phyCORE®-RT1170
Crossover MCU for real-time applications
Product Overview
A compact RT1170 module for real-time embedded applications that need high-speed processing, advanced security and reliable industrial connectivity. Built on the NXP i.MX RT1170 crossover MCU, the phyCORE®-RT1170 combines Arm® Cortex®-M7 and Cortex®-M4 processing in a 30 mm x 30 mm footprint, making it ideal for industrial automation, automotive systems, machine control and secure connected devices.
The phyCORE®-RT1170 is designed for engineering teams that need fast, deterministic control without the time, layout complexity, and integration risk of designing directly from the processor. As PHYTEC’s smallest connectorized module to date, it gives teams a compact production-ready platform for real-time applications where board space, response time, and reliability all matter.
Built on the NXP i.MX RT1170 crossover MCU, the module combines Cortex-M7 and Cortex-M4 processing to support responsive control, efficient task separation, and real-time system behavior. This makes it well-suited to industrial automation, automotive control systems, connected equipment, secure edge devices, and compact human-machine interfaces.
The module also supports the interfaces engineers need for feature-rich embedded products, including CAN-FD, Dual Ethernet, USB 2.0, MIPI CSI, MIPI DSI, audio, and multiple serial interfaces. With integrated security accelerators, secure boot support, and Zephyr BSP resources, the phyCORE®-RT1170 helps teams reduce development risk while keeping full focus on product performance and deployment.
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When to Choose the RT1170 Module
Designed for applications where real-time response, efficient control, and compact hardware integration are more important than running a high-overhead application processor platform.
Choose this module if your application requires:
- Real-time control for industrial automation, motor control, or connected equipment
- High-speed Cortex-M7 processing with Cortex-M4 co-processing
- Compact module integration for space-constrained embedded designs
- Advanced security features for secure boot, encryption, and protected keys
- Industrial connectivity, including CAN-FD, Dual Ethernet, USB, and serial interfaces
- Camera, display, and audio support without moving to a larger application processor
- A faster route to production than designing a custom i.MX RT1170 board from scratch
Typical applications include:
- Industrial automation and machine control
- Automotive and transportation systems
- Motor control and motion systems
- Building automation and smart infrastructure
- Secure connected control devices
- Compact HMIs and display-based systems
- Industrial IoT monitoring and data acquisition devices
- Real-time equipment controllers
Development and Integration Benefits
- Compact 30 mm x 30 mm form factor to reduce PCB space requirements
- Connectorized module architecture to simplify carrier board development
- Dual-core processing for responsive real-time control
- CAN-FD, Dual Ethernet, and USB support for industrial communication
- MIPI CSI, MIPI DSI, and audio support for multimedia-enabled designs
- Security accelerators, including AES, SHA, TRNG, HAB, and eFUSE support
- Zephyr BSP resources to accelerate embedded software development
- Development kit options to support early evaluation and prototyping
- Access to PHYTEC engineering support from evaluation through production
- Reduced development risk compared to fully custom RT1170 board designs
Features
Crossover MCU
This Crossover MCU features simultaneous dual-core processing in real time.
Advanced Security
Security features include Hardware Elliptic Curve Cryptography, Hardware-protected keys for secure boot, AES engine for data encryption, On-the-fly AES decryption for execute-in-place (NOR) from Quad/Octal SPI/HyperFlash, NXP’s EdgeLock® Assurance
Multimedia Capabilities
MIPI CSI, MIPI DSI, Audio Codec
Tiny
30 x 30 mm is so small, made possible by two 100-pin low-pitch connectors, while still providing a rich pinout ready for compact designs.
Specifications
Processor |
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| Processor | NXP RT1176 |
| Architecture | Arm Cortex-M7, Arm Cortex-M4 |
| Frequency | 800 MHz (M7) / 400 MHz (M4) |
Memory |
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| RAM | 64 MB SDRAM |
| NOR | 16 MB (Octal/Quad SPI Flash) |
| EEPROM | 4 KB |
| SD/SDIO/MMC Interfaces | 2 |
High-Speed Interfaces |
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| USB | 2x USB 2.0 OTG |
Peripherals |
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| ADC | 2 |
| CAN | 3x CAN-FD |
| GPIO | Yes |
| I2C | 6 |
| PWM | 4x FlexPWM |
| SPI/SSP | 6 |
| UART | 12 |
Connectivity |
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| Ethernet | 1x 10/100 Mb, 1 Gb AVB, 1 Gb TSN |
Multimedia |
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| Display | 1x MIPI-DSI |
| Camera | 1x MIPI CSI |
| Audio | 4x SAI |
Miscellaneous |
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| JTAG | Yes |
| RTC | Yes |
| Security Accelerators | 3DES, AES, DES, HAB, SHA-1, SHA-2, TRNG, eFUSE |
Mechanical |
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| Dimensions | 30 x 30 mm |
| Connector | 2x 100 pin, 0.4 mm pitch |
Operating Conditions |
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| Operating Temperature | -40° to +85° C |
| Supply Voltage | 3.3V |
| Power (Typical) | TBD |
| Power (Max) | TBD |
Hardware Documentation
SOM |
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Hardware Manual
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Component Placement
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Schematic Symbol & Footprint
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Carrier Board |
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Component Placement
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PHYTEC PinMux Tool
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FCC/CE Documentation
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Coming Soon! |
Connectors |
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SOM Connectors
PHYTEC# VB433
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Carrier Board Connectors
PHYTEC# VB434
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The i.MX RT1176 Processor
i.MX RT1170 crossover MCUs are part of the EdgeVerse™ edge computing platform and are setting speed records at 1 GHz. This ground-breaking family combines superior computing power and multiple media capabilities with ease-of-use and real-time functionality. The dual core i.MX RT1170 MCU runs on the Arm® Cortex®-M7 core up to 1 GHz and Arm Cortex-M4 at 400 MHz, while providing advanced security. The i.MX RT1170 MCU offers support over a wide temperature range and is designed for consumer, industrial and automotive markets.
3D Model
Resources |
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3D Files
SOM
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3D Files
Carrier Board
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Software
Zephyr |
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BSP-Zephyr-RT1170-PD25.1.1
2025-07-10
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BSP-Zephyr-RT1170-PD25.1.0
2025-06-27
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BSP-Zephyr-RT1170-ALPHA1
2025-06-17
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