NXP Semiconductors MC9328MX21CJMR2

Overview

MC9328MX21CJMR2 from NXP Semiconductors (formerly Freescale) is an ARM926EJ-S™-based microprocessor targeting smartphone and portable multimedia applications. It operates at 266 MHz, integrates an LCD controller, USB On-The-Go, NAND Flash controller with ECC, and a CMOS sensor interface, and is packaged in a 289-pin MAPBGA (0.8 mm pitch, 17 mm × 17 mm) for embedded handheld systems.

For engineers reviewing the MC9328MX21CJMR2 datasheet, MC9328MX21CJMR2 pinout, MC9328MX21CJMR2 application, or MC9328MX21CJMR2 equivalent, key selection considerations include its 266 MHz ARM926EJ-S core, integrated video acceleration, dual MMC/SD host controllers, SDRAM/NAND Flash memory interface support, and industrial temperature range (–40°C to +85°C).

Technical Context

The MC9328MX21CJMR2 implements the ARM926EJ-S core with Jazelle® Java acceleration and Smart Speed power management. Its memory subsystem includes a 32-bit SDRAM controller, 26-bit external interface module (EIM), and NAND Flash controller with hardware ECC-enabling direct boot from low-cost NAND without CPU overhead.

Peripherals are highly multiplexed across 289 BGA pins: the LCD controller supports both standard and Smart LCD panels; USB OTG and two USB host ports share physical signals via configurable muxing; three CSPI interfaces and two SSI modules provide flexible serial connectivity; and the CMOS sensor interface (CSI) handles parallel 8-bit image data with pixel clock, VSYNC, and HSYNC timing.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

MC9328MX21CJMR2 is housed in a 289-pin MAPBGA package (17 mm × 17 mm, 0.8 mm ball pitch) with 16 × 16 array plus corner balls omitted. Pin functions are highly multiplexed; signal assignment depends on configuration of Function Multiplexing Control Register (FMCR) and peripheral enable registers.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar microprocessor applications.

Compared with i.MX27 and i.MX31, MC9328MX21CJMR2 offers optimal balance of ARM9-class performance, integrated peripherals (NAND ECC, CSI, SLCDC), and compact 289-pin MAPBGA - making it the most cost-effective and space-efficient choice for legacy smartphone and portable media platforms requiring industrial temperature support.

Availability

MC9328MX21CJMR2 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for smartphone baseband subsystems, portable media players, industrial handheld terminals, and medical point-of-care display devices requiring stable component supply and long-term lifecycle assurance.

Supply support for MC9328MX21CJMR2 includes scheduled delivery planning, volume procurement assistance, BOM continuity management, traceable sourcing, and lifecycle availability coordination for OEM customers, industrial embedded developers, connected-device designers, and electronics production programs.

Manufacturer

NXP Semiconductors is a global semiconductor leader focused on secure connectivity solutions for automotive, industrial, and IoT applications, with roots in Freescale's embedded processing heritage.

The i.MX21 product line was engineered specifically for cost-sensitive, battery-powered portable devices - integrating multimedia acceleration, power-aware peripherals, and NAND-centric boot architecture to reduce total system cost and complexity.

FAQ

What is the maximum operating frequency of the MC9328MX21CJMR2?

The MC9328MX21CJMR2 operates at a maximum frequency of 266 MHz. This speed is achieved using the ARM926EJ-S core with integrated clock generation and voltage regulation optimized for low-power portable operation. The MC9328MX21CJMR2 maintains this frequency across its full industrial temperature range (–40°C to +85°C) under specified VDD conditions, as validated in Freescale's MC9328MX21 Technical Data Rev. 3.4.

Does the MC9328MX21CJMR2 support booting directly from NAND Flash memory?

Yes, the MC9328MX21CJMR2 includes a dedicated NAND Flash controller with on-the-fly error correction code (ECC) capable of correcting up to 4-bit errors per 512-byte sector. This enables reliable boot directly from unmanaged NAND Flash without requiring external ECC logic or CPU intervention - a key feature confirmed in Section 1.5 and Section 3 of the MC9328MX21 Technical Data Rev. 3.4.

What display interfaces does the MC9328MX21CJMR2 integrate?

The MC9328MX21CJMR2 integrates three complementary display interfaces: a 18-bit parallel LCD controller (LCDC), a Smart LCD controller (SLCDC) for serial SLCD panels, and a CMOS sensor interface (CSI) for camera input. These are documented in the functional block diagram (Figure 1) and Signal Descriptions (Section 2) of the MC9328MX21 Technical Data Rev. 3.4, enabling direct connection to TFT, SLCD, and image sensors without external bridge ICs.

Is the MC9328MX21CJMR2 pin-compatible with other i.MX21 variants such as MC9328MX21VK or MC9328MX21VM?

No, the MC9328MX21CJMR2 is not pin-compatible with MC9328MX21VK or MC9328MX21VM. While all share the same 289-pin MAPBGA footprint, the MC9328MX21CJMR2 uses the 0.8 mm pitch, 17 mm × 17 mm variant (per Table 1, Rev. 3.4), whereas MC9328MX21VK uses 0.65 mm pitch, 14 mm × 14 mm. Mechanical and thermal characteristics differ, and signal assignments require verification against each variant's specific pinout table in Section 4 of the datasheet.

What is the industrial temperature range supported by the MC9328MX21CJMR2?

The MC9328MX21CJMR2 is rated for operation from –40°C to +85°C, as specified in Table 1 ("Ordering Information") of the MC9328MX21 Technical Data Rev. 3.4. This industrial-grade temperature range is enabled by process and packaging optimizations, and is distinct from commercial-grade variants (e.g., MC9328MX21VK, rated 0°C–70°C), making the MC9328MX21CJMR2 suitable for deployment in harsh environmental conditions.