NXP Semiconductors MCIMX31LCVKN5D

Overview

MCIMX31LCVKN5D from NXP Semiconductors (formerly Freescale) is a multimedia applications processor based on the 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 industrial HMI systems requiring low-power, high-performance video processing.

For engineers reviewing the MCIMX31LCVKN5D datasheet, MCIMX31LCVKN5D pinout, MCIMX31LCVKN5D application, or MCIMX31LCVKN5D equivalent, key selection criteria include its –40°C to +85°C industrial temperature rating, MAPBGA-457 (14 × 14 mm, 0.5 mm pitch) package, dual-Vt 90 nm process, and support for DDR, NAND Flash, and USB 2.0 OTG interfaces.

Technical Context

The MCIMX31LCVKN5D implements the ARM v6 architecture with an eight-stage pipeline, Jazelle® Java acceleration, 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 independent power gating. The device omits the GPU present in the standard MCIMX31, distinguishing it as the "L" variant optimized for cost-sensitive, non-graphics-intensive embedded applications.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

MCIMX31LCVKN5D uses a 457-ball MAPBGA package (Case 1581), 14 × 14 mm body size, 0.5 mm pitch, moisture sensitivity level (MSL) 3. Ball map defined in Section 5 of MCIMX31_5 Rev. 4.3, pages 103–114.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with i.MX27, MCIMX31LCVKN5D delivers 2.3× higher Dhrystone MIPS/Watt and hardware MPEG-4 encode at VGA resolution; compared with i.MX51, it offers lower cost and simpler power design but lacks GPU and NEON acceleration-making it optimal for cost-sensitive, CPU- and video-centric industrial applications.

Availability

MCIMX31LCVKN5D is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial HMI terminals, portable media players, medical imaging modules, and ruggedized field data loggers requiring stable component supply across extended temperature ranges and long product lifecycles.

Supply support for MCIMX31LCVKN5D 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 MCIMX31LCVKN5D-is designed for high-performance, low-power embedded applications in portable consumer electronics and industrial human-machine interfaces, emphasizing multimedia acceleration, security, and extended temperature reliability.

FAQ

What is the maximum operating frequency of the MCIMX31LCVKN5D and under what voltage conditions?

The MCIMX31LCVKN5D operates up to 532 MHz in overdrive mode at core supply voltages between 1.47 V and 1.65 V. At nominal 1.38 V, the maximum guaranteed 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, as specified in Table 8 and Errata ENGcm02610 of the MCIMX31_5 Rev. 4.3 datasheet. The MCIMX31LCVKN5D must be configured with appropriate DVFS policies to maintain stability across voltage/frequency transitions.

Does the MCIMX31LCVKN5D include a graphics processing unit (GPU)?

No, the MCIMX31LCVKN5D does not include a GPU. As indicated in the datasheet introduction and Module Inventory (Table 3), the "L" suffix denotes the GPU-less variant of the i.MX31 family. This distinguishes MCIMX31LCVKN5D from the standard MCIMX31, which integrates a GPU for 2D/3D graphics acceleration. All other multimedia features-including the MPEG-4 encoder, IPU, and VFP11 co-processor-are retained in MCIMX31LCVKN5D, making it suitable for video-centric but non-graphics-intensive applications.

What memory types does the MCIMX31LCVKN5D support directly through its external memory interface?

The MCIMX31LCVKN5D supports DDR SDRAM, NAND Flash, NOR Flash, SDRAM, and SRAM directly via its External Memory Interface (EMI) module. The EMI includes dedicated controllers: Enhanced SDRAM Controller (ESDCTL), NAND Flash Controller (NFC), and Wireless External Interface Module (WEIM) for NOR/PSRAM. It does not support LPDDR or DDR2; DDR interface is limited to single-data-rate (SDR) DDR at up to 133 MHz. Memory configuration is managed through the CCM and EMI registers, with boot ROM supporting NAND and NOR flash startup sequences.

How is the USB 2.0 OTG functionality implemented on the MCIMX31LCVKN5D?

The MCIMX31LCVKN5D integrates a single USB 2.0 OTG controller supporting High-Speed (480 Mbps), Full-Speed (12 Mbps), and Low-Speed (1.5 Mbps) modes in host configuration, and High-Speed/Full-Speed in device mode. It provides dedicated USBOTG_DP/DM differential pins with internal transceiver biasing and 1.5 kΩ pull-up switching. In host mode, it supports direct connection to FS/LS devices without hub; in device mode, it routes traffic between Host Port 1 and the OTG transceiver. The MCIMX31LCVKN5D does not integrate USB PHY-external ULPI or discrete transceivers are required for HS operation.

What security features are integrated into the MCIMX31LCVKN5D?

The MCIMX31LCVKN5D integrates three hardware security modules: the Security Controller (SCC) with Secure RAM for cryptographic key storage, the Random Number Generator (RNGA) compliant with FIPS-140 standards, and the Run-Time Integrity Checker (RTIC) for verifying peripheral register integrity during boot and runtime. Tamper detection is supported via GPIO1_6, which triggers irreversible security violation upon assertion. These features enable secure boot, encrypted firmware updates, and runtime protection of sensitive data-all without requiring external security ICs. The MCIMX31LCVKN5D's security subsystem is documented in Sections 2.2 and 4.3.12–4.3.14 of the MCIMX31_5 Rev. 4.3 datasheet.