QorIQ LS1012A, for area-constrained battery-powered applications
Provides networking-grade security and enhanced performance

NXP Semiconductors has introduced the QorIQ LS1012A processor, which delivers enterprise-grade performance and security features to consumer and network applications. This processor is released as a package with a microcontroller. The QorIQ LS1012A combines a 64-bit ARMv8-based processor with network packet acceleration and QorIQ Trust Architecture security features. Released in a 9.6mm x 9.6mm package, it provides line-rate networking performance with 1W power consumption.

The new NXP processor is designed to create a whole new level of products by combining battery power and line-rate networking. The QorIQ LS1012A is ideal for a wide range of applications, including next-generation IoT gateways, portable entertainment platforms, and high-performance portable storage applications such as mobile HDDs, as well as for cameras, tablets, and other rechargeable devices.



The LS1012A is the first processor released specifically for the newly emerging storage paradigm. As the demand for cloud data storage continues to grow, the industry is transitioning to object-based file architectures to achieve simplification and cost reduction. Object-based storage relies on intelligent hard disk drives (HDDs) directly connected to data center Ethernet networks. The LS1012A, the first network processor small enough to be directly integrated into the PCB of an HDD, enables so-called “Ethernet drives” and occupies the same form factor as existing HDDs.

Tareq Bustami, Senior Vice President and General Manager of Digital Networking at NXP, said, “The NXP LS1012, combining low power, a small footprint, and networking-grade performance, is ideal for consumer, networking, and IoT applications. This includes a comprehensive IoT gateway that integrates a low-power 64-bit ARM-based processor with BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy), ZigBee®, and Thread wireless technologies,” adding, “By combining NXP’s unique expertise, this will provide an impetus to encourage embedded system designers and developers to envision and create innovative, best-in-class products across a wide range of high-growth markets.”

With the new LS1012A, NXP combines a low-power 2Gbps packet crypto accelerator with a highly efficient, high-output 64-bit ARM Cortex® A53 core, integrating all high-speed peripherals into a small package unprecedented in its class. This product combines dual 2.5 Gigabit Ethernet, PCIe, SATA3, and USB 3.0 with an integrated PHY. As the only 1W 64-bit processor on the market, it enables lower system costs by comprehensively combining high-speed peripherals into a single SoC. In addition, with an innovative package, this processor can be mounted on a low-cost 4-layer PCB.

Linley Gwennap, founder and principal analyst of the Linley Group, said, “With the announcement of the LS1012A, NXP’s 64-bit ARMv8 communication processor portfolio has now expanded from the ARM A53 single-core to the ARM A72 octa-core design,” adding, “With the announcement of this new product, NXP’s position as having the most extensive portfolio of ARM 64-bit networking solutions in the market will be further solidified.”

Multi-Output DC-DC Converter/PMIC, Enhanced Power Efficiency

The QorIQ LS1012A is powered by NXP's new VR5100 multi-output DC-DC converter, enhancing the power efficiency of the LS1012A processor. This product includes three buck regulators, six LDOs, a boost regulator providing power management solutions for NAS, battery-operated mobile NAS, IoT gateways, and home/factory automation systems. The highly integrated VR5100 operates at extremely low standby current compared to competing solutions, while being specially programmed for processor performance optimization and reduced development time, and is included on the LS1012A evaluation board.

To accelerate product design, NXP is currently accepting orders for the LS1012A. This product will work with Linux SDKs suitable for various markets, as well as application optimization software tools required for routing and storage applications. Development tools include all Yocto-supported software development kits, CodeWarrior for ARM-64-bit toolchains, and fully featured RDB boards.

NXP's LS1012A will be released starting April 2016 and is currently available for order.