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NXP Semiconductors MC94MX21DVKN3
- Part No.:
- MC94MX21DVKN3
- Manufacturer:
- NXP Semiconductors
- Category:
- Microprocessors
- Package:
- 289-LFBGA
- Datasheet:
-
MC94MX21DVKN3.pdf
- Description:
- IC MPU I.MX21 350MHZ 289LFBGA
- Quantity:
- Payment:
- Shipping:
Inventory:2,598
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Product details
Overview
MC94MX21DVKN3 from NXP Semiconductors (formerly Freescale) is an ARM926EJ-S™ microprocessor operating at 350 MHz, integrating LCD controller, USB On-The-Go, NAND Flash controller with hardware ECC, and dual SD/MMC host interfaces - deployed in smartphone and portable multimedia devices requiring rich peripheral integration and power-efficient processing.
For engineers reviewing the MC94MX21DVKN3 datasheet, MC94MX21DVKN3 pinout, MC94MX21DVKN3 application, or MC94MX21DVKN3 equivalent, key selection criteria include ARM926EJ-S core frequency, MAPBGA-289 package compatibility, SDRAM/NAND/USB OTG interface support, and industrial temperature range (-30°C to +70°C) compliance.
Technical Context
The MC94MX21DVKN3 implements a 32-bit ARM926EJ-S core with Jazelle® Java acceleration, MMU, 16 KB instruction and 16 KB data caches, and Smart Speed dynamic voltage/frequency scaling for power optimization. Its memory subsystem includes dedicated SDRAM controller (11-bit MA, 4-bit DQM), EIM for NOR/PSRAM, and NAND Flash controller with on-the-fly ECC correction for up to 4-bit errors per 512-byte sector.
Peripheral integration centers on multimedia acceleration (eMMA), dual synchronous serial interfaces (SSI) supporting I²S, three CSPI controllers, four UARTs (with IrDA), CMOS sensor interface (CSI), and dual SLCD/LCDC display controllers - all multiplexed across a highly configurable pin grid in the 289-pin MAPBGA package.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| Core Architecture | ARM926EJ-S 32-bit RISC processor with MMU, Jazelle Java acceleration, and 16 KB I-cache / 16 KB D-cache. |
| Max Operating Frequency | 350 MHz - enables real-time video decode and UI rendering in portable handheld applications. |
| Memory Interfaces | SDRAMC (11-bit address, 4-bit DQM), EIM (26-bit A, 32-bit D), NFC (8/16-bit NAND I/O with hardware ECC). |
| Display Support | Dual controllers: SLCD (serial) + LCDC (parallel 18-bit) - drives Sharp HR-TFT panels with VSYNC/HSYNC/CLK/REV/PS/CLS signals. |
| Connectivity Peripherals | USB OTG + 2x USB Host, 3x CSPI, 4x UART (IrDA-capable), 2x SSI (I²S), I²C, 1-Wire, CSI (8-bit parallel sensor interface). |
| Package & Environment | 289-pin MAPBGA, 14 mm × 14 mm, 0.65 mm pitch, lead-free, rated for -30°C to +70°C industrial operation. |
Pinout & Package
MC94MX21DVKN3 is housed in a 289-pin Microstar Advanced PBGA (MAPBGA) package with 0.65 mm ball pitch and 14 mm × 14 mm body size. Pin functions are fully multiplexed; each ball serves up to 4 alternate signal roles controlled by Function Multiplexing Control Register (FMCR) configuration.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| A[25:0] | EIM Address Bus | 26-bit address for external NOR/PSRAM via External Interface Module; shared with PC_A[25:0] and NF_IO[15:7]. |
| D[31:0] | EIM Data Bus | 32-bit bidirectional data path; EB[3:0] byte strobes map to SDRAM DQM[3:0] for concurrent memory access control. |
| SDCLK / SDCKE0 / SDCKE1 | SDRAM Timing Signals | Provides clock and enable signals for SDRAM operation; supports non-interleaved/interleaved bank addressing via SDBA[4:0]/SDIBA[3:0]. |
| NF_IO[15:0] / NF_CLE / NF_ALE | NAND Flash Interface | 16-bit data + command/address latch enables - hardware ECC engine offloads CPU during NAND read/write/erase cycles. |
| USBG_RXDP / USBG_TXDM / USBG_FS | USB OTG Physical Layer | Differential pair + full-speed indicator for device/host role negotiation; requires external transceiver for USB 2.0 compliance. |
| CSI_D[7:0] / CSI_PIXCLK / CSI_VSYNC | CMOS Sensor Interface | 8-bit parallel video capture path with pixel clock and frame/line sync - enables direct connection to OV76xx or similar image sensors. |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| ARM926EJ-S Core @ 350 MHz | Delivers >400 MIPS performance with Jazelle-accelerated Java bytecode execution for embedded UI frameworks. |
| Hardware NAND ECC Engine | Corrects up to 4-bit errors per 512-byte sector without CPU intervention - extends NAND flash lifetime in cost-sensitive storage designs. |
| Dual SD/MMC Host Controllers | Supports simultaneous SDIO Wi-Fi + MMC storage cards - eliminates need for external bus arbitration logic. |
| SLCD + LCDC Dual Display Path | Enables primary high-resolution TFT panel + secondary low-power serial LCD (e.g., Sharp LQ035) without external bridge IC. |
| Smart Speed Power Management | Dynamic voltage/frequency scaling reduces active power by >40% during idle UI states while maintaining real-time response. |
Applications
| Smartphone Baseband Processing | Portable Media Player UI |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Integrated application processor in GSM/EDGE smartphones running Palm OS or Linux-based UI stacks. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Primary ARM926EJ-S application processor managing touchscreen input, audio playback, and cellular modem handshaking via UART/USB. Use Value: Single-chip integration of LCD controller, USB OTG, and NAND ECC eliminates 3–4 discrete ICs, reducing BOM cost and PCB area by ~22%. | Use Scenario: High-fidelity MP3/WMA player with color TFT display, SD card storage, and battery-powered operation. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Multimedia SoC handling audio decode (via eMMA), SD card I/O, and 18-bit RGB display timing with PWM-controlled backlight. Use Value: Hardware-accelerated audio decode and integrated SSI/I²S reduce CPU load to <15%, extending battery life to >12 hours per charge. |
| Digital Photo Frame Controller | Industrial Handheld Terminal |
Use Scenario: 7-inch photo frame with auto-rotate, EXIF metadata parsing, and USB mass storage mode. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Image processor executing JPEG decode, driving parallel LCD via LCDC, and enumerating as USB MSC device using OTG PHY. Use Value: Built-in USB OTG and hardware JPEG acceleration enable plug-and-play photo import without host PC driver installation. | Use Scenario: Ruggedized warehouse scanner with barcode reader, keypad, and 2.8-inch monochrome SLCD. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Real-time controller interfacing CMOS sensor (CSI), keypad matrix (KPP), and serial LCD (SLCDC) with watchdog-secured firmware updates. Use Value: Integrated CSI + SLCDC + GPIO eliminates level-shifting and timing-critical FPGA glue logic, cutting design cycle by 6 weeks. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar ARM9-based application processor applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| i.MX27 (MC9328MX27DVKN3) | Higher 400 MHz ARM926EJ-S core, integrated MPEG-4 decoder, no USB OTG (USB host only), larger 400-ball MAPBGA. | Better suited for video-centric devices (e.g., IP cameras); lacks USB device mode required for peripheral emulation. | Select when video decode acceleration is critical and USB OTG is not required. |
| AM3352AZCZ100 | ARM Cortex-A8 core, 1 GHz, PRU-ICSS for real-time I/O, no native NAND ECC, different package (324-pin BGA). | Targets industrial automation with EtherCAT/PROFINET; lacks integrated LCD controller and CSI for portable imaging. | Choose for deterministic real-time control where ARM9 legacy software compatibility is not mandatory. |
Compared with i.MX27 and AM3352, the MC94MX21DVKN3 uniquely balances USB OTG functionality, hardware NAND ECC, and dual-display support in a compact 289-ball footprint - making it optimal for cost-constrained, battery-powered handhelds needing peripheral flexibility without silicon overdesign.
Availability
MC94MX21DVKN3 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for smartphone baseband processing, portable media player UI, digital photo frame controller, and industrial handheld terminal applications requiring stable component supply across extended product lifecycles.
Supply support for MC94MX21DVKN3 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 company formed from the spin-off of Philips' semiconductor division, specializing in secure connectivity solutions for automotive, industrial, and mobile markets.
The i.MX family - including MC94MX21DVKN3 - was designed to deliver high-performance, low-power ARM-based application processors for portable multimedia and intelligent handheld devices with integrated peripherals.
FAQ
What is the maximum SDRAM capacity supported by MC94MX21DVKN3?
The MC94MX21DVKN3 SDRAM controller supports up to 256 MB using 16M×16-bit devices with 4 internal banks. Addressing uses MA[11:0] plus SDBA[4:0] (non-interleaved) or SDIBA[3:0] (interleaved), enabling configurations such as 4×64 MB banks. The controller complies with JEDEC-standard SDR SDRAM timing requirements at 133 MHz.
Does MC94MX21DVKN3 support booting directly from NAND Flash?
Yes, MC94MX21DVKN3 supports NAND Flash boot via its integrated NAND Flash controller (NFC). The boot ROM initializes the NFC, loads the first 4 KB from NAND into internal SRAM, and executes it - requiring only proper BOOT[3:0] strap configuration and NAND with valid spare-area ECC markers. No external boot loader IC is needed.
Can MC94MX21DVKN3 drive both parallel LCD and serial SLCD simultaneously?
Yes, MC94MX21DVKN3 can drive parallel LCD and serial SLCD concurrently using separate controllers: LCDC handles 18-bit RGB parallel output (LD[17:0]), while SLCDC1 manages 4-wire serial interface (SLCDC1_CLK/CS/RS/D0). Signal multiplexing is resolved via FMCR register settings - no hardware conflict occurs when both controllers are enabled.
What is the function of the EXT_48M and EXT_266M pins on MC94MX21DVKN3?
EXT_48M and EXT_266M are factory test signals on MC94MX21DVKN3. Per the datasheet, both must be connected to ground for normal operation. They are not user-accessible clocks or debug interfaces - leaving them floating or driven may cause undefined reset behavior or initialization failure during power-up.
Is MC94MX21DVKN3 pin-compatible with other i.MX21 variants like MC94MX21DVKN2?
Yes, MC94MX21DVKN3 is pin-compatible with other i.MX21 MAPBGA-289 variants (e.g., MC94MX21DVKN2, MC94MX21DVKN4) as all share identical 289-ball MAPBGA mechanical layout and signal mapping. Differences are limited to speed grade (333 MHz vs. 350 MHz) and temperature range - no PCB redesign is required when upgrading within the same package variant.
MC94MX21DVKN3 Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- NXP Semiconductors
- Package/Case:
- 289-LFBGA
- Series:
- i.MX21
- Packaging:
- Tray
- Product Status:
- Obsolete
- Core Processor:
- ARM926EJ-S
- Number of Cores/Bus Width:
- 1 Core, 32-Bit
- Speed:
- 350MHz
- Co-Processors/DSP:
- -
- RAM Controllers:
- SDRAM
- Graphics Acceleration:
- Yes
- Display & Interface Controllers:
- -
- Ethernet:
- -
- SATA:
- -
- USB:
- USB 1.x (2)
- Voltage - I/O:
- 1.8V, 3.0V
- Operating Temperature:
- -30°C ~ 70°C (TA)
- Grade:
- -
- Qualification:
- -
- Security Features:
- -
- Mounting Type:
- Surface Mount
- Supplier Device Package:
- 289-LFBGA (14x14)
- Additional Interfaces:
- 1-Wire, I2C, I2S, IrDA, MMC/SD, UART
MC94MX21DVKN3 FAQ
1.How can I place an order for MC94MX21DVKN3 through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for MC94MX21DVKN3 on Aetrix. Our sales agent will provide a competitive quotation and guide you through the order confirmation once you accept the terms.
2.Are the price and stock information for MC94MX21DVKN3 reliable?
The price and inventory of MC94MX21DVKN3 are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for MC94MX21DVKN3 is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for MC94MX21DVKN3?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for MC94MX21DVKN3 transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for MC94MX21DVKN3?
MC94MX21DVKN3 orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your MC94MX21DVKN3 order is processed, you will receive an email with the shipment details and tracking number.
Note: Tracking information may take up to 24 hours to appear. Express delivery typically takes 3–5 business days.
5.How can I obtain technical support or documentation for MC94MX21DVKN3?
For technical support, including MC94MX21DVKN3 datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your MC94MX21DVKN3 requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that MC94MX21DVKN3 is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All MC94MX21DVKN3 products on Aetrix are procured from qualified distributors and authorized channels. Our dedicated quality assurance team conducts strict verification, including traceability checks and, if necessary, third-party testing. This ensures that MC94MX21DVKN3 meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of MC94MX21DVKN3?
All MC94MX21DVKN3 units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with MC94MX21DVKN3, returns or replacements are accepted under the following conditions:
1.Quantity discrepancies, incorrect items, or visible external defects (such as breakage or corrosion), acknowledged by Aetrix.
2.The issue is reported within 90 days of delivery.
3.The MC94MX21DVKN3 part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for MC94MX21DVKN3:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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