collaborated with B-Secur, a leader in biometric authentication, to develop a system that uses an individual’s unique heartbeat pattern (electrocardiogram/ECG) to verify identity. This system is more secure than using a person’s fingerprint or voice authentication. NXP fully demonstrated this innovative technology at the 2018 Embedded World.

K32W0x supports multiple RF wireless interconnection protocols

The K32W0x platform is sampling now and is scheduled to be generally available in late Q3. For more information on the K32W0x MCU platform, visit www.nxp.com/K32W0x .