NXP Semiconductors MC94MX21DVKN3R2

Overview

MC94MX21DVKN3R2 from NXP Semiconductors (formerly Freescale) is an ARM926EJ-S™-based microprocessor operating at 350 MHz, integrating SDRAM controller, NAND Flash controller with on-chip ECC, dual MMC/SD host controllers, USB On-The-Go, LCD and Smart LCD controllers, CSI, and three CSPI interfaces. It targets smartphone and portable multimedia applications requiring integrated video acceleration and low-power operation.

For engineers reviewing the MC94MX21DVKN3R2 datasheet, MC94MX21DVKN3R2 pinout, MC94MX21DVKN3R2 application, or MC94MX21DVKN3R2 equivalent, key selection criteria include ARM926EJ-S core frequency (350 MHz), MAPBGA-289 package compatibility, NAND Flash ECC support, dual SD host capability, and LCD/SLCD timing control precision.

Technical Context

The MC94MX21DVKN3R2 implements a fully synthesizable ARM926EJ-S core with Jazelle® Java acceleration, MMU, 16 KB I-cache and 16 KB D-cache, and operates at up to 350 MHz with Smart Speed dynamic voltage/frequency scaling. Its memory subsystem includes dedicated SDRAMC supporting 16-bit/32-bit wide SDRAM, EIM for NOR/NAND/PSRAM expansion, and NFC with hardware BCH ECC for 1-bit correction per 512-byte sector.

Peripherals are organized into domain-specific modules: eMMA handles video pre/post-processing; LCDC/SLCDC support parallel RGB/TFT and serial SLCD panels; CSI provides 8-bit CMOS sensor interface with pixel clock and sync signals; and dual USB controllers (OTG + Host1/Host2) share physical pins via multiplexing controlled by FMCR registers.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

MC94MX21DVKN3R2 is housed in a 289-pin MAPBGA (14 mm × 14 mm, 0.65 mm pitch), with ball grid arranged in 17 × 17 array including power, ground, and configurable I/O balls. Pin functions are highly multiplexed across 12 functional domains (EIM, SDRAMC, LCDC, CSI, USB, CSPI, etc.), requiring careful signal assignment via Function Multiplexing Control Register (FMCR) configuration.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar ARM9-based multimedia microprocessor applications.

Compared with MC94MX21DVKN3R2, i.MX27 offers higher clock speed and media encoding but larger package and higher cost, while AM3352ZCEA delivers superior CPU performance and PRU flexibility at the expense of integrated display/NAND features - both require board redesign and software adaptation.

Availability

MC94MX21DVKN3R2 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for smartphone baseband, portable media player, industrial handheld terminal, medical point-of-care display, and embedded multimedia gateway applications requiring stable component supply and long-term lifecycle support.

Supply support for MC94MX21DVKN3R2 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 markets, with roots in Freescale's embedded processor heritage.

The i.MX21 product line was designed specifically for cost-sensitive portable multimedia devices, delivering ARM9 performance with integrated video, display, and storage controllers to minimize BOM count and power consumption.

FAQ

What is the maximum operating frequency of the MC94MX21DVKN3R2?

The MC94MX21DVKN3R2 operates at a maximum core frequency of 350 MHz under specified voltage and temperature conditions. This rating is validated per Freescale's MC94MX21 Technical Data Rev. 1.4 and applies to the DVKN3 variant with industrial temperature range (–30°C to +70°C). The ARM926EJ-S core uses Smart Speed technology to dynamically scale voltage and frequency based on workload, enabling lower power at reduced speeds.

Does the MC94MX21DVKN3R2 include hardware error correction for NAND Flash?

Yes, the MC94MX21DVKN3R2 integrates a NAND Flash Controller (NFC) with on-chip BCH error correction circuitry capable of correcting 1-bit errors per 512-byte sector. This hardware ECC eliminates CPU overhead during read/write operations and improves NAND reliability without requiring external ECC ICs or software-based correction algorithms.

What display interfaces does the MC94MX21DVKN3R2 support?

The MC94MX21DVKN3R2 supports three display interfaces: LCDC for parallel RGB/TFT panels (up to 18-bit), SLCDC1/SLCDC2 for serial Sharp-type SLCD panels, and CSI for 8-bit CMOS image sensors. Each interface has dedicated timing signals (VSYNC, HSYNC, PIXCLK, SPL_SPR, PS, CLS) and can operate concurrently, enabling dual-display or camera+display use cases.

Is the MC94MX21DVKN3R2 pin-compatible with other i.MX21 variants like MC94MX21DVKN2?

No, MC94MX21DVKN3R2 is not pin-compatible with MC94MX21DVKN2. While both use the same 289-pin MAPBGA package, the "R2" suffix indicates a specific revision with updated silicon characteristics and potentially modified pin behavior or electrical specs. Freescale documentation does not declare them as drop-in replacements, and design validation is required before substitution.

What is the function of the FMCR register in the MC94MX21DVKN3R2?

The Function Multiplexing Control Register (FMCR) in the MC94MX21DVKN3R2 configures pin assignments for multiplexed signals such as CSPI/USB/SD/UART. By writing to FMCR bits, designers select which peripheral owns a shared pin (e.g., CSPI1_SS2 vs. USBG_RXDAT), enabling flexible board layout and runtime reconfiguration without hardware changes.