NXP Semiconductors LPC8N04FHI24E

Overview

LPC8N04FHI24E from NXP Semiconductors is a 32-bit ARM Cortex-M0+ microcontroller with integrated NFC/RFID ISO 14443 Type A interface, 32 kB flash, 8 kB SRAM, and ultra-low-power operation down to <50 nA in battery-off mode. It supports energy harvesting from NFC fields, OTA firmware updates via NFC, and operates across 1.72 V–3.6 V supply or passive NFC power-enabling contactless smart locks, diagnostic tags, and configurable LED systems.

For engineers reviewing the LPC8N04FHI24E datasheet, LPC8N04FHI24E pinout, LPC8N04FHI24E application, or LPC8N04FHI24E equivalent, key selection considerations include NFC field-powered wake-up capability, 12 GPIO pins with high-current drive (20 mA), SWD debug support, temperature sensor accuracy (±1.5 °C), and deep power-down mode with external wake-up via PIO0_0.

Technical Context

The LPC8N04FHI24E integrates an ARM Cortex-M0+ core with Nested Vectored Interrupt Controller (NVIC), Serial Wire Debug (SWD), and system tick timer-running at up to 8 MHz from an internal 8 MHz FRO trimmed to ±2%. Its clock architecture includes a dedicated 32.768 kHz timer oscillator for RTC and independent power domains managed by the PMU.

Power management is implemented through a dual-source architecture: automatic switching between VDDBAT (1.72–3.6 V) and NFC-harvested power (VNFC), with five operational modes (active, sleep, deep sleep, deep power-down, battery off). The PMU enables power gating per analog peripheral and retains data in five GPREGs during deep power-down.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

The LPC8N04FHI24E is housed in a 4 mm × 4 mm × 0.85 mm HVQFN24 (SOT616-3) package with exposed thermal pad. Pin 1 index is marked on top-side; pads 17–18 and 21–24 are reserved; pads 19 (LA) and 20 (LB) serve as NFC antenna terminals.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with ST25DV04K and PN7150B, the LPC8N04FHI24E uniquely integrates NFC interface, ARM Cortex-M0+ processing, and ultra-low-power operation in a single chip-eliminating external controllers, reducing PCB area, and enabling true standalone NFC edge nodes.

Availability

LPC8N04FHI24E is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for contactless diagnostic tags, NFC e-lockers, and smart manufacturing identifiers requiring stable component supply, long-term lifecycle assurance, and consistent parametric performance.

Supply support for LPC8N04FHI24E 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 expertise in ARM-based microcontrollers and NFC technology.

The LPC8N04FHI24E belongs to NXP's LPC800N family of ultra-low-power NFC microcontrollers, designed specifically for battery-free or maintenance-free contactless edge devices in consumer, medical, and industrial settings.

FAQ

What is the maximum system clock frequency supported by the LPC8N04FHI24E?

The LPC8N04FHI24E supports a maximum system clock frequency of 8 MHz, derived from its internal 8 MHz factory-trimmed free-running oscillator (FRO) with ±2% accuracy. Lower frequencies (4 MHz, 2 MHz, etc.) are selectable via clock divider registers-though some peripherals may be disabled at reduced speeds. This 8 MHz limit balances performance, power efficiency, and die size for NFC-centric applications.

Does the LPC8N04FHI24E support Over-the-Air (OTA) firmware updates?

Yes, the LPC8N04FHI24E supports encrypted OTA firmware updates using the Secondary Bootloader (SBL) library stored in Boot ROM version 0.14. Updates are delivered via NFC ISO 14443 Type A interface, enabling field reprogramming without physical access or debug interfaces. The SBL validates firmware signatures and writes to flash memory while preserving critical configuration data in EEPROM.

How does the LPC8N04FHI24E achieve ultra-low power consumption in battery-off mode?

The LPC8N04FHI24E achieves <50 nA current consumption in battery-off mode by disabling all clocks, power domains (VDD1V2, VDD1V6), and analog peripherals while retaining state in the always-on VDD_ALON domain. The PMU cuts power to LDOs and digital logic; only the trigger detector and Brown-Out Detection circuit remain active-ensuring multi-year shelf life for unpowered NFC tags.

Can the LPC8N04FHI24E operate without an external battery?

Yes, the LPC8N04FHI24E can operate entirely from NFC field power via its LA/LB antenna terminals. When powered this way, it supports full functionality-including wake-up, temperature sensing, GPIO control, and NFC communication-at up to 2 MHz system clock. Energy harvesting enables zero-battery designs for disposable or sealed applications like smart labels and diagnostic tags.

What debug interface does the LPC8N04FHI24E provide?

The LPC8N04FHI24E provides ARM Serial Wire Debug (SWD) via pins PIO0_10 (SWCLK) and PIO0_11 (SWDIO). This two-pin interface supports full programming, real-time debugging, breakpoint setting, and memory inspection using standard ARM tools (e.g., Keil MDK, Segger J-Link, OpenOCD). SWD operates independently of NFC or I²C functions and remains accessible even in low-power modes with debug enabled.