Significant growth for the secure connected edge

The secure connected edge is going mainstream and is set to see exponential growth. The growth will come from the increase in smart connected devices, smart factories and homes.

To drive this growth, five series of microcontroller controllers have been launched by NXP to bring processing power, efficiency and security to the secure connected edge.

As one of the first general-purpose microcontrollers to embed a true neural processing unit (NPU), the MCX-N microcontrollers were launched in January 2024. The MCX-W microcontrollers support Matter and other wireless protocols, in addition to delivering advanced security and hardware accelerators.

For entry-level and cost-sensitive edge applications, there are the MCX C microcontrollers, and the MCX A microcontrollers which combine smart peripherals with scalable memory and packages. These features are designed to boost smart applications in home control, appliances and motor control.

Wearables and other power-conscious applications at the connected edge, are also targeted with the ultra low-power MCX L microcontrollers which have the lowest active power consumption and leakage, as well as essential security features.

To drive artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML), the neural processing unit in the MCX N runs AI and ML while the Arm? Cortex?-M33 core runs the rest of the application. The machine learning performance of the MCX N achieves around 30x more throughput compared to the Arm Cortex-M33 core. ML can be used to monitor the state of the system and machine health, in addition to recognising normal and abnormal activity. The dynamic power consumption compares with ultra low-power microcontrollers, and power efficiency is optimized by the autonomous peripherals which minimize core overhead.

To support AI with advanced cyber security, the EdgeLock 2GO is pre-integrated to handle over-the-air key management, and has a root of trust, and hardware-accelerated cryptography.

Offering an NPU for AI and ML, advanced connectivity to handle Matter, and ultra low-power options for entry-level and cost-conscious applications, the five series of MCX microcontrollers offer the basis for the growth in the secure connected edge.

For an out-of-the-box experience for rapid protoyping of the MCX N microcontrollers, request a free FRDM-MCXN947 board: FRDM-MCXN947 – FTM Board Club (my-boardclub.com)