nRF54LC10A Ultra-Low-Power Wireless SoCs

Introduction

Nordic Semiconductor’s nRF54LC10A series is an entry-level, ultra-low-power multiprotocol 2.4GHz wireless SoC family for size-constrained and cost-sensitive connected designs. The devices combine Bluetooth LE and IEEE 802.15.4-2020 connectivity with support for Matter, Thread, Zigbee, Bluetooth Channel Sounding, and proprietary 2.4GHz protocols.

Technically, the family pairs a 128MHz Arm Cortex-M33 application processor with a 128MHz RISC-V coprocessor, while providing 1MB of program memory and 192KB of RAM. Its specified system hibernation current of less than 50nA makes low-duty-cycle wireless operation a central consideration.

What it does

The nRF54LC10A integrates a multiprotocol 2.4GHz radio for wireless nodes that need to participate in Bluetooth LE or IEEE 802.15.4-based networks. It supports data rates up to 4Mbps, with specified Bluetooth LE sensitivity of -97dBm and output power up to 4dBm.

Alongside wireless connectivity, the SoC provides processing, memory, peripheral, and security resources in a single device. The Arm Cortex-M33 serves as the application processor, while the RISC-V coprocessor adds a second 128MHz processing resource. Integrated security features include TrustZone isolation, tamper detection, and advanced cryptographic engines with side-channel leakage protection.

Peripheral connectivity includes GPIO, UART, SPI, I2C/TWI, and ADC functions. Three SPI/TWI/UART instances are specified, and the ADC supports resolutions up to 14 bits.

Applications

• Low-power Bluetooth LE sensors and peripheral devices
• Matter-, Thread-, or Zigbee-capable wireless nodes
• IEEE 802.15.4-based connected devices
• Battery-operated monitoring and control products with infrequent wake cycles
• Compact proprietary 2.4GHz wireless designs
• Devices requiring local analog measurement through an integrated ADC

Design considerations

The nRF54LC10A operates from a 1.7V to 3.6V supply and is specified for operation from -40°C to +85°C, making supply selection and environmental requirements important integration factors.

Designers can select among Bluetooth LE, Matter, Thread, Zigbee, IEEE 802.15.4-2020, and proprietary 2.4GHz protocol options, but the chosen software stack and network role should be considered alongside the available 1MB program memory and 192KB RAM. The device’s multiprotocol radio operates at 2.4GHz, so RF layout, antenna implementation, and coexistence with other 2.4GHz systems remain key system-level concerns.

For designs that prioritize standby energy use, the specified sub-50nA system hibernation mode may be relevant to wake-up strategy and overall power budgeting. Applications handling sensitive data may also benefit from planning around the integrated TrustZone, tamper-detection, and cryptographic capabilities.

Availability and further information

Further product information is available through the Mouser Electronics source link and any datasheet links provided on this page.