Introduction to Nordic NRF54H20-CKAA-R7 Fourth-Generation Multi-Protocol System-on-Chip (SoC)

 The NRF54H20-CKAA-R7 is the fourth-generation multi-protocol system-on-chip (SoC) launched by Nordic. It adopts a 320 MHz Arm Cortex-M33 processor and a RISC-V coprocessor architecture, and is specifically designed for low-power Internet of Things devices. The following are its main advantages:

Reduce design size: Use highly integrated SoCs to replace multiple components, requiring only the minimum number of external components.

Extend battery life or reduce battery size: Efficient processing, ultra-low power radio and minimum sleep current.

Provide long-distance communication: A superior multi-protocol radio of its kind, with a transmission power of 10 dBm. The receiving sensitivity of Bluetooth LE is -100 dBm, and that of 802.15.4 is -104 dBm.

Defend against security threats: Advanced security features, including secure boot, secure firmware update, secure storage, and physical attack protection.

Description

The NRF54H20-CKAA-R7 fourth-generation multi-protocol SoC is the first product in the nRF54H series. This chip is a compact ultra-low power SoC with outstanding processing capabilities, abundant memory and excellent efficiency. This device offers multi-protocol radio and the most advanced security options. The integrated design of NRF54H20-CKAA-R7 features a unique combination of characteristics, enabling developers to build innovative Internet of Things products. The NRF54H20-CKAA-R7 incorporates multiple Arm® Cortex®-M33 processors and a RISC-V coprocessor with a clock frequency of 320MHz. Each processor is optimized for a specific type of workload. Compared with nRF5340, the processing capacity of the application processor has doubled. The NRF54H20-CKAA-R7 offers integrated memory with 2MB non-volatile and 1MB RAM, and its power consumption is lower than that of external memory. This device has processing power and memory capacity, making it highly suitable for running machine learning (ML) models and sensor fusion at the edge.

In addition, the NRF54H20-CKAA-R7 fourth-generation multi-protocol SoC features several notable digital and analog interfaces, including a high-speed USB (480Mbps), two I3C devices, a CAN FD controller, and a 14-bit ADC. It also adopts other analog and digital interfaces.

The receiving sensitivity of this multi-protocol radio is -100dBm, breaking through the three-digit mark of low-power 1Mbps BLUETOOTH®. It also provides -104 dBm power for the 802.15.4 protocol. Combined with a TX power of up to 10dBm, its performance is more powerful and its range is wider. The NRF54H20-CKAA-R7 supports all Bluetooth 5.4 functions and enhances future Bluetooth specifications. The SoC supports low-power Bluetooth, LE audio, Bluetooth mesh network, Thread®, Matter®, etc. The radio RX current is as low as 2.0mA (3V, DC/DC), thus saving energy, especially for applications that are mainly receivers, such as earplugs and wearable devices.

The NRF54H20-CKAA-R7 features the most advanced PSA-certified Level 3 security, which is conducive to security services such as secure boot, secure firmware update and secure storage. The encryption accelerator has been enhanced against side-channel attacks, while the tampering sensor can detect ongoing attacks and take appropriate actions.

The NRF54H20-CKAA-R7 is a compact all-in-one solution that can replace multiple components on a PCB, thereby reducing the design size. Its energy efficiency supports the use of smaller batteries, thereby reducing design size and cost.

Feature

Multiple 320 MHz Arm Cortex-M33

The clock frequency is as high as 320 MHz

Multiple RISC-V coprocessors

2 MB non-volatile memory

1 MB RAM

Low-power Bluetooth, LE audio, Bluetooth mesh, Thread and Matter

New peripherals: high-speed USB (480 Mbps), CAN FD controller, 14-bit ADC

Designed specifically for the PSA-certified Level 3 iot security standard

Physical security

Application scenarios

The NRF54H20-CKAA-R7 chip is suitable for fields that require high processing power and security, such as smart wearable devices (like low-power headphones), smart homes, industrial Internet of Things, and electric vehicles. For instance, a single chip can achieve Thread boundary routing and device control, and a smart home system that supports the Matter protocol.

For more information

For purchasing NRF54H20-CKAA-R7 multi-protocol SoC, please visit www.mjdic.com.