NXP Semiconductors announced on the 11th that, building on the success of its recently released MCX A and MCX N series devices, it is adding extensive connectivity to its MCX portfolio with the latest devices in the MCX W series.

NXP emphasized that this enables the implementation of edge device innovations based on secure multi-protocol wireless microcontrollers (MCUs) for Matter™, Thread®, Zigbee®, and Bluetooth® Low Energy (BLE).

The MCX W series is built upon the portfolio-wide FRDM development platform, MCX portfolio device architecture, cores, peripherals, and MCUXpresso Developer Experience. This enables the implementation of a scalable MCU platform that allows for rapid new product development and easy identification of new use cases in the industrial and IoT markets.

The MCX W71x and W72x, the first product families of the MCX W series, are designed to maximize the flexibility of smart connected devices through an independent wireless subsystem capable of software upgrades.

The subsystem supports multitasking by offloading the main core to free up space for running primary applications.

The MCX W series supports scalable memory sizes for applications and connectivity stacks, as well as over-the-air (OTA) updates. This enables the continuous upgrading of secure connected edge devices to meet changing consumer demands and advancements in connectivity protocols such as Matter.

The MCX W series includes the industry's first wireless MCU supporting the new Bluetooth Channel Sounding standard. Consequently, it provides enhanced distance measurement accuracy and security compared to existing Bluetooth technology in various applications, such as secure access, asset tracking, and indoor pathfinding.

MCX W, together with NXP’s Trimension® portfolio of ultra-wideband (UWB) security radars and precision rangefinders, accelerates the advancement of ambient computing across a wide range of market segments and applications.

Connection standards will continue to evolve over time and provide new capabilities and features in future versions. Therefore, upgrade features can be useful for extending device usage in the field, reducing redesigns, and providing differentiated capabilities.

The MCX W series provides the performance and memory necessary to handle future standard changes and changing user requirements through OTA firmware updates, enabling long-term product improvement.

Developers can benefit from a scalable and secure MCU platform that supports multiple connectivity standards. Scalability across the entire MCX portfolio enables the easy development of diverse end devices based on a common platform, reducing development costs and complexity and contributing to faster time-to-market.

Charles Dachs, General Manager and Senior Vice President of IoT and Industrial at NXP, said, “With new features being introduced regularly, the future of smart connected devices is evolving faster than ever before. The MCX W Series strengthens the entire MCX portfolio, helping developers more easily incorporate advanced connectivity into their designs and enable new innovations for next-generation IoT and industrial devices.”