Analog Devices Inc. AD21573WCBCZ402

Overview

AD21573WCBCZ402 from Analog Devices is a dual-core SHARC+ DSP with integrated Arm Cortex-A5 processor, delivering 500 MHz per SHARC+ core and 500 MHz Arm Cortex-A5 operation. It features 2 × 384 kB L1 SRAM per SHARC+ core (with parity), 256 kB L2 cache (parity-protected), and 1 MB L2 SRAM with ECC - optimized for high-fidelity automotive audio processing and real-time control in AEC-Q100 qualified systems.

For engineers reviewing the AD21573WCBCZ402 datasheet, AD21573WCBCZ402 pinout, AD21573WCBCZ402 application, or AD21573WCBCZ402 equivalent, key selection criteria include dual SHARC+ floating-point throughput, Arm TrustZone security support, 2× CAN 2.0 interfaces, 8-channel 12-bit HADC, and 400-ball CSP_BGA packaging for automotive ECU and infotainment domain controllers.

Technical Context

The AD21573WCBCZ402 implements a heterogeneous dual-domain architecture: one Arm Cortex-A5 core handles OS-based tasks (Linux/FreeRTOS), while two SHARC+ cores execute deterministic, low-latency signal processing - each with independent 384 kB L1 SRAM, 32-/40-/64-bit floating-point units, and SIMD computational engines. The system fabric interconnects both domains via L2 cache coherency and shared memory-mapped peripherals.

It integrates safety-critical infrastructure including dual CRC modules, watchdog timers (3), thermal monitor unit (TMU), system protection unit (SPU), and fault management logic - all AEC-Q100 Grade 2 qualified (−40°C to +105°C) and designed for ASIL-B capable automotive subsystems requiring functional safety compliance.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

AD21573WCBCZ402 uses a 400-ball CSP_BGA package (17 mm × 17 mm, 0.5 mm pitch), thermally enhanced with exposed thermal pad. Ball assignments follow Analog Devices' standardized signal mapping for ADSP-2157x automotive variants, supporting full peripheral routing including dual CAN, DDR3L interface, and high-speed digital audio I/O.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar dual-core DSP + application processor applications.

Compared with AD21573WCBCZ402, AD21573WBCZ402 omits AEC-Q100 stress testing and thermal derating, while ADSP-SC573WBCZ402 adds factory-provisioned cryptographic keys - making AD21573WCBCZ402 the optimal choice for safety-critical automotive audio ECUs needing validated Grade 2 operation and field-upgradable security.

Availability

AD21573WCBCZ402 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive ECU development, professional audio equipment manufacturing, and industrial edge analytics platforms requiring stable component supply, long-term lifecycle assurance, and AEC-Q100-compliant sourcing.

Supply support for AD21573WCBCZ402 includes scheduled delivery planning, volume procurement assistance, BOM continuity management, traceable sourcing, and lifecycle availability coordination for OEM customers, industrial embedded developers, connected-device designers, and electronics production programs.

Manufacturer

Analog Devices, Inc. is a global leader in high-performance analog, mixed-signal, and DSP technology, headquartered in Wilmington, MA, with design centers and manufacturing facilities worldwide.

The AD21573WCBCZ402 belongs to the SHARC+ automotive processor family, engineered specifically for deterministic, low-latency signal processing in safety-aware automotive domains - combining floating-point DSP performance with Arm application-level programmability.

FAQ

What is the maximum operating frequency of each core in the AD21573WCBCZ402?

The AD21573WCBCZ402 operates at 500 MHz for both SHARC+ cores and the Arm Cortex-A5 core. This frequency is guaranteed under AEC-Q100 Grade 2 conditions (−40°C to +105°C) with appropriate voltage regulation and thermal management. All timing specifications in the official datasheet Rev. C assume this maximum frequency for worst-case timing analysis.

Does the AD21573WCBCZ402 support DDR3 memory, and what interface width is available?

Yes, the AD21573WCBCZ402 supports DDR3, DDR2, and LPDDR1 memory via its dedicated 16-bit L3 interface. The controller is optimized for low-power operation and explicitly supports 1.5 V DDR3L devices. It does not support DDR4 or LPDDR2/LPDDR3, and the interface is strictly 16-bit - no 32-bit extension is implemented in this variant.

How many CAN interfaces does the AD21573WCBCZ402 provide, and are they fully compliant with ISO 11898-1?

The AD21573WCBCZ402 integrates two independent CAN 2.0B controllers compliant with ISO 11898-1. Each supports bit rates up to 1 Mbps, programmable sample points, and hardware message filtering. Physical layer transceivers must be added externally; the device provides TX/RX differential signals and bus error detection logic but no integrated PHY.

Is the AD21573WCBCZ402 pin-compatible with other ADSP-2157x or ADSP-SC57x variants?

Yes, the AD21573WCBCZ402 shares identical 400-ball CSP_BGA pinout with ADSP-SC573WBCZ402 and AD21573WBCZ402. Mechanical and electrical compatibility is maintained across all 400-ball automotive and commercial variants in the ADSP-2157x/SC57x family, enabling single PCB design reuse with software-configurable feature enablement.

What security features are implemented in hardware on the AD21573WCBCZ402?

The AD21573WCBCZ402 includes Arm TrustZone, cryptographic accelerators (AES-256, SHA-256, RSA), one-time programmable (OTP) memory for key storage, and fast secure boot with signature verification. These features are implemented in dedicated silicon blocks - not software libraries - and are active immediately after power-on reset, enforcing secure execution environment before any user code runs.