NXP Semiconductors MCIMX280CVM4CR2

Overview

MCIMX280CVM4CR2 from NXP Semiconductors (formerly Freescale) is a low-power, high-performance ARM926EJ-S™ applications processor operating at up to 454 MHz, integrating 128 KB on-chip SRAM, triple-output DC-DC PMU, and dual CAN interfaces. It targets industrial HMI panels, portable medical devices, and smart energy gateways requiring deterministic real-time response and battery-aware power management.

For engineers reviewing the MCIMX280CVM4CR2 datasheet, MCIMX280CVM4CR2 pinout, MCIMX280CVM4CR2 application, or MCIMX280CVM4CR2 equivalent, key selection criteria include its –40°C to +85°C industrial temperature rating, MAPBGA-289 (14 × 14 mm, 0.8 mm pitch) package, integrated 128 KB SRAM eliminating external RAM in RTOS designs, and dual FlexCAN 2.0B interfaces for industrial fieldbus connectivity.

Technical Context

The MCIMX280CVM4CR2 implements Freescale's ARM926EJ-S core with 16 KB instruction and 32 KB data cache, CoreSight ETM9 trace, and parallel JTAG debug interface. Its clock architecture uses a 24 MHz crystal input with PLL-based domain generation and fractional dividers for flexible frequency scaling across subsystems.

Power delivery is managed by an integrated PMU featuring a triple-output DC-DC switching converter, linear regulators, Li-Ion battery charger, and brownout detection on VDDD, VDDA, VDDIO, and VDD4P2 rails. Memory subsystem supports mobile DDR, DDR2, and LV-DDR2 up to 205 MHz, plus NAND Flash with up to 20-bit BCH ECC across eight devices.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

MCIMX280CVM4CR2 is housed in a plastic MAPBGA-289 package (14 × 14 mm, 0.8 mm pitch), optimized for thermal dissipation and industrial board-level reliability. Ball assignments follow the i.MX280-specific map defined in Section 4.4 of IMX28CEC Rev. 3.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with MCIMX283CVM4B and MCIMX286CVM4B, MCIMX280CVM4CR2 provides the leanest feature set-omitting LCDIF, touchscreen, S/PDIF, and second Ethernet-making it the most cost-effective and thermally efficient choice for headless industrial controllers, secure gateways, and sensor concentrators where display or audio is absent.

Availability

MCIMX280CVM4CR2 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial HMI panels, portable medical devices, and smart energy gateways requiring stable component supply across extended product lifecycles and temperature ranges.

Supply support for MCIMX280CVM4CR2 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 deep expertise in ARM-based applications processors and edge intelligence.

The i.MX28 family was designed specifically for low-power, high-reliability embedded applications in industrial automation, healthcare, and smart infrastructure-emphasizing integrated power management, real-time peripherals, and long-term supply assurance.

FAQ

What is the maximum operating frequency of the MCIMX280CVM4CR2 processor core?

The MCIMX280CVM4CR2 integrates an ARM926EJ-S core rated for operation up to 454 MHz under specified thermal and voltage conditions. This frequency is achievable with VDDD ≥ 1.35 V and junction temperature maintained within –40°C to +105°C. The core includes 16 KB instruction and 32 KB data cache, enabling deterministic real-time performance in industrial control applications where MCIMX280CVM4CR2 serves as the primary system controller.

Does the MCIMX280CVM4CR2 support external DDR memory, and what types are compatible?

Yes, the MCIMX280CVM4CR2 supports external DDR memory via its External Memory Interface (EMI), including mobile DDR (LP-DDR1), DDR2 (1.8 V), and LV-DDR2 (1.5 V) up to 205 MHz DDR clock frequency. The EMI supports configurable timing parameters and voltage overdrive for stability across temperature. MCIMX280CVM4CR2 does not integrate DDR PHY termination resistors, so external termination must be implemented per JEDEC specifications for each memory type.

How does the power management unit (PMU) in the MCIMX280CVM4CR2 handle battery charging?

The MCIMX280CVM4CR2 PMU integrates a linear Li-Ion battery charger capable of programmable charge current, battery voltage monitoring, and thermal regulation. It supports charging from either a 5 V source or USB VBUS, with automatic transition between sources. Brownout detection on BATT and DCDC_BATT pins ensures safe operation during low-battery conditions. MCIMX280CVM4CR2's PMU also generates VDD4P2 (4.2 V) for internal DC-DC conversion when powered from 5 V, enabling operation even with depleted batteries.

Can the MCIMX280CVM4CR2 operate without external RAM, and how is that achieved?

Yes, the MCIMX280CVM4CR2 can operate without external RAM due to its integrated 128 KB on-chip SRAM, which is sufficient for small-footprint RTOS environments such as FreeRTOS or eCos. Boot code executes from 128 KB mask-ROM, and application code/data resides in SRAM. This eliminates external memory components, reducing BOM cost and PCB area-particularly valuable in space-constrained industrial controllers where MCIMX280CVM4CR2 serves as the sole processing element.

What industrial communication interfaces are supported by the MCIMX280CVM4CR2?

The MCIMX280CVM4CR2 supports dual Controller Area Network (FlexCAN 2.0B) interfaces, a single 10/100 Ethernet MAC with IEEE 1588 hardware timestamping, five application UARTs (up to 3.25 Mbps), and two I²C masters/slaves (up to 400 kbps). These interfaces enable direct connection to industrial fieldbuses, serial sensors, and legacy equipment-making MCIMX280CVM4CR2 suitable for protocol gateways, PLC edge nodes, and HMI backends without external transceivers beyond standard CAN/RS-485 level-shifting.