NXP Semiconductors MCIMX27LMOP4A

Overview

MCIMX27LMOP4A from NXP Semiconductors is an i.MX27L multimedia applications processor based on the ARM926EJ-S core, operating at up to 400 MHz with 16 KB instruction and 16 KB data caches, integrated eMMA_lt video acceleration, and support for DDR, NAND Flash, and SDHC interfaces. It targets industrial-temperature (-40°C to +85°C) portable media players, digital cameras, and wireless PDAs.

For engineers reviewing the MCIMX27LMOP4A datasheet, MCIMX27LMOP4A pinout, MCIMX27LMOP4A application, or MCIMX27LMOP4A equivalent, key selection considerations include its MAPBGA-473 package, absence of ATA-6 and H.264 hardware codec (vs. i.MX27), dual Vt 90 nm process, and dedicated LCDC/CSI/SSI peripherals for embedded vision and audio systems.

Technical Context

The MCIMX27LMOP4A implements a Harvard-architected ARM926EJ-S core with MMU, ETM9 debug support, and dynamic process/temperature compensation (DPTC) for low-power operation. Its AHB-Lite interconnect includes a 6×3 crossbar switch (MAX), AIPI bridges for peripheral access, and CRM-managed clock domains.

It integrates dedicated multimedia subsystems: LCDC and SLCDC for display output, CSI for CMOS sensor input, AUDMUX for flexible audio routing, and eMMA_lt for hardware-accelerated video preprocessing (scaling, color space conversion). Memory interface supports 266 MHz DDR, NAND Flash via NFC, and SRAM via WEIM.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

MCIMX27LMOP4A is housed in a 19 mm × 19 mm MAPBGA-473 package (Case 1931-04), lead-free, with 0.8 mm ball pitch and exposed thermal pad. Pin assignments follow the 473-ball grid defined in Section 5.4 of the MCIMX27EC Rev. 2 datasheet.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with MCIMX27MOP4A, MCIMX27LMOP4A removes ATA-6 and hardware video encode/decode to reduce die size and power - ideal for camera-centric or SD-only media devices. Versus i.MX283, it lacks integrated PMIC and CAAM but maintains broader software compatibility with older BSPs and lower BOM cost.

Availability

MCIMX27LMOP4A is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for portable media players, digital cameras, and industrial handheld terminals requiring stable component supply across extended product lifecycles.

Supply support for MCIMX27LMOP4A 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 company headquartered in Eindhoven, Netherlands, specializing in secure connectivity solutions for automotive, industrial, and consumer markets.

The i.MX27 family was designed as a low-power, high-performance multimedia applications processor platform targeting portable digital devices - balancing ARM9 efficiency with integrated video, audio, and connectivity peripherals.

FAQ

What is the maximum supported DDR speed for MCIMX27LMOP4A?

The MCIMX27LMOP4A supports DDR SDRAM at up to 266 MHz (133 MHz clock, double-data-rate), compliant with JEDEC DDR-266 specifications. This enables sustained memory bandwidth of ~2.1 GB/s for video frame buffering and OS operation, with configurable timing parameters in the ESDRAMC register set.

Does MCIMX27LMOP4A include hardware video encoding capability?

No, MCIMX27LMOP4A does not include hardware video encoding. As an i.MX27L variant, it omits the VPU block present in the i.MX27 - meaning MPEG-4/H.264/H.263 encode functions must be implemented in software. Decode acceleration is limited to eMMA_lt post-processing (CSC, scaling, deblocking), not full codec pipeline offload.

What boot sources are supported by MCIMX27LMOP4A?

MCIMX27LMOP4A supports boot from NAND Flash, NOR Flash, and SDHC cards, selected via BOOT_MODE[1:0] strap pins. The on-chip iROM executes first, validates boot image integrity, and loads firmware into internal SRAM or external DDR before transferring control to the application - enabling secure, field-upgradable boot sequences.

Is MCIMX27LMOP4A pin-compatible with MCIMX27MOP4A?

Yes, MCIMX27LMOP4A and MCIMX27MOP4A share identical MAPBGA-473 (19 mm × 19 mm) packaging and pinout per Case 1931-04. Functional differences (e.g., missing ATA-6 signals) are handled internally; unused pins retain their default states and require no board modification when substituting between these variants.

What security features are implemented in MCIMX27LMOP4A?

MCIMX27LMOP4A integrates SAHARA2 (symmetric/asymmetric crypto accelerator), RTIC (runtime integrity checker), SCC (security controller with secure RAM), and IIM (fuse-based identification). These enable secure boot, encrypted firmware storage, tamper-resistant key management, and cryptographic acceleration for AES, SHA, and RSA - meeting requirements for DRM and enterprise data protection.