NXP Semiconductors S32Z

The NXP S32Z processor family is purpose-built for real-time, safety-critical applications in next-generation automotive architectures. Designed to support the transition to software-defined vehicles, the S32Z integrates up to eight Arm^® Cortex^®-R52 cores with lockstep capabilities, enabling high-performance deterministic processing for domain and zonal controllers.

The S32Z features advanced hardware isolation and virtualization, allowing multiple applications with mixed criticality to run securely and independently on a single platform. It also includes a dedicated Arm^® Cortex^®-M33 core for system management, integrated safety and security accelerators, and support for ISO 26262 ASIL D functional safety.

The processor supports a wide range of automotive interfaces including Gigabit Ethernet, CAN FD, LIN, SPI, and PCIe, and is designed for seamless integration with NXP’s S32 Automotive Platform. It is supported by a robust software ecosystem including the S32 Design Studio, real-time drivers, and third-party RTOS and middleware. This makes the S32Z ideal for consolidating multiple ECUs into a centralized, secure, and scalable compute platform for vehicle dynamics, safety, and zonal control applications.

Key features

• Eight Arm^® Cortex^®-R52 cores running at up to 1 GHz with flexible split/lock configurations
• 19 MB SRAM
• Up to 64 MB of integrated flash memory
• CAN accelerator: flexible, low-latency communications engine (FlexLLCE) with 24 CAN 2.0 / CAN FD interfaces
• Integrated time-sensitive networking (TSN) Gigabit Ethernet switch (NETC3)
• 2x Ethernet MACs each supporting 10/100 Mbps MII/RMII and 100/1000 Mbps RGMII
• Processors are developed according to processes that are certified to ISO/SAE 21434 for cybersecurity and ISO 26262 for ASIL D functional safety
• Integrated hardware security engine (HSE) for root of trust (RoT)
• AEC-Q100 Grade 1 device with support up to -40 to 150º C (junction)

Applications

• Automotive zone controller
• Battery Management System (BMS)
• Motorcycle Engine Control Unit (ECU)
• Small engine control