NXP Semiconductors MCIMX31VKN5B

Overview

MCIMX31VKN5B from NXP Semiconductors (formerly Freescale) is a multimedia applications processor built around an ARM1136JF-S core, operating up to 532 MHz with 128 KB L2 cache, 16 KB instruction and data caches, and integrated MPEG-4 hardware encoder supporting VGA@30 fps. It features dual-Vt 90 nm process, dynamic voltage/frequency scaling (DVFS), and supports DDR, NAND Flash, and SDIO for portable media players and feature-rich cellular phones.

For engineers reviewing the MCIMX31VKN5B datasheet, MCIMX31VKN5B pinout, MCIMX31VKN5B application, or MCIMX31VKN5B equivalent, key selection criteria include confirmed 14×14 mm MAPBGA-457 package, silicon revision 1.2, 0–70°C industrial temperature range, GPU inclusion, and verified support for USB 2.0 OTG, SDHC, and IPU-based camera processing.

Technical Context

The MCIMX31VKN5B implements the ARM v6 architecture with Jazelle® Java acceleration, SIMD DSP extensions, and an eight-stage pipeline with branch prediction. Its memory subsystem integrates 16 KB L1 instruction and data caches, a 128 KB unified L2 cache, 32 KB ROM, and 16 KB SRAM-enabling low-power audio streaming without external memory access.

Power management includes DPTC, clock gating, and independent power domains. Peripheral integration comprises an Image Processing Unit (IPU) for on-the-fly video processing, Vector Floating Point (VFP11) co-processor for 3D graphics, and Smart DMA (SDMA) for offloading bulk transfers from the ARM core.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

MCIMX31VKN5B uses a 14 × 14 mm, 0.5 mm pitch MAPBGA package (Case 1581) with 457 balls. Ball assignment follows Freescale's documented MAPBGA-457 layout for MCIMX31 series, including dedicated power/ground arrays, DDR interface banks, and peripheral-specific signal groups (e.g., SDHC, USB OTG, IPU, CSI).

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with MCIMX31VKN5B, i.MX353CVK8B offers modern Cortex-A8 performance and NEON but removes hardware video encode and IPU capabilities, while MCIMX31LVKN5B provides identical functionality minus GPU - making it suitable for non-graphics applications with tighter power budgets.

Availability

MCIMX31VKN5B is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for portable media players, feature-rich cellular phones, and digital cameras requiring stable component supply across extended product lifecycles.

Supply support for MCIMX31VKN5B 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 MCIMX31VKN5B, was designed for low-power, high-performance multimedia applications in portable electronics - emphasizing hardware-accelerated video, power-efficient imaging, and integrated security peripherals.

FAQ

What is the maximum operating frequency of the MCIMX31VKN5B and under what conditions?

The MCIMX31VKN5B supports up to 532 MHz in overdrive mode with core supply voltage 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 ensure long-term reliability. At 1.22–1.47 V, it runs up to 400 MHz in standard mode without duty-cycle restrictions. This specification is confirmed in Table 8 of the Rev. 4.1 datasheet for silicon revision 1.2.

Does the MCIMX31VKN5B include a graphics processing unit (GPU)?

Yes, the MCIMX31VKN5B includes a GPU for hardware acceleration of 2D and 3D graphics algorithms. This distinguishes it from the MCIMX31L variant (e.g., MCIMX31LVKN5B), which omits the GPU. The GPU is explicitly referenced in the block diagram (Figure 1) and Module Inventory (Table 3) of the MCIMX31/MCIMX31L Technical Data Rev. 4.1 datasheet.

What package type and ball count does the MCIMX31VKN5B use?

The MCIMX31VKN5B uses a 14 × 14 mm, 0.5 mm pitch MAPBGA package (Case 1581) with 457 balls. This is confirmed in Table 1 (Ordering Information) and Section 5 ("Package Information and Pinout") of the Rev. 4.1 datasheet. It is RoHS-compliant, lead-free, moisture sensitivity level (MSL) 3, and rated for solder reflow at 260°C.

How does the Image Processing Unit (IPU) in the MCIMX31VKN5B reduce system power consumption?

The IPU in the MCIMX31VKN5B performs camera viewfinder functions - including inversion, rotation, blending, and display preprocessing - entirely in hardware without involving the ARM CPU or main memory system. As stated in Section 1.1 Features, this enables "power-efficient viewfinder application with no involvement of either the memory system or the ARM CPU," directly cutting active power by up to 18 mW in camera use cases.

What are the key power management features supported by the MCIMX31VKN5B?

The MCIMX31VKN5B supports Dynamic Voltage and Frequency Scaling (DVFS), multiple clock and power domains, independent power gating, and state retention mode with RTC operation at 0.95 V. These capabilities - detailed in Section 1.1 Features and Section 4.2 of the datasheet - allow system-level power optimization across varying workload intensities, achieving sub-100 mW idle power while maintaining real-time responsiveness.