NXP Semiconductors MCIMX31DVKN5DR2

Overview

MCIMX31DVKN5DR2 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 encoding and graphics acceleration.

For engineers reviewing the MCIMX31DVKN5DR2 datasheet, MCIMX31DVKN5DR2 pinout, MCIMX31DVKN5DR2 application, or MCIMX31DVKN5DR2 equivalent, key selection criteria include its 14 × 14 mm MAPBGA-457 package, dual-Vt 90 nm process, DDR/NAND/SDRAM memory interface support, USB 2.0 OTG + dual host capability, and -20°C to +70°C industrial temperature grade.

Technical Context

The MCIMX31DVKN5DR2 implements the ARM v6 architecture with an eight-stage pipeline, Jazelle Java execution, and SIMD DSP extensions. 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 relies on dynamic voltage and frequency scaling (DVFS), multiple clock/power domains, and hardware-controlled power gating. The chip integrates dedicated accelerators including an Autonomous IPU for on-the-fly video processing, SDMA controller for offloading bulk transfers, and security modules (RNGA, SCC, RTIC) compliant with FIPS-140 requirements.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

MCIMX31DVKN5DR2 uses a 14 × 14 mm, 0.5 mm pitch MAPBGA package (Case 1581) with 457 solder balls. Ball assignment follows JEDEC MO-270AB standard; mechanical and thermal data are validated per JEDEC JESD51-2/3/8.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with i.MX357 CVK8C and i.MX27 ADS, MCIMX31DVKN5DR2 uniquely balances ARM11 performance, dedicated MPEG-4 encode acceleration, and industrial temperature support - making it optimal for portable media players needing real-time VGA encode without GPU overhead.

Availability

MCIMX31DVKN5DR2 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for portable media players, industrial HMIs, medical imaging handhelds, and connected digital signage requiring stable component supply across extended product lifecycles.

Supply support for MCIMX31DVKN5DR2 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 consumer markets.

The i.MX family - including MCIMX31DVKN5DR2 - was designed specifically for low-power, high-performance multimedia applications in portable and embedded systems, emphasizing hardware acceleration, power efficiency, and security integration.

FAQ

What is the maximum operating frequency of the MCIMX31DVKN5DR2 and under what conditions?

The MCIMX31DVKN5DR2 operates up to 532 MHz in overdrive mode, requiring a core supply voltage between 1.52 V and 1.65 V. At this frequency, cumulative overdrive operation must not exceed 10,950 hours (1.25 years) to maintain reliability. For non-overdrive operation, the maximum frequency is 400 MHz at 1.22–1.38 V core voltage. The MCIMX31DVKN5DR2 datasheet specifies these limits in Table 8 and Errata ENGcm02610.

Does the MCIMX31DVKN5DR2 include a graphics processing unit (GPU)?

No, the MCIMX31DVKN5DR2 does not include a GPU. It belongs to the base MCIMX31 series (not MCIMX31L), which omits the GPU block. Graphics acceleration relies on the Vector Floating Point (VFP11) co-processor and Image Processing Unit (IPU) for 2D operations like blending and rotation. The MCIMX31DVKN5DR2 documentation explicitly states GPU unavailability for i.MX31L variants, and MCIMX31DVKN5DR2 is a standard MCIMX31 variant.

What memory types does the MCIMX31DVKN5DR2 support for boot and runtime operation?

The MCIMX31DVKN5DR2 supports boot from NAND Flash, SD/MMC, and OneNAND via its External Memory Interface (EMI) and ROM patch module. Runtime memory interfaces include DDR SDRAM, SDRAM, SRAM, NOR Flash, and NAND Flash - all managed through dedicated controllers (ESDCTL, NFC, WEIM). The MCIMX31DVKN5DR2 reference manual confirms boot mode configuration via CLKSS strap and BOOT_MODE pins.

How is security implemented in the MCIMX31DVKN5DR2 for firmware protection?

Security in the MCIMX31DVKN5DR2 is implemented through three integrated modules: RNGA (FIPS-140 compliant random number generator), SCC (Secure RAM and Security Monitor for encrypted key storage), and RTIC (Run-Time Integrity Checker for peripheral memory validation). These modules collectively enable secure boot, firmware signature verification, and tamper detection via GPIO1_6. The MCIMX31DVKN5DR2 technical data document details their interaction in Section 2.2 and Table 3.

What are the thermal characteristics of the MCIMX31DVKN5DR2 in its 14 × 14 mm MAPBGA package?

In its 14 × 14 mm MAPBGA-457 package (Case 1581), the MCIMX31DVKN5DR2 has a junction-to-ambient thermal resistance (RθJA) of 30°C/W on a four-layer PCB under natural convection, and 26°C/W at 200 ft/min airflow. Junction-to-board resistance is 17°C/W. These values are measured per JEDEC JESD51-2/3/8 standards and appear in Table 6 of the MCIMX31DVKN5DR2 technical data sheet (Rev. 4.3).