NXP Semiconductors LS1012AXE7EKB
- Part No.:
- LS1012AXE7EKB
- Manufacturer:
- NXP Semiconductors
- Category:
- Microprocessors
- Package:
- 211-VFLGA
- Datasheet:
-
LS1012AXE7EKB.pdf
- Description:
- IC MPU QORIQ 600MHZ 211FCLGA
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:4,686
Please send an inquiry. Send us your inquiry, and we will respond immediately.
Product details
Overview
LS1012AXE7EKB from NXP is a 64-bit Arm Cortex-A53 communications processor in a 9.6 × 9.6 mm FC-BGA-289 package, operating up to 1 GHz with 32 KB L1-I/D cache, 256 KB coherent L2 cache, and ECC protection. It integrates hardware-accelerated packet forwarding (2 Gbit/s IP forwarding), security engine with TrustZone support, and DDR3L memory controller for fanless IoT gateways and battery-powered NAS.
For engineers reviewing the LS1012AXE7EKB datasheet, LS1012AXE7EKB pinout, LS1012AXE7EKB application, or LS1012AXE7EKB equivalent, key selection considerations include its 1 W typical power envelope, PFE offload capability, Arm TrustZone-enabled secure boot, PCIe 2.0 + dual Gigabit Ethernet + USB 3.0 + SATA 3.0 interface set, and support for 16-bit DDR3L at 1 GHz.
Technical Context
The LS1012AXE7EKB implements a single-core Arm Cortex-A53 with NEON SIMD and dual-precision FPU, coupled with CoreLink CCI-400 interconnect for cache coherency between CPU and accelerators. Its memory subsystem includes 128 KB on-die SRAM and 16-bit DDR3L controller supporting 1 GHz data rates.
Networking is handled by a 3-lane 6 GHz SerDes enabling two GbE MACs, PCIe Gen2 x1, and SATA 3.0 - all DMA-controlled. The Packet Forwarding Engine (PFE) operates independently of the CPU, performing full-layer-3 forwarding with <1% CPU load at 2 Gbit/s line rate on 64-byte packets.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| CPU Core | Single 64-bit Arm Cortex-A53 @ up to 1 GHz; enables Linux-capable embedded control with NEON/FPU for signal processing. |
| L1/L2 Cache | 32 KB L1 instruction + 32 KB L1 data + 256 KB coherent L2; ECC-protected for reliability in industrial edge deployments. |
| Power Consumption | 1 W typical; enables fanless, thermally constrained designs such as mobile NAS and building automation gateways. |
| Packet Engine | Hardware PFE delivering 2 Gbit/s IPv4 forwarding at 64-byte packets with near-zero CPU utilization. |
| Memory Interface | 16-bit DDR3L @ 1 GHz; supports up to 2 GB RAM with low-power operation and reduced BOM cost vs DDR4. |
| Security | Arm TrustZone + QorIQ Trust Architecture + Secure Boot; provides root-of-trust for firmware validation and runtime isolation. |
| High-Speed I/O | PCIe Gen2 x1, dual GbE MACs, USB 3.0 + PHY, SATA 3.0, QuadSPI; enables direct connectivity to storage, networking, and expansion peripherals. |
Pinout & Package
LS1012AXE7EKB uses a 9.6 × 9.6 mm, 289-ball FC-BGA package with 0.8 mm ball pitch. Pin assignment follows NXP document LS1012AFS REV 0, with dedicated balls for DDR3L DQ/DM/DQS, SerDes lanes (SERDES0–2), GbE MDIO/MDC/GTXCLK/RXCLK, USB3_DP/DM, SATA_TX/RX, and TrustZone-secured JTAG/SWD debug interface.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| VDD_DDR | DDR3L I/O supply | 1.35 V regulated input; powers DDR3L interface and must be sequenced before VDD_CORE. |
| SERDES0_TXP/N | SerDes lane 0 differential output | Configurable as PCIe TX, SATA TX, or GbE TX; requires AC-coupling and 100 Ω differential termination. |
| GBE0_MDIO | Management Data Input/Output | Open-drain bidirectional bus for PHY register access; shared with GBE1_MDIO in multiplexed mode. |
| USB3_DP/DM | SuperSpeed differential pair | Integrated PHY supports USB 3.0 host/device; requires 90 Ω differential impedance routing. |
| TRST_B | Secure debug reset | Active-low signal asserting secure debug state reset; tied high via pull-up when not used for trusted debugging. |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Hardware Packet Forwarding Engine (PFE) | Offloads layer-2/3 forwarding from CPU, sustaining 2 Gbit/s throughput with <1% CPU load - critical for real-time gateway latency budgets. |
| Arm TrustZone + Secure Boot | Enables hardware-enforced isolation between trusted firmware and OS services, preventing unauthorized code execution at boot and runtime. |
| Low-Cost 4-Layer PCB Support | Package and pinout optimized for 4-layer board stackup - eliminates need for expensive 6+ layer routing in cost-sensitive consumer NAS designs. |
| Integrated SerDes with Multi-Protocol Flexibility | Single 3-lane SerDes block configurable as PCIe+GbE, dual GbE+SATA, or other combinations - reduces external PHY count and BOM cost. |
| 128 KB On-Die SRAM | Low-latency, always-on memory for secure boot code, crypto key storage, or real-time interrupt handlers - avoids DDR access latency and power overhead. |
Applications
| Trust-Enabled IoT Gateway | Mobile NAS (Battery-Powered) |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Edge gateway aggregating Zigbee/Z-Wave sensors and forwarding encrypted telemetry to cloud via TLS-secured Ethernet/WAN. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Main application processor executing Linux, managing secure boot, running PFE for encrypted packet routing, and hosting TrustZone-protected key management. Use Value: 1 W typical power enables passive cooling; PFE handles 2 Gbit/s encrypted forwarding without taxing CPU; TrustZone isolates crypto operations from OS vulnerabilities. | Use Scenario: Portable NAS unit powered by Li-ion battery, serving files over Wi-Fi while syncing to remote cloud via Ethernet. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Host controller for SATA SSD, USB 3.0 external drives, and dual GbE interfaces - manages power states, thermal throttling, and secure file encryption. Use Value: DDR3L + 4-layer PCB support minimizes system power and BOM cost; 128 KB SRAM stores encryption keys offline; USB 3.0 enables fast local backup without host PC. |
| Entry-Level Broadband Gateway | Factory Automation Controller |
Use Scenario: ISP-provided residential gateway supporting VoIP, IPTV, and firewall/NAT for up to 32 concurrent devices. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Communications processor handling WAN/LAN bridging, QoS scheduling, and deep packet inspection via PFE-accelerated flow tables. Use Value: Dual GbE MACs eliminate external switch IC; PFE delivers deterministic sub-100 µs forwarding latency; TrustZone secures management interface against remote exploits. | Use Scenario: DIN-rail mounted controller collecting Modbus TCP sensor data, running OPC UA server, and enforcing secure firmware updates over TLS. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Real-time Linux host with deterministic Ethernet timing, secure boot chain, and hardware crypto acceleration for certificate-based authentication. Use Value: ECC-protected caches ensure data integrity in electrically noisy factory environments; PCIe Gen2 supports optional FPGA co-processor for custom protocol offload. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar communications processor applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| LS1012ASE7KQB | Same core, same PFE and SerDes, but rated for extended temperature range (−40°C to +105°C) and higher DDR3L speed (1.2 GHz). | Better suited for industrial enclosures without active cooling where ambient exceeds 85°C. | Select LS1012ASE7KQB for extended-temp deployments; LS1012AXE7EKB is optimized for commercial-grade cost and power targets. |
| i.MX 8M Mini (NXP IMX8MMINILQ | Quad-core Cortex-A53, no PFE, relies on software forwarding; includes GPU/VPU; lower DDR bandwidth (16-bit LPDDR4 @ 1.5 GHz). | Targeted at UI-rich HMI and multimedia edge devices, not high-throughput packet forwarding. | Choose i.MX 8M Mini only if GUI/video capability is required and packet forwarding load is <500 Mbit/s; LS1012AXE7EKB delivers superior networking efficiency at 1 W. |
Compared with LS1012ASE7KQB, the LS1012AXE7EKB trades extended temperature tolerance for lower cost and optimized power delivery in commercial environments; versus i.MX 8M Mini, it prioritizes deterministic packet forwarding and security over multimedia features - making it the preferred choice for headless, throughput-constrained gateways.
Availability
LS1012AXE7EKB is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for trust-enabled IoT gateways, mobile NAS systems, and entry-level broadband Ethernet gateways requiring stable component supply, long-term lifecycle assurance, and qualified industrial-grade sourcing.
Supply support for LS1012AXE7EKB 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 focused on secure connectivity solutions for automotive, industrial, and IoT markets, with headquarters in Eindhoven, Netherlands.
The LS1012AXE7EKB belongs to NXP's Layerscape LS series - a family of power-optimized, security-enhanced communications processors designed specifically for fanless, small-form-factor networking and edge infrastructure applications.
FAQ
What is the maximum DDR3L memory speed supported by LS1012AXE7EKB?
The LS1012AXE7EKB supports 16-bit DDR3L memory at up to 1 GHz data rate (DDR3L-1066), providing 8.5 GB/s peak bandwidth. This is validated per NXP reference design and LS1012AFS REV 0 specification. The LS1012AXE7EKB memory controller includes hardware-calibrated read/write leveling and on-die termination control to ensure signal integrity across temperature and voltage variations.
Does LS1012AXE7EKB include hardware cryptographic acceleration?
Yes, the LS1012AXE7EKB integrates a dedicated Security Engine compliant with AES-128/256, SHA-256/384, RSA-2048/4096, and RNG per NXP's QorIQ Trust Architecture. This engine operates independently of the Cortex-A53 core and is accessible via CAAM driver in Linux BSP - enabling TLS handshake acceleration and full-disk encryption without CPU overhead.
Can LS1012AXE7EKB operate without external PHYs for Ethernet?
No, the LS1012AXE7EKB provides GbE MACs only - external PHYs (e.g., KSZ9031RNX, AR8035) are required for physical layer signaling. The LS1012AXE7EKB includes RGMII interfaces with programmable delay and skew compensation, supporting both copper and fiber PHYs with precise timing alignment for deterministic latency.
Is LS1012AXE7EKB pin-compatible with other LS1012A variants?
Yes, all LS1012A variants including LS1012AXE7EKB, LS1012ASE7KQB, and LS1012ASN7EKB share identical 289-ball FC-BGA package and pinout per NXP's LS1012A Hardware Specification. Mechanical and electrical compatibility is guaranteed across speed grades and temp grades - allowing drop-in replacement in validated PCB layouts.
What development tools are officially supported for LS1012AXE7EKB?
NXP officially supports LS1012AXE7EKB with the Layerscape SDK (Linux Yocto-based), CodeWarrior Development Studio (6-month evaluation license included with EVK), and MCUXpresso IDE for bare-metal bring-up. The FRYW-LS1012A evaluation board includes mikroBUS® Click support, enabling rapid prototyping with sensor, display, and communication modules - all validated for LS1012AXE7EKB.
Does LS1012AXE7EKB support PCIe Gen2 endpoint mode?
Yes, the LS1012AXE7EKB SerDes supports PCIe Gen2 x1 in both root complex and endpoint configurations. In endpoint mode, it can act as a peripheral device (e.g., custom accelerator or storage controller) under a host CPU - with full MSI-X interrupt support and BAR configuration via configuration space registers defined in LS1012AFS REV 0.
LS1012AXE7EKB Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- NXP Semiconductors
- Package/Case:
- 211-VFLGA
- Series:
- QorIQ® Layerscape
- Packaging:
- Tray
- Product Status:
- Active
- Core Processor:
- ARM® Cortex®-A53
- Number of Cores/Bus Width:
- 1 Core, 64-Bit
- Speed:
- 600MHz
- Co-Processors/DSP:
- -
- RAM Controllers:
- DDR3L
- Graphics Acceleration:
- -
- Display & Interface Controllers:
- -
- Ethernet:
- GbE (2)
- SATA:
- SATA 6Gbps (1)
- USB:
- USB 2.0 (1), USB 3.0 + PHY
- Voltage - I/O:
- -
- Operating Temperature:
- -40°C ~ 105°C
- Grade:
- -
- Qualification:
- -
- Security Features:
- Secure Boot, TrustZone®
- Mounting Type:
- Surface Mount
- Supplier Device Package:
- 211-FCLGA (9.6x9.6)
- Additional Interfaces:
- -
LS1012AXE7EKB FAQ
1.How can I place an order for LS1012AXE7EKB through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for LS1012AXE7EKB on Aetrix. Our sales agent will provide a competitive quotation and guide you through the order confirmation once you accept the terms.
2.Are the price and stock information for LS1012AXE7EKB reliable?
The price and inventory of LS1012AXE7EKB are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for LS1012AXE7EKB is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for LS1012AXE7EKB?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for LS1012AXE7EKB transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for LS1012AXE7EKB?
LS1012AXE7EKB orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your LS1012AXE7EKB order is processed, you will receive an email with the shipment details and tracking number.
Note: Tracking information may take up to 24 hours to appear. Express delivery typically takes 3–5 business days.
5.How can I obtain technical support or documentation for LS1012AXE7EKB?
For technical support, including LS1012AXE7EKB datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your LS1012AXE7EKB requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that LS1012AXE7EKB is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All LS1012AXE7EKB products on Aetrix are procured from qualified distributors and authorized channels. Our dedicated quality assurance team conducts strict verification, including traceability checks and, if necessary, third-party testing. This ensures that LS1012AXE7EKB meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of LS1012AXE7EKB?
All LS1012AXE7EKB units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with LS1012AXE7EKB, returns or replacements are accepted under the following conditions:
1.Quantity discrepancies, incorrect items, or visible external defects (such as breakage or corrosion), acknowledged by Aetrix.
2.The issue is reported within 90 days of delivery.
3.The LS1012AXE7EKB part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for LS1012AXE7EKB:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
LS1012AXE7EKB Tags

-
AT91SAM9260B-CU-999
Microchip Technology

-
AT91SAM9G25-CU
Microchip Technology

-
ATSAMA5D27C-CU
Microchip Technology

-
AT91SAM9X35-CU
Microchip Technology

-
AT91SAM9X25-CU
Microchip Technology

-
MCIMX6Y2CVM08AB
NXP Semiconductors
-
AM3352BZCZ100
Texas Instruments

-
AT91SAM9260B-CU
Microchip Technology

-
AT91SAM9260B-QU
Microchip Technology

-
ATSAMA5D31A-CU
Microchip Technology

-
AT91SAM9G20B-CU-999
Microchip Technology

-
MCIMX6Y2CVM05AB
NXP Semiconductors
Tech Hub
A practical engineering guide to 3.3V and 5V logic compatibility, input thresholds, resistor dividers, translator ICs, MOSFET level shifting, I2C pull-ups, timing limits and power-sequencing risks.
The 74HC595 uses push-pull logic outputs, while the TPIC6B595 uses 50 V open-drain DMOS sinks for higher-power loads. This guide compares timing, current limits, 3.3 V interfacing, load wiring, thermal…
The 74HC595 converts serial data into eight stable parallel outputs. This guide covers pin functions, shift and storage timing, OE and MR behavior, drive-current limits, cascading, voltage compatibilit…
A technical comparison of level-sensitive latches and edge-triggered flip-flops, covering timing windows, setup and hold limits, master–slave operation, time borrowing, race-through, HDL inference and…
A D latch stores one bit while Enable controls when data can pass. This reference covers gate-level operation, truth tables, transparency, setup and hold timing, LE versus OE, common ICs and practical …
An SR latch stores one bit through cross-coupled feedback. This engineering reference covers NOR and NAND implementations, truth tables, forbidden-state recovery, gated operation, switch debouncing, fa…
Latch circuits retain one bit through feedback. This technical reference covers SR and D latches, truth tables, transparency, timing limits, latch-versus-flip-flop behavior, applications and common log…
An engineering guide to LED driver operation, constant-current and constant-voltage outputs, linear and switching topologies, dimming, IC selection, calculations, replacement compatibility, and fault c…
Operational amplifier guide covering op amp basics, feedback, ideal vs real op amps, common configurations, buffer circuits, offset, bias current, gain-bandwidth, slew rate, rail-to-rail limits and sel…
Jumper cables guide covering safe connection order, red and black clamp placement, final ground connection, cable gauge, length, clamp quality, copper vs CCA cables, jump starter comparison and battery…
