NXP Semiconductors MCIMX51LCD

Overview

MCIMX51LCD from NXP Semiconductors (formerly Freescale) is a 7-inch WVGA resistive touch screen LCD add-on module designed exclusively for the i.MX51 Evaluation Kit (MCIMX51EVKJ). It delivers native 800×480 resolution, integrated LVDS interface compatibility, and direct mechanical/electrical integration with the EVK's dual LVDS connectors. It enables rapid HMI prototyping for embedded Linux and Windows Embedded CE platforms in industrial HMIs and portable media devices.

For engineers reviewing the MCIMX51LCD datasheet, MCIMX51LCD pinout, MCIMX51LCD application, or MCIMX51LCD equivalent, key considerations include its LVDS-based display interface timing, resistive touch controller integration, mechanical mounting footprint on the i.MX51 EVK, power rail requirements (3.3 V and 12 V), and dependency on the base EVK's BSP support for touch and backlight control.

Technical Context

The MCIMX51LCD operates as a system-level peripheral-not a standalone IC-requiring the MCIMX51EVKJ as host platform. Its LVDS interface conforms to JEDEC Standard JESD-22-B117A for 24-bit RGB data mapping and supports pixel clock frequencies up to 33 MHz. Backlight is driven via PWM-controlled CCFL inverter requiring external 12 V supply.

Touch functionality uses a 4-wire resistive overlay with analog-to-digital conversion handled by the MC13892 PMIC on the base EVK board. No onboard microcontroller or firmware resides on the MCIMX51LCD; all initialization, calibration, and coordinate reporting depend entirely on the EVK's BSP drivers and OS-level input subsystem.

Key Specifications

Availability

MCIMX51LCD is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial HMI development, embedded media player evaluation, and automotive infotainment prototyping requiring stable component supply and legacy BSP continuity.

Supply support for MCIMX51LCD 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 Freescale Semiconductor and merged with NXP in 2015, specializing in secure connectivity solutions for automotive, industrial, and IoT applications.

The MCIMX51LCD belongs to the i.MX51 Evaluation Kit ecosystem and was developed to accelerate validation of ARM Cortex-A8-based human-machine interfaces using production-intent hardware and vendor-validated software stacks.

FAQ

Does the MCIMX51LCD include its own display controller or require external video processing?

No, the MCIMX51LCD does not contain an integrated display controller. It relies entirely on the i.MX51 processor's built-in LCD controller and LVDS transmitter. Video timing, pixel format mapping, and frame buffering are handled by the MCIMX51EVKJ host board. The MCIMX51LCD functions strictly as a passive display panel with LVDS receiver and resistive touch overlay.

What operating systems support touch input from the MCIMX51LCD?

Touch input from the MCIMX51LCD is supported only through the pre-validated Board Support Packages (BSPs) provided with the MCIMX51EVKJ for Linux and Windows Embedded CE. These BSPs include calibrated drivers for the MC13892's ADC-based touch interface. No generic Android or bare-metal touch support exists for the MCIMX51LCD outside those two OS environments.

Can the MCIMX51LCD be used independently of the MCIMX51EVKJ?

No, the MCIMX51LCD cannot operate independently. It lacks power regulation, video timing generation, touch digitization circuitry, and firmware. All signal conditioning, power sequencing, and driver execution depend on the MCIMX51EVKJ base board and its MC13892 PMIC. Mechanical mounting and LVDS connector alignment are also specific to the EVK layout.

What is the required backlight power specification for the MCIMX51LCD?

The MCIMX51LCD requires a dedicated 12 V DC input to drive its CCFL backlight inverter. This voltage must be supplied externally-typically from the MCIMX51EVKJ's auxiliary 12 V rail-and modulated via PWM signal (0–100% duty cycle, 100 Hz–10 kHz) for brightness control. No internal DC-DC conversion or current regulation is present on the MCIMX51LCD module itself.

Is the MCIMX51LCD compatible with newer i.MX processors such as i.MX6 or i.MX8?

No, the MCIMX51LCD is not compatible with i.MX6 or i.MX8 evaluation platforms. Its LVDS timing parameters, mechanical mounting holes, and touch interface signaling are specifically aligned with the i.MX51 EVK's PCB layout and BSP stack. No official adapter, firmware patch, or pin-compatible redesign has been released by NXP for cross-generation use.