Layerscape Architecture

NXP's QorIQ LS series processors, built on ARM^® architecture, deliver unprecedented efficiency and scale for the smarter, more capable networks and industrial infrastructure of tomorrow.

The QorIQ LS1 family is the first in a series of ARM-based processors that bring networking know-how and robust connectivity to applications as wide ranged as programmable logic controllers, IoT gateways, and consumer broadband home routing. 

QorIQ LS1024A Multicore System-On-Chip

The QorIQ LS1024A system-on-chip (SoC) communications processor delivers vastly increased processing power and VoIP density, wire- speed handling of small packets, DRM-compliant security, and enterprise-grade VPN and SSL throughput. The processor allows considerable system cost savings due to the integration of new features that are emerging in the CPE market. In addition to providing high throughput IPsec and SSL CPU offload, the QorIQ LS1024A communications processor’s onboard security engine includes a powerful Deep Packet Inspection engine with GZIP decompression capability. The device’s three Ethernet interfaces allow for DMZ configuration providing further security for SOHO/SMB routers and gateways.

Applications include high-end VoIP and video-enabled home gateways, small- to mid-sized business (SMB) high-performance security appliances, Ethernet-powered 802.11n enterprise access points, consumer networked storage products, and secure payment terminals.

Features include packet acceleration logic, dual-core Cortex-A9 core with cache-coherence, support for voice software, SATA, USB 3.0 DDR3 and NAND controller interfaces, a comprehensive set of security features (e.g., secure boot, ARM TrustZone^®, OTP, JTAG blocking), integrated DECT and DECT-ULE baseband processor, and a rich ecosystem of software partners.

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QorIQ LS1021A Processor

The QorIQ LS1021A processor delivers extensive integration and power efficiency for fanless, small-form-factor networked applications. Incorporating dual ARM Cortex-A7 cores with ECC protection running up to 1.0 GHz, the QorIQ LS1021A is engineered to deliver over 5,000 CoreMarks of performance, as well as virtualization support, advanced security features, and the broadest array of high-speed interconnects and optimized peripheral features ever offered in a sub-2 W typical processor.

Applications include enterprise AP routers for 802.11ac/n, multi-protocol IoT gateways, industrial and factory automation, mobile wireless routers, printing, building automation, and smart energy.

Features include dual ARM Cortex-A7 cores, ECC-protected L1 and L2 cache memories, integrated security engine, supporting secure boot and trust architecture, rich connectivity and peripheral features, including PCI Express Gen 2, USB 3.0, SATA 3, IFC, QuadSPI, CAN, LCD controller (2D-ACE), QUICC Engine, support for hardware-based virtualization, and DDR3L/4.

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QorIQ LS1024A Reference Design Board

The QorIQ LS1024A reference design board (LS1024A-RDB) exercises most capabilities of the device, serving as a reference for hardware development. The LS1024A-RDB supports one PCI Express^® slot, two mini-PCI Express^® connectors, and two USB 3.0 receptacles as well as one USB2.0 connector. These components, integrated with the LS1024A processor, provide an application-specific platform that can help you get a jump start on your next design. The LS1024A-RDB also supports 256MB of DDR3, 64 MB of NOR Flash, 2 GB of NAND Flash, and 2 SATA interfaces.

The LS1024A-RDB ships with a PCIe Wi-Fi card and driver to enable evaluation of the LS1024A's Wi-Fi routing capabilities. The QorIQ LS1024A-RDB comes pre-loaded with a binary image of the OpenWRT-based Linux BHR Application Solution Kit (ASK) that includes firmware, and optimized network and Linux packages. Hardware details are abstracted by the ASK for rapid product development. Customers can purchase the full software development kit source code for broadband home router and network attached storage (LS1024A only), and basic, plus, and premium software support packages are available for purchase. The board is also supported by a number of 3rd party SW providers including Prosist (OSGi framework), Skelmir (JVM), and WindRiver.  

QorIQ TWR-LS1021A Tower System Module

The QorIQ TWR-LS1021A tower system module is the most feature-rich and high-performance tower system offered by NXP. It enables compatibility and interoperability with the growing list of Tower expansion modules, providing an easily accessible and interchangeable suite of capabilities and features to support rapid prototyping as well as software development programs. The TWR-LS1021A module is engineered to enable a wide range of applications, from IoT gateways to industrial controllers, secure access points and asset management systems. Customers benefit from the high level of integration, ECC protected L1 and L2 caches, DDR3L and DDR4 support, together with excellent balance of performance to power, and robust reliability.

Applications include secure access point, secure hot spot, secure IoT gateways, HMI-enabled programmable logic controller, secure network attached storage (NAS), asset management, and tracking, HMI-enabled controller, and robotics.

Key features of the QorIQ LS1021A processor include dual ARM Cortex-A7 cores, 32 KB I/D L1 cache with ECC protection, 512 KB coherent L2 cache with ECC protection, DDR memory controller that supports DDR3L, and DDR4 at up to 1.6 GHz with optional ECC protection. For customer evaluation, the TWR-LS1021A based on the modular Tower system is provided. Key features of this board include dual mini PCIe connectors, three gigabit Ethernet ports, dual USB 3.0 type A ports, a SATA connector, and an HDMI port. 

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QorIQ LS1021 IoT Gateway

The QorIQ LS1021A IoT gateway reference design offers a wide array of high-speed connectivity and low-speed serial interfaces engineered to support the secure delivery of IoT services to end users in a home, business, or industrial location. The reference design combines standards-based, open source software together with a feature-rich IoT gateway design to establish a common, open framework for secure IoT service delivery and management.

Setting the LS1021A-IoT gateway apart is the wide assortment of high-speed and serial-based connectivity it offers in a compact, highly secure design, delivering an impressive level of versatility. An additional innovation of the reference design is its support for Arduino Shield™ modules, which further enables support for a variety of communication solutions offered by the family of Arduino modules. High efficiency is achieved through the use of the ARM^®-based QorIQ LS1021A embedded processor, which delivers over 5,000 CoreMarks of performance at a typical power of less than 3 W. The MC34VR500 regulator is optimized for LS102x processors and supplies all its power rails. This device is ideally suited to power system solutions with unique programmable multiple DC/DC and LDO outputs. In addition to its outstanding performance efficiency and high-level of integration, the LS1021A-IoT gateway design offers HDMI, PCIe3, and USB 3.0 connectors as well as a complete Linux software developer’s package.

The LS1021A-IoT reference design can be configured to support a comprehensive level of security, which includes secure boot, trust architecture and tamper detection for both standby and active power modes. Together, these features safeguard customer designs from the point-of-manufacture to the point-of-deployment, providing continuous protection from malicious attacks and ensure end products deliver the highest level of security and reliability.