Nordic's Next-Gen Wireless Chips Promise Double Processing Power at Half the Size
Munich, Wednesday, 20 November 2024.
Nordic Semiconductor unveils groundbreaking nRF54L Series SoCs at Electronica 2024, offering unprecedented efficiency for IoT devices. The new chips deliver double the processing power in packages 50% smaller than predecessors, while supporting advanced protocols including Bluetooth 6.0. Built on TSMC’s 22nm process, these SoCs represent a significant leap in wireless integration technology, particularly for battery-powered devices.
Unmatched Efficiency and Power
The nRF54L Series from Nordic Semiconductor stands out with its exceptional power efficiency and processing capabilities. Launched at the Electronica 2024 show in Munich, these SoCs are built using TSMC’s 22nm technology, which enables significant improvements in both power consumption and performance. The series includes three models: nRF54L15, nRF54L10, and nRF54L05, each tailored to meet diverse application needs. Designed for Internet of Things (IoT) devices, these chips deliver double the processing power and triple the efficiency compared to their predecessors in the nRF52 Series, making them ideal for a wide range of applications from wearables to industrial IoT systems.
Comprehensive Protocol Support
One of the most compelling aspects of the nRF54L series is its extensive protocol support. The chips are equipped to handle multiple protocols, including Bluetooth LE, Bluetooth Mesh, Thread, Matter, Zigbee, and Amazon Sidewalk, in addition to a variety of 2.4 GHz proprietary protocols. With a maximum data rate of up to 4 Mbps, they are also future-proofed for Bluetooth 6.0, featuring Bluetooth Channel Sounding capabilities. This broad compatibility makes them a versatile choice for developers seeking to integrate robust wireless connectivity into their products without the need for complex bespoke designs.
Advanced Security and Minimal Footprint
Security is a crucial consideration in today’s connected devices, and the nRF54L series addresses this with advanced security features such as TrustZone isolation, tamper sensors, and cryptographic accelerators. Moreover, the compact design, measuring just 2.4 mm by 2.2 mm, represents a 50% reduction in size compared to the nRF52840, enabling more space-efficient product designs. The SoCs incorporate an Arm Cortex-M33 processor running at 128 MHz, which allows them to function as both processing and wireless engines, reducing the need for additional processors in smaller IoT applications.
Comparison with Predecessors
When compared to the previous nRF52 Series, the nRF54L Series offers significant advancements. The nRF54L15, for instance, provides 1.5 MB of non-volatile memory (NVM) and 256 KB of RAM, while the nRF54L10 and nRF54L05 offer 1.0 MB NVM and 0.5 MB NVM, respectively. These improvements allow for more complex applications and enhanced performance. The series also features a low-power RISC-V coprocessor, which helps reduce the bill of materials (BOM) costs and supports advanced applications requiring efficient power consumption.
Use Cases and Recommendations
The nRF54L Series SoCs are particularly well-suited for applications that require robust wireless functionality and low power consumption. Ideal use cases include wearable technology, smart home devices, gaming controllers, medical devices, and industrial IoT systems. For developers looking to quickly prototype and test their designs, the nRF54L15 DK development kit offers a comprehensive solution with breakout GPIO pins, built-in debugger, user-accessible switches, and LEDs. Given the series’ versatility and efficiency, it is recommended for both seasoned developers and those new to wireless integration who need a reliable and powerful SoC solution.