NXP Semiconductors MCIMX286DVM4CR

Overview

MCIMX286DVM4CR from NXP Semiconductors (formerly Freescale) is a low-power, high-performance ARM926EJ-S™ applications processor running at 454 MHz, integrating 128 KB on-chip SRAM, dual CAN interfaces, single 10/100 Ethernet MAC, and a comprehensive PMU with Li-ion battery charging capability. It targets industrial HMI panels, portable medical devices, and smart energy meters requiring deterministic real-time response and embedded security.

For engineers reviewing the MCIMX286DVM4CR datasheet, MCIMX286DVM4CR pinout, MCIMX286DVM4CR application, or MCIMX286DVM4CR equivalent, key selection criteria include its -20°C to +70°C commercial temperature grade, MAPBGA-289 (14 × 14 mm, 0.8 mm pitch) package, dual CAN support, absence of LCD interface and L2 switch (distinguishing it from i.MX287), and verified compatibility with mobile DDR, DDR2, and NAND Flash with 20-bit BCH ECC.

Technical Context

The MCIMX286DVM4CR implements an ARM926EJ-S core with 16 KB instruction and 32 KB data caches, coupled to a dedicated APBH DMA controller for peripheral data movement and APBX DMA for crystal-domain peripherals like SAIF and RTC. Its clock architecture uses a 24 MHz crystal input and PLL-based fractional dividers to generate domain-specific clocks including 50 MHz/25 MHz outputs for external Ethernet PHYs.

Power management is handled by an integrated triple-output DC-DC switching converter, four linear regulators, and a programmable Li-ion charger with battery voltage/brownout monitoring on VDD4P2, VDDD, VDDA, and VDDIO rails. The device supports secure boot via 128-bit AES hardware decryption, SHA-1/SHA256 hashing, and High Assurance Boot (HAB4), with 1280 bits of OCOTP for key storage and configuration.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

MCIMX286DVM4CR 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 provides 289 I/O balls arranged in a grid for high-density PCB routing.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with MCIMX286DVM4CR, MCIMX283DVM4B reduces feature count to lower cost without altering footprint or thermal envelope, while MCIMX286CVM4B maintains full functionality at higher thermal stress-neither is pin-compatible due to distinct ordering suffixes and qualification grades, requiring explicit validation for replacement.

Availability

MCIMX286DVM4CR is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial HMI panels, portable medical devices, and smart energy meters requiring stable component supply across long production lifecycles and controlled obsolescence risk.

Supply support for MCIMX286DVM4CR 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 roots in Freescale's embedded processor heritage.

The i.MX28 family was designed specifically for low-power, cost-sensitive industrial and consumer applications requiring integrated security, rich connectivity, and deterministic real-time performance without external memory or power management ICs - MCIMX286DVM4CR exemplifies this with dual CAN, Ethernet, and battery-aware PMU.

FAQ

What is the maximum operating frequency of the MCIMX286DVM4CR processor core?

The MCIMX286DVM4CR features an ARM926EJ-S core rated for operation up to 454 MHz under specified voltage and temperature conditions. This frequency is achieved using the internal PLL with fractional divider settings and requires VDDD ≥ 1.35 V per the recommended operating conditions in the IMX28CEC datasheet Rev. 3. The core includes 16 KB instruction and 32 KB data caches to sustain throughput at this speed.

Does the MCIMX286DVM4CR support NAND Flash with hardware ECC?

Yes, the MCIMX286DVM4CR integrates a BCH encoder/decoder capable of correcting up to 20 bit errors per 512-byte data block. It supports up to eight NAND Flash devices with 8-bit data width and is validated for SLC and MLC NAND technologies. The GPMI controller handles timing and interfacing, eliminating need for external NAND controllers in designs using this part.

What are the key differences between MCIMX286DVM4CR and MCIMX287CVM4B?

The MCIMX286DVM4CR lacks the L2 Ethernet switch and second Ethernet MAC present in MCIMX287CVM4B, and does not include LCD interface support. Both share dual CAN, single Ethernet MAC, and identical security features. MCIMX286DVM4CR is commercial-grade (-20°C to +70°C), while MCIMX287CVM4B is industrial-grade (-40°C to +85°C) and adds QoS-capable 3-port switching for networked edge devices.

Can the MCIMX286DVM4CR operate solely from a Li-ion battery without external 5 V supply?

Yes, the MCIMX286DVM4CR can run entirely from a single Li-ion cell (3.1–4.2 V) using its integrated DC-DC converter and linear regulators. The PMU provides regulated VDDD, VDDA, and VDDIO rails, and the on-chip battery charger supports constant-current/constant-voltage charging. VDD4P2 is generated internally to power USB host functionality even when only battery is present.

Is the MCIMX286DVM4CR pin-compatible with other i.MX28 variants such as MCIMX283DVM4B?

Yes, all i.MX28 MAPBGA-289 variants-including MCIMX286DVM4CR and MCIMX283DVM4B-share identical mechanical footprint, ball map, and I/O assignment. However, functional differences exist: MCIMX286DVM4CR includes S/PDIF and LCD interface signals that are No Connect (NC) on MCIMX283DVM4B. PCB layout is interchangeable, but firmware must match enabled peripherals.