NXP Semiconductors MCIMX31LCVKN5DR2

Overview

MCIMX31LCVKN5DR2 from NXP Semiconductors (formerly Freescale) is a multimedia applications processor built around an ARM1136JF-S core, operating up to 532 MHz with 16 KB instruction and 16 KB data L1 caches, 128 KB unified L2 cache, and integrated MPEG-4 hardware encoder supporting VGA@30 fps. It targets portable media players and mid-tier smartphones requiring low-power, high-performance video processing.

For engineers reviewing the MCIMX31LCVKN5DR2 datasheet, MCIMX31LCVKN5DR2 pinout, MCIMX31LCVKN5DR2 application, or MCIMX31LCVKN5DR2 equivalent, key selection criteria include its –40°C to +85°C industrial temperature range, MAPBGA-457 14 × 14 mm 0.5 mm pitch package, absence of GPU (MCIMX31L variant), and support for DDR, NAND Flash, USB 2.0 OTG, SDHC, and IPU-based camera/display pipelines.

Technical Context

The MCIMX31LCVKN5DR2 implements the ARM v6 architecture with Jazelle® Java acceleration, SIMD DSP extensions, and an eight-stage pipeline with branch prediction. Its memory system integrates 32 KB ROM for boot code, 16 KB embedded SRAM for low-power audio streaming, and a ROM patch module enabling field-upgradable boot logic.

Power management includes dynamic voltage and frequency scaling (DVFS), multiple clock/power domains, and independent power gating. The chip features a Smart DMA (SDMA) controller offloading bulk transfers, a Vector Floating Point (VFP11) co-processor for 3D graphics acceleration, and an Image Processing Unit (IPU) enabling on-the-fly video preprocessing without CPU or memory involvement.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

MCIMX31LCVKN5DR2 uses a 457-ball MAPBGA package (Case 1581, 14 × 14 mm, 0.5 mm pitch), RoHS-compliant and lead-free, with MSL Level 3 moisture sensitivity rating. Ball map defined in Freescale Document MCIMX31_5 Rev. 4.3, Section 5.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with i.MX27, MCIMX31LCVKN5DR2 delivers 33% higher CPU throughput and hardware video encode; compared with i.MX51, it consumes ~40% less power at equivalent video workloads but lacks GPU and HD decode capability - making it optimal for VGA-class portable media with strict thermal budgets.

Availability

MCIMX31LCVKN5DR2 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial HMI terminals, portable medical imaging devices, ruggedized digital signage, and battery-powered media players requiring stable component supply across extended product lifecycles.

Supply support for MCIMX31LCVKN5DR2 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 focused on secure connectivity solutions for automotive, industrial, and IoT applications, with roots in Freescale's embedded processor heritage.

The i.MX family - including MCIMX31LCVKN5DR2 - was designed specifically for low-power, high-performance multimedia processing in portable and industrial edge devices, emphasizing hardware acceleration, security, and thermal efficiency.

FAQ

What is the maximum operating frequency of the MCIMX31LCVKN5DR2 and under what conditions?

The MCIMX31LCVKN5DR2 operates up to 532 MHz in overdrive mode with core voltage between 1.47 V and 1.65 V. At this frequency, cumulative overdrive operation must be limited to ≤10,950 hours (1.25 years) to maintain reliability. For continuous operation, 400 MHz at 1.22–1.38 V is recommended. This specification is confirmed in Table 8 of the MCIMX31_5 Rev. 4.3 datasheet and applies directly to MCIMX31LCVKN5DR2 as a member of the MCIMX31L series.

Does the MCIMX31LCVKN5DR2 include a graphics processing unit (GPU)?

No, the MCIMX31LCVKN5DR2 does not include a GPU. As indicated in the Freescale MCIMX31_5 Rev. 4.3 datasheet introduction, the "MCIMX31L does not include a graphics processing unit (GPU)." This distinguishes it from the standard MCIMX31 and confirms that MCIMX31LCVKN5DR2 relies on CPU/VFP11 for graphics tasks and lacks dedicated 2D/3D rendering hardware.

What package type and ball count does the MCIMX31LCVKN5DR2 use?

The MCIMX31LCVKN5DR2 uses a MAPBGA-457 package: 14 × 14 mm body size, 0.5 mm ball pitch, RoHS-compliant and lead-free, with Moisture Sensitivity Level (MSL) 3. This matches Case 1581 per Table 1 in the MCIMX31_5 Rev. 4.3 datasheet and is explicitly assigned to part numbers ending in "CVKN5D" and "LVKN5D" variants.

Which memory types are supported by the MCIMX31LCVKN5DR2 external memory interface?

The MCIMX31LCVKN5DR2 supports DDR SDRAM, NAND Flash, NOR Flash, SDRAM, and SRAM via its External Memory Interface (EMI). Specific configurations include 16-bit DDR at up to 133 MHz, 8/16-bit NAND with hardware ECC, and 16-bit NOR/PSRAM. These capabilities are documented in Section 4.3.9 of the MCIMX31_5 Rev. 4.3 datasheet and apply to MCIMX31LCVKN5DR2 as a member of the MCIMX31L family.

What security features are integrated into the MCIMX31LCVKN5DR2?

The MCIMX31LCVKN5DR2 integrates RNGA (FIPS-140 compliant random number generator), RTIC (runtime integrity checker), SCC (security controller with Secure RAM), and Secure JTAG (SJC). Tamper detection is implemented via GPIO1_6, which triggers irreversible security violation upon assertion. All are detailed in Table 3 and Section 2.2 of the MCIMX31_5 Rev. 4.3 datasheet and are present in MCIMX31LCVKN5DR2.