NXP Semiconductors MCIMX31CVKN5D

Overview

MCIMX31CVKN5D from NXP Semiconductors (formerly Freescale) is a multimedia applications processor built around an ARM1136JF-S core operating up to 532 MHz, featuring 128 KB L2 cache, integrated MPEG-4 hardware encoder (VGA @ 30 fps), and Vector Floating Point (VFP11) co-processor. It supports DDR, NAND Flash, USB 2.0 OTG, SDIO, and ATA interfaces for portable media players and industrial HMI systems.

For engineers reviewing the MCIMX31CVKN5D datasheet, MCIMX31CVKN5D pinout, MCIMX31CVKN5D application, or MCIMX31CVKN5D equivalent, key selection criteria include its –40°C to +85°C industrial temperature rating, MAPBGA-457 package with 0.5 mm pitch, dual-Vt 90 nm process for leakage control, and integrated security modules (RNGA, SCC, RTIC).

Technical Context

The MCIMX31CVKN5D implements the ARM v6 architecture with Jazelle® Java acceleration, SIMD DSP instructions, and an eight-stage pipeline with branch prediction. Its memory subsystem includes 16 KB instruction and 16 KB data L1 caches, a unified 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 integrates dedicated peripherals including an Image Processing Unit (IPU), Smart DMA (SDMA), three CSPI controllers, three I²C interfaces, five UARTs, and USB 2.0 OTG with HS/FS/LS host capability and HS/FS device mode.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

MCIMX31CVKN5D uses a 14 × 14 mm MAPBGA package with 457 balls and 0.5 mm pitch (Case 1581). Ball assignment follows the documented MAPBGA production layout in Freescale's MCIMX31_5 Rev. 4.3 datasheet, Section "Package Information and Pinout" (pages 103–115).

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with i.MX357 CVK and i.MX27 ADS, MCIMX31CVKN5D uniquely balances ARM11 performance, hardware MPEG-4 encode, VFP acceleration, and industrial temperature operation - making it optimal for Linux-based portable media and HMI designs where real-time video compression and deterministic latency are critical.

Availability

MCIMX31CVKN5D is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial HMI terminals, portable media players, medical imaging modules, and automated retail kiosks requiring stable component supply across extended temperature ranges and long product lifecycles.

Supply support for MCIMX31CVKN5D 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 MCIMX31CVKN5D - was designed for high-performance, low-power multimedia applications in portable and industrial embedded systems, emphasizing integration of video, audio, security, and connectivity peripherals on a single die.

FAQ

What is the maximum operating frequency of the MCIMX31CVKN5D and under what conditions?

The MCIMX31CVKN5D operates up to 532 MHz in overdrive mode with core voltage between 1.47 V and 1.65 V. For non-overdrive operation, the maximum frequency is 400 MHz at 1.22–1.38 V. Duty cycle restrictions apply in overdrive mode to ensure 10-year reliability - cumulative overdrive time must not exceed 10,950 hours (e.g., ≤3 hours/day average). MCIMX31CVKN5D datasheet Section 4.1.1 and Table 8 specify these limits.

Does the MCIMX31CVKN5D include a graphics processing unit (GPU)?

No, the MCIMX31CVKN5D does not include a GPU. The standard MCIMX31 includes a GPU, but the MCIMX31L variant - which MCIMX31CVKN5D belongs to - explicitly omits the GPU. This is confirmed in the Introduction section of the MCIMX31_5 Rev. 4.3 datasheet: "The MCIMX31L does not include a graphics processing unit (GPU)." MCIMX31CVKN5D is a member of the MCIMX31L series.

What memory types does the MCIMX31CVKN5D support through its External Memory Interface (EMI)?

The MCIMX31CVKN5D supports DDR SDRAM, SDRAM, NOR Flash, NAND Flash, and SRAM via its integrated EMI. The EMI comprises the Multi-Master Memory Interface (M3IF), Enhanced SDRAM Controller (ESDCTL), NAND Flash Controller (NFC), and Wireless External Interface Module (WEIM). MCIMX31CVKN5D documentation confirms direct interfacing with DDR, NAND, NOR, SDRAM, and SRAM without external glue logic.

How is security implemented in the MCIMX31CVKN5D?

MCIMX31CVKN5D implements security through three dedicated hardware modules: RNGA (FIPS-140 compliant random number generator), SCC (Security Controller with Secure RAM for sensitive key storage), and RTIC (Run-Time Integrity Checker for peripheral memory authentication). Tamper detection is supported via GPIO1_6, which triggers irreversible security violation upon assertion. These features are documented in Sections 2.2 and 4.3 of the MCIMX31_5 Rev. 4.3 datasheet.

What is the thermal resistance (RθJA) of the MCIMX31CVKN5D in its 14 × 14 mm MAPBGA package?

In its 14 × 14 mm MAPBGA-457 package (Case 1581), the MCIMX31CVKN5D 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. These values are specified in Table 6 of the MCIMX31_5 Rev. 4.3 datasheet and define PCB layout requirements for thermal management in industrial applications using MCIMX31CVKN5D.