NXP Semiconductors MCIMX31CJKN5D

Overview

MCIMX31CJKN5D from NXP Semiconductors (formerly Freescale) is a multimedia applications processor built around an ARM1136JF-S core operating up to 532 MHz, featuring integrated MPEG-4 hardware encoder (VGA@30 fps), Vector Floating Point (VFP11) co-processor, and SDMA controller. It supports DDR, NAND Flash, and USB 2.0 OTG, targeting portable media players and industrial HMI systems.

For engineers reviewing the MCIMX31CJKN5D datasheet, MCIMX31CJKN5D pinout, MCIMX31CJKN5D application, or MCIMX31CJKN5D equivalent, key selection criteria include its –40°C to +85°C industrial temperature grade, MAPBGA-457 package with 0.5 mm pitch, dual-Vt 90 nm process for leakage control, and integrated IPU for camera interface acceleration.

Technical Context

The MCIMX31CJKN5D implements the ARM v6 architecture with Jazelle® Java execution, SIMD DSP extensions, and an eight-stage pipeline with branch prediction. Its memory subsystem includes 16 KB instruction and 16 KB data L1 caches, a 128 KB unified L2 cache, 32 KB ROM, and 16 KB SRAM - all accessible via a 64-bit AMBA L2 interface.

Power management leverages dynamic voltage and frequency scaling (DVFS), multiple clock/power domains, and independent power gating. The chip integrates dedicated modules including IPU for real-time image processing, three CSPI interfaces, three I²C controllers, five UARTs, and dual USB 2.0 host controllers plus one OTG controller with HS/FS/LS support.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

MCIMX31CJKN5D uses a 457-ball MAPBGA package (Case 1581, 14 × 14 mm, 0.5 mm pitch) with ball grid layout defined in Section 5 of the MCIMX31_5 Rev. 4.3 datasheet. Pin functions are multiplexed across 11 functional groups including EMI, USB, I²C, CSPI, SSI, UART, GPIO, and security peripherals.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with i.MX353CJM8B and i.MX27ADS, MCIMX31CJKN5D delivers balanced multimedia acceleration with hardware MPEG-4 encode and VFP11-making it optimal for real-time video capture systems where encode latency and CPU offload are critical, while avoiding the higher power and complexity of Cortex-A8 GPUs.

Availability

MCIMX31CJKN5D is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial HMI terminals, portable medical imaging devices, and ruggedized infotainment systems requiring stable component supply across extended temperature ranges and long product lifecycles.

Supply support for MCIMX31CJKN5D 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 formed from the spin-off of Philips' semiconductor division, specializing in secure connectivity solutions for automotive, industrial, and IoT markets.

The i.MX family, including MCIMX31CJKN5D, was designed to deliver high-performance, low-power ARM-based application processors for portable multimedia and industrial human-machine interface applications with integrated security and peripheral flexibility.

FAQ

What is the maximum operating frequency of the MCIMX31CJKN5D and what voltage is required?

The MCIMX31CJKN5D supports a maximum core frequency of 532 MHz in overdrive mode, which requires a core supply (QVCC) between 1.47 V and 1.52 V. Operation above 1.52 V is permitted only for cumulative durations ≤10,950 hours over the device lifetime. At 400 MHz, the minimum QVCC is 1.22 V, enabling lower-power operation in non-overdrive conditions. These specifications are validated per Table 9 in the MCIMX31_5 Rev. 4.3 datasheet.

Does the MCIMX31CJKN5D include a graphics processing unit (GPU)?

No, the MCIMX31CJKN5D does not include a GPU. The standard MCIMX31 includes a GPU, but the MCIMX31L variant - which MCIMX31CJKN5D belongs to - explicitly omits the GPU. This is confirmed in Section 1 Introduction of the MCIMX31_5 Rev. 4.3 datasheet: "The MCIMX31L does not include a graphics processing unit (GPU)." MCIMX31CJKN5D is an MCIMX31L-series part, as indicated by the 'L' in its ordering code structure and its industrial temperature grade.

What memory types does the MCIMX31CJKN5D support through its External Memory Interface (EMI)?

The MCIMX31CJKN5D supports DDR SDRAM, NAND Flash, NOR Flash, SDRAM, and SRAM via its integrated External Memory Interface (EMI). The EMI includes a Multi-Master Memory Interface (M3IF), Enhanced SDRAM Controller (ESDCTL), NAND Flash Controller (NFC), and Wireless External Interface Module (WEIM). These controllers are documented in Section 4.3.9 of the MCIMX31_5 Rev. 4.3 datasheet and enable flexible, high-bandwidth memory expansion for multimedia buffering and code execution.

How is security implemented in the MCIMX31CJKN5D?

Security in the MCIMX31CJKN5D is implemented through multiple hardware modules: RNGA (FIPS-140 compliant random number generator), SCC (Security Controller with Secure RAM), RTIC (Run-Time Integrity Checkers for boot authentication), and SJC (Secure JTAG Controller). Tamper detection is supported via GPIO1_6, which triggers a security violation when asserted and cannot be disabled until reset. These features collectively support secure boot, encrypted storage, and runtime integrity verification - essential for medical and industrial applications requiring data confidentiality.

What is the thermal resistance profile of the MCIMX31CJKN5D's 14 × 14 mm MAPBGA package?

The MCIMX31CJKN5D's 14 × 14 mm MAPBGA package (Case 1581) has a junction-to-ambient thermal resistance (RθJA) of 56°C/W on a single-layer board and 30°C/W on a four-layer board under natural convection, per Table 6 in the MCIMX31_5 Rev. 4.3 datasheet. Junction-to-board (RθJB) is 17°C/W, and junction-to-case (RθJC) is 10°C/W. These values assume JEDEC-standard test conditions and guide heatsink or PCB copper pour design for thermal management in industrial enclosures.