NXP Semiconductors MCIMX31LVKN5

Overview

MCIMX31LVKN5 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 L2 cache, and integrated SDMA controller. It supports DDR, NAND Flash, and SDRAM memory interfaces and targets portable media players and feature-rich cellular phones requiring low-power, high-performance processing.

For engineers reviewing the MCIMX31LVKN5 datasheet, MCIMX31LVKN5 pinout, MCIMX31LVKN5 application, or MCIMX31LVKN5 equivalent, key selection criteria include its 457-ball MAPBGA-457 package (14 × 14 mm, 0.5 mm pitch), absence of GPU (distinguishing it from MCIMX31VKN5), MPEG-4 hardware encoder (VGA @ 30 fps), and dual-Vt 90 nm process enabling dynamic voltage/frequency scaling (DVFS) for power-sensitive embedded designs.

Technical Context

The MCIMX31LVKN5 implements the ARM v6 architecture with Jazelle® Java acceleration, SIMD DSP instructions, and an eight-stage pipeline with branch prediction. Its memory subsystem integrates 16 KB I-cache, 16 KB D-cache, and 128 KB unified L2 cache, backed by 32 KB ROM and 16 KB SRAM for boot and low-power audio streaming.

Power management includes dynamic voltage and frequency scaling (DVFS), multiple clock/power domains, and independent power gating. The device lacks a GPU but retains full multimedia peripherals: Image Processing Unit (IPU), MPEG-4 encoder, Vector Floating Point (VFP11) co-processor, and triple CSPI, triple I²C, five UARTs, USB 2.0 OTG, and SDHC controllers.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

MCIMX31LVKN5 uses a 457-ball fine-pitch MAPBGA package (Case 1581, 14 × 14 mm, 0.5 mm pitch). Ball map documentation is provided in Section 5 ("Package Information and Pinout") of the official datasheet (Rev. 4.1, Nov 2008), including detailed signal assignments for all 457 balls across power, ground, I/O, clock, and interface groups.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with MCIMX31LVKN5, MCIMX31VKN5 adds GPU capability without altering power, packaging, or software compatibility - making it ideal for graphics-heavy UIs, while i.MX353 offers architectural improvements and security extensions at the cost of redesign effort and higher unit price.

Availability

MCIMX31LVKN5 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for portable media players, feature-rich cellular phones, and wireless PDAs requiring stable component supply across extended production cycles and legacy design refreshes.

Supply support for MCIMX31LVKN5 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 MCIMX31LVKN5, was designed specifically for low-power, high-performance multimedia applications in portable electronics - emphasizing integration of video, audio, and connectivity peripherals on a single die.

FAQ

What is the maximum operating frequency of the MCIMX31LVKN5 and under what conditions?

The MCIMX31LVKN5 supports a maximum core frequency of 532 MHz in overdrive mode. This requires core supply voltage (QVCC/QVCC1/QVCC4) to be set between 1.47 V and 1.65 V. Operation above 1.47 V is limited to a cumulative duration of ≤10,950 hours (1.25 years) to prevent accelerated device degradation, per datasheet Rev. 4.1 Section 4.1.3. At 400 MHz, the core can operate continuously within the standard 1.22–1.47 V range.

Does the MCIMX31LVKN5 include a graphics processing unit (GPU)?

No, the MCIMX31LVKN5 does not include a GPU. As explicitly stated in the datasheet introduction, the "MCIMX31L does not include a graphics processing unit (GPU)". This distinguishes it from the MCIMX31VKN5 variant, which contains the same ARM1136JF-S core and peripheral set but adds GPU hardware acceleration for 2D/3D graphics rendering.

What memory types does the MCIMX31LVKN5 support through its External Memory Interface (EMI)?

The MCIMX31LVKN5 supports DDR SDRAM, NAND Flash, NOR Flash, SDRAM, and SRAM via its integrated External Memory Interface (EMI). The EMI includes dedicated controllers: Enhanced SDRAM Controller (ESDCTL), NAND Flash Controller (NFC), and Wireless External Interface Module (WEIM) for NOR/PSRAM. These interfaces are documented in Section 4.3.9 of the technical data sheet.

What is the package type and ball count of the MCIMX31LVKN5?

The MCIMX31LVKN5 uses a 457-ball MAPBGA package (Case 1581), measuring 14 × 14 mm with 0.5 mm pitch. This is confirmed in Table 1 (Ordering Information) and Section 5 ("Package Information and Pinout") of the MCIMX31/MCIMX31L Technical Data Rev. 4.1. The package is RoHS-compliant, lead-free, moisture sensitivity level (MSL) 3, and rated for reflow at 260°C.

How does the MCIMX31LVKN5 implement power management for battery-powered devices?

The MCIMX31LVKN5 implements advanced power management via Dynamic Voltage and Frequency Scaling (DVFS), multiple independent clock and power domains, and fine-grained power gating. These features allow selective shutdown of unused modules (e.g., GPU - absent in this variant - or USB OTG) and real-time adjustment of core voltage/frequency based on workload, directly reducing active and leakage power in portable media players and cellular handsets.