NXP Semiconductors MC9328MX21VMR2

Overview

MC9328MX21VMR2 from Freescale Semiconductor is an ARM926EJ-S-based microprocessor operating at 266 MHz, integrating LCD controller, USB On-The-Go, dual MMC/SD host controllers, NAND Flash controller with hardware ECC, and CMOS sensor interface - deployed in smartphones and handheld information appliances requiring rich multimedia and low-power operation.

For engineers reviewing the MC9328MX21VMR2 datasheet, MC9328MX21VMR2 pinout, MC9328MX21VMR2 application, or MC9328MX21VMR2 equivalent, key selection factors include its 289-pin MAPBGA-0.8mm package, -40°C to +85°C industrial temperature grade, integrated eMMA video accelerator, and SDRAM/NAND/PCMCIA memory expansion support.

Technical Context

The MC9328MX21VMR2 implements the ARM926EJ-S core with Jazelle Java acceleration and Smart Speed power management, enabling dynamic frequency scaling while maintaining real-time responsiveness. Its memory subsystem includes a 32-bit SDRAM controller (up to 128 MB), EIM for NOR/NAND/PSRAM, and dedicated PCMCIA/CF interface with bus mastering capability.

Peripherals are organized into domain-specific modules: the enhanced Multimedia Accelerator (eMMA) handles video post-processing; the LCD Controller supports up to 18-bit RGB panels; and dual synchronous serial interfaces (SSI) provide I²S audio transport. All high-speed interfaces - USB OTG, CSPI, UARTs, and SD - are independently clock-gated for fine-grained power control.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

MC9328MX21VMR2 is housed in a 289-pin MAPBGA package (17 mm × 17 mm, 0.8 mm pitch) with 18 × 18 ball array and internal power/ground plane structure optimized for signal integrity and thermal dissipation in portable applications.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with MC9328MX21VMR2, the i.MX27 offers higher clock speed and security extensions but removes PCMCIA compatibility, while the PXA270 delivers superior CPU performance and wireless connectivity at the cost of increased BOM complexity for NAND and display subsystems.

Availability

MC9328MX21VMR2 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial handheld terminals, medical point-of-care displays, and legacy smartphone platform replacements requiring stable component supply and long-term lifecycle support.

Supply support for MC9328MX21VMR2 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 fabless semiconductor company specializing in embedded processors, analog, and connectivity solutions for automotive, industrial, and consumer markets.

The i.MX21 product line was designed as a cost-optimized, multimedia-capable ARM9 application processor targeting smartphone, PDA, and portable media device manufacturers needing integrated display, camera, and storage interfaces.

FAQ

What is the maximum SDRAM capacity supported by the MC9328MX21VMR2?

The MC9328MX21VMR2 supports up to 128 MB of SDRAM via its 32-bit SDRAM controller with programmable row/column addressing and bank management. This capacity is confirmed in Section 3 (Specifications) of the Rev. 3.4 datasheet and enables full Linux kernel execution with framebuffer and application memory space. The MC9328MX21VMR2 implements standard SDR SDRAM timing parameters including tRCD, tRP, and tRC, and requires external 3.3 V DDR SDRAM chips with compatible CAS latency.

Does the MC9328MX21VMR2 include hardware error correction for NAND Flash?

Yes, the MC9328MX21VMR2 integrates a NAND Flash Controller with on-chip hardware ECC capable of detecting and correcting up to 4-bit errors per 512-byte sector. This eliminates the need for external BCH engines and is documented in Section 1.5 (Features) and Section 3.4 (NAND Flash Controller) of the Rev. 3.4 datasheet. The MC9328MX21VMR2 also includes automatic bad-block management and spare-area handling to simplify NAND-based boot and firmware storage.

What display interfaces does the MC9328MX21VMR2 support?

The MC9328MX21VMR2 supports two primary display interfaces: an 18-bit parallel RGB LCD Controller (LCDC) for standard TFT panels and a Smart LCD Controller (SLCDC) for Sharp HR-TFT panels using serial command protocols. Both are detailed in Sections 1.5 and 4 of the Rev. 3.4 datasheet. The MC9328MX21VMR2 does not support LVDS or MIPI DSI; its LCDC outputs LD[17:0], FLM_VSYNC, LP_HSYNC, and LSCLK with programmable timing registers for custom panel tuning.

Is the MC9328MX21VMR2 pin-compatible with other i.MX21 variants like MC9328MX21CVM?

No, the MC9328MX21VMR2 is not pin-compatible with MC9328MX21CVM or other i.MX21 variants. While all share the same 289-pin MAPBGA footprint, the VMR2 suffix denotes a specific ordering variant with defined thermal and electrical characteristics; however, Freescale's ordering table confirms that VMR2 corresponds to the -40°C to +85°C grade in the 0.8 mm pitch package, identical to MC9328MX21CVM. Pin compatibility is maintained across same-package variants, but MC9328MX21VMR2 requires verification against the exact ball map in Section 4 of the Rev. 3.4 datasheet before PCB reuse.

What debug interface does the MC9328MX21VMR2 provide?

The MC9328MX21VMR2 provides a standard 5-pin JTAG interface (TCK, TMS, TDI, TDO, TRST) compliant with IEEE 1149.1, documented in Section 2 (Signal Descriptions) of the Rev. 3.4 datasheet. It supports boundary-scan testing and ARM CoreSight debugging via Multi-ICE or compatible JTAG adapters. The MC9328MX21VMR2 does not include SWD or cJTAG; JTAG_CTRL must be pulled high for debugger access, and RTCK is available but shared with 1-Wire functionality.