NXP Launches i.MX RT1180 MCU for Industrial IoT

NXP Releases New i.MX RT1180 MCU, Leading A New Era Of Industrial Internet Of Things

          NXP Semiconductors, a leading global supplier of semiconductor solutions, announced the launch of the i.MX RT1180 cross-border microcontroller (MCU) on May 11, 2022. As the first microcontroller in the series to integrate a Gigabit (Gbps) time-sensitive network (TSN) switch, the i.MX RT1180 can simultaneously realize time-sensitive and industrial real-time communications, and support multiple communication protocols, bringing a revolutionary leap in the development of the industrial Internet of Things.

i.MX RT1180 MCU: Integrated  TSN Switch For Seamless Industrial Connectivity

         By integrating a TSN switch, the i.MX RT1180 MCU creates seamless industrial connectivity. As the industrial environment continues to evolve towards Industry 4.0, the combination of network protocols becomes more and more complex, and how to establish a seamless connection between time-sensitive communications and real-time communications has become a major challenge. The i.MX RT1180 MCU successfully solves this problem with its powerful multi-protocol connectivity capabilities, and can promote a unified and secure industrial IoT communication environment between all edge devices in the factory. The i.MX RT180 MCU can not only support diverse communication needs, but also ensure efficient and reliable data transmission.

i.MX RT1180 MCU: EdgeLock® Security Enclave, Building A Reliable Security Barrier

         To address security challenges in the Industrial Internet of Things, the i.MX RT1180 is equipped with EdgeLock® Security Enclave, a pre-configured, self-managed, autonomous on-chip security subsystem. This subsystem enables reliable system-level security intelligence for Industrial Internet of Things applications, reducing the complexity of security implementation. EdgeLock security lock zone can provide multiple key functions including secure boot, verification debugging, lifecycle security management, advanced key management and tampering monitoring, meeting the need for root of trust and further enhancing the competitiveness of i.MX RT1180 in the industrial MCU market.

i.MX RT1180 MCU: Compact Design And Multi-Function Integration

        i.MX RT1180 provides a variety of package options, with the smallest package being 10x10mm BGA, which meets the functions required by real-time industrial networks in an ultra-small size, making it easier to integrate TSN and industrial network-related functions into a wider range of industrial applications, including I/O management, motor control, compact motion control or gateway applications.

i.MX RT1180 MCU: Scalable Connectivity And Automotive Application Potential

In addition to being a standalone integrated solution, the i.MX RT1180 can also be used as a companion chip in a network system, providing the host processor with all the industrial network connections it needs through scalable connectivity, and enabling seamless Gigabit direct communication with the host without the need for an onboard PHY, saving additional power and cost. In addition, automotive connectivity applications increasingly rely on Ethernet TSN support to achieve high bandwidth and transmit real-time control data, and the i.MX RT1180 can also show its prowess in this regard. In the automotive field, the i.MX RT1180 can be used as a smart switch between different automotive ECUs.

i.MX RT1180 MCU: High Performance And Design Flexibility

         i.MX RT1180 is a high-performance crossover MCU that operates over an extended industrial temperature range of -40°C to 125°C and features a dual-core architecture with 800 MHz Arm®Cortex®-M7 and Cortex-M33 cores for design flexibility.

i.MX RT1180 MCU: High Energy Efficiency And Industrial Standard Compliance

        The device's integrated PMIC (power management integrated circuit) is designed for high energy efficiency and is suitable for application scenarios with a design power consumption of 250mW and above, which helps many industrial applications achieve excellent energy efficiency while reducing board complexity and cost. i.MX RT1180 is equipped with up to 5 Gigabit Ethernet ports and supports the latest TSN standards, as well as a variety of industrial real-time network protocols, including EtherCAT, Profinet, Ethernet/IP, CC-Link IE or HSR. The i.MX RT1180 can also help OEMs easily make their devices meet the ISA/IEC 62443-4-1, -4-2 standards.

         In summary, the launch of the i.MX RT1180 MCU marks an important milestone in the field of industrial IoT. It not only solves the complex network protocol issues in Industry 4.0 systems, but also provides safer and more flexible connection options for future industrial applications. For companies seeking to improve their industrial automation level, the i.MX RT1180 MCU is undoubtedly an ideal choice. Through this innovative product, NXP® has once again demonstrated its leadership in the semiconductor field and painted an exciting picture for the future of the industrial Internet of Things. As an international chip trader, we are very optimistic about the performance of this product in the market and look forward to sharing the benefits of this technological advancement with our customers.