NXP Semiconductors MCIMX286CVM4B

Overview

MCIMX286CVM4B from NXP Semiconductors is an industrial-grade ARM926EJ-S applications processor running at 454 MHz, featuring dual FlexCAN interfaces, single 10/100 Ethernet MAC, integrated PMU with Li-Ion battery charging, and 128 KB on-chip SRAM - deployed in smart energy gateways, industrial HMI panels, and portable medical devices.

For engineers reviewing the MCIMX286CVM4B datasheet, MCIMX286CVM4B pinout, MCIMX286CVM4B application, or MCIMX286CVM4B equivalent, key selection considerations include its –40°C to +85°C industrial temperature rating, MAPBGA-289 (14 × 14 mm, 0.8 mm pitch) package, dual CAN support, and absence of LCD interface compared to i.MX287.

Technical Context

The MCIMX286CVM4B implements a single ARM926EJ-S core with 16 KB instruction and 32 KB data cache, supported by dedicated APBH/APBX DMA bridges and a clock control module with PLL and fractional dividers for precise domain timing. Its memory subsystem includes EMI supporting DDR2, LV-DDR2, and mobile DDR up to 205 MHz, plus GPMI NAND controller with 20-bit BCH ECC.

Connectivity is defined by two FlexCAN 2.0B controllers (1 Mbps), one 10/100 Ethernet MAC with IEEE 1588 hardware timestamping, USB2.0 OTG + host PHYs, four SSPs (SDIO/MMC/SPI), five AUARTs (up to 3.25 Mbps), and dual SAIF audio interfaces - all managed via ICOLL interrupt collector and PINCTRL GPIO subsystem.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

MCIMX286CVM4B uses a plastic MAPBGA-289 package (14 × 14 mm, 0.8 mm pitch) with signal, power, ground, and reference ball assignments documented in Section 4.6 ("i.MX286 Ball Map") of the IMX28CEC datasheet. Pin functions are validated per official NXP ball map and contact assignment tables.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with MCIMX283CVM4B, MCIMX286CVM4B adds essential dual CAN and SPDIF for industrial fieldbus and audio telemetry; versus MCIMX287CVM4B, it avoids unnecessary Ethernet switch logic and LCD hardware, reducing BOM cost and thermal load in headless gateway applications.

Availability

MCIMX286CVM4B is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial HMI panels, smart energy gateways, and portable medical devices requiring stable component supply across extended product lifecycles.

Supply support for MCIMX286CVM4B 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 AI acceleration.

The i.MX28 family - including MCIMX286CVM4B - was designed specifically for low-power, high-reliability embedded applications in industrial automation, energy infrastructure, and portable medical equipment.

FAQ

What is the maximum operating frequency of the MCIMX286CVM4B processor core?

The MCIMX286CVM4B integrates an ARM926EJ-S core rated for operation up to 454 MHz under specified voltage and temperature conditions. This frequency is achievable with VDDD ≥ 1.35 V and within the –40°C to +85°C industrial ambient range. Performance is sustained using the on-chip PLL and fractional divider, with no external clock synthesis required.

Does the MCIMX286CVM4B support external DDR2 memory, and what are the voltage requirements?

Yes, the MCIMX286CVM4B supports external DDR2 memory via its EMI controller, with recommended operating voltage of 1.7–1.9 V for VDDIO.EMI. It also supports LV-DDR2 (1.5 V) and mobile DDR (1.8 V), enabling flexible memory selection for cost and power optimization in industrial gateways and HMIs.

How many CAN interfaces does the MCIMX286CVM4B provide, and what protocol version is supported?

The MCIMX286CVM4B provides two Controller Area Network (CAN) interfaces compliant with CAN 2.0B protocol, supporting bit rates up to 1 Mbps. These are implemented as FlexCAN modules with message buffers, FIFO mode, and hardware acceptance filtering - suitable for industrial fieldbus and automotive diagnostic applications.

Is the MCIMX286CVM4B pin-compatible with other i.MX28 variants such as MCIMX283CVM4B?

Yes, the MCIMX286CVM4B shares the same MAPBGA-289 package (14 × 14 mm, 0.8 mm pitch) and identical pinout with MCIMX280, MCIMX283, and MCIMX287 variants. Signal assignments are fully compatible per NXP's i.MX28 Ball Maps; however, functional differences (e.g., missing CAN on MCIMX283) require software-level validation.

What security features are implemented in hardware on the MCIMX286CVM4B?

The MCIMX286CVM4B includes hardware-accelerated security features: 128-bit AES decryption for secure boot, SHA-1 and SHA-256 hashing engines, High Assurance Boot (HAB4), and read-only unique ID for DRM. These are integrated into the DCP and OCOTP modules - enabling tamper-resistant firmware authentication and cryptographic operations without software overhead.

Does the MCIMX286CVM4B include an LCD controller, and how does it compare to the i.MX287 variant?

No, the MCIMX286CVM4B does not include an LCD interface. Unlike the i.MX287, which integrates a full 24-bit LCDIF supporting RGB and system modes, the MCIMX286CVM4B omits this peripheral. This omission reduces pin count and power consumption - making it ideal for headless gateway and control applications where display output is handled externally or not required.