NXP Semiconductors MCIMX6X1CVK08AC

Overview

MCIMX6X1CVK08AC from NXP Semiconductors is an industrial-grade heterogeneous multicore application processor integrating one Arm Cortex-A9 core (800 MHz) and one Arm Cortex-M4 core (227 MHz), housed in a 14×14 mm, 0.65 mm pitch MAPBGA package with no PCIe, LVDS, or MLB support. It delivers real-time responsiveness for medical HMI, industrial control panels, and smart energy gateways requiring dual-OS coexistence (Linux on A9 + FreeRTOS on M4).

For engineers reviewing the MCIMX6X1CVK08AC datasheet, MCIMX6X1CVK08AC pinout, MCIMX6X1CVK08AC application, or MCIMX6X1CVK08AC equivalent, key selection criteria include its -40°C to +105°C junction temperature rating, dual 12-bit ADC support (2×4-channel), DDR3/DDR3L/LPDDR2-800 memory interface, and absence of GPU/PCIe/LVDS-critical for cost-sensitive, thermally constrained embedded designs.

Technical Context

The MCIMX6X1CVK08AC implements a tightly coupled dual-core architecture where the Cortex-A9 handles high-level OS tasks and multimedia middleware while the Cortex-M4 executes deterministic real-time control loops, with shared memory access coordinated via RDC and MU modules. Its power management includes DVFS, LDO-based domain regulation, and software state retention across both cores.

It integrates a 256 KB unified L2 cache, 128 KB OCRAM, 16 KB instruction/data caches per core, and hardware accelerators including ASRC (10-channel sample rate conversion), PXP (pixel processing), and CAAM (NIST-certified crypto engine with 32 KB secure RAM), all operating under TrustZone-enforced security boundaries.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

MCIMX6X1CVK08AC uses a 14×14 mm, 0.65 mm pitch MAPBGA package (package code "VK") with 361 I/O balls. Pin assignments follow the i.MX 6SoloX 14×14NP signal map defined in Section 6.5 of IMX6SXIEC Rev. 4, supporting dedicated ball groups for DDR, VDD/VSS, JTAG, and peripheral interfaces including two FlexCAN, four UARTs, and dual ADC inputs.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with MCIMX6X1CVK08AC, MCIMX6X1CVO08AC offers identical functionality in a larger package for easier routing, while MCIMX6X3CVK08AC trades MLB support for PCIe/LVDS-making it viable only where those interfaces justify added cost and design effort.

Availability

MCIMX6X1CVK08AC is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial control panels, portable medical monitors, and smart energy gateways requiring stable component supply across extended temperature ranges and multi-year production cycles.

Supply support for MCIMX6X1CVK08AC 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 specializing in secure connectivity solutions for automotive, industrial, and IoT markets, with >50 years of embedded systems expertise.

The i.MX 6SoloX product line was designed specifically for cost-sensitive, thermally demanding industrial applications requiring real-time responsiveness alongside rich graphical user interfaces-balancing performance, power efficiency, and functional integration.

FAQ

What is the maximum operating frequency of the Cortex-A9 core in MCIMX6X1CVK08AC?

The Cortex-A9 core in MCIMX6X1CVK08AC operates at a maximum frequency of 800 MHz. This speed grade is fixed for this part number and verified under industrial temperature conditions (-40°C to +105°C). The actual achievable frequency depends on board-level power delivery stability and thermal management, but no overclocking or higher-speed binning is supported for MCIMX6X1CVK08AC.

Does MCIMX6X1CVK08AC include a graphics processing unit (GPU)?

No, MCIMX6X1CVK08AC does not include a 2D or 3D GPU. Per Table 1 in the IMX6SXIEC datasheet, this part explicitly disables GPU, PCIe, LVDS, and MLB features. Graphics rendering must be handled in software or via external display controllers. Other i.MX 6SoloX variants like MCIMX6X4CVM08AC do include GPU support, but MCIMX6X1CVK08AC is optimized for non-graphical real-time control applications.

What ADC capabilities does MCIMX6X1CVK08AC provide?

MCIMX6X1CVK08AC integrates two independent 12-bit analog-to-digital converters (ADC1 and ADC2), each with four dedicated single-ended input channels. These ADCs support 0–3.3 V input range referenced to an internal 1.8 V bandgap, and are accessible exclusively through the VK-package ballout. No external ADC driver or configuration registers are required-direct register reads yield calibrated digital values.

Is MCIMX6X1CVK08AC pin-compatible with other i.MX 6SoloX variants in the same package size?

Yes, MCIMX6X1CVK08AC is pin-compatible with other 14×14 mm i.MX 6SoloX parts sharing the "VK" package code-including MCIMX6X3CVK08AC and MCIMX6X3CVK08AB. Signal assignments, power ball locations, and mechanical dimensions match exactly. However, functional differences (e.g., PCIe enablement in MCIMX6X3CVK08AC) mean firmware and PCB design must verify interface usage before substitution.

What boot devices are supported by MCIMX6X1CVK08AC?

MCIMX6X1CVK08AC supports boot from eMMC, NAND Flash (including Raw MLC/SLC with BCH ECC up to 62 bits), Quad SPI NOR Flash, and parallel NOR Flash via its Boot ROM. Boot mode is selected using BOOT_MODE[1:0] pins, and the ROM implements HABv4 secure boot with SHA-256 signature verification. No external boot ROM or FPGA configuration is required-boot sequence initiates automatically after power-on reset.