NXP Semiconductors MCIMX31VMN5C

Overview

MCIMX31VMN5C 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 high-performance, low-power processing.

For engineers reviewing the MCIMX31VMN5C datasheet, MCIMX31VMN5C pinout, MCIMX31VMN5C application, or MCIMX31VMN5C equivalent, key selection considerations include its 19×19 mm MAPBGA-473 package, dual-Vt 90 nm process, DVFS-enabled power management, and support for DDR, NAND Flash, USB 2.0 OTG, SDHC, and IPU-based camera/display pipelines.

Technical Context

The MCIMX31VMN5C implements the ARM v6 architecture with Jazelle® Java acceleration, SIMD DSP instructions, and an eight-stage pipeline with branch prediction. Its memory subsystem integrates 32 KB ROM, 16 KB SRAM, and a 64-bit AMBA L2 interface feeding a unified 128 KB cache.

Power optimization leverages dynamic voltage and frequency scaling (DVFS), multiple clock/power domains, and independent power gating across modules including GPU, IPU, SDMA, and USB-OTG. The device supports silicon revision 2.0 (mask set M91E) with extended thermal range validation and updated supply current specifications per Table 13–14 of Rev. 4.1 datasheet.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

MCIMX31VMN5C uses a 19×19 mm MAPBGA-473 package (Case 1931) with 0.8 mm ball pitch, RoHS-compliant and MSL Level 3. Ball map defined in Section 5.2 ("MAPBGA Production Package-473") of MCIMX31 Technical Data Rev. 4.1.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with MCIMX31VMN5C, i.MX353CJM offers architectural advancement at higher power cost and software migration effort, while MCIMX31LVKN5C provides identical functionality in smaller 14×14 mm package without GPU - making it ideal for footprint-constrained, non-graphics applications.

Availability

MCIMX31VMN5C is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for portable media players, feature-rich cellular phones, and wireless PDAs requiring stable component supply across long-life industrial and consumer programs.

Supply support for MCIMX31VMN5C 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 mobile markets.

The i.MX family - including MCIMX31VMN5C - was designed for high-performance, low-power multimedia processing in battery-operated handheld devices, emphasizing integration of video encode/decode, imaging, audio, and security accelerators on a single die.

FAQ

What is the maximum operating frequency of the MCIMX31VMN5C and under what conditions?

The MCIMX31VMN5C supports a maximum core frequency of 532 MHz in overdrive mode, requiring 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 prevent device degradation. At 400 MHz, the core voltage range is 1.22–1.47 V for standard operation without duty-cycle restrictions. This specification is validated for silicon revision 2.0 (mask set M91E) per Table 9 of the Rev. 4.1 datasheet.

Does the MCIMX31VMN5C include a graphics processing unit (GPU)?

Yes, the MCIMX31VMN5C includes a Graphics Processing Unit (GPU) as part of its multimedia peripheral set. Unlike the MCIMX31L variant, which omits the GPU, the MCIMX31VMN5C integrates hardware acceleration for 2D and 3D graphics algorithms. This GPU is documented in Table 3 of the Rev. 4.1 technical data sheet and appears in the block diagram (Figure 1) as a functional module connected to the ARM11 platform bus.

What package type and ball count does the MCIMX31VMN5C use?

The MCIMX31VMN5C uses a MAPBGA-473 package with 19×19 mm body size and 0.8 mm ball pitch (Case 1931). This is explicitly stated in Table 1 (Ordering Information) and detailed in Section 5.2 ("MAPBGA Production Package-473") of the MCIMX31 Technical Data Rev. 4.1. It is RoHS-compliant, lead-free, moisture sensitivity level (MSL) 3, and rated for reflow soldering at 260°C.

How does the MCIMX31VMN5C manage power for battery-operated devices?

The MCIMX31VMN5C employs multiple hardware-level power management techniques: dynamic voltage and frequency scaling (DVFS), independent clock and power domain gating, and state retention mode with 0.95 V core voltage. These features allow selective shutdown of GPU, IPU, USB, and SDMA blocks while maintaining RTC and tamper-detect functionality. Power-up/down sequencing requirements are defined in Section 4.2 of the Rev. 4.1 datasheet, ensuring reliable low-power state transitions.

Which external memory types are supported by the MCIMX31VMN5C?

The MCIMX31VMN5C supports DDR SDRAM, NAND Flash, NOR Flash, PSRAM, and SRAM via its External Memory Interface (EMI). The EMI includes a Multi-Master Memory Interface (M3IF), Enhanced SDRAM Controller (ESDCTL), NAND Flash Controller (NFC), and Wireless External Interface Module (WEIM). These capabilities are confirmed in Section 2.2 (Module Inventory) and Table 3 of the Rev. 4.1 technical data sheet, with timing parameters specified in Section 4.3.9.