NXP Semiconductors has expanded its secure cloud services across its vehicle computing platform by supporting AWS cloud services for its automotive MCUs.

NXP announced today that it is integrating Amazon Web Services (AWS) cloud services into its S32K3 automotive microcontroller (MCU) series for body, area control, and electrification applications. This integration expands support for secure cloud connectivity across the NXP S32 vehicle computing platform.

A new in-vehicle secure cloud service is now available as an end-to-end vehicle data solution encompassing the S32K3, S32Z/E, S32G2, and S32G3 automotive processing solutions.

NXP's S32K3 with integrated cloud connectivity accelerates software-defined vehicle (SDV) development using FreeRTOS libraries that support AWS IoT Core.

This allows vehicles to be securely connected to the cloud, providing vehicle data-driven insights, services, and over-the-air (OTA) updates. Additionally, software libraries provide seamless connectivity between the S32K3 and AWS IoT Greengrass-enabled devices.

Secure cloud connectivity services will lead to data-driven, advanced automotive experiences and revenue-generating innovations. Accessing and processing real-time data across the entire vehicle, based on secure access to cloud services and machine learning, will enable intelligent vehicles that are continuously upgraded through over-the-air updates.

Furthermore, automakers can gain insights into vehicle performance and condition, driver behavior, and traffic patterns, while consumers can benefit from extended vehicle lifespans and added features. Mobility companies can leverage streamlined cloud connectivity to rapidly innovate and deliver new applications. For example, the data collected and analyzed can lead to new revenue streams through services like usage-based insurance.

In 2020, NXP announced a collaboration with AWS to integrate its NXP S32G vehicle network processor with AWS IoT services for service-oriented gateways.

NXP S32 device software with AWS cloud solutions supports a variety of communication technologies and can be used with wireless connectivity technologies such as 4G/5G cellular and Wi-Fi.

NXP S32K3 devices can now connect directly to AWS cloud services or connect to more powerful S32G devices using AWS cloud services such as AWS IoT Core, AWS IoT Greengrass, and AWS IoT FleetWise.

By extending AWS connectivity to the S32K3, OEMs gain the flexibility to build AWS cloud connectivity into their vehicles regardless of vehicle architecture, supporting vehicle architecture transitions. These include architectures where the S32K3 primarily acts as an end node or area controller, complementing the S32G vehicle network processor, configurations using multiple S32K devices without an S32G processor, and configurations where one or more S32K3s act as AWS cloud service access gateways.

NXP's S32 vehicle computing platform and AWS cloud connectivity are a suitable combination for a variety of mobility applications. For example, connecting the S32K3 device directly to the cloud is ideal for small vehicles such as e-bikes and scooters. In this case, the S32K3 device acts as an aggregator or main controller.

The NXP S32K3 device is a scalable, low-power Arm® Cortex®-M series-based microcontroller. It is AEC-Q100 qualified, supporting advanced safety, security, and software support for automotive and industrial ASIL B/D applications in body, area control, and electrification. Over-the-air (OTA) firmware updates for the S32K3 are securely protected by a dedicated hardware security engine (HSE) and A/B swap functionality. The device is supported by a 15+ year product life cycle and a comprehensive ecosystem of third-party software and tools.