NXP’s AI-Enabled OrangeBox 2.0 Connectivity Domain Controller Simplifies Automotive Security

The second generation of the OrangeBox development platform incorporates AI capabilities, post-quantum cryptography and integrated software-defined networking to protect against a rapidly evolving threat landscape

What’s New:

NXP Semiconductors today announced OrangeBox 2.0, the second generation of its OrangeBox automotive-grade development platform designed to facilitate secure automotive communication between the vehicle’s gateway and its wireless technologies. The upgraded platform brings a 4x increase in CPU performance compared to the previous generation and incorporates several new innovations. These include embedded AI acceleration, post-quantum cryptography support, an ASIL B safety island, and software-defined networking to help secure the vehicle against the cyberattacks of today and tomorrow and support the transition to software-defined vehicles (SDVs).

Why it Matters:

As cars become increasingly connected and software-defined, they face a rapidly evolving cyber-threat landscape. The highly integrated OrangeBox 2.0 connectivity domain controller is designed to deliver the flexibility needed to protect against these threats. The integrated high performance i.MX 94 applications processor features post-quantum cryptography acceleration, as well as new AI, safety and security capabilities. This enables active cybersecurity that uses machine learning to counter rapidly evolving threats. It also features an integrated 2.5 Gbps Ethernet switch with support for software-defined networking, delivering the flexibility needed for SDVs.

“The original OrangeBox platform consolidated the wireless connectivity of the vehicle, reducing the cyber-attack surfaces. OrangeBox 2.0 enables AI to take things a step further, protecting cars by detecting anomalous communication patterns which could be a sign of previously unknown cyberthreats. The AI capabilities and advanced safety and connectivity delivered by the i.MX 94 applications processor will not only support new cybersecurity protections, but also enable new features for fleet management, predictive maintenance, and more.”

Dan Loop, Vice President and General Manager, Automotive Edge Processing, NXP Semiconductors

More Details:

The OrangeBox 2.0 development platform leverages an i.MX 94 applications processor with an integrated eIQ Neutron neural processing unit (NPU) to accelerate advanced AI-assisted firewall technology. The i.MX 94 SoC is NXP’s first i.MX applications processor to integrate a 2.5 Gbps Ethernet switch, enabling software-defined networking and supporting the transition to SDVs. The i.MX 94 is also NXP’s first applications processor to support post-quantum public key cryptography, allowing it to withstand attacks by quantum computers. The integrated EdgeLock Secure Enclave (Advanced Profile) and EdgeLock Accelerator (Prime) provide advanced, future-proof security capabilities and high performance, enabling a post-quantum hardware root-of-trust, fast secure boot, secure debug and secure update; real-time, high-speed message signing, authentication and encryption for secure communications; and more.

The OrangeBox 2.0 connectivity domain controller also integrates a wide variety of NXP wireless technologies. In addition to the capabilities of the first generation of the OrangeBox platform, the new platform includes the SAF9100, which delivers software-defined audio capabilities. Concurrent dual band Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth® 5.4 is provided by the AW693 solution, designed to enable secure over-the-air software updates. OrangeBox 2.0 also supports smart car access solutions based on NXP’s latest Bluetooth® Low Energy and Ultra-Wideband (UWB) technology, as well as an automotive secure element.

Availability

The OrangeBox 2.0 automotive development platform is expected to be available in 2H 2025. For more information, please visit NXP.com/OrangeBox or contact NXP Sales worldwide. It will also be demonstrated as part of NXP’s presence at Computex. Contact NXP Sales to arrange a demonstration.

About NXP Semiconductors

NXP Semiconductors N.V. (NASDAQ: NXPI) is the trusted partner for innovative solutions in the automotive, industrial & IoT, mobile, and communications infrastructure markets. NXP's "Brighter Together" approach combines leading-edge technology with pioneering people to develop system solutions that make the connected world better, safer, and more secure. The company has operations in more than 30 countries and posted revenue of $12.61 billion in 2024. Find out more at www.nxp.com.

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