NXP Semiconductors MCIMX31LDVKN5D

Overview

MCIMX31LDVKN5D from NXP Semiconductors (formerly Freescale) is a multimedia applications processor based on the ARM1136JF-S core, operating up to 532 MHz with 16 KB instruction and 16 KB data L1 caches, 128 KB L2 cache, and integrated SDMA controller. It supports MPEG-4 real-time encode at VGA/30 fps and operates across –20°C to +70°C in a 14 × 14 mm MAPBGA-457 package. Designed for portable media players and mid-tier smartphones, it integrates UARTs, USB OTG, SDHC, I²C, SPI, and image processing units.

For engineers reviewing the MCIMX31LDVKN5D datasheet, MCIMX31LDVKN5D pinout, MCIMX31LDVKN5D application, or MCIMX31LDVKN5D equivalent, key selection criteria include its lack of GPU (vs. MCIMX31), dual-Vt 90 nm process, DPTC/DVFS power management, DDR/NAND/SDRAM memory interface support, and verified thermal resistance (R_θJA = 56°C/W on single-layer board).

Technical Context

The MCIMX31LDVKN5D implements the ARM1136JF-S core with Jazelle Java acceleration, eight-stage pipeline, branch prediction, and VFP11 co-processor for floating-point operations. Its memory subsystem includes 16 KB L1 instruction cache, 16 KB L1 data cache, 128 KB unified L2 cache, 32 KB ROM, and 16 KB SRAM - all optimized for low-power audio streaming and secure boot via ROMPATCH.

It features a multi-domain power architecture with dynamic voltage and frequency scaling (DVFS), independent clock gating, and power gating per module. The device integrates an Autonomous Image Processing Unit (IPU), MPEG-4 hardware encoder, three CSPI interfaces, three I²C controllers, five UARTs, two USB hosts plus OTG, SDHC controllers, and a security subsystem including RNGA, SCC, and RTIC for tamper detection and runtime integrity checking.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

MCIMX31LDVKN5D uses a 14 × 14 mm, 0.5 mm pitch MAPBGA-457 package (Case 1581), RoHS-compliant and MSL Level 3. Ball map defined in Freescale Document MCIMX31_5 Rev. 4.3, Section 5 ("Package Information and Pinout"), pages 103–114.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with MCIMX31LDVKN5D, MCIMX31CVKN5D offers identical functionality with extended temperature tolerance, while i.MX27 provides a lower-cost, lower-power alternative lacking hardware video acceleration and vector math - requiring software-based video processing and reduced UI complexity.

Availability

MCIMX31LDVKN5D is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for portable media players, smartphone baseband interfaces, industrial HMIs, and secure digital signage requiring stable component supply across long-lifecycle embedded programs.

Supply support for MCIMX31LDVKN5D 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 (formerly Freescale Semiconductor) is a global semiconductor company specializing in secure connectivity solutions for automotive, industrial, and IoT applications.

The i.MX31 product line was designed to deliver high-performance, low-power multimedia processing for portable consumer electronics, integrating ARM11 compute with dedicated video, imaging, and security accelerators in a single die.

FAQ

What is the GPU status of MCIMX31LDVKN5D compared to MCIMX31DVKN5D?

The MCIMX31LDVKN5D explicitly omits the Graphics Processing Unit (GPU) present in the standard MCIMX31DVKN5D. This is a silicon-level distinction confirmed in the Freescale MCIMX31_5 datasheet Rev. 4.3, Section 1 ("Introduction"): "The MCIMX31L does not include a graphics processing unit (GPU)." As a result, MCIMX31LDVKN5D relies on CPU-based or external GPU rendering for 2D/3D graphics, making it suitable for applications where GPU acceleration is unnecessary - such as audio-centric media players or headless industrial controllers.

Does MCIMX31LDVKN5D support USB High-Speed (480 Mbps) operation?

Yes, MCIMX31LDVKN5D supports USB High-Speed (HS) operation in OTG mode, as documented in Section 4.3.23 of the MCIMX31_5 datasheet Rev. 4.3. The USB-OTG controller provides HS/FS/LS capabilities in host mode and HS/FS in device mode. However, HS operation requires proper ULPI transceiver integration and layout adherence to USB 2.0 HS signal integrity rules - including controlled impedance (90 Ω differential), length matching (<5 mm skew), and ground plane continuity beneath the USB traces.

What memory types does MCIMX31LDVKN5D support directly via its External Memory Interface (EMI)?

MCIMX31LDVKN5D supports DDR SDRAM, NAND Flash, NOR Flash, SDRAM, and SRAM directly through its integrated External Memory Interface (EMI), as stated in the Introduction section of the MCIMX31_5 datasheet Rev. 4.3. The EMI comprises the Multi-Master Memory Interface (M3IF), Enhanced SDRAM Controller (ESDCTL), NAND Flash Controller (NFC), and Wireless External Interface Module (WEIM). It does not natively support LPDDR or eMMC - those require external controllers or bridging logic.

How is power sequencing handled for MCIMX31LDVKN5D core and I/O supplies?

MCIMX31LDVKN5D requires strict power sequencing: QVCC/QVCC1/QVCC4 (core) must ramp before NVCC1–NVCC10 (I/O), with voltage offset between core rails held ≤15 mV. The dedicated GPIO1_5 "power ready" input must be asserted by the PMIC after all supplies stabilize - this signal is not configurable as GPIO and must be pulled up to NVCC1 or left as NC with internal pull-up enabled. Failure to meet these conditions risks boot failure or latent reliability issues per Section 4.2 of the MCIMX31_5 datasheet.

Can MCIMX31LDVKN5D boot from SDHC cards, and what boot modes are supported?

Yes, MCIMX31LDVKN5D supports SDHC boot mode, as confirmed in Table 1 ("Ordering Information") footnote referencing updated iROM code in Revision 2.0.1: "updated iROM code which supports USB-HS, SD/MMC boot modes." Supported boot sources include SDHC, MMC, NAND Flash, NOR Flash, and serial ROM via CSPI. Boot mode selection is determined by strap pins (e.g., BOOT_MODE[1:0]) and internal fuse settings - full configuration details are in the Reference Manual's "Boot Configuration" chapter.