NXP Semiconductors MCIMX31DVMN5DR2

Overview

MCIMX31DVMN5DR2 from NXP Semiconductors (formerly Freescale) is a multimedia applications processor built around an ARM1136JF-S core, operating up to 532 MHz with 128 KB L2 cache, 16 KB instruction and 16 KB data L1 caches, and integrated MPEG-4 hardware encoder supporting VGA@30 fps video encoding. It targets portable media players and mid-tier smartphones requiring low-power, high-performance processing for video, graphics, and audio.

For engineers reviewing the MCIMX31DVMN5DR2 datasheet, MCIMX31DVMN5DR2 pinout, MCIMX31DVMN5DR2 application, or MCIMX31DVMN5DR2 equivalent, key selection considerations include its 19×19 mm MAPBGA-473 package, –20°C to +70°C industrial temperature range, dual-Vt 90 nm process, DVFS/DPTC power management, and integrated SDMA, IPU, VFP, and USB 2.0 OTG controller.

Technical Context

The MCIMX31DVMN5DR2 implements the ARM v6 architecture with Jazelle Java acceleration, Thumb instruction set, and SIMD DSP extensions. Its memory subsystem includes on-chip 32 KB ROM for boot code, 16 KB SRAM for low-power audio streaming, and support for DDR, NAND Flash, NOR Flash, SDRAM, and SRAM via the External Memory Interface (EMI).

It integrates dedicated multimedia accelerators: Image Processing Unit (IPU) for camera interface and display preprocessing, MPEG-4 encoder for real-time VGA@30 fps compression, and Vector Floating Point (VFP11) co-processor for 3D graphics. Power management includes dynamic voltage and frequency scaling (DVFS), multiple clock/power domains, and independent power gating.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

MCIMX31DVMN5DR2 is housed in a 19 × 19 mm MAPBGA-473 package (Case 1931), with 0.8 mm ball pitch and RoHS-compliant lead-free construction. Ball map and signal assignments are defined in Freescale Document MCIMX31_5 Rev. 4.3, Sections 5.2 and 115–116.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with MCIMX31DVMN5DR2, i.MX353CVV8B offers superior graphics and modern OS support but sacrifices dedicated MPEG-4 encode, while MCIMX27CJM8C provides basic multimedia capability at lower cost and power but lacks L2 cache, VFP, and IPU-limiting real-time video processing scalability.

Availability

MCIMX31DVMN5DR2 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for portable media players, industrial HMIs, medical imaging handsets, and automotive infotainment displays requiring stable component supply across extended product lifecycles.

Supply support for MCIMX31DVMN5DR2 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 MCIMX31DVMN5DR2-is designed for high-performance, low-power embedded multimedia applications, combining ARM processor cores with domain-specific accelerators for video, graphics, security, and real-time control.

FAQ

What is the maximum operating frequency of the MCIMX31DVMN5DR2 and under what voltage conditions?

The MCIMX31DVMN5DR2 operates up to 532 MHz in overdrive mode with core supply (QVCC/QVCC1/QVCC4) between 1.47 V and 1.65 V. At standard voltage (1.22–1.38 V), the maximum frequency is 400 MHz. Operation above 1.52 V is classified as overdrive and subject to cumulative time limits (≤10,950 hours over product lifetime) to ensure long-term reliability. The MCIMX31DVMN5DR2 datasheet specifies these constraints in Table 8 and associated notes.

Does the MCIMX31DVMN5DR2 include a graphics processing unit (GPU)?

Yes, the MCIMX31DVMN5DR2 includes a dedicated Graphics Processing Unit (GPU) for hardware acceleration of 2D and 3D graphics algorithms. This GPU is distinct from the optional i.MX31L variant, which omits the GPU. The MCIMX31DVMN5DR2's GPU supports features such as texture mapping, alpha blending, and polygon rendering, enabling efficient UI composition and gaming workloads without burdening the ARM11 core.

What memory types does the MCIMX31DVMN5DR2 support through its External Memory Interface (EMI)?

The MCIMX31DVMN5DR2 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), allowing flexible memory configurations including boot-from-NAND and simultaneous use of multiple memory types. This capability is confirmed in Section 2.2 and Table 3 of the MCIMX31DVMN5DR2 technical data document.

How does the Image Processing Unit (IPU) in the MCIMX31DVMN5DR2 reduce system-level memory bandwidth usage?

The IPU in the MCIMX31DVMN5DR2 performs on-the-fly video processing-including rotation, scaling, color-space conversion, and blending-without involving the ARM CPU or external memory. For example, in a viewfinder application, raw sensor data flows directly from CSI to IPU to LCD, bypassing DRAM entirely. This architecture reduces memory bandwidth consumption by up to 70% compared to CPU-driven pipelines, lowering power and latency. This behavior is explicitly documented in the "Features" section of the MCIMX31DVMN5DR2 datasheet.

What security features are integrated into the MCIMX31DVMN5DR2 for firmware integrity and tamper resistance?

The MCIMX31DVMN5DR2 integrates RNGA (FIPS-140 compliant random number generator), SCC (Security Controller with Secure RAM), RTIC (Run-Time Integrity Checkers), and SJC (Secure JTAG Controller). It also includes dedicated tamper-detect logic on GPIO1_6, which triggers irreversible security violations upon assertion. These features collectively enable secure boot authentication, runtime memory integrity verification, and protected debug access-making the MCIMX31DVMN5DR2 suitable for applications requiring certified security compliance.