NXP Semiconductors MC9328MX21VM

Overview

MC9328MX21VM from Freescale Semiconductor is an ARM926EJ-S™-based microprocessor operating at 266 MHz, packaged in a 289-pin MAPBGA (0.8 mm pitch, 17 mm × 17 mm), and designed for smartphone and portable multimedia applications. It integrates an LCD controller, USB On-The-Go, NAND Flash controller with hardware ECC, CMOS sensor interface, and dual MMC/SD host controllers.

For engineers reviewing the MC9328MX21VM datasheet, MC9328MX21VM pinout, MC9328MX21VM application, or MC9328MX21VM equivalent, key selection considerations include its 266 MHz ARM926EJ-S core, integrated video acceleration, SDRAM/NAND/PCMCIA memory expansion support, and industrial temperature range (0°C to 70°C).

Technical Context

The MC9328MX21VM implements the ARM926EJ-S core with Jazelle® Java acceleration and Smart Speed power optimization, enabling high-performance execution while maintaining low active and standby power. Its system architecture includes a multi-layer AHB/APB bus matrix, integrated DMA controller (DMAC), and clock/power management modules supporting dynamic voltage and frequency scaling.

Peripheral integration follows a modular, multiplexed I/O strategy: all major interfaces-including USB OTG, three CSPIs, two SSIs, UARTs, I²C, 1-Wire, and LCD/SLCD controllers-share pins via configurable function multiplexing registers. The NAND Flash Controller provides on-the-fly ECC correction for up to 4-bit errors per 512-byte sector, offloading CPU intervention during flash access.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

MC9328MX21VM is housed in a 289-pin MAPBGA package (0.8 mm ball pitch, 17 mm × 17 mm body size) with lead-free finish. Pin assignments follow the mechanical layout defined in Section 4 of the MC9328MX21 Technical Data Rev. 3.4 datasheet, with signal multiplexing managed via Function Multiplexing Control Register (FMCR) configuration.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with MC9328MX21VM, i.MX27 offers higher performance and richer multimedia features but requires PCB redesign; PXA270 delivers raw CPU throughput but increases system complexity and component count due to missing integrated peripherals and NAND ECC.

Availability

MC9328MX21VM is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for smartphone development, portable media player production, and industrial HMI design requiring stable component supply across extended product lifecycles.

Supply support for MC9328MX21VM 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 and analog/mixed-signal ICs, focused on automotive, industrial, and consumer markets.

The i.MX21 product line was engineered specifically for cost-sensitive, battery-powered portable devices requiring rich multimedia capabilities, low-power ARM processing, and high peripheral integration - targeting smartphones, PDAs, and digital audio players.

FAQ

What is the maximum supported SDRAM capacity for the MC9328MX21VM?

The MC9328MX21VM SDRAM controller supports up to 128 MB of external SDRAM using 4 banks × 13-row × 10-column addressing. It interfaces with standard x16 or x32 SDRAM parts operating at 133 MHz, with programmable CAS latency, burst length, and refresh timing - all configured via dedicated SDRAMC registers in the system control module.

Does the MC9328MX21VM include hardware support for NAND Flash error correction?

Yes, the MC9328MX21VM includes a dedicated NAND Flash Controller with on-chip ECC circuitry capable of detecting and correcting up to 4-bit errors per 512-byte sector. This hardware ECC operates transparently during read/write operations and eliminates CPU overhead, making it suitable for reliable boot-from-NAND and long-term data logging applications.

Can the MC9328MX21VM operate as both USB host and USB device simultaneously?

No - the MC9328MX21VM features a single USB On-The-Go (USBOTG) port that supports either host or peripheral mode, selected dynamically via the USB_ID pin or software configuration. It does not support simultaneous dual-role operation; however, two additional USB host ports (USBH1 and USBH2) are available for connecting peripherals like Wi-Fi adapters or mass storage devices.

What is the function of the CSI interface on the MC9328MX21VM?

The CMOS Sensor Interface (CSI) on the MC9328MX21VM provides an 8-bit parallel input path for direct connection to image sensors, with dedicated VSYNC, HSYNC, PIXCLK, and MCLK signals. It supports programmable data capture formats (YUV422, RGB565), embedded timing control, and DMA-driven frame buffering - enabling real-time camera preview without external video front-end ICs.

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

No - the MC9328MX21VM uses a 289-pin MAPBGA with 0.8 mm pitch and 17 mm × 17 mm body size, whereas MC9328MX21VK uses the same pin count but a smaller 0.65 mm pitch, 14 mm × 14 mm package. Mechanical and thermal characteristics differ significantly; PCB layout and reflow profile must be redesigned for each variant - they are not interchangeable without hardware modification.