NXP Semiconductors LS1023ASN7KQB

Overview

LS1023ASN7KQB from NXP Semiconductors is a dual-core 64-bit Arm® Cortex®-A53 communications processor operating up to 1.4 GHz, featuring 1 MB L2 cache with ECC, DDR4/DDR3L memory controller supporting 1.6 GT/s, and integrated Data Path Acceleration Architecture (DPAA) for packet classification, queue management, and cryptographic acceleration. It targets industrial gateways and secure edge networking appliances requiring deterministic low-latency packet processing.

For engineers reviewing the LS1023ASN7KQB datasheet, LS1023ASN7KQB pinout, LS1023ASN7KQB application, or LS1023ASN7KQB equivalent, key selection considerations include its dual-core A53 configuration (vs. quad-core LS1043A), SerDes lane allocation (2× SGMII + 1× SATA 3.0), absence of QUICC Engine, and FC-PBGA 621-ball 21×21 mm package with defined power rail partitioning (G1VDD, OVDD, DVDD, EVDD).

Technical Context

The LS1023ASN7KQB implements a CCI-400™ coherency interconnect fabric enabling hardware-managed cache coherency between its two Cortex-A53 cores and accelerators. Its DPAA subsystem includes Frame Manager (FMan), Queue Manager (QMan), Buffer Manager (BMan), and Security Engine (SEC) - all accessible via dedicated AXI interfaces and configured through memory-mapped registers.

It supports IEEE 1588-2008 precision time protocol via hardware timestamping on RGMII/SGMII Ethernet interfaces, and integrates a 32-bit DDR4/DDR3L memory controller with ECC, interleaving, and configurable timing parameters per JEDEC standards. The SerDes subsystem provides two independent lanes: one configured for SATA 3.0 (6 Gb/s), the other for dual SGMII (1000BASE-X) operation.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

LS1023ASN7KQB uses a 621-ball Fine-Pitch Ceramic Ball Grid Array (FC-PBGA) package with 21×21 mm body size and 0.8 mm ball pitch. Pin functions follow the LS1023A-specific 21×21 ball map (Document Number LS1043A, Rev. 4.1, Figures 3–7 and Table 1), where ball assignments are shared across LS1023A/LS1043A families but differ in SerDes lane enablement and peripheral gating.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with LS1043ASN7QQB, LS1023ASN7KQB trades core count and SerDes flexibility for lower power and smaller footprint - ideal for space-constrained, thermally limited edge nodes. Against i.MX 8M Plus, it sacrifices multimedia capability for hardened networking acceleration and precise timing - making it irreplaceable in TSN or encrypted SD-WAN edge roles.

Availability

LS1023ASN7KQB is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial gateways, secure SD-WAN edge appliances, and time-sensitive networking bridges requiring stable component supply across extended product lifecycles.

Supply support for LS1023ASN7KQB 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 company headquartered in Eindhoven, Netherlands, specializing in secure connectivity solutions for automotive, industrial, and IoT markets.

The QorIQ LS1023A product line was designed specifically for cost-sensitive, power-efficient edge networking applications - delivering carrier-grade packet processing in compact form factors without compromising security or determinism.

FAQ

What is the maximum DDR4 data rate supported by LS1023ASN7KQB?

LS1023ASN7KQB supports DDR4 data rates up to 1.6 GT/s (effective 3200 MT/s with double data rate), delivering 12.8 GB/s peak bandwidth over its 32-bit bus. This is validated per JEDEC DDR4-3200 specifications and requires board-level signal integrity compliance including controlled impedance, length matching, and proper VREF routing.

Does LS1023ASN7KQB include a built-in Ethernet PHY?

No, LS1023ASN7KQB does not integrate Ethernet PHYs. It provides RGMII and SGMII interfaces that require external PHY devices - such as the AR8033 or KSZ9031 - with appropriate AC-coupling, magnetics, and reference clock conditioning per IEEE 802.3 standards.

Can LS1023ASN7KQB run real-time Linux distributions like PREEMPT_RT?

Yes, LS1023ASN7KQB is fully supported by real-time Linux kernels including PREEMPT_RT and Xenomai. Its dual Cortex-A53 cores, hardware timer isolation, and DPAA's low-latency packet dispatch enable sub-10 µs interrupt response times - verified in industrial PLC and motion controller deployments.

What debug interfaces are available on LS1023ASN7KQB?

LS1023ASN7KQB provides JTAG (TCK/TMS/TDI/TDO/TRST_B) for boundary scan and core debug, plus SWD-compatible cJTAG for reduced pin count. It also supports ARM CoreSight ETMv4 tracing, real-time debug via Nexus Class 3+, and performance monitoring units (PMU) accessible through Linux perf subsystem.

Is LS1023ASN7KQB pin-compatible with LS1043A packages?

No, LS1023ASN7KQB shares the same 621-ball FC-PBGA 21×21 mm package outline and ball pitch as LS1043A, but SerDes lane assignment, power rail mapping (e.g., G1VDD usage), and certain peripheral pin disables (e.g., QUICC Engine pins) differ. Board reuse requires schematic and layout review - particularly DDR, SerDes, and power delivery networks.