NXP Semiconductors LS1021ASN7HNB

Overview

LS1021ASN7HNB from NXP Semiconductors is a dual-core ARM Cortex-A7 communications processor with ECC-protected L1/L2 caches, DDR3L/4 memory controller (up to 1600 MHz), and integrated QUICC Engine for industrial protocol support. It delivers 7,000+ CoreMarks® at ≤3 W typical system power and targets fanless networked edge devices requiring virtualization, security acceleration (SEC 5.5), and multi-Gigabit Ethernet connectivity.

For engineers reviewing the LS1021ASN7HNB datasheet, LS1021ASN7HNB pinout, LS1021ASN7HNB application, or LS1021ASN7HNB equivalent, key selection criteria include its 1.2 GHz core frequency, hardware virtualization support, IEEE 1588-capable triple Gigabit Ethernet, USB 3.0 + USB 2.0 dual controllers, and CAN 2.0B x4 interface - all in a 23x23 mm 621-pin FC-BGA package.

Technical Context

The LS1021ASN7HNB implements a cache-coherent interconnect (CCI-400) linking two ARM Cortex-A7 cores, each with 32 KB I/D cache and shared 512 KB L2 cache, plus NEON SIMD and dual-precision FPU. Its SerDes supports three configurable high-speed interfaces: up to three 1 GbE ports (with IEEE 1588 v2), two PCIe Gen2 lanes, and one SATA 3.0 port.

System-level integration includes a dedicated security engine (SEC 5.5) for IPsec/SSL/DTLS offload, QUICC Engine subsystem for HDLC/TDM/PROFIBUS, LCD controller (2D-ACE) with touchscreen support, and peripheral sets including QuadSPI, IFC, SD/MMC, four CAN controllers, ten UARTs, three I²C, and two SPI interfaces.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

LS1021ASN7HNB is housed in a 23 mm × 23 mm, 621-ball Fine-Pitch Flip-Chip Ball Grid Array (FC-BGA) package with 0.8 mm ball pitch and RoHS-compliant lead-free finish. Thermal design requires bottom-side thermal pad contact with PCB ground plane.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with i.MX 6SoloX and LS1043A, the LS1021ASN7HNB uniquely balances sub-3 W power, ECC-protected dual Cortex-A7 compute, QUICC Engine industrial protocol support, and triple 1 GbE - making it optimal for thermally constrained, protocol-diverse edge gateways where reliability and BOM simplification are critical.

Availability

LS1021ASN7HNB is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for enterprise access point routers, industrial IoT gateways, and mobile wireless routers requiring stable component supply, long-term lifecycle assurance, and traceable sourcing from authorized channels.

Supply support for LS1021ASN7HNB 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 applications, with deep expertise in ARM-based processing and networking IP.

The QorIQ LS1021A product line was designed specifically for fanless, small-form-factor networked edge devices demanding high reliability, hardware virtualization, and integrated industrial protocol support - bridging the gap between application processors and traditional networking SoCs.

FAQ

What is the maximum operating frequency of the LS1021ASN7HNB?

The LS1021ASN7HNB operates at a maximum core frequency of 1.2 GHz per ARM Cortex-A7 core. This frequency is sustained under thermal and voltage conditions specified in the official NXP LS1021A datasheet (Document Number: LS1021AFS REV 6). The LS1021ASN7HNB achieves this while maintaining ≤3 W typical system power consumption, enabling fanless operation in compact enclosures.

Does the LS1021ASN7HNB support DDR4 memory?

Yes, the LS1021ASN7HNB includes a DDR3L/DDR4 memory controller supporting data rates up to 1600 MT/s. It is among the first sub-3 W processors to offer native DDR4 compatibility, allowing designers to leverage higher-density, lower-voltage memory for improved system longevity and power efficiency. This capability is confirmed in the LS1021A reference manual and validated in NXP's LS1021A-RDB hardware design.

How many Gigabit Ethernet interfaces does the LS1021ASN7HNB provide?

The LS1021ASN7HNB integrates three independent Gigabit Ethernet MACs, each supporting IEEE 1588-2008 precision time protocol (PTP) timestamping. These interfaces are routed through the device's 4-lane 6 GHz SerDes and can be configured as RGMII, SGMII, or RMII. All three are fully functional in the LS1021ASN7HNB and used in production designs such as the TWR-LS1021A evaluation platform.

Is hardware virtualization supported on the LS1021ASN7HNB?

Yes, the LS1021ASN7HNB supports ARM virtualization extensions including stage-2 MMU translation and hypervisor mode, enabling secure resource partitioning across virtual machines. This capability is implemented in silicon and documented in the LS1021A Applications Processor Reference Manual. The LS1021ASN7HNB uses these features to isolate real-time industrial protocols (via QUICC Engine) from general-purpose Linux workloads.

What industrial communication protocols are natively supported by the LS1021ASN7HNB?

The LS1021ASN7HNB provides native hardware support for CAN 2.0B (four ports), HDLC, TDM, and PROFIBUS via its integrated QUICC Engine subsystem. These protocols are handled independently of the Cortex-A7 cores, ensuring deterministic timing and low-latency response. This support is verified in NXP's QorIQ LS1021A Software Development Kit and used in certified industrial gateway reference designs.

Does the LS1021ASN7HNB include an integrated LCD controller?

Yes, the LS1021ASN7HNB integrates a 2D Accelerated Composition Engine (2D-ACE) LCD controller supporting RGB888/666/565 formats up to WXGA resolution (1366×768). It includes touchscreen interface support and is functionally identical to the LCD controller found in Vybrid and i.MX 6 series processors, enabling software reuse. This feature is detailed in Section 4.12 of the LS1021A Reference Manual.