NXP Semiconductors MCIMX280CVM4C

Overview

MCIMX280CVM4C from NXP Semiconductors is an ARM926EJ-S-based applications processor operating at up to 454 MHz, featuring 128 KB on-chip SRAM, integrated PMU with Li-ion battery charging, and dual CAN interfaces. It targets industrial HMI panels, portable medical devices, and smart energy meters requiring low-power operation across –40°C to +85°C.

For engineers reviewing the MCIMX280CVM4C datasheet, MCIMX280CVM4C pinout, MCIMX280CVM4C application, or MCIMX280CVM4C equivalent, key selection criteria include industrial temperature rating, BGA-289 package compatibility, NAND Flash support with 20-bit BCH ECC, USB 2.0 OTG + host dual PHY integration, and absence of Ethernet MAC or LCD interface compared to i.MX283/286/287 variants.

Technical Context

The MCIMX280CVM4C implements a single ARM926EJ-S core with 16 KB instruction and 32 KB data cache, supported by CoreSight ETM9 for real-time debug. Its clock architecture uses a 24 MHz crystal input and PLL with fractional dividers to generate domain-specific clocks including 50/25 MHz outputs for external Ethernet PHYs.

Power management integrates a triple-output DC-DC switching converter, linear regulators, battery charge control, and brownout detection across VDDD, VDDA, VDDIO, and VDD4P2 rails. Memory subsystem supports mobile DDR, DDR2, and LV-DDR2 up to 205 MHz, plus up to eight NAND devices with hardware-accelerated 20-bit BCH error correction.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

MCIMX280CVM4C is housed in a plastic MAPBGA-289 package measuring 14 mm × 14 mm with 0.8 mm ball pitch. The package supports standard reflow profiles and is compatible with automated PCB assembly processes.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with MCIMX283CVM4C and MCIMX286CVM4C, the MCIMX280CVM4C offers identical CPU performance, memory, power management, and industrial temperature qualification while omitting LCDIF, touchscreen, SPDIF, and L2 switch - delivering lower unit cost and simplified layout for applications that do not require those features.

Availability

MCIMX280CVM4C is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial HMI panels, portable medical devices, and smart energy meters requiring stable component supply across extended temperature ranges and long production lifecycles.

Supply support for MCIMX280CVM4C 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 headquarters in Eindhoven, Netherlands.

The i.MX28 family was designed specifically for low-power, cost-optimized embedded applications in industrial control, consumer electronics, and portable medical equipment - emphasizing integrated power management, security, and NAND reliability.

FAQ

What is the maximum operating frequency of the MCIMX280CVM4C?

The MCIMX280CVM4C operates at a maximum CPU frequency of 454 MHz using the ARM926EJ-S core. This speed is achievable under recommended DC operating conditions, including VDDD ≥ 1.35 V and ambient temperature within the industrial range (–40°C to +85°C). Performance is sustained through dynamic voltage and frequency scaling managed by the integrated PMU.

Does the MCIMX280CVM4C support Ethernet connectivity?

No, the MCIMX280CVM4C does not include an Ethernet MAC or physical layer interface. Unlike the i.MX283, i.MX286, and i.MX287 variants, the MCIMX280CVM4C omits Ethernet functionality entirely. Designs requiring 10/100 Mbps networking must implement external MAC+PHY solutions or select an alternative i.MX28 variant such as MCIMX283CVM4C.

Can the MCIMX280CVM4C boot from NAND Flash with hardware ECC?

Yes, the MCIMX280CVM4C supports booting from NAND Flash using its General-Purpose Media Interface (GPMI) with integrated 20-bit BCH error correction. The ROM bootloader initializes GPMI and validates firmware images using hardware-accelerated ECC before loading into on-chip SRAM - ensuring robust boot integrity in utility metering and industrial applications.

What is the role of the PSWITCH pin on the MCIMX280CVM4C?

The PSWITCH pin on the MCIMX280CVM4C enables firmware recovery mode when asserted high via a 10 kΩ resistor to VDDIO. It is used during bootloader reprogramming sequences, particularly when the internal ROM bootloader detects invalid or corrupted firmware. This pin is essential for field firmware updates in deployed MCIMX280CVM4C-based systems.

How does the MCIMX280CVM4C handle real-time clock functionality during power-down?

The MCIMX280CVM4C maintains real-time clock operation during deep-sleep states using its dedicated crystal domain, powered independently from main VDDD/VDDA rails. With RTC_XTALI/RTC_XTALO connected to a 32.768 kHz crystal, the RTC consumes only 23–51 µA (depending on crystal oscillator state), enabling accurate timekeeping for alarm triggers and timestamping in battery-backed smart energy meters.