NXP Semiconductors LS1017AXE7PQA

Overview

LS1017AXE7PQA from NXP Semiconductors is a single-core 64-bit ARM Cortex-A72 system-on-chip (SoC) operating up to 1.5 GHz, featuring 48KB L1 instruction cache, 32KB L1 data cache with ECC, and 1MB shared L2 cache with ECC. It integrates a DDR3L/DDR4 memory controller (1.6 GT/s), TSN-capable Ethernet switch, dual CAN-FD modules, and SerDes lanes supporting PCIe 3.0, SATA 3, and multiple SGMII/2.5G-SGMII interfaces for industrial gateways and networking edge devices.

For engineers reviewing the LS1017AXE7PQA datasheet, LS1017AXE7PQA pinout, LS1017AXE7PQA application, or LS1017AXE7PQA equivalent, key selection considerations include its FC-PBGA 448-ball package, 1.5 GHz single-core performance with ECC-protected caches, DDR4/ECC memory support, TSN Ethernet capability, and compatibility with Linux-based real-time industrial control stacks.

Technical Context

The LS1017AXE7PQA implements a single ARM Cortex-A72 core in a coherent interconnect architecture (CCI-400) running at up to 1.5 GHz, with ECC-protected 48KB L1-I and 32KB L1-D caches plus a shared 1MB L2 cache also protected by ECC. Its memory subsystem supports 16/32-bit DDR3L or DDR4 with ECC at up to 1.6 GT/s.

High-speed I/O includes four SerDes lanes enabling two PCIe 3.0 controllers, one SATA 6 Gbit/s controller, up to four SGMII ports (1 Gbps), up to four 2.5G-SGMII ports, one QSGMII interface, and 10G-SXGMII/10G-QXGMII for flexible Ethernet switching and TSN timing. The SoC integrates dual CAN-FD, eight I²C, six LPUARTs, two eSDHC controllers, FlexSPI, and hardware-accelerated security via Arm TrustZone and Secure Boot.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

LS1017AXE7PQA is housed in a 448-ball Fine-Pitch Ceramic Ball Grid Array (FC-PBGA) package measuring 17 mm × 17 mm with 0.8 mm ball pitch, designed for high-density industrial PCB layouts requiring thermal and signal integrity optimization.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with LS1027AXE7PQA, the LS1017AXE7PQA delivers identical TSN, SerDes, and security features in a lower-power single-core configuration ideal for cost-sensitive industrial gateways; versus i.MX8M Mini, it provides superior deterministic networking and high-speed peripheral integration at the expense of multimedia acceleration.

Availability

LS1017AXE7PQA is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial gateways, TSN-based automation controllers, secure edge routers, and print/imaging systems requiring stable component supply, long lifecycle support, and qualified automotive/industrial temperature grade availability.

Supply support for LS1017AXE7PQA 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 SoCs and real-time networking.

The LS1017A belongs to NXP's QorIQ LS series - a value-performance line of communications processors designed specifically for cost-sensitive, power-efficient edge networking and industrial control applications demanding TSN, CAN-FD, and ECC-protected memory subsystems.

FAQ

What is the maximum operating frequency of the LS1017AXE7PQA processor core?

The LS1017AXE7PQA features a single ARM Cortex-A72 core rated for operation up to 1.5 GHz under recommended thermal and voltage conditions. This frequency is validated across the industrial temperature range (–40°C to +105°C) and enables deterministic real-time execution of Linux-based industrial control stacks without thermal throttling in properly cooled enclosures.

Does the LS1017AXE7PQA support ECC memory and cache protection?

Yes, the LS1017AXE7PQA supports ECC on both L1 instruction and data caches (48KB/32KB), the 1MB L2 cache, and the DDR3L/DDR4 memory controller. This end-to-end ECC implementation prevents silent data corruption and meets functional safety requirements for industrial automation and infrastructure equipment where data integrity is critical.

Which high-speed serial interfaces are supported by the LS1017AXE7PQA SerDes?

The LS1017AXE7PQA integrates four SerDes lanes supporting PCIe 3.0 (two controllers), SATA 6 Gbit/s, up to four SGMII (1 Gbps), up to four 2.5G-SGMII, QSGMII, and 10G-SXGMII/10G-QXGMII. These interfaces enable flexible Ethernet switching, storage connectivity, and multi-gigabit backplane links without requiring external retimers or bridges.

Is the LS1017AXE7PQA pin-compatible with the LS1027AXE7PQA?

Yes, the LS1017AXE7PQA and LS1027AXE7PQA share identical FC-PBGA 448-ball packaging, pinout, and mechanical footprint. They differ only in core count (single vs. dual Cortex-A72) and associated power/performance characteristics - enabling drop-in replacement in existing designs where single-core operation suffices.

What security features does the LS1017AXE7PQA provide for secure boot and runtime protection?

The LS1017AXE7PQA includes Arm TrustZone for hardware-isolated secure world execution, a dedicated Security Engine for cryptographic acceleration (AES, SHA, RSA), and immutable Secure Boot enforcing signed firmware images. These features collectively establish a root of trust for secure firmware updates, encrypted storage, and protected key management in industrial and networking deployments.