NXP Semiconductors LPC5526JEV98E

Overview

LPC5526JEV98E from NXP Semiconductors is a 32-bit Arm Cortex-M33 microcontroller designed for secure embedded applications, operating at up to 150 MHz, featuring 256 KB on-chip SRAM, 256 KB flash memory, PRINCE real-time flash encryption, and full-speed + high-speed USB interfaces. It targets industrial control, IoT edge nodes, and secure firmware update systems requiring robust cryptographic acceleration and low-power operation.

For engineers reviewing the LPC5526JEV98E datasheet, LPC5526JEV98E pinout, LPC5526JEV98E application, or LPC5526JEV98E equivalent, key selection considerations include its VFBGA98 package with 64 GPIOs, CASPER-free security configuration, absence of PUF/SHA-AES hardware, and SDIO support - critical for boot source selection, secure boot certificate management, and peripheral interface planning in resource-constrained designs.

Technical Context

The LPC5526JEV98E implements an Arm Cortex-M33 core without CASPER crypto co-processor, FPU, or DSP extensions, relying on software-based cryptographic operations. Its memory subsystem includes 256 KB SRAM (32 KB code bus, 208 KB system bus, 16 KB USB SRAM) and 256 KB flash with PRINCE encryption enabled but no built-in PUF or hardware AES/SHA engines.

It supports nine Flexcomm peripherals configurable as USART/SPI/I²C/I²S, dual USB controllers (FS+HS), SDIO interface, SCTimer/PWM, five general-purpose timers, RTC, MRT, WWDT, 16-bit 1.0 Msps ADC with differential capability, comparator, and temperature sensor - all managed via AHB/APB interconnect and DMA0/DMA1 controllers.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

VFBGA98 package: 98-ball thin fine-pitch BGA, 7 mm × 7 mm body, 0.5 mm ball pitch, top-side marking "LPC552x" / "JEV98" / date code / revision (e.g., zzzyywwxR).

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar microcontroller applications.

Compared with LPC5526JEV98E, LPC55S26JEV98 adds hardware crypto acceleration and entropy sources essential for high-assurance identity management, while LPC5526JBD64 trades SDIO and GPIO count for manufacturability and footprint reduction - making LPC5526JEV98E optimal for BGA-based, SDIO-dependent, cost-sensitive secure edge nodes.

Availability

LPC5526JEV98E is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial control systems, secure IoT gateways, and medical wearables requiring stable component supply, long-term lifecycle support, and traceable sourcing for regulated markets.

Supply support for LPC5526JEV98E 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

NXP Semiconductors is a global semiconductor leader specializing in secure connectivity solutions for automotive, industrial, and IoT applications, with deep expertise in Arm-based microcontrollers and trusted execution environments.

The LPC552x series is designed for cost-optimized, secure embedded applications where hardware crypto acceleration is not required - delivering certified secure boot, PRINCE flash encryption, and rich peripheral integration in compact BGA packages.

FAQ

What is the maximum operating frequency of the LPC5526JEV98E?

The LPC5526JEV98E operates at a maximum CPU frequency of 150 MHz using its Arm Cortex-M33 core. This speed is achievable with internal PLL clock sources derived from the 12 MHz FRO, external crystal (16–32 MHz), or RTC oscillator. The device maintains timing integrity across its full industrial temperature range of −40 °C to +105 °C without derating. All performance-critical peripherals - including USB HS, SDIO, and ADC - are fully functional at this clock rate. The LPC5526JEV98E achieves this without CASPER or FPU, distinguishing it from the S-series variants.

Does the LPC5526JEV98E support secure boot, and what cryptographic algorithms does it use?

Yes, the LPC5526JEV98E supports secure boot using RSASSA-PKCS1-v1_5 signatures over SHA256 message digests, verified against RSA-2048 or RSA-4096 public keys stored in x.509 certificates. It enforces a chain of trust with up to four revocable Root of Trust keys, whose SHA-256 hashes reside in protected flash. Unlike the S-series, LPC5526JEV98E lacks hardware AES/SHA engines and PUF, so cryptographic operations rely on software libraries or external accelerators - making it suitable for applications where key provisioning is centralized and hardware entropy is not mandated.

What package type and pin count does the LPC5526JEV98E use?

The LPC5526JEV98E uses a VFBGA98 package: a 7 mm × 7 mm thin fine-pitch ball grid array with 98 solder balls arranged at 0.5 mm pitch. This package supports 64 GPIOs, with pin functions including Flexcomm serial interfaces, USB DP/DM, SDIO signals, ADC inputs, and SWD debug lines. Top-side marking follows NXP's standard format: "LPC552x", "JEV98", date code (yyww), and revision (e.g., "1B"). The VFBGA98 enables high-density routing and thermal performance suited for compact industrial and portable designs.

Can the LPC5526JEV98E interface with SD cards, and what modes are supported?

Yes, the LPC5526JEV98E integrates a Secured Digital Input/Output (SDIO) interface supporting SD2.0 and SDR25 (52 MHz) modes. It handles MMC, SDIO, and CE-ATA cards, with DMA acceleration for high-throughput data transfers. The interface supports up to two cards simultaneously and includes dedicated power control (SD0_POW_EN) and interrupt signaling (SD1_CARD_INT_N). Unlike some microcontrollers, LPC5526JEV98E does not require external level shifters for 3.3 V SD cards, and its PRINCE-encrypted flash allows secure storage of card-access credentials and firmware assets.

How does the LPC5526JEV98E differ from the LPC55S26JEV98 in terms of security features?

The LPC5526JEV98E omits the CASPER crypto co-processor, Physical Unclonable Function (PUF), and hardware HASH-AES engine present in the LPC55S26JEV98. While both support identical secure boot (RSA-2048/4096), PRINCE flash encryption, and anti-rollback, LPC5526JEV98E relies on software-based cryptography for TLS, ECC, or hashing - increasing CPU load but reducing BOM cost and silicon area. This makes LPC5526JEV98E appropriate for applications where cryptographic throughput is moderate and key provisioning occurs externally, whereas LPC55S26JEV98 is preferred for high-assurance identity and entropy-critical use cases.