NXP Semiconductors MCIMX31DVKN5D

Overview

MCIMX31DVKN5D from NXP Semiconductors (formerly Freescale) is a multimedia applications processor built around an ARM1136JF-S core, operating up to 532 MHz with integrated MPEG-4 hardware encoder (VGA @ 30 fps), Vector Floating Point (VFP11) co-processor, and Image Processing Unit (IPU). It targets portable media players and mid-tier smartphones requiring low-power, high-performance video processing and secure boot.

For engineers reviewing the MCIMX31DVKN5D datasheet, MCIMX31DVKN5D pinout, MCIMX31DVKN5D application, or MCIMX31DVKN5D equivalent, key selection criteria include its 14 × 14 mm MAPBGA-457 package, –20 °C to +70 °C industrial temperature range, dual-Vt 90 nm process, dynamic voltage/frequency scaling (DVFS), and support for DDR, NAND Flash, USB 2.0 OTG, SDHC, and I²C peripherals.

Technical Context

The MCIMX31DVKN5D implements the ARM v6 architecture with an eight-stage pipeline, Jazelle® Java acceleration, SIMD DSP extensions, and integrated MMUs with 16 KB instruction and 16 KB data L1 caches plus 128 KB unified L2 cache. Its memory system includes 32 KB ROM for boot code and 16 KB SRAM for low-power audio streaming.

Power management relies on DPTC (Dynamic Process Temperature Compensation), clock gating, power domain isolation, and multiple supply rails (QVCC/QVCC1/QVCC4 at 1.22–1.65 V; NVCC1/NVCC3–10 at 1.75–3.3 V). The device supports secure boot via ROMPATCH, RNGA, SCC, and RTIC modules compliant with FIPS-140 standards.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

MCIMX31DVKN5D uses a RoHS-compliant, lead-free MAPBGA-457 package (Case 1581), 14 × 14 mm body size with 0.5 mm pitch. Ball map includes dedicated power domains (QVCC, NVCCx), high-speed interface balls (USB, SDHC, DDR), and configurable GPIO banks with internal pull-up/down options.

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 AM3517AZCN, the MCIMX31DVKN5D offers unique on-die MPEG-4 encode and IPU capabilities critical for portable video capture, while its mature ARM11+VFP11 combination delivers predictable real-time performance and lower power than later Cortex-A8 derivatives in sustained multimedia workloads.

Availability

MCIMX31DVKN5D is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for portable media players, industrial HMIs, medical imaging handsets, and secure digital signage requiring stable component supply across long-lifecycle embedded programs.

Supply support for MCIMX31DVKN5D 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 delivering secure, scalable solutions for automotive, industrial, IoT, and mobile applications, with roots in Freescale's embedded processor heritage.

The i.MX31 product line was designed specifically for low-power, high-performance portable multimedia devices - integrating video encode, image processing, security, and mixed-signal I/O into a single 90 nm SoC optimized for battery-constrained environments.

FAQ

What is the maximum operating frequency of the MCIMX31DVKN5D and under what voltage conditions?

The MCIMX31DVKN5D operates up to 532 MHz in overdrive mode, requiring core supply voltages between 1.47 V and 1.65 V (QVCC/QVCC1/QVCC4). At non-overdrive frequencies ≤400 MHz, the core voltage must be maintained between 1.22 V and 1.38 V. Operation above 1.52 V is restricted to ≤10,950 cumulative hours over the device lifetime to ensure reliability.

Does the MCIMX31DVKN5D include a graphics processing unit (GPU)?

Yes, the MCIMX31DVKN5D includes a Graphics Processing Unit (GPU) as part of its multimedia peripheral set. This GPU provides hardware acceleration for 2D and 3D graphics algorithms, supporting features such as blending, rotation, and display control. Note that the MCIMX31L variant excludes the GPU, but MCIMX31DVKN5D is a full-featured MCIMX31 part with GPU enabled.

What memory types does the MCIMX31DVKN5D support through its External Memory Interface (EMI)?

The MCIMX31DVKN5D 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), enabling flexible memory expansion for diverse embedded applications.

How does the MCIMX31DVKN5D implement secure boot and runtime integrity protection?

The MCIMX31DVKN5D implements secure boot via a hierarchical chain: factory-programmed iROM validates signed boot images loaded from NAND/SD, enforced by ROMPATCH and SCC (Secure RAM). Runtime integrity is maintained using RTIC (Run-Time Integrity Checkers) to monitor peripheral memory, RNGA for cryptographically secure key generation, and SJC (Secure JTAG Controller) to restrict debug access - all documented in the MCIMX31 security reference manual.

What is the package type and ball count of the MCIMX31DVKN5D?

The MCIMX31DVKN5D uses a MAPBGA-457 package (Case 1581), measuring 14 × 14 mm with 0.5 mm pitch. It contains 457 solder balls arranged in a grid pattern, with dedicated power, ground, I/O, and high-speed interface balls mapped according to the official Freescale MCIMX31 ball assignment table in Section 5 of the technical data sheet.