NXP Unveils MCX MCUs Supporting Matter, Thread, Zigbee, and Bluetooth LE

NXP has recently introduced the wireless versions of its MCX microcontrollers, which were initially announced in mid-2022. The MCX W series is a significant advancement in the industry, featuring the first MCU with Bluetooth Channel Sounding. This innovation enables edge devices to have secure multi-protocol wireless capabilities for Matter, Thread, Zigbee, and Bluetooth Low Energy.

The Bluetooth Channel Sounding standard enhances the accuracy and security of distance measurement, particularly beneficial for applications such as secure access, asset tracking, and indoor wayfinding. NXP's MCX W series is designed to meet the evolving needs of the IoT landscape, providing a robust and reliable wireless solution.

The MCX W series comprises different families, each equipped with a pair of Arm Cortex-M33 processors. One processor is dedicated to running the radio, while the second 96MHz core handles application processing. The radio processors feature a 32MHz crystal oscillator, while the core speed specifications have not been disclosed.

For instance, the MCX W72x model offers 2Mbyte flash and 256kbyte RAM for the application processor, along with 52kbyte flash and 170kbyte RAM for the radio processor. This model is capable of handling channel sounding, which is processed in a dedicated 'localization compute' accelerator. The additional memory supports connectivity stacks, allowing the radio subsystem to run the full Thread or Zigbee stack alongside the Bluetooth Low Energy stack.

In contrast, the MCX W71x variant has half the memory capacity and does not support channel sounding. NXP envisions the simpler W71x family being used in single-chip IoT devices or as a wireless co-processor in more complex products, offering flexibility and scalability for various applications.

The MCX W series is designed to facilitate compliance with upcoming cybersecurity regulations and standards, such as the US Cyber Trust Mark and European Cyber Resilience Act. It incorporates advanced security features, including device authentication, secure boot, and secure firmware installation and updates. The integrated Core Profile EdgeLock Secure Enclave ensures the protection of sensitive security functions and supports EdgeLock 2GO services.