NXP Semiconductors MCIMX258CJM4AR2

Overview

MCIMX258CJM4AR2 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 patient-monitoring devices and residential gateways requiring extended temperature operation.

For engineers reviewing the MCIMX258CJM4AR2 datasheet, MCIMX258CJM4AR2 pinout, MCIMX258CJM4AR2 application, or MCIMX258CJM4AR2 equivalent, key selection criteria include its –40°C to +85°C industrial temperature rating, MAPBGA-400 (17 × 17 mm, 0.8 mm pitch) package, integrated FlexCAN v2.0 and ESAI audio interface, and hardware-accelerated security for DRM and secure software downloads.

Technical Context

The MCIMX258CJM4AR2 implements Freescale's ARM926EJ-S core with 16 KB L1 instruction and 16 KB L1 data cache, supporting only Little Endian mode. Its clock control module (CCM) manages wait, stop, and doze low-power states by dynamically gating peripheral clocks.

It integrates a full-featured multimedia subsystem: LCDC with alpha blending, CSI for CMOS image sensors, TSC/ADC for resistive touchscreens, AUDMUX for flexible audio routing, and ESAI for SPDIF and codec interfacing - all accessible via the Smart DMA (SDMA) engine with 32 channels.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

MCIMX258CJM4AR2 uses a 400-ball MAPBGA package (Case 5284, 17 × 17 mm, 0.8 mm pitch). Ball assignments follow i.MX25 family layout per Document IMX25CEC Rev. 10, Sections 4.1–4.4.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with MCIMX257CJM4A, MCIMX258CJM4AR2 adds mandatory security features for regulated markets; compared with i.MX6ULL, it offers lower power, smaller footprint, and guaranteed –40°C to +85°C operation without thermal throttling - critical for unventilated medical enclosures.

Availability

MCIMX258CJM4AR2 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for patient-monitoring devices, residential gateways, and electronic point-of-sale terminals requiring stable component supply across extended industrial temperature ranges and long production lifecycles.

Supply support for MCIMX258CJM4AR2 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 applications, with roots in Freescale's embedded processor heritage.

The i.MX25 product line was designed specifically for cost-sensitive, power-constrained industrial HMI and control applications - emphasizing integration, security, and extended temperature reliability over raw performance.

FAQ

What is the maximum operating frequency of the MCIMX258CJM4AR2?

The MCIMX258CJM4AR2 operates at a maximum CPU frequency of 400 MHz using the ARM926EJ-S core. This speed is sustained under full industrial temperature range (–40°C to +85°C) when core supply QVDD is maintained between 1.38 V and 1.52 V, as specified in Table 6 of the IMX25CEC datasheet Rev. 10.

Does the MCIMX258CJM4AR2 support secure boot and hardware encryption?

Yes, the MCIMX258CJM4AR2 includes dedicated hardware security blocks: DryIce provides tamper-detect RTC and volatile key storage, IIM manages on-chip fuses for unique identifiers and cryptographic keys, and the ROM bootloader enforces secure boot verification - all confirmed in Section 2 "Features" and Table 2 of the IMX25CEC datasheet.

What package type and ball count does the MCIMX258CJM4AR2 use?

The MCIMX258CJM4AR2 uses a 400-ball MAPBGA package with 17 mm × 17 mm body size and 0.8 mm ball pitch (Case 5284), as documented in Section 4.1 "400 MAPBGA-Case 17x17 mm, 0.8 mm Pitch" of the IMX25CEC datasheet Rev. 10.

Can the MCIMX258CJM4AR2 interface directly to DDR2 memory?

Yes, the MCIMX258CJM4AR2 supports DDR2 memory up to 133 MHz via its External Memory Interface (EMI), with dedicated NVDD_DDR2 supply (1.75–1.9 V) and configurable timing parameters. This capability is explicitly listed in the Introduction and Table 6 of the IMX25CEC datasheet.

What is the role of the BAT_VDD pin on the MCIMX258CJM4AR2?

The BAT_VDD pin supplies backup power to the DryIce security module. When connected to a coin cell, it preserves RTC time and cryptographic keys during main power loss - a requirement for secure boot integrity and tamper-evident logging in MCIMX258CJM4AR2 applications like smart metering and medical devices.