NXP Semiconductors MCIMX6S5DVM10AB

Overview

MCIMX6S5DVM10AB from NXP Semiconductors is a single-core Arm Cortex-A9 applications processor operating at 1 GHz, featuring integrated VPU, GPU2D/GPU3D, MLB interface, and no EPDC. It supports DDR3/DDR3L/LPDDR2-800 memory, HDMI 1.4, dual-camera MIPI CSI-2, and Gigabit Ethernet - deployed in consumer HMI and portable medical devices.

For engineers reviewing the MCIMX6S5DVM10AB datasheet, MCIMX6S5DVM10AB pinout, MCIMX6S5DVM10AB application, or MCIMX6S5DVM10AB equivalent, key selection factors include its 1 GHz Cortex-A9 core, absence of EPDC, commercial temperature grade (0°C to +95°C), 21×21 mm MAPBGA package with 0.8 mm pitch, and support for HDCP-disabled multimedia subsystems.

Technical Context

The MCIMX6S5DVM10AB implements a single Arm Cortex-A9 MPCore with TrustZone, 32 KB L1 instruction and 32 KB L1 data cache, and shared 512 KB L2 cache. Its memory subsystem includes MMDC supporting 16/32-bit DDR3-800 and LPDDR2-800, plus GPMI with BCH40 ECC for NAND Flash.

It integrates dedicated hardware accelerators: VPU for 1080p video decode/encode, GPU3Dv5 (OpenGL ES 2.0), GPU2Dv2 (BitBlt), ASRC for multi-channel audio sample rate conversion, and MLB interface for MOST25/50/150 networks - all managed via CCM clock control and GPC power management.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

MCIMX6S5DVM10AB uses a 21 mm × 21 mm MAPBGA package with 0.8 mm pitch and 484 balls (BGA Case 2240). Pin assignments follow the i.MX 6Solo signal naming convention per IMX6SDLCEC Rev. 9, with ball map defined in Section 6.2.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with MCIMX6S8DVM10AB, MCIMX6S5DVM10AB removes EPDC hardware to reduce die size and static power, making it ideal for LCD-based HMIs. Against MCIMX6U5DVM10AB, its single-core architecture lowers thermal design complexity and PCB layer count while maintaining full multimedia capability for most consumer applications.

Availability

MCIMX6S5DVM10AB is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial HMI, portable medical monitors, IPTV set-top boxes, and IP phones requiring stable component supply across multi-year production cycles.

Supply support for MCIMX6S5DVM10AB 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 markets, with annual R&D investment exceeding $1.2 billion.

The i.MX 6Solo family - including MCIMX6S5DVM10AB - was designed specifically for cost-optimized, multimedia-rich consumer and industrial edge devices requiring high-performance ARM processing without dual-core overhead or E-INK controller complexity.

FAQ

What is the maximum operating frequency of the MCIMX6S5DVM10AB and what limits it?

The MCIMX6S5DVM10AB operates at a maximum frequency of 1 GHz. This limit is enforced when a 24 MHz crystal is used for CLKIN, as required for USB functionality. If a different clock source were permitted, higher speeds might be possible, but the 24 MHz input is mandatory for USB PHY operation per the IMX6SDLCEC datasheet - thus 996 MHz is the practical ceiling under standard configuration.

Does the MCIMX6S5DVM10AB support HDMI 1.4 output and what video formats does its VPU handle?

Yes, the MCIMX6S5DVM10AB supports HDMI 1.4 output with deep color and audio return channel (ARC). Its integrated VPU handles 1080p60 H.264, VP8, and MPEG-4 decode/encode, enabling full HD streaming and local playback. The VPU operates independently of the Cortex-A9 core, freeing CPU resources for application logic while maintaining consistent video pipeline throughput.

What memory types and configurations are supported by the MCIMX6S5DVM10AB's MMDC interface?

The MCIMX6S5DVM10AB's MMDC supports 16-bit and 32-bit configurations of DDR3-800, DDR3L-800, and LPDDR2-800 memory. It does not support DDR4 or LPDDR3. The interface delivers up to 6.4 GB/s theoretical bandwidth and includes hardware-assisted calibration for reliable high-speed operation across temperature ranges - validated in the IMX6SDLCEC electrical characteristics section.

Is the MCIMX6S5DVM10AB pin-compatible with other i.MX 6Solo variants such as MCIMX6S8DVM10AB?

Yes, the MCIMX6S5DVM10AB is pin-compatible with MCIMX6S8DVM10AB and other i.MX 6Solo MAPBGA variants (e.g., MCIMX6S5EVM10AB). All share identical 484-ball 21×21 mm layout, ball mapping, and power/ground pin assignments. Functional differences (e.g., EPDC presence) are implemented internally and do not affect PCB layout - enabling drop-in replacement where firmware and BOM allow.

What security features are implemented in hardware on the MCIMX6S5DVM10AB?

The MCIMX6S5DVM10AB integrates Arm TrustZone, CAAM (Cryptographic Acceleration and Assurance Module) with NIST-certified PRNG and 16 KB secure RAM, SNVS (Secure Non-Volatile Storage) with tamper-resistant RTC, and CSU (Central Security Unit) for fuse-controlled boot policy enforcement. These enable secure boot (A-HABv4), AES/SHA acceleration, and runtime integrity checking - all documented in the i.MX 6Solo Security Reference Manual (IMX6DQ6SDLSRM).