NXP Semiconductors LS1021ASN7MQB

Overview

LS1021ASN7MQB from NXP Semiconductors is a dual-core ARM Cortex-A7 communications processor with ECC-protected L1/L2 caches, 512 KB coherent L2 cache, 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.

For engineers reviewing the LS1021ASN7MQB datasheet, LS1021ASN7MQB pinout, LS1021ASN7MQB application, or LS1021ASN7MQB equivalent, key selection criteria include its dual Cortex-A7 cores with virtualization support, IEEE 1588-capable triple Gigabit Ethernet, USB 3.0 + USB 2.0, SATA 3.0, PCIe 2.0 ×2, four CAN interfaces, and ASRC/SPDIF audio subsystem.

Technical Context

The LS1021ASN7MQB implements a cache-coherent interconnect (CCI-400) linking dual Cortex-A7 cores, 512 KB L2 cache, and accelerators including SEC 5.5 security engine, QUICC Engine (HDLC/TDM/PB), and 2D-ACE LCD controller. It supports hardware-assisted virtualization for resource partitioning across secure and non-secure domains.

Its SerDes subsystem provides four lanes at 6 GHz, configured for up to three 1 GbE ports (with IEEE 1588 timestamping), two PCIe 2.0 links, and one SATA 3.0 interface. Peripheral integration includes QuadSPI, IFC, SD/MMC, four CAN, ten UARTs, three I²C, two SPI, and audio subsystem with ASRC and SPDIF.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

LS1021ASN7MQB is housed in a 23 mm × 23 mm, 621-pin FC-BGA package (RoHS-compliant, Pb-free). Pin assignment follows the LS1021A standard ballout defined in NXP document LS1021AFS REV 6.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with LS1021ASN7MQB, LS1021ASTN7MQB offers identical functionality at higher thermal tolerance, while i.MX 6SoloX trades networking depth and industrial I/O for lower cost and simpler software stack-neither is pin-compatible, but both serve overlapping edge gateway use cases.

Availability

LS1021ASN7MQB is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for enterprise AP routers, multi-protocol IoT gateways, and industrial automation controllers requiring stable component supply, long-term lifecycle assurance, and traceable sourcing.

Supply support for LS1021ASN7MQB 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 markets, with headquarters in Eindhoven, Netherlands.

The QorIQ LS1021A processor belongs to NXP's Layerscape family of ARM-based communications processors, designed specifically for power-constrained, fanless network edge devices requiring high integration, industrial I/O, and hardware-accelerated security.

FAQ

What is the maximum operating temperature specification for LS1021ASN7MQB?

The LS1021ASN7MQB is rated for industrial temperature range: –40°C to +105°C ambient operating temperature. Its thermal design requires proper PCB copper pour, heatsink attachment (if used), and airflow management to maintain junction temperature within limits during sustained 7,000 CoreMarks® operation. The part uses internal thermal sensors monitored via the System Control Unit.

Does LS1021ASN7MQB support DDR4 memory, and what configurations are validated?

Yes, LS1021ASN7MQB supports DDR4-1600 (800 MHz clock) in x8, x16, and x32 configurations with ECC enabled. NXP validates DDR4 operation using Micron MT41K256M16TW-107 and Samsung K4B4G1646E-BYMA modules. JEDEC-compliant termination and VREF calibration are required for reliable boot and runtime stability.

How many CAN interfaces does LS1021ASN7MQB provide, and are they fully independent?

LS1021ASN7MQB integrates four fully independent CAN 2.0B controllers, each with dedicated TX/RX pins, message RAM, and programmable bit timing. All four support loopback, self-test, and hardware FIFOs. They operate concurrently without arbitration or shared resources, enabling simultaneous PROFIBUS DP slave and CANopen master functions.

Is hardware virtualization supported on LS1021ASN7MQB, and what hypervisors are certified?

Yes, LS1021ASN7MQB supports ARMv7-A virtualization extensions and TrustZone. Certified hypervisors include Wind River Helix Virtualization Platform and Green Hills INTEGRITY Multivisor. These enable secure separation of Linux guest OSes from real-time partitions, with hardware-enforced memory isolation and interrupt virtualization.

What development tools are officially supported for LS1021ASN7MQB firmware bring-up?

NXP officially supports CodeWarrior Development Studio for Networked Applications (CW4NET) and the LS1021A Linux SDK (based on Linux kernel 3.12 LTS). Debugging uses the on-board JTAG interface compatible with Lauterbach TRACE32 and Segger J-Link. The TWR-LS1021A evaluation board includes pre-flashed U-Boot and kernel images for rapid validation.