NXP Semiconductors MCIMX253CJM4
- Part No.:
- MCIMX253CJM4
- Manufacturer:
- NXP Semiconductors
- Category:
- Microprocessors
- Package:
- 400-LFBGA
- Datasheet:
-
MCIMX253CJM4.pdf
- Description:
- IC MPU I.MX25 400MHZ 400LFBGA
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

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Product details
Overview
MCIMX253CJM4 from NXP Semiconductors (formerly Freescale) is an ARM926EJ-S-based multimedia applications processor operating at up to 400 MHz, featuring 128 KB on-chip SRAM, integrated 10/100 Ethernet MAC, dual USB PHYs (HS OTG + FS Host), and LCD controller with alpha blending. It targets industrial HMI, residential gateways, and handheld scanners requiring deterministic real-time response and low-power operation across –40°C to +85°C.
For engineers reviewing the MCIMX253CJM4 datasheet, MCIMX253CJM4 pinout, MCIMX253CJM4 application, or MCIMX253CJM4 equivalent, key selection criteria include its MAPBGA-400 (17 × 17 mm, 0.8 mm pitch) package, DDR2/DDR/MobileDDR memory interface support, integrated touchscreen ADC, and DryIce security module for secure boot and tamper detection in embedded control systems.
Technical Context
The MCIMX253CJM4 implements a single ARM926EJ-S core with 16 KB L1 instruction and 16 KB L1 data cache, executing in Little Endian mode only. Its clock architecture includes a configurable CCM block managing wait/stop/doze power modes via selective peripheral clock gating.
Memory subsystem integrates EMI supporting DDR2 (up to 133 MHz), MobileDDR, SDRAM, NOR/NAND Flash, and PSRAM. Peripheral domain features Smart DMA (SDMA) engine with 32 channels, dual eSDHC controllers (SD/SDIO/MMC), and dedicated LCDC/SLCDC display controllers for TFT/CSTN panels.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| CPU Core | ARM926EJ-S, 400 MHz max - enables deterministic real-time execution for industrial control firmware without external co-processor. |
| On-chip Memory | 128 KB SRAM - eliminates need for external RAM in RTOS-based HMI designs and enables ultra-low-power LCD refresh. |
| Memory Interface | EMI supporting DDR2 @ 133 MHz - provides 2.13 GB/s peak bandwidth for graphics-intensive UI rendering. |
| USB Integration | HS USB 2.0 OTG + FS USB Host PHY - enables direct connection to USB peripherals and host-mode device enumeration without external transceivers. |
| Ethernet | 10/100 Mbps FEC - delivers IEEE 802.3-compliant wired connectivity for industrial gateways and remote monitoring nodes. |
| Security | DryIce module with RTC, tamper detection, and fusebox - supports secure boot, encrypted firmware updates, and POS terminal compliance. |
| ADC & Touch | 12-bit TSC with auxiliary ADC - provides resistive touchscreen control plus simultaneous voltage/temperature sensing for system health monitoring. |
Pinout & Package
MCIMX253CJM4 uses a 400-ball MAPBGA package (Case 5284), 17 mm × 17 mm body size, 0.8 mm ball pitch, RoHS-compliant, with thermal pad exposed on underside for enhanced heat dissipation in sealed industrial enclosures.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| BAT_VDD | DryIce backup supply input | Provides battery-backed power to maintain RTC and cryptographic keys during main power loss; requires ≥1.15 V. |
| CLK0 | Configurable clock output / GPIO | Exposes internal clock for debug timing analysis; multiplexed as general-purpose I/O when unused. |
| OSC32K_EXTAL / OSC32K_XTAL | 32.768 kHz crystal interface | Drives low-power RTC and sleep-mode timing; requires external 32.768 kHz crystal with 6–8 pF load capacitance. |
| NVCC_DRYICE | DryIce regulated output | Supplies 1.0–1.55 V to external tamper-detect circuitry; mandates ≥4 µF external capacitor for power-loss protection. |
| TAMPER_A / TAMPER_B | External tamper detect inputs | Active-high signals triggering immediate key erasure and time invalidation upon physical intrusion detection. |
| USBPHY1_DM / USBPHY1_DP | HS USB differential pair | Direct connection to USB 2.0 OTG port; requires 33 Ω series termination close to pins for signal integrity. |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Advanced Power Management | Multiple low-power states (wait/stop/doze) with per-module clock gating reduce active current to <200 mA and standby leakage to <100 µA. |
| Multimedia Acceleration | LCDC with alpha blending and SLCDC enable smooth 24-bit color TFT display updates at 60 Hz without CPU intervention. |
| Interface Flexibility | Single EMI controller supports DDR2, MobileDDR, NAND, NOR, PSRAM, and SDRAM - simplifies BOM and PCB layout across product variants. |
| Hardware Security | DryIce + IIM fusebox provide immutable root-of-trust, secure boot validation, and runtime tamper response - meets IEC 62443-3-3 SL2 requirements. |
| Industrial Temperature Range | Rated for –40°C to +85°C ambient operation - validated for continuous use in unventilated control panels and outdoor metering enclosures. |
Applications
| Industrial HMI Panels | Residential Gateways |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Wall-mounted touch interface for HVAC, lighting, and energy monitoring in smart homes. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Primary application processor handling UI rendering, sensor data aggregation, and Zigbee/Wi-Fi bridge logic. Use Value: On-chip 128 KB SRAM enables fast UI redraws; integrated LCDC drives 800×480 TFT at 60 Hz; DryIce secures OTA firmware updates. | Use Scenario: Central hub aggregating data from smart meters, thermostats, and door sensors before forwarding to cloud services. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: System-on-chip managing dual network stacks (Ethernet + wireless co-processor), local storage, and secure TLS handshakes. Use Value: FEC provides reliable wired backhaul; eSDHC hosts encrypted SD card logging; 12-bit ADC monitors power rail health. |
| Handheld Scanners | Patient Monitoring Devices |
Use Scenario: Battery-powered barcode scanner used in warehouse inventory management with Bluetooth LE connectivity. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Real-time image capture via CSI interface, barcode decoding, and low-latency BLE packet transmission. Use Value: Smart DMA offloads image transfer from CPU; 400 MHz ARM9 ensures sub-100 ms decode latency; USB OTG enables direct PC configuration. | Use Scenario: Portable bedside monitor acquiring ECG, SpO₂, and temperature data for clinical-grade visualization and alarm generation. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Medical data acquisition processor with deterministic interrupt latency, secure patient data encryption, and high-resolution display output. Use Value: Tamper-detect pins disable sensitive functions if enclosure is breached; 12-bit ADC achieves ≤1 LSB INL for analog biosignal fidelity; –40°C to +85°C rating supports sterilization cycles. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar multimedia applications processor applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| MCIMX257CJM4 | Includes FlexCAN, ESAI, CSI, and touchscreen controller - adds vehicle bus and audio codec interfacing capability. | Suitable for automotive diagnostics tools and industrial audio recorders where CAN or multi-channel I²S is required. | Select MCIMX257CJM4 when CAN bus integration or camera sensor interface is mandatory; otherwise MCIMX253CJM4 reduces cost and complexity. |
| i.MX6ULL | ARM Cortex-A7 core, 900 MHz, GPU, PCIe, and updated security (CAAM); larger 14x14 mm BGA-289 package. | Targets next-gen Linux-based HMIs with GUI frameworks (Qt, LVGL) and cloud connectivity requiring higher throughput. | Choose i.MX6ULL for Linux OS support and future scalability; retain MCIMX253CJM4 for bare-metal/RTOS designs with strict cost and power constraints. |
Compared with MCIMX257CJM4, MCIMX253CJM4 omits FlexCAN and ESAI to reduce pin count and BOM cost while retaining identical CPU performance and security features; versus i.MX6ULL, it trades raw compute and OS capability for lower power, smaller footprint, and proven long-term availability in industrial control.
Availability
MCIMX253CJM4 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial HMI, residential gateway, and handheld scanner applications requiring stable component supply, extended temperature operation, and long lifecycle support.
Supply support for MCIMX253CJM4 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 deep expertise in ARM-based application processors and edge intelligence.
The i.MX25 family was designed specifically for cost-sensitive, power-constrained industrial and consumer embedded systems requiring robust multimedia acceleration, hardware security, and extended temperature reliability - not general-purpose computing.
FAQ
What is the maximum DDR2 memory speed supported by MCIMX253CJM4?
The MCIMX253CJM4 supports DDR2 memory at up to 133 MHz, delivering a theoretical peak bandwidth of 2.13 GB/s. This speed is validated under the specified DC operating conditions for NVDD_DDR2 (1.75–1.9 V) and requires proper PCB layout with matched trace lengths and controlled impedance. The EMI controller handles all DDR2 timing parameters including tRCD, tRP, and tRFC as defined in JEDEC JESD79-2 specification.
Does MCIMX253CJM4 include an integrated USB PHY?
Yes, MCIMX253CJM4 integrates two USB PHYs: a high-speed (480 Mbps) USB 2.0 OTG PHY and a full-speed (12 Mbps) USB Host PHY. These eliminate the need for external transceivers in most designs. USBPHY1_DM/DP pins require 33 Ω series resistors placed within 5 mm of the package balls, and USBPHY1_RREF must be connected to a 10 kΩ 1% resistor to ground for accurate reference current calibration.
What security features are implemented in MCIMX253CJM4?
MCIMX253CJM4 implements hardware-enforced security via the DryIce module (tamper detection, secure RTC, battery-backed key storage) and IIM fusebox (immutable chip ID, cryptographic key storage, boot policy fuses). It supports secure boot with signature verification, encrypted firmware updates, and runtime tamper response - including immediate key erasure when TAMPER_A/B or MESH_C/D pins detect intrusion.
Can MCIMX253CJM4 operate in big-endian mode?
No, MCIMX253CJM4 supports little-endian mode only, as explicitly stated in the i.MX25 documentation. The ARM926EJ-S core in this part does not implement big-endian configuration; software must be compiled and linked for little-endian operation. Attempting to configure big-endian access results in undefined behavior and is not supported by the silicon.
What is the purpose of the NVCC_DRYICE pin on MCIMX253CJM4?
The NVCC_DRYICE pin on MCIMX253CJM4 is a regulated 1.0–1.55 V output that powers external tamper-detection circuitry such as wire-mesh sensors or voltage monitors. It must be decoupled with a minimum 4 µF capacitor (4.7 µF recommended) to ensure uninterrupted operation during main power loss - preserving RTC time and cryptographic keys stored in DryIce memory.
MCIMX253CJM4 Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- NXP Semiconductors
- Package/Case:
- 400-LFBGA
- Series:
- i.MX25
- Packaging:
- Tray
- Product Status:
- Obsolete
- Core Processor:
- ARM926EJ-S
- Number of Cores/Bus Width:
- 1 Core, 32-Bit
- Speed:
- 400MHz
- Co-Processors/DSP:
- -
- RAM Controllers:
- LPDDR, DDR, DDR2
- Graphics Acceleration:
- No
- Display & Interface Controllers:
- Keypad
- Ethernet:
- 10/100Mbps (1)
- SATA:
- -
- USB:
- USB 2.0 + PHY (2)
- Voltage - I/O:
- 2.0V, 2.5V, 2.7V, 3.0V, 3.3V
- Operating Temperature:
- -40°C ~ 85°C (TA)
- Grade:
- -
- Qualification:
- -
- Security Features:
- -
- Mounting Type:
- Surface Mount
- Supplier Device Package:
- 400-LFBGA (17x17)
- Additional Interfaces:
- I2C, I2S, MMC/SD/SDIO, SPI, SSI, SSP, UART
MCIMX253CJM4 FAQ
1.How can I place an order for MCIMX253CJM4 through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for MCIMX253CJM4 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 MCIMX253CJM4 reliable?
The price and inventory of MCIMX253CJM4 are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for MCIMX253CJM4 is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for MCIMX253CJM4?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for MCIMX253CJM4 transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for MCIMX253CJM4?
MCIMX253CJM4 orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your MCIMX253CJM4 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 MCIMX253CJM4?
For technical support, including MCIMX253CJM4 datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your MCIMX253CJM4 requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that MCIMX253CJM4 is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All MCIMX253CJM4 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 MCIMX253CJM4 meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of MCIMX253CJM4?
All MCIMX253CJM4 units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with MCIMX253CJM4, 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 MCIMX253CJM4 part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for MCIMX253CJM4:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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