NXP Semiconductors MCIMX31LVKN5BR2

Overview

MCIMX31LVKN5BR2 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, feature-rich cellular phones, and wireless PDAs requiring low-power, high-performance processing.

For engineers reviewing the MCIMX31LVKN5BR2 datasheet, MCIMX31LVKN5BR2 pinout, MCIMX31LVKN5BR2 application, or MCIMX31LVKN5BR2 equivalent, key selection considerations include its 14 × 14 mm MAPBGA-457 package, dual-Vt 90 nm process, DVFS/DPTC power management, and absence of GPU (MCIMX31L variant).

Technical Context

The MCIMX31LVKN5BR2 implements the ARM v6 architecture with Jazelle® Java acceleration, SIMD DSP extensions, and an eight-stage pipeline with branch prediction. Its memory system integrates 16 KB I-Cache, 16 KB D-Cache, 128 KB L2 cache, 32 KB ROM, and 16 KB SRAM - all accessible via AMBA L2 interface and 64-bit data paths.

Power management includes dynamic voltage and frequency scaling (DVFS), multiple clock/power domains, independent power gating, and support for state retention at 0.95 V. The device supports DDR, NAND Flash, NOR Flash, SDRAM, and SRAM interfaces, plus USB 2.0 OTG, ATA, MMC/SDIO, and Fast IrDA connectivity.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

MCIMX31LVKN5BR2 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 Rev. 4.1, pages 104–115.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with MCIMX31LVKN5BR2, i.MX353 delivers higher compute density and modern instruction set support but requires toolchain and driver updates, while MCIMX31CVKN5C provides identical functionality with extended temperature qualification - enabling seamless deployment in harsh environments without design change.

Availability

MCIMX31LVKN5BR2 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for portable media players, feature-rich cellular phones, and wireless PDAs requiring stable component supply throughout product lifecycle.

Supply support for MCIMX31LVKN5BR2 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 MCIMX31LVKN5BR2 - was designed for low-power, high-performance multimedia applications in battery-operated portable devices, integrating ARM cores with dedicated video, security, and connectivity accelerators.

FAQ

What is the maximum operating frequency of the MCIMX31LVKN5BR2 and under what conditions?

The MCIMX31LVKN5BR2 supports a maximum core frequency of 532 MHz in overdrive mode. This requires a core supply voltage (QVCC/QVCC1/QVCC4) of at least 1.47 V. Operation above 1.47 V is permitted only with strict duty cycle limits: ≤25% (6 hours/day) for 5-year equipment lifetime, or ≤12.5% (3 hours/day) for 10-year reliability. The MCIMX31LVKN5BR2 must not exceed 1.65 V under any condition.

Does the MCIMX31LVKN5BR2 include a graphics processing unit (GPU)?

No, the MCIMX31LVKN5BR2 does not include a GPU. As part of the MCIMX31L series, it omits the Graphics Processing Unit present in the standard MCIMX31 variant. All graphics-related tasks must be handled by the ARM1136JF-S core, VFP11 co-processor, or external accelerator connected via the fast parallel interface.

What package type and ball count does the MCIMX31LVKN5BR2 use?

The MCIMX31LVKN5BR2 uses a 14 × 14 mm, 0.5 mm pitch MAPBGA package with 457 solder balls (Case 1581). It is RoHS-compliant, lead-free, moisture sensitivity level (MSL) 3, and rated for reflow at 260°C. Pin assignments match the MCIMX31/MCIMX31L Technical Data Rev. 4.1 ball maps on pages 104–115.

How does the MCIMX31LVKN5BR2 manage power in battery-constrained applications?

The MCIMX31LVKN5BR2 employs multiple hardware-level power management techniques: dynamic voltage and frequency scaling (DVFS), dynamic power transistor control (DPTC), clock gating, and independent power domain gating. It supports state retention mode at 0.95 V, maintaining RTC operation while reducing core power to <100 µA - enabling multi-week standby in portable devices without full shutdown.

Which memory types are supported by the MCIMX31LVKN5BR2's external memory interface?

The MCIMX31LVKN5BR2 supports DDR SDRAM, NAND Flash, NOR Flash, PSRAM, SDRAM, and SRAM via its 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. DDR interface operates at up to 133 MHz data rate with configurable timing parameters.