NXP Semiconductors MC9328MX21SVK

Overview

MC9328MX21SVK from Freescale Semiconductor is an ARM926EJ-S™-based microprocessor operating at 266 MHz, integrating LCD controller, USB On-The-Go, NAND Flash controller with ECC, dual SSI/I2S, dual MMC/SD host controllers, and PCMCIA/CF interface - deployed in portable handheld devices requiring integrated multimedia and low-power operation.

For engineers reviewing the MC9328MX21SVK datasheet, MC9328MX21SVK pinout, MC9328MX21SVK application, or MC9328MX21SVK equivalent, key selection criteria include 266 MHz ARM926EJ-S core performance, MAPBGA-289 package compatibility, industrial temperature range (0°C to 70°C), NAND Flash ECC support, and multiplexed peripheral signal routing for system-level integration.

Technical Context

The MC9328MX21SVK implements a full ARM926EJ-S core with MMU, D/I caches, and Java acceleration, paired with a configurable memory subsystem supporting SDRAM, NAND Flash (with on-chip ECC), and external bus expansion via EIM. Its clock architecture includes dual crystal inputs (26 MHz and 32.768 kHz) and programmable PLLs for dynamic frequency scaling.

Peripheral integration follows a tightly coupled I/O architecture: LCD and Smart LCD controllers share data pins (LD[17:0]/SLCDC1_DAT[15:0]); USB OTG and USB Host1 signals are multiplexed with SLCDC and UART4 lines; CSPI, I2C, SSI, and UART interfaces support concurrent audio, storage, and sensor connectivity - all managed through centralized function multiplexing control registers.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

MC9328MX21SVK is housed in a 289-pin MAPBGA (14 mm × 14 mm, 0.65 mm pitch) with exposed thermal pad. Pin functions are highly multiplexed across 11 functional domains including EIM, SDRAM, USB, SLCDC, and JTAG. Signal assignment follows Freescale's documented pin mapping per Section 4 of MC9328MX21S Rev. 1.3.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with i.MX27 and i.MX31, MC9328MX21SVK offers unique PCMCIA/CF and dual MMC/SD host support in a compact 289-pin MAPBGA, making it optimal for legacy-compatible portable devices where card-based field serviceability and NAND cost efficiency are critical.

Availability

MC9328MX21SVK is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for handheld media players, industrial HMI terminals, medical point-of-care devices, and wireless data collectors requiring stable component supply and long-term lifecycle support.

Supply support for MC9328MX21SVK 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

Freescale Semiconductor (now part of NXP Semiconductors) was a leading designer of embedded processors, analog, and connectivity solutions for automotive, industrial, and consumer markets.

The i.MX21 family, including MC9328MX21SVK, was engineered for portable handheld applications demanding high integration, Java acceleration, and low-power ARM9 performance with rich multimedia peripherals.

FAQ

What is the maximum operating frequency of the MC9328MX21SVK?

The MC9328MX21SVK features an ARM926EJ-S core rated for operation up to 266 MHz under its specified 0°C to 70°C commercial temperature range. This frequency is achieved using the internal PLL driven by the 26 MHz crystal input (EXTAL26M). The core includes 16 KB instruction and 16 KB data caches to sustain throughput at this speed. MC9328MX21SVK does not support overclocking beyond 266 MHz per Freescale's validated specifications.

Does the MC9328MX21SVK support NAND Flash with hardware error correction?

Yes, the MC9328MX21SVK integrates a dedicated NAND Flash Controller (NFC) with on-chip ECC circuitry capable of detecting and correcting up to 4-bit errors per 512-byte sector. This hardware ECC offloads correction processing from the ARM926EJ-S core, enabling reliable use of low-cost raw NAND flash as primary non-volatile storage. MC9328MX21SVK also includes parity checking for additional data integrity assurance.

What package type and dimensions does the MC9328MX21SVK use?

The MC9328MX21SVK is packaged in a 289-pin MAPBGA (Fine-Pitch Ball Grid Array) with 0.65 mm ball pitch and overall dimensions of 14 mm × 14 mm. It features a thermally enhanced design with an exposed die paddle for improved heat dissipation. This package is lead-free and RoHS compliant, matching the ordering code suffix "VK" in MC9328MX21SVK.

Can the MC9328MX21SVK operate as both a USB host and USB device?

Yes, the MC9328MX21SVK supports USB On-The-Go (OTG) functionality via its integrated USB OTG controller and physical layer, allowing it to dynamically switch between host and peripheral roles based on the USB ID pin state. It also includes a separate USB Host1 controller for simultaneous dual-host operation - for example, connecting a USB flash drive (OTG) while hosting a Bluetooth dongle (Host1). MC9328MX21SVK implements full-speed (12 Mbps) signaling only.

What display interfaces are supported by the MC9328MX21SVK?

The MC9328MX21SVK provides two complementary display controllers: a standard LCD Controller (LCDC) supporting 18-bit RGB/TFT panels, and a Smart LCD Controller (SLCDC) with dedicated timing outputs (PS, CLS, REV, SPL_SPR) optimized for Sharp HR-TFT panels. Both controllers share the LD[17:0] data bus and support programmable pixel clocks, sync polarities, and active area configuration. MC9328MX21SVK does not include HDMI or LVDS transmitters.