March 25, 2025 /SemiMedia/ — NXP Semiconductors N.V. has introduced the S32K5 family of automotive microcontrollers (MCUs), the industry’s first 16nm FinFET MCU with embedded magnetic RAM (MRAM). The S32K5 expands the NXP CoreRide platform with pre-integrated zonal and electrification system solutions, supporting scalable software-defined vehicle (SDV) architectures.

As automakers transition to zonal architectures, efficient distribution and integration of electronic control unit (ECU) functions become critical. The S32K5 family is built on a next-generation MCU architecture, offering real-time computing, low-latency deterministic communication, and advanced isolation capabilities.

“The S32K5 family pushes MCU performance boundaries while maintaining the safety, efficiency, and isolation required for zonal solutions,” said Manuel Alves, SVP and GM of automotive microcontrollers at NXP. “With the NXP CoreRide platform, automakers and Tier-1 suppliers can accelerate zonal architecture development, providing a scalable foundation for software-driven innovation.”

Powered by Arm® Cortex® CPUs running at up to 800 MHz, the S32K5 delivers energy-efficient performance through its 16nm FinFET process. Integrated accelerators enhance key workloads, including network translation, security, and digital signal processing. A built-in Ethernet switch core, shared with NXP’s S32N automotive processors, provides a proven networking solution, simplifying network design and enabling software reuse.

The S32K5 features a software-defined, hardware-enforced isolation architecture, ensuring secure partitioning and enabling safety applications up to ASIL-D without compromising system integrity.

Additionally, the MCU integrates NXP’s eIQ® Neutron neural processing unit (NPU), optimizing real-time machine learning at the vehicle edge.

Its embedded high-performance MRAM accelerates ECU programming, offering over 15x faster write speeds than conventional embedded Flash. This enhancement benefits both factory programming and over-the-air (OTA) updates. Combined with NXP’s latest security accelerator featuring post-quantum cryptography (PQC) support, the S32K5 enables secure feature deployment throughout the vehicle lifecycle.

Sampling for lead customers is scheduled for Q3 2025.