The i.MX RT1180 series features a dual-core architecture, combining an Arm Cortex-M7 processor running at up to 800 MHz with a Cortex-M33 core operating at up to 300 MHz. The devices are designed to support a range of use cases, including industrial and building automation, robotics, motor control, programmable logic controllers (PLCs), remote input/output systems, and Internet of Things (IoT) deployments.
A key aspect of the i.MX RT1180 family is its focus on industrial networking. The MCUs support multiple real-time Ethernet protocols, including PROFINET, EtherCAT and EtherNet/IP, enabling their use in industrial gateway and automation environments. They also offer options for professional networking stacks following NXP’s acquisition of related technology in 2025.
The devices incorporate time-sensitive networking (TSN) capabilities through an integrated Ethernet switch subsystem, designed to support deterministic communication in industrial settings. Each MCU includes 1.5 MB of on-chip RAM with error-correcting code (ECC) protection to enhance data reliability.
Power management features are integrated into the design, with built-in DC-DC converters and low-dropout (LDO) regulators intended to reduce the complexity of external power circuitry and simplify system design.
Security features are a central element of the platform. The i.MX RT1180 MCUs include NXP’s EdgeLock Secure Enclave, along with a physical unclonable function (PUF), on-the-fly AES decryption (OTFAD), a trusted resource domain controller (TRDC), a battery-backed security module (BBSM), and an inline encryption engine (IEE). The components are specified to operate across an industrial temperature range of -40°C to +125°C.
To support development, Mouser is also offering the MIMXRT1180 evaluation kit and the FRDM-IMXRT1186 development board. In addition, the Remote I/O Platform (RIOP) (PLCIOKIT) is available to assist in prototyping high-precision data acquisition systems and secure, multi-protocol connectivity solutions based on the i.MX RT1180 series.
The availability of these devices and tools is expected to facilitate development of industrial and IoT systems requiring high-performance processing, real-time connectivity and built-in security.