Nordic Semiconductor has released the nRF54H20, a fourth-generation low-power wireless System-on-Chip (SoC). The nRF54H20 is ideal for Internet of Things (IoT) applications demanding high processing power, excellent energy efficiency, and state-of-the-art security. The new SoC is based on the hardware architecture fabricated on the GlobalFoundries 22FDX leading process node. Capable of supporting Bluetooth 5.4 and future Bluetooth specifications, plus LE Audio, Bluetooth mesh, Thread, Matter, etc. Its combination of advanced features will enable designers to create complex end-products which were previously unfeasible due to the number of components required. The nRF54H20 will allow engineers to build compact IoT end products.
According to the company, the nRF54H20 is powered by multiple Arm Cortex-M33 processors and multiple RISC-V coprocessors. The processors are clocked at up to 320 MHz with each processor optimized for a specific type of workload, thus making the system more efficient. The company says that the nRF54H20 belongs to the nRF54H Series, the “H” branch of the wider nRF54 Series. The dedicated application processor features double the processing power (2x CoreMark) of the application processor in Nordic’s current flagship, the nRF5340 SoC. The nRF54H20’s computing resources are supported by integrated memory comprising 2 MB of non-volatile memory and 1 MB of RAM. The SoC’s high level of integration will enable developers to shrink their designs by replacing multiple components—for example, application MCU, external memory, and wireless SoC—with just one highly compact device. In addition to advanced wearables, smart home, medical, and LE Audio applications, the nRF54H20 SoC is an ideal solution for applications demanding complex machine learning (ML) and support for sensor fusion at the edge.
“Decades of ultra-low power wireless expertise have come together to form the nRF54 Series,” says Svenn-Tore Larsen, CEO, Nordic Semiconductor. “Our first SoC from the fourth generation of Bluetooth LE solutions, the nRF54H20, not only represents a significant milestone for Nordic but also allows Nordic’s customers to build end-products far more advanced and efficient than those we see today.
Discover The nRF54H20
Enhanced Processing Power and Ample Memory
The nRF54H20 incorporates multiple Arm Cortex-M33 processors and RISC-V coprocessors, clocked at up to 320 MHz. Each processor is tailored for a specific workload type. The application processor’s processing power is twice that of the current flagship, nRF5340. With 2 MB of non-volatile memory and 1 MB of RAM integrated, it consumes significantly less power than external memory. The processing power and memory capacity make it ideal for running machine learning (ML) models and sensor fusion at the edge.
Innovative Digital and Analog Interfaces
The SoC boasts several new digital and analog interfaces, including high-speed USB (480 Mbps), dual I3C interfaces, a CAN FD controller, and a 14-bit ADC. This is in addition to numerous other analog and digital interfaces.
Record-Breaking Multiprotocol Radio with Top-notch RX Sensitivity
The state-of-the-art multiprotocol radio is the first to achieve a triple-digit barrier on RX sensitivity for 1 Mbps Bluetooth Low Energy, with -100 dBm. It also delivers -104 dBm for 802.15.4 protocols. Combined with up to 10 dBm TX power, it provides enhanced robustness and extended range. The nRF54H20 supports all Bluetooth 5.4 features and is designed to support future Bluetooth specifications. It is compatible with Bluetooth Low Energy, LE Audio, Bluetooth Mesh, Thread, Matter, and more. The radio RX current is as low as 2.0 mA (3V, DC/DC), resulting in significant energy savings, particularly for receiver-centric applications like earbuds and wearables.
Cutting-Edge Security
The nRF54H20 offers top-of-the-line security. It is designed for PSA Certified Level 3, the highest level in the PSA Certified IoT security standard. It supports security services such as Secure Boot, Secure Firmware Update, and Secure Storage. The cryptographic accelerators are fortified against side-channel attacks, and tamper sensors can detect an ongoing attack and respond accordingly.
All-In-One Solution
The nRF54H20 is a compact, all-in-one solution that can replace multiple components on the PCB, minimizing design size. For instance, an application MCU, external flash, and wireless SoC can be replaced with a single, compact nRF54H20. Its exceptional energy efficiency allows for the use of smaller batteries, further reducing both design size and cost.
Applications
– Advanced wearables
– Smart Home and Matter
– Medical and healthcare
– LE Audio
– Industrial
– Gaming
– Virtual reality and augmented reality
– E-mobility
