NXP Semiconductors MCIMX258CVM4

Overview

MCIMX258CVM4 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 MCIMX258CVM4 datasheet, MCIMX258CVM4 pinout, MCIMX258CVM4 application, or MCIMX258CVM4 equivalent, key selection considerations include its –40°C to +85°C industrial temperature grade, MAPBGA-400 (17 × 17 mm, 0.8 mm pitch) package, FlexCAN v2.0 support, ESAI audio interface, dual SIM card controllers, and differentiated security features versus i.MX253/257 variants.

Technical Context

The MCIMX258CVM4 implements a single ARM926EJ-S core with 16 KB L1 instruction and 16 KB L1 data cache, running at up to 400 MHz under 1.38–1.52 V core supply. Its memory subsystem supports DDR2 at 133 MHz via a dedicated EMI controller with NAND, NOR, PSRAM, and SDRAM interfaces.

Peripherals include two FlexCAN 2.0B modules, ESAI for high-fidelity audio routing, dual eSDHC controllers supporting SD/SDIO/MMC in 1-/4-/8-bit modes, and a touchscreen controller with 12-bit ADC. Security is enforced through DryIce real-time clock with tamper detection, IIM fuse-based key storage, and secure boot verification.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

MCIMX258CVM4 is housed in a plastic MAPBGA-400 package (Case 5284), measuring 17 mm × 17 mm with 0.8 mm ball pitch. Ball map and signal assignments are defined in Section 4 of IMX25CEC Rev. 10 (pages 124–135).

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with MCIMX257CVM4, MCIMX258CVM4 adds mandatory security primitives for regulated markets; compared with i.MX6ULL, it retains critical industrial peripherals and deterministic low-power behavior at the expense of raw compute performance and modern OS support.

Availability

MCIMX258CVM4 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial HMI, residential gateways, and patient-monitoring devices requiring stable component supply across extended temperature ranges and long product lifecycles.

Supply support for MCIMX258CVM4 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 family was designed specifically for cost-sensitive, low-power industrial and consumer embedded systems requiring robust peripheral integration, extended temperature operation, and hardware-enforced security - positioning MCIMX258CVM4 as the highest-security variant in the series.

FAQ

What is the maximum operating frequency of the MCIMX258CVM4 processor core?

The MCIMX258CVM4 integrates an ARM926EJ-S core rated for operation up to 400 MHz. This speed is achievable under specified DC operating conditions: core supply QVDD between 1.38 V and 1.52 V, ambient temperature from –40°C to +85°C, and proper thermal management per datasheet Section 3.4. The MCIMX258CVM4 does not support overclocking beyond this specification.

Does the MCIMX258CVM4 support secure boot, and how is it implemented?

Yes, the MCIMX258CVM4 supports hardware-enforced secure boot via its Integrated Identification Module (IIM) and fuse-based key storage. During reset, the boot ROM validates digital signatures of the first-stage bootloader using keys programmed into one-time-programmable fuses. This process prevents unauthorized firmware execution and is integral to the MCIMX258CVM4's security architecture.

What are the key differences between MCIMX258CVM4 and MCIMX257CVM4?

The MCIMX258CVM4 includes hardware security features absent in MCIMX257CVM4: DryIce tamper-detection circuitry, IIM fuse bank for cryptographic keys, secure boot enforcement, and dual SIM interfaces. Both share identical CPU, memory, Ethernet, USB, and display capabilities. MCIMX258CVM4 is the only i.MX25 variant qualified for PCI PTS and FIPS-aligned applications.

Which external memory types are supported by the MCIMX258CVM4's External Memory Interface (EMI)?

The MCIMX258CVM4 EMI supports DDR2 (up to 133 MHz), Mobile DDR, SDRAM, PSRAM, NOR Flash, NAND Flash (with built-in controller), and SRAM. It does not support LPDDR2 or DDR3. Memory configuration is managed through dedicated EMI registers, and timing parameters must comply with values specified in IMX25CEC Section 3.7.

Is the MCIMX258CVM4 pin-compatible with other i.MX25 family members in the same package?

Yes, all i.MX25 variants in the 17 × 17 mm MAPBGA-400 package - including MCIMX253CVM4, MCIMX257CVM4, and MCIMX258CVM4 - share identical ball mapping and mechanical footprint per Table 103 in IMX25CEC Rev. 10. Signal functionality differs per variant, but PCB layout and soldering processes are interchangeable.