NXP Semiconductors MCIMX258CJM4A

Overview

MCIMX258CJM4A 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 hardware security including DryIce tamper detection and secure boot. It targets industrial HMI, residential gateways, and patient-monitoring devices requiring extended temperature operation.

For engineers reviewing the MCIMX258CJM4A datasheet, MCIMX258CJM4A pinout, MCIMX258CJM4A application, or MCIMX258CJM4A equivalent, key selection criteria include its –40°C to +85°C industrial temperature grade, 400-ball MAPBGA-400 (17 × 17 mm, 0.8 mm pitch) package, integrated FlexCAN v2.0, ESAI, SIM interfaces, and dedicated security modules not present in MCIMX253/MCIMX257 variants.

Technical Context

The MCIMX258CJM4A implements a single ARM926EJ-S core with 16 KB L1 instruction and 16 KB L1 data cache, supporting only Little Endian mode. Its memory subsystem includes an External Memory Interface (EMI) supporting DDR2 up to 133 MHz, NAND Flash, NOR Flash, and PSRAM, alongside two eSDHC controllers compliant with SD 2.0 and MMC 4.2 standards.

Security functionality is differentiated by inclusion of DryIce (volatile key storage, tamper-detect circuits, secure RTC), IC Identification Module (IIM) for fuse-based cryptographic keys, and Secure JTAG (SJC). Unlike MCIMX253/MCIMX257, it integrates FlexCAN (2), ESAI, CSI, touchscreen controller (TSC), and dual SIM interfaces - all accessible via configurable IOMUX pins.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

MCIMX258CJM4A uses a 400-ball MAPBGA package (Case 5284), 17 mm × 17 mm body size, 0.8 mm ball pitch, with thermal pad on underside. Ball map follows i.MX25 17×17 mm signal assignment per Section 4.4 of IMX25CEC Rev. 10.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with MCIMX257CJM4A, MCIMX258CJM4A adds hardware security and industrial bus interfaces at identical package size and power envelope; versus i.MX6ULL, it trades raw performance and modern interfaces for proven reliability, lower power, and integrated legacy connectivity essential in cost-sensitive industrial deployments.

Availability

MCIMX258CJM4A is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial HMI, residential gateway, and patient-monitoring applications requiring stable component supply across long product lifecycles and extended temperature operation.

Supply support for MCIMX258CJM4A 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 hardware security IP.

The i.MX25 family, including MCIMX258CJM4A, was designed specifically for cost-sensitive industrial and consumer embedded applications demanding robust security, mixed-signal integration, and extended temperature reliability - not general-purpose computing.

FAQ

What is the maximum operating frequency of the MCIMX258CJM4A?

The MCIMX258CJM4A operates at a maximum CPU frequency of 400 MHz using the ARM926EJ-S core. This speed is achievable under specified DC operating conditions: core supply voltage (QVDD) between 1.38 V and 1.52 V, and ambient temperature within –40°C to +85°C. The device does not support dynamic frequency scaling beyond this fixed maximum.

Does the MCIMX258CJM4A support secure boot and cryptographic key storage?

Yes, the MCIMX258CJM4A includes hardware-enforced secure boot via its Integrated Identification Module (IIM) and DryIce security module. DryIce provides volatile key storage, tamper-detect circuits (TAMPER_A/B, MESH_C/D), and a secure RTC. Keys are erased on tamper detection, and boot authentication is enforced before code execution begins - capabilities confirmed in the IMX25CEC datasheet Section 2 and Table 2.

What package type and dimensions does the MCIMX258CJM4A use?

The MCIMX258CJM4A uses a 400-ball MAPBGA package (Case 5284), measuring 17 mm × 17 mm with 0.8 mm ball pitch. It includes an exposed thermal pad on the underside for heat dissipation. This package matches the i.MX25 17×17 mm ball map documented in Section 4.4 of the IMX25CEC Rev. 10 datasheet.

Which interfaces distinguish the MCIMX258CJM4A from the MCIMX257CJM4A?

The MCIMX258CJM4A adds FlexCAN (2), ESAI, CSI, touchscreen controller (TSC), and dual SIM interfaces - none of which are present in MCIMX257CJM4A. It also uniquely integrates DryIce, IIM, and Secure JTAG (SJC) for hardware security. These differences are explicitly listed in Table 2 of the IMX25CEC datasheet and define its suitability for secure, sensor-rich, and automotive-bus-capable applications.

Can the MCIMX258CJM4A operate without external DDR2 memory?

Yes, the MCIMX258CJM4A can operate without external DDR2 memory in applications leveraging its 128 KB on-chip SRAM - such as small-footprint RTOS-based systems or ultra-low-power LCD refresh tasks. However, full Linux operation, graphics acceleration, or large data buffering requires external DDR2, supported up to 133 MHz via the EMI controller as specified in Section 3.7 of the IMX25CEC datasheet.