NXP Semiconductors MCIMX253DVM4

Overview

MCIMX253DVM4 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.

For engineers reviewing the MCIMX253DVM4 datasheet, MCIMX253DVM4 pinout, MCIMX253DVM4 application, or MCIMX253DVM4 equivalent, key selection criteria include its 400 MHz ARM9 core, 17×17 mm MAPBGA-400 package with 0.8 mm pitch, –20°C to +70°C industrial temperature range, and support for DDR2 memory up to 133 MHz.

Technical Context

The MCIMX253DVM4 implements a single ARM926EJ-S core with 16 KB L1 instruction and 16 KB L1 data cache, operates in Little Endian mode only, and integrates Smart DMA (SDMA) for offloading peripheral transfers. Its clock control module (CCM) manages wait/stop/doze power states by dynamically gating peripheral clocks.

It supports external memory via EMI with DDR2, NAND, NOR, PSRAM, and SDRAM interfaces, includes a 12-bit ADC with touchscreen controller (TSC), and embeds security features including DryIce tamper detection, secure boot, and fuse-based cryptographic key storage - though full security functionality requires silicon version 1.2 or later and is not enabled in this MCIMX253DVM4 variant per i.MX25 family documentation.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

MCIMX253DVM4 uses a 400-ball MAPBGA package (Case 5284), 17 mm × 17 mm, 0.8 mm ball pitch. Ball map follows JEDEC MO-270AB standard with dedicated power, ground, reference, and signal balls arranged in perimeter and array zones.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with MCIMX253DVM4, MCIMX253CVM4 offers extended temperature tolerance without functional trade-offs, while i.MX6ULL delivers higher performance and security at the cost of increased power, footprint, and software complexity - making MCIMX253DVM4 optimal for cost-sensitive, thermally stable industrial HMI designs.

Availability

MCIMX253DVM4 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial HMI, residential gateway, and handheld scanner applications requiring stable component supply, long-term lifecycle support, and traceable sourcing.

Supply support for MCIMX253DVM4 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.MX25 product line was designed specifically for cost-sensitive, low-power industrial and consumer embedded applications requiring rich multimedia capability without complex SoC overhead - positioning MCIMX253DVM4 as a balanced solution between legacy ARM7/9 and modern Cortex-A platforms.

FAQ

What is the maximum DDR2 memory speed supported by MCIMX253DVM4?

The MCIMX253DVM4 supports DDR2 memory up to 133 MHz, corresponding to a 266 MT/s data rate. This is specified in the Electrical Characteristics section of the IMX25CEC datasheet (Rev. 10, Table 8). The external memory interface (EMI) is configured to meet JEDEC DDR2 timing requirements at this frequency, enabling sufficient bandwidth for 320×240 LCD frame buffers and application code execution.

Does MCIMX253DVM4 include an integrated USB PHY?

Yes, MCIMX253DVM4 integrates two USB PHYs: a high-speed (480 Mbps) USB 2.0 OTG PHY and a full-speed (12 Mbps) USB 2.0 Host PHY. These are documented in the Features section of the IMX25CEC datasheet and confirmed in Table 2 (i.MX25 Parts Functional Differences). No external PHY is required for basic USB connectivity, though proper layout (90 Ω differential impedance, 33 Ω series termination) is mandatory.

What is the purpose of the BAT_VDD pin on MCIMX253DVM4?

The BAT_VDD pin supplies backup power to the DryIce security module, preserving RTC time and secure keys during main power loss. As specified in Table 6 and Section 2.1 of the IMX25CEC datasheet, BAT_VDD must be connected to a coin cell (1.15–1.55 V) for tamper-detection persistence and secure boot continuity. In non-security applications, it may be tied to QVDD, but functionality is then limited.

Is MCIMX253DVM4 pin-compatible with other i.MX25 variants like MCIMX257DVM4?

Yes, MCIMX253DVM4 is pin-compatible with MCIMX257DVM4 and MCIMX258DVM4 in the same 17×17 mm MAPBGA-400 package (Case 5284). Table 2 confirms identical core, cache, SRAM, and peripheral counts; differences are functional (e.g., FlexCAN, ESAI, security) implemented via internal configuration, not pin assignment. Board reuse is feasible when those peripherals are unused or disabled.

What operating system support is available for MCIMX253DVM4?

MCIMX253DVM4 is supported by Yocto Project (meta-freescale layer), LTIB, and vendor-provided BSPs for Linux 2.6.x and FreeRTOS. NXP's legacy i.MX25 Linux kernel tree includes drivers for LCDC, FEC, USB, SDHC, and I2C. No official Android or Windows CE support exists; development focuses on real-time and resource-constrained embedded OSes aligned with its ARM9 architecture and 128 KB SRAM constraint.