NXP Semiconductors MCIMX351AVM4BR2

Overview

MCIMX351AVM4BR2 from NXP Semiconductors (formerly Freescale) is an AEC-Q100 Grade 3 qualified automotive application processor based on the ARM1136JF-S core running at 400 MHz, featuring 16-KB L1 instruction and data caches, 128-KB L2 cache, integrated Image Processing Unit (IPU), dual CAN interfaces, USB 2.0 OTG with internal HS PHY, and support for mobile DDR/DDR2/SDRAM up to 133 MHz - deployed in vehicle infotainment head units requiring real-time audio/video processing and robust connectivity.

For engineers reviewing the MCIMX351AVM4BR2 datasheet, MCIMX351AVM4BR2 pinout, MCIMX351AVM4BR2 application, or MCIMX351AVM4BR2 equivalent, key selection considerations include its 400 MHz operation speed, AEC-Q100 Grade 3 qualification, MAPBGA-5284 (17×17 mm, 0.8 mm pitch) package, absence of OpenVG GPU and CE-ATA, and verified support for QVGA decode/WVGA display, ESAI, SPDIF, and ASRC-based audio rate conversion.

Technical Context

The MCIMX351AVM4BR2 implements a hierarchical memory architecture with L1/L2 caches and a smart DMA engine (SDMA) to reduce external bus bandwidth demand. Its ARM1136JF-S core includes Jazelle® Java acceleration, VFP11 co-processor, and ETM debug support, enabling deterministic execution for safety-critical automotive software stacks.

Power management relies on clock gating, power gating, and well biasing to suppress subthreshold leakage-reducing static power by ~10× versus nominal 90-nm logic-while supporting WAIT/STOP low-power modes via the Clock Control Module (CCM). The IPU offloads color space conversion, image rotation, camera sensor interface (up to 30 Mpixels/s), and display controller functions from the CPU.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

MCIMX351AVM4BR2 uses the MAPBGA-5284 plastic package (Case 5284), 17 mm × 17 mm body, 0.8 mm ball pitch, 361-ball array (19×19 grid), RoHS-compliant, moisture sensitivity level (MSL) 3. Ball map corresponds to silicon revision 2.0 per Table 94/96 in MCIMX35SR2AEC Rev. 10.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with MCIMX355AVM4B, MCIMX351AVM4BR2 omits PATA/CE-ATA to reduce die size and power; compared with MCIMX356AVM5B, it trades 132 MHz clock headroom for lower thermal envelope and guaranteed 400 MHz operation under worst-case voltage/temperature corners - both alternatives retain identical IPU, CAN, USB, and audio subsystem capabilities.

Availability

MCIMX351AVM4BR2 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive infotainment head units, vehicle navigation systems, rear-view camera displays, and in-vehicle audio gateways requiring stable component supply across extended production lifecycles.

Supply support for MCIMX351AVM4BR2 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 specializing in secure connectivity solutions for automotive, industrial, and IoT applications, with roots in Freescale's automotive microcontroller and processor heritage.

The i.MX35 family was designed specifically for AEC-Q100 Grade 3 automotive infotainment and navigation systems - emphasizing real-time multimedia processing, functional safety readiness, and long-term supply stability in harsh vehicular environments.

FAQ

What is the maximum operating frequency of the MCIMX351AVM4BR2?

The MCIMX351AVM4BR2 operates at a guaranteed maximum frequency of 400 MHz across its full AEC-Q100 Grade 3 temperature range (–40°C to +85°C). This speed rating ensures timing compliance for all peripherals including USB 2.0 OTG, dual CAN, ESAI, and IPU video pipelines without derating. While higher-speed variants like MCIMX356AVM5B run at 532 MHz, the MCIMX351AVM4BR2 maintains strict thermal and power budgets for compact head unit designs.

Does the MCIMX351AVM4BR2 include an OpenVG-compatible GPU?

No, the MCIMX351AVM4BR2 does not include the OpenVG 1.1 graphics processing unit (GPU). According to Table 2 in the MCIMX35SR2AEC datasheet, GPU2D is explicitly excluded from the MCIMX351 variant. Graphics acceleration is limited to the Image Processing Unit (IPUv1), which handles 2D operations such as scaling, rotation, blending, and display composition - but lacks vector graphics rendering capability. For OpenVG support, MCIMX355 or MCIMX356 variants must be selected.

What memory types does the MCIMX351AVM4BR2 support via its External Memory Interface (EMI)?

The MCIMX351AVM4BR2 supports SDRAM (including mobile DDR and DDR2 with 4-bank architecture), SLC/MLC NAND Flash, NOR Flash, and SRAM through its External Memory Interface (EMI). It does not support Parallel ATA (PATA) or CE-ATA - both explicitly omitted from the MCIMX351 configuration per Table 2. Memory bandwidth is optimized via the 32-bit data bus and integrated L2 cache, enabling concurrent video frame buffering and OS execution without external memory bottlenecks.

Is the MCIMX351AVM4BR2 pin-compatible with other i.MX35 family members?

MCIMX351AVM4BR2 shares the same MAPBGA-5284 package and ball map (Table 94/96) with MCIMX355AVM4B and MCIMX356AVM4B, making them mechanically and electrically pin-compatible within silicon revision 2.0. However, functional differences exist: MCIMX351 lacks PATA, CE-ATA, and GPU2D. Layout reuse is possible only if those signals remain unconnected or are repurposed as GPIO - verification against the specific ball map and signal muxing table (Section 5.2) is mandatory before substitution.

What automotive qualification level does the MCIMX351AVM4BR2 meet?

The MCIMX351AVM4BR2 is qualified to AEC-Q100 Grade 3, certifying its reliability for automotive applications with ambient operating temperatures from –40°C to +85°C. This qualification covers stress testing for thermal cycling, humidity, ESD, and electrical robustness per AEC standards. It is intended for passenger compartment use (not under-hood), and its qualification status is documented in the MCIMX35SR2AEC datasheet Rev. 10, Section 1.1 and Table 1.