NXP Semiconductors MCIMX6X3CVN08AC

Overview

MCIMX6X3CVN08AC from NXP Semiconductors is an industrial-grade heterogeneous applications 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 DDR3/DDR3L/LPDDR2-800 memory, dual Gigabit Ethernet with AVB, two FlexCAN 2.0B interfaces, and a 2-channel 12-bit ADC - deployed in industrial control panels and medical edge devices requiring deterministic real-time response alongside Linux-based UI processing.

For engineers reviewing the MCIMX6X3CVN08AC datasheet, MCIMX6X3CVN08AC pinout, MCIMX6X3CVN08AC application, or MCIMX6X3CVN08AC equivalent, key selection criteria include PCIe v2.0 x1 support (enabled in VN package), absence of LVDS and MLB interfaces, industrial temperature range (−40°C to +105°C), and verified boot via A-HABv4 with SHA-256 and 2048-bit RSA.

Technical Context

The MCIMX6X3CVN08AC implements a tightly coupled dual-core architecture where the Cortex-A9 runs Linux for rich UI and connectivity stacks while the Cortex-M4 executes time-critical tasks (e.g., motor control, sensor fusion) with MPU/FPU and 64 KB TCM. Its memory subsystem includes 256 KB L2 cache, 128 KB OCRAM, and boot ROM with HABv4 security.

Power management integrates DVFS, on-chip LDOs, and hardware-accelerated clock gating across domains. Peripheral routing uses IOMUXC with muxed signals - PCIe, USB OTG, and ENET are simultaneously available in the VN package, unlike VO/VK variants which omit PCIe or reduce ADC channels.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

MCIMX6X3CVN08AC is housed in a 17×17 mm, 0.8 mm pitch MAPBGA package (package code VN) with 453 I/O balls. Pin assignments follow the i.MX 6SoloX Signal Availability by Package table (Section 6.3, IMX6SXIEC Rev. 4), where PCIe, USB OTG, and dual ENET signals are allocated to dedicated ball groups per functional domain.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with MCIMX6X2CVN08AC, MCIMX6X3CVN08AC adds GPU acceleration for local rendering; compared with MCIMX6X4CVM08AC, it trades LVDS/MLB for smaller footprint and lower cost - making it optimal for space-constrained industrial gateways where PCIe expansion and dual AVB Ethernet are prioritized.

Availability

MCIMX6X3CVN08AC is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial control panels, portable medical diagnostics, and smart energy management systems requiring stable component supply across extended product lifecycles.

Supply support for MCIMX6X3CVN08AC 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 headquarters in Eindhoven, Netherlands.

The i.MX 6SoloX product line was designed specifically for industrial edge devices requiring real-time responsiveness, graphical user interfaces, and robust security - combining application-level performance with microcontroller-like determinism in a single SoC.

FAQ

What is the maximum operating frequency of the Cortex-A9 core in MCIMX6X3CVN08AC?

The MCIMX6X3CVN08AC features an Arm Cortex-A9 core rated for 800 MHz operation under industrial temperature conditions (−40°C to +105°C). This speed is guaranteed with proper power delivery (VDD_ARM = 1.2 V ±3%) and thermal management; higher frequencies require commercial-grade variants and are not supported in this industrial part.

Does MCIMX6X3CVN08AC support PCIe Gen2, and what topology is implemented?

Yes, MCIMX6X3CVN08AC implements PCIe v2.0 x1 with full Root Complex and Endpoint capability. The integrated PCIe PHY supports Gen2 signaling (5 GT/s) and complies with PCI-SIG specifications; it requires external 100 Ω differential termination and AC coupling capacitors per lane, as defined in Section 6.3 of IMX6SXIEC Rev. 4.

How many ADC channels does MCIMX6X3CVN08AC provide, and what is their resolution?

MCIMX6X3CVN08AC integrates one 12-bit successive approximation register (SAR) ADC with two single-ended input channels (ADC_IN0 and ADC_IN1). This matches the "VN" package specification in Table 1 of IMX6SXIEC Rev. 4 and differs from VO/VK variants that offer two 4-channel ADCs.

Is LVDS display interface supported on MCIMX6X3CVN08AC?

No, LVDS interface is explicitly disabled in MCIMX6X3CVN08AC per the "Features not supported" listing in Table 1 of IMX6SXIEC Rev. 4. This part belongs to the "WP=With PCIe" family (package code VN), where LVDS and MLB functions are omitted to prioritize PCIe and dual Ethernet resources.

What security features are implemented in MCIMX6X3CVN08AC for secure boot?

MCIMX6X3CVN08AC implements Advanced High Assurance Boot (A-HABv4) with SHA-256 image hashing, 2048-bit RSA signature verification, version control, and warm boot support. Boot images are validated against eFUSE-programmed public keys stored in the CSU, and cryptographic operations are accelerated by the CAAM module with NIST-certified PRNG.