The S32K3 microcontroller (MCU) family for automotive body electronics, battery management, and emerging zone controllers simplifies software development with security, functional safety, and low-level drivers. Zone control, edge notes, and microcontroller reuse for multiple applications in the S32 product family reduce vehicle software complexity.

The microcontroller includes the hardware security engine, which is designed to anticipate the ISO/SAE 21434 standard still in development and future automaker requirements. Firmware and crypto drivers aim to reduce the cost and complexity of engaging with third-party safety providers. The firmware maximizes performance of the hardware security engine, blocks rogue access to protect the security subsystem, and is field upgradable to address evolving cybersecurity threats.

The S32K3’s system-level approach to functional safety includes safety framework software, a core self-test library, and hardware features including lock-step cores and clock/power/temperature monitors, easing compliance with ISO 26262.

The real-time drivers (RTD) package combines low-level drivers for AUTOSAR and proprietary software architectures, allowing automakers and Tier 1 suppliers to reuse platforms, removing the need to maintain separate architectures. The RTD package is production grade and will comply with the ISO 26262 standard.

S32K3 enables secure over-the-air software updates. With its smart memory design, updates can be downloaded during normal runtime, while automatic address translation functionality eliminates the need for software reconfiguration. Together, these features enable an instant switchover to the new software version after reset, and the original software is preserved as a roll-back option.

NXP Semiconductors