NXP Semiconductors MCIMX6X2AVN08AC

Overview

MCIMX6X2AVN08AC from NXP Semiconductors is an automotive-grade heterogeneous multicore application processor integrating one Arm Cortex-A9 core (800 MHz) and one Arm Cortex-M4 core (227 MHz), packaged in a 17×17 mm, 0.8 mm pitch MAPBGA (package code VN). It supports dual Gigabit Ethernet with AVB, PCIe v2.0 (x1), two FlexCAN interfaces, and one 2-channel 12-bit ADC - designed for telematics gateways and display cluster control units in vehicles operating from −40°C to +125°C.

For engineers reviewing the MCIMX6X2AVN08AC datasheet, MCIMX6X2AVN08AC pinout, MCIMX6X2AVN08AC application, or MCIMX6X2AVN08AC equivalent, key selection considerations include PCIe support (enabled), LVDS exclusion, GPU disablement, 2-channel ADC configuration, and automotive qualification with junction temperature rating up to +125°C.

Technical Context

The MCIMX6X2AVN08AC implements a tightly coupled dual-core architecture where the Cortex-A9 runs Linux-based HMI stacks while the Cortex-M4 handles real-time vehicle bus management (CAN/ESAI/ASRC) and safety-critical tasks. Its memory subsystem includes 256 KB L2 cache, 128 KB OCRAM, and support for DDR3/DDR3L/LPDDR2-800.

It integrates dedicated hardware accelerators including ASRC (10-channel asynchronous sample rate conversion), PXP (pixel processing pipeline), and CAAM (cryptographic acceleration with 32 KB secure RAM), all coordinated via RDC (Resource Domain Controller) for domain isolation between A9 and M4 execution environments.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

MCIMX6X2AVN08AC uses a 364-ball MAPBGA package (17×17 mm, 0.8 mm pitch, package code VN), with ball map defined in Section 6.3 of IMX6SXAEC Rev. 4. Pin functions are multiplexed across IOMUXC controller; critical assignments include: ENET1/ENET2 differential pairs on dedicated high-speed banks, PCIe_REFCLK/PERST# on dedicated clock/reset balls, CAN1/CAN2 on dedicated automotive-compliant I/O banks, and ADC_IN0/ADC_IN1 on dedicated analog-capable balls with internal 1.8 V reference.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with MCIMX6X2AVN08AC, MCIMX6X4AVM08AC adds GPU and LVDS at the cost of larger footprint and higher power, while MCIMX6X1AVO08AC removes PCIe to reduce cost - making MCIMX6X2AVN08AC the optimal balance for PCIe-requiring automotive gateways with constrained board space.

Availability

MCIMX6X2AVN08AC is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive telematics, instrument cluster control, and gateway applications requiring stable component supply across extended temperature ranges and long production lifecycles.

Supply support for MCIMX6X2AVN08AC 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 markets.

The i.MX 6SoloX product line was engineered specifically for automotive infotainment and telematics systems, combining real-time responsiveness (via Cortex-M4) with rich multimedia capability (via Cortex-A9) in a single die - targeting ASIL-B functional safety readiness and UNECE R155 compliance.

FAQ

What is the maximum operating frequency of the Cortex-A9 core in MCIMX6X2AVN08AC?

The Cortex-A9 core in MCIMX6X2AVN08AC operates at a maximum frequency of 800 MHz, as confirmed in Table 1 of the IMX6SXAEC datasheet. This speed grade is fixed for the "08" suffix and validated across the full −40°C to +125°C junction temperature range with appropriate voltage scaling per Section 4.2.

Does MCIMX6X2AVN08AC support PCIe Gen2 operation?

Yes, MCIMX6X2AVN08AC supports PCIe v2.0 (Gen2) in x1 configuration, as specified in Section 1.2 and Figure 2 of IMX6SXAEC Rev. 4. It implements full Root Complex and Endpoint modes with integrated PHY, requiring only a 25 MHz differential reference clock and proper AC-coupled lane routing.

How many ADC channels does MCIMX6X2AVN08AC provide, and what is their resolution?

MCIMX6X2AVN08AC provides one 2-channel, 12-bit successive approximation register (SAR) ADC, as documented in Table 1 and Section 1.2 of IMX6SXAEC. This differs from VO/VK variants (dual 4-channel) and VM variants (dual 4-channel), reflecting package-specific feature enablement.

Is MCIMX6X2AVN08AC qualified for automotive use, and what is its temperature rating?

Yes, MCIMX6X2AVN08AC is automotive-qualified with a junction temperature range of −40°C to +125°C, indicated by the "A" grade in its part number and confirmed in Table 1 of IMX6SXAEC. It meets AEC-Q100 Grade 2 requirements and is intended for under-hood and dashboard-mounted applications.

What security features are implemented in MCIMX6X2AVN08AC?

MCIMX6X2AVN08AC integrates CAAM (Cryptographic Acceleration and Assurance Module), SNVS (Secure Non-Volatile Storage), CSU (Central Security Unit), and A-HABv4 (Advanced High Assurance Boot). These enable secure boot with SHA-256/2048-bit RSA, runtime encryption/decryption, true random number generation, and tamper-resistant key storage - all detailed in the i.MX 6SoloX Security Reference Manual (IMX6XSRM).