NXP Semiconductors MCIMX31CVKN5C

Overview

MCIMX31CVKN5C from NXP (formerly Freescale) is a multimedia applications processor built around an ARM1136JF-S core, operating up to 532 MHz with 16 KB instruction and 16 KB data L1 caches, 128 KB unified L2 cache, and integrated MPEG-4 hardware encoder supporting VGA@30 fps video encoding. It targets portable media players, feature-rich cellular phones, and wireless PDAs requiring low-power, high-performance processing.

For engineers reviewing the MCIMX31CVKN5C datasheet, MCIMX31CVKN5C pinout, MCIMX31CVKN5C application, or MCIMX31CVKN5C equivalent, key selection considerations include its extended industrial temperature range (–40°C to +85°C), MAPBGA-457 package (14 × 14 mm, 0.5 mm pitch), dual-Vt 90 nm process, and integrated peripherals including SDMA, IPU, USB OTG, and three I²C interfaces.

Technical Context

The MCIMX31CVKN5C implements the ARM v6 architecture with Jazelle® Java acceleration, SIMD DSP extensions, and an eight-stage pipeline with branch prediction. Its memory system integrates 16 KB L1 instruction and data caches, a 128 KB 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 includes dedicated modules for security (RNGA, SCC, RTIC), image processing (IPU), audio routing (AUDMUX), and connectivity (USB OTG/Host, SDHC, CSPI, UART×5, I²C×3).

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

MCIMX31CVKN5C uses a 457-ball MAPBGA package (Case 1581, 14 × 14 mm, 0.5 mm pitch), RoHS-compliant and MSL Level 3. Ball assignment follows JEDEC MO-275AC standard with defined power, ground, I/O, and dedicated function ball groups.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with i.MX353 CVK and MCIMX31LVKN5C, the MCIMX31CVKN5C uniquely balances ARM11 efficiency, hardware MPEG-4 encode, and industrial temperature support - making it optimal for cost-sensitive, thermally demanding portable media devices where video capture reliability is critical.

Availability

MCIMX31CVKN5C is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for portable media players, feature-rich cellular phones, and wireless PDAs requiring stable component supply across long-lifecycle consumer electronics programs.

Supply support for MCIMX31CVKN5C 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 roots in Freescale's embedded processor heritage.

The i.MX31 product line was engineered for low-power, high-performance portable multimedia applications - integrating ARM11 compute, hardware video acceleration, and security features into a single die for battery-operated devices.

FAQ

What is the maximum operating frequency of the MCIMX31CVKN5C and under what conditions?

The MCIMX31CVKN5C operates up to 532 MHz in overdrive mode, requiring core supply voltage between 1.47 V and 1.65 V. This frequency is supported only for cumulative durations ≤10,950 hours (1.25 years) to prevent device degradation. For continuous operation, 400 MHz at ≤1.47 V is recommended. The MCIMX31CVKN5C datasheet specifies these limits in Table 8 and Errata ENGcm02610.

Does the MCIMX31CVKN5C include a graphics processing unit (GPU)?

Yes, the MCIMX31CVKN5C includes a Graphics Processing Unit (GPU) as part of its multimedia subsystem. Unlike the MCIMX31L variant, the MCIMX31CVKN5C integrates hardware acceleration for 2D and 3D graphics algorithms - confirmed in the block diagram (Figure 1) and Module Inventory (Table 3) of the MCIMX31 technical data sheet Rev. 4.1.

What package type and ball count does the MCIMX31CVKN5C use?

The MCIMX31CVKN5C uses a MAPBGA-457 package measuring 14 × 14 mm with 0.5 mm pitch (Case 1581), RoHS-compliant and moisture sensitivity level (MSL) 3. This package is documented in Section 1.2.1 and Package Information (pages 104–115) of the MCIMX31 technical data sheet Rev. 4.1.

How does the MCIMX31CVKN5C handle power management for battery-powered devices?

The MCIMX31CVKN5C implements Dynamic Voltage and Frequency Scaling (DVFS), multiple clock/power domains, and independent power gating - enabling aggressive power reduction during idle or low-activity states. Its 90 nm dual-Vt process minimizes leakage current, and the 16 KB SRAM supports state retention at 0.95 V while RTC remains active. These features are detailed in Sections 1.1 and 4.2 of the MCIMX31 technical data sheet.

Is the MCIMX31CVKN5C pin-compatible with other i.MX31 variants such as MCIMX31VKN5C?

Yes, the MCIMX31CVKN5C is pin-compatible with MCIMX31VKN5C and MCIMX31LVKN5C - all share the same MAPBGA-457 (14 × 14 mm, 0.5 mm pitch) package and identical ball map. The "C" suffix denotes silicon revision 2.0 (mask set M91E) and extended temperature grade (–40°C to +85°C), but electrical and mechanical pinout is fully aligned per Table 1 and Package Information sections of the MCIMX31 technical data sheet.