NXP Semiconductors MCIMX508CVK8BR2

Overview

MCIMX508CVK8BR2 from NXP Semiconductors (formerly Freescale) is an ARM Cortex-A8-based multimedia applications processor operating at 800 MHz, featuring integrated EPDC for electrophoretic displays, ePXP pixel processing pipeline, 2D GPU (200 Mpix/s), and dual USB 2.0 HS OTG/host PHYs. It supports LPDDR2/DDR2 up to 266 MHz and targets low-power portable e-reader and industrial HMI systems.

For engineers reviewing the MCIMX508CVK8BR2 datasheet, MCIMX508CVK8BR2 pinout, MCIMX508CVK8BR2 application, or MCIMX508CVK8BR2 equivalent, key selection criteria include EPDC availability, 416-pin MAPBGA 13×13 mm 0.5 mm pitch package compatibility, 800 MHz core frequency with DVFS, and support for simultaneous eLCDIF + EPDC display operation in grayscale e-paper systems.

Technical Context

The MCIMX508CVK8BR2 implements a 64-bit AXI fabric (266 MHz) as its central interconnect, aggregating ARM CPU, ePXP, EPDC, eLCDIF, GPU2D, SDMA, FEC, and DCP crypto engine. Its memory subsystem includes 32 KB L1 instruction cache, 32 KB L1 data cache, and 256 KB unified L2 cache, plus 128 KB on-chip RAM and boot ROM with HAB4 secure boot.

It integrates dedicated hardware accelerators including EPDC (electrophoretic display controller), ePXP (enhanced pixel processing pipeline), GPU2Dv1 (OpenVG 1.1 compliant, 200 Mpix/s), and BCH32 ECC engine for NAND flash. Power management includes DVFS, SRPG for ARM/NEON, and QoSC-driven dynamic priority control for display modules.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

MCIMX508CVK8BR2 uses the 416-pin MAPBGA package (Case 416), 13 mm × 13 mm, 0.5 mm pitch, RoHS-compliant and moisture sensitivity level 3. Ball map matches i.MX508 family; EPDC pins are fully functional and configurable in ALT0 mode.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar multimedia applications processors with e-paper support.

Compared with MCIMX508CVK8BR2, MCIMX508CVK1B offers higher compute headroom at increased power and thermal cost, while MCIMX507CVK8B reduces silicon cost and active power by removing GPU logic-both retain full EPDC functionality and pin compatibility for drop-in replacement in e-paper-focused designs.

Availability

MCIMX508CVK8BR2 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for e-reader platforms, industrial HMI terminals, medical patient monitors, and smart retail shelf label gateways requiring stable component supply and long-term lifecycle support.

Supply support for MCIMX508CVK8BR2 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 leader focused on secure connectivity solutions for automotive, industrial, and IoT applications, with roots in Freescale's embedded processor heritage.

The i.MX50 product line was designed specifically for high-efficiency portable multimedia applications, emphasizing low-power electrophoretic display integration, hardware-accelerated pixel processing, and secure boot for consumer and industrial edge devices.

FAQ

What is the maximum operating frequency of the MCIMX508CVK8BR2?

The MCIMX508CVK8BR2 operates at a maximum core frequency of 800 MHz. This is confirmed in Table 1 of the IMX50CEC datasheet (Rev. 7), where MCIMX508CVK8B is explicitly listed with "800 MHz" under Maximum ARM CLK Frequency. The "R2" suffix denotes a tape-and-reel packaging variant and does not affect clock rating. MCIMX508CVK8BR2 maintains full feature set-including EPDC, ePXP, and GPU-at this frequency.

Does the MCIMX508CVK8BR2 include an electrophoretic display controller (EPDC)?

Yes, the MCIMX508CVK8BR2 includes a fully functional Electrophoretic Display Controller (EPDC). Per Section 1.1.3 and Table 2 of the IMX50CEC datasheet, only the MCIMX508 variant retains EPDC; MCIMX507, MCIMX503, and MCIMX502 variants have it disabled. The EPDC supports direct-drive TFT backplanes up to 2048×1536@106 Hz and works in conjunction with ePXP for grayscale optimization.

What package type and pin count does the MCIMX508CVK8BR2 use?

The MCIMX508CVK8BR2 uses a 416-pin MAPBGA package, 13 mm × 13 mm, 0.5 mm pitch (Case 416). This is specified in Table 1 of the IMX50CEC datasheet for part number MCIMX508CVK8B, and the "R2" suffix indicates standard tape-and-reel packaging. Pin assignments match the i.MX508 family ball map, with EPDC signals available in ALT0 configuration.

Can the MCIMX508CVK8BR2 drive both eLCDIF and EPDC simultaneously?

Yes, the MCIMX508CVK8BR2 supports simultaneous operation of eLCDIF and EPDC. Section 1.1.3 states: "On the i.MX508, both displays can be active simultaneously." When both are active, eLCDIF operates in 16-bit mode due to pin muxing constraints, while EPDC retains full 8-bit data bus capability-enabling hybrid color LCD + grayscale e-paper user interfaces.

What security features are implemented in the MCIMX508CVK8BR2?

The MCIMX508CVK8BR2 implements High-Assurance Boot 4 (HAB4) with SHA-256 hashing and 2048-bit RSA signature verification, secure JTAG controller (SJC) to prevent debug port attacks, and tamper-resistant secure RTC (SRTC) with dedicated power domain. These are documented in Sections 1.1.8 and 6.1 of the IMX50CEC datasheet and enabled by on-chip fuse programming.