NXP Semiconductors MCIMX258CJM4

Overview

MCIMX258CJM4 from NXP Semiconductors (formerly Freescale) is an industrial-grade ARM926EJ-S applications processor operating at 400 MHz, integrating 128 KB on-chip SRAM, dual USB PHYs (HS OTG + FS Host), 10/100 Ethernet MAC, LCD controller with alpha blending, and hardware security features including DryIce tamper detection and secure boot. It targets embedded HMI, patient-monitoring devices, and residential gateways requiring extended temperature operation.

For engineers reviewing the MCIMX258CJM4 datasheet, MCIMX258CJM4 pinout, MCIMX258CJM4 application, or MCIMX258CJM4 equivalent, this page delivers verified package mapping, confirmed peripheral integration (FlexCAN, ESAI, SIM, CSI, touchscreen ADC), thermal and supply specifications for -40°C to +85°C operation, and validated alternative selection guidance.

Technical Context

The MCIMX258CJM4 implements a single ARM926EJ-S core with 16 KB L1 instruction and 16 KB L1 data cache, executing in Little Endian mode only. Its memory subsystem supports DDR2 up to 133 MHz and includes dedicated controllers for NAND, NOR, PSRAM, and SD/SDIO/MMC interfaces.

Security functionality is hardware-accelerated via the DryIce module (volatile key storage, RTC, tamper-detect circuits) and IIM fusebox for cryptographic key storage and chip identification. Peripheral integration includes two FlexCAN 2.0B controllers, ESAI for full-duplex audio, dual SIM interfaces compliant with ISO7816, and a 12-bit touchscreen ADC with auxiliary measurement capability.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

MCIMX258CJM4 is housed in a 400-ball MAPBGA package (Case 5284), 17 mm × 17 mm, 0.8 mm ball pitch. Ball map follows i.MX25 standard assignment per Table 103 in IMX25CEC Rev. 10.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with MCIMX257CJM4, MCIMX258CJM4 adds mandatory security peripherals for regulated applications; compared with i.MX6ULL G0, it offers pin-compatible upgrade path within i.MX25 family but lacks Cortex-A architecture benefits and newer crypto acceleration.

Availability

MCIMX258CJM4 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial HMI panels, patient-monitoring devices, and residential energy gateways requiring stable component supply across extended temperature ranges and long production lifecycles.

Supply support for MCIMX258CJM4 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, power-aware industrial and medical applications requiring robust security, wide temperature operation, and rich peripheral integration without OS overhead.

FAQ

What is the maximum DDR2 memory speed supported by MCIMX258CJM4?

The MCIMX258CJM4 supports DDR2 memory at up to 133 MHz, corresponding to a 266 MT/s data rate. This is specified in the Electrical Characteristics section of the IMX25CEC datasheet under "Interface Frequency Limits" and confirmed in the External Memory Interface (EMI) subsystem description. The EMI module includes an Enhanced SDRAM/LPDDR controller (ESDCTL) optimized for DDR2 timing compliance.

Does MCIMX258CJM4 include an integrated USB PHY?

Yes, MCIMX258CJM4 integrates both a high-speed USB 2.0 OTG PHY and a full-speed USB host PHY on-die. This eliminates the need for external transceivers in most designs. The USB module complies with USB 2.0 specification and OTG supplement, and supports DMA transfers between internal buffers and system memory as documented in Section 2 (Features) and Table 3 of IMX25CEC Rev. 10.

What security features distinguish MCIMX258CJM4 from other i.MX25 variants?

MCIMX258CJM4 is the only i.MX25 variant that includes the DryIce security module (with tamper-detect pins TAMPER_A/B, MESH_C/D, and NVCC_DRYICE output) and the IC Identification Module (IIM) for eFuse-based key storage. These features enable secure boot, tamper-responsive key erasure, and trusted timekeeping - capabilities absent in MCIMX253 and MCIMX257 derivatives.

What is the recommended external capacitor value for NVCC_DRYICE on MCIMX258CJM4?

A minimum 4 µF capacitor must be connected to the NVCC_DRYICE pin of MCIMX258CJM4 to ensure power-loss protection for the DryIce RTC and secure keys. A 4.7 µF capacitor is explicitly recommended in the datasheet (Section 3.1.2, Table 6 footnote 3) to guarantee retention during main power interruption.

Is MCIMX258CJM4 compatible with the same PCB footprint as MCIMX257CJM4?

Yes, MCIMX258CJM4 shares identical mechanical specifications with MCIMX257CJM4: both use the 400-ball MAPBGA package (Case 5284), 17 mm × 17 mm body, 0.8 mm pitch, and conform to the same ball map (Table 103). Pin-for-pin compatibility is confirmed in the Ordering Information table of IMX25CEC Rev. 10.