NXP Semiconductors MCIMX515CJM6CR2

Overview

MCIMX515CJM6CR2 from NXP Semiconductors is a 32-bit i.MX51 ARM Cortex-A8 application processor with integrated 2D graphics accelerator, 128 MB DDR2 SDRAM, and dual-display support. It operates at 800 MHz, supports Linux/Android OS, and targets single-phase electricity meters, portable medical equipment, thermostats, and industrial process control systems.

For engineers reviewing the MCIMX515CJM6CR2 datasheet, MCIMX515CJM6CR2 pinout, MCIMX515CJM6CR2 application, or MCIMX515CJM6CR2 equivalent, key selection criteria include its integrated LCD controller for segment-based displays, hardware-accelerated graphics for UI responsiveness, low-power operation in metering applications, and dual-camera interface capability for diagnostic imaging devices.

Technical Context

The MCIMX515CJM6CR2 implements an ARM Cortex-A8 core with NEON SIMD engine and VFPv3 floating-point unit, enabling real-time signal processing for sensor interfacing and energy measurement algorithms. It integrates a dedicated 2D graphics processing unit (GPU) and LCD controller supporting up to 1024×768 resolution and 24-bit color depth.

Its memory subsystem includes 128 MB of on-board DDR2 SDRAM and NAND flash boot support, while peripheral connectivity comprises USB 2.0 OTG, SDIO, SPI, I²C, UART, and dual 10-bit ADC channels for analog sensor acquisition in utility metering and medical diagnostics.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

MCIMX515CJM6CR2 is housed in a 416-pin PBGA package (17 mm × 17 mm, 0.8 mm pitch) with thermal pad. Pin assignments are defined per NXP reference schematic i.MX51 EVK Rev. D and validated against MCIMX515CJM6CR2-specific ball map.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with i.MX6ULL G0 and AM3352BZCZ100, the MCIMX515CJM6CR2 delivers optimal balance of integrated peripherals (LCD, dual ADC, SDRAM), lower power consumption in stop modes, and proven qualification for utility metering standards - making it the most cost-effective choice for Class 0.5 single-phase meter designs.

Availability

MCIMX515CJM6CR2 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for single-phase electricity meters, portable medical equipment, thermostats, and industrial process control systems requiring stable component supply across extended product lifecycles.

Supply support for MCIMX515CJM6CR2 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 headquartered in Eindhoven, Netherlands, specializing in secure connectivity solutions for automotive, industrial, and IoT applications.

The i.MX51 family was designed specifically for cost-sensitive, high-reliability embedded applications including smart metering, medical diagnostics, and human-machine interfaces - emphasizing integration, low-power operation, and long-term supply assurance.

FAQ

What operating systems are supported on the MCIMX515CJM6CR2?

The MCIMX515CJM6CR2 supports Linux (Yocto Project and LTIB), Android 2.3–4.0, and FreeRTOS. Its ARM Cortex-A8 core and 128 MB DDR2 enable full-featured GUI frameworks such as Qt Embedded and DirectFB. NXP provides board support packages (BSPs) with kernel drivers for all integrated peripherals including the LCD controller and dual ADC. The MCIMX515CJM6CR2 BSPs are validated for utility metering certification paths including ANSI C12.20 and IEC 62056.

Does the MCIMX515CJM6CR2 include hardware security features for utility metering?

Yes, the MCIMX515CJM6CR2 integrates a Secure Boot ROM with SHA-1/256 and AES-128 engines, enabling cryptographic verification of firmware images before execution. It supports secure JTAG disabling and OTP memory for key storage. These features meet ANSI C12.22 and DLMS/COSEM security requirements for remote meter reading. The MCIMX515CJM6CR2 also includes tamper-detection GPIOs that trigger immediate secure erase of sensitive calibration data.

Can the MCIMX515CJM6CR2 drive a 400-segment LCD without external components?

Yes, the MCIMX515CJM6CR2's integrated LCD controller supports up to 8 commons × 48 segments (384 segments) or 4 commons × 40 segments (160 segments) in static/dynamic modes. Its internal charge pump generates boosted voltages up to 12 V for high-contrast segment driving. This eliminates external LCD bias generators and level shifters in thermostats and digital scales. The MCIMX515CJM6CR2's software-configurable front/back plane mapping simplifies PCB layout for custom glass configurations.

What is the power consumption profile of the MCIMX515CJM6CR2 in metering standby mode?

In STOP mode with RTC and LCD controller active, the MCIMX515CJM6CR2 consumes 18 μA typical at 1.2 V core and 3.3 V I/O. Wake-up latency is 12 μs from interrupt event. This enables >10-year battery life in single-phase meters using CR2032 coin cells. The MCIMX515CJM6CR2's dynamic voltage and frequency scaling (DVFS) further reduces active-mode power to 120 mW at 400 MHz during metrology calculations.

Is there official development hardware available for the MCIMX515CJM6CR2?

Yes, NXP offers the i.MX51 Evaluation Kit (i.MX51 EVK) with schematics, layout files, and validated BSPs. It includes the MCIMX515CJM6CR2 mounted on a 4-layer board with DDR2, NAND, USB OTG, SD card slot, and 4.3-inch WVGA LCD. The kit supports JTAG debugging via P&E Multilink and includes preloaded demo images for Linux and Android. All documentation and source code for the MCIMX515CJM6CR2 EVK are publicly available on NXP's official support portal.