NXP Semiconductors MCIMX27LVOP4A

Overview

MCIMX27LVOP4A 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 accelerator, and support for DDR, NAND Flash, and SDHC interfaces. It targets portable media players, digital cameras, and wireless PDAs requiring low-power, high-performance embedded processing.

For engineers reviewing the MCIMX27LVOP4A datasheet, MCIMX27LVOP4A pinout, MCIMX27LVOP4A application, or MCIMX27LVOP4A equivalent, key selection considerations include its MAPBGA-404 package, –20°C to +85°C industrial temperature grade, absence of ATA-6 and hardware video encode/decode (H.264/MPEG-4), and compatibility with Linux, Windows CE, and Symbian OS.

Technical Context

The MCIMX27LVOP4A implements the ARM926EJ-S core with MMU, Harvard cache architecture, and JTAG/ETM9 debug support. It integrates a multi-layer AHB crossbar (MAX), dual DPLLs, and dedicated peripherals including FEC (10/100 Ethernet), three CSPI, two I²C, six UART, and SLCDC/LCDC display controllers.

Unlike the full i.MX27, the i.MX27L variant omits ATA-6 HDD interface, Memory Stick Pro host, VPU-based MPEG-4/H.263/H.264 encode/decode, and full eMMA (only eMMA_lt with PrP/PP for scaling and color conversion remains). Its power management includes DPTC, clock gating, and multiple power domains.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

MCIMX27LVOP4A uses a lead-free plastic MAPBGA-404 package (Case 1816-01, 17 mm × 17 mm, 0.65 mm ball pitch). Pin assignments follow the 404-ball grid defined in Section 5.2 of the datasheet (Rev. 2, 3/2019), with dedicated balls for VDD_ARM, VDD_SOC, VDD_HIGH, VSS, and functional groups including DDR, NAND, USBOTG, SDHC, and LCD.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with MCIMX27VOP4A, MCIMX27LVOP4A removes high-cost VPU/ATA features to reduce silicon area and dynamic power, making it optimal for cost-sensitive portable devices where encode is unnecessary. Against i.MX283, it lacks modern security and power features but offers mature toolchain support and proven field reliability in legacy consumer designs.

Availability

MCIMX27LVOP4A is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for portable media players, digital cameras, and industrial HMI terminals requiring stable component supply across extended product lifecycles.

Supply support for MCIMX27LVOP4A 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 IoT markets.

The i.MX family targets high-performance, low-power multimedia applications processors for portable and embedded systems, emphasizing integration of video, audio, connectivity, and security subsystems on a single die.

FAQ

What is the maximum DDR speed supported by MCIMX27LVOP4A?

The MCIMX27LVOP4A supports DDR SDRAM at up to 266 MHz (133 MHz clock with 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 execution, with configurable timing parameters in the ESDRAMC module to accommodate varying DDR chip delays and PCB trace lengths.

Does MCIMX27LVOP4A include hardware video encoding capability?

No, MCIMX27LVOP4A does not include hardware video encoding. As an i.MX27L variant, it omits the full VPU block present in MCIMX27VOP4A and therefore lacks MPEG-4, H.263, and H.264 encode functionality. It retains eMMA_lt for decode-side acceleration (scaling, color conversion) and on-the-fly viewfinder processing, but all encoding must be performed in software on the ARM926EJ-S core.

What package type and ball pitch does MCIMX27LVOP4A use?

MCIMX27LVOP4A uses a lead-free MAPBGA-404 package (NXP Case Number 1816-01), measuring 17 mm × 17 mm with a 0.65 mm ball pitch. This package is optimized for high-density portable designs and requires 10-layer PCB routing with controlled impedance for DDR, USBOTG, and SDHC interfaces per NXP's layout guidelines in AN3957.

Can MCIMX27LVOP4A run Linux operating system?

Yes, MCIMX27LVOP4A fully supports Linux kernel versions 2.6.x and later via the Freescale/NXP i.MX27 BSP. Its ARM926EJ-S core with MMU, 16 KB I/D caches, and DDR interface meets minimum requirements for embedded Linux distributions such as Buildroot and Yocto Project. Device drivers for FEC, SDHC, LCDC, and USBOTG are included in mainline kernel trees.

Is MCIMX27LVOP4A pin-compatible with MCIMX27VOP4A?

Yes, MCIMX27LVOP4A is pin-compatible with MCIMX27VOP4A in the MAPBGA-404 (1816-01) package. Both share identical ball map, power sequencing, and peripheral pin assignments. However, functions tied to omitted blocks (ATA-6, VPU, Memory Stick Pro) are NC or reserved on MCIMX27LVOP4A - PCBs designed for MCIMX27VOP4A will operate with MCIMX27LVOP4A, but those features remain disabled.