NXP Semiconductors MCIMX6X3EVN10AB

Overview

MCIMX6X3EVN10AB from NXP Semiconductors (formerly Freescale) is a heterogeneous dual-core application processor integrating one ARM Cortex-A9 core running at 1 GHz and one ARM Cortex-M4 core running at 227 MHz, housed in a 17×17 mm, 0.8 mm pitch BGA package with PCIe support. It delivers integrated 2D/3D graphics acceleration (GC400T), dual Gigabit Ethernet with AVB/IEEE 1588 support, and hardware security (CAAM, SNVS, TrustZone), targeting HMI-rich connected devices operating across –20°C to +105°C.

For engineers reviewing the MCIMX6X3EVN10AB datasheet, MCIMX6X3EVN10AB pinout, MCIMX6X3EVN10AB application, or MCIMX6X3EVN10AB equivalent, key selection considerations include PCIe v2.0 x1 capability, absence of LVDS and video ADC interfaces, extended commercial temperature rating, and verified boot via A-HABv4 with SHA-256 and 2048-bit RSA.

Technical Context

The MCIMX6X3EVN10AB implements a tightly coupled asymmetric multiprocessing architecture: the Cortex-A9 handles Linux-based application workloads while the Cortex-M4 executes real-time tasks (e.g., sensor fusion, motor control) with deterministic latency, enabled by 64 KB TCM and MPU isolation. Memory coherency is maintained via SCU and 256 KB L2 cache shared between cores.

Its system-level integration includes dual ENET controllers with AVB timestamping, two FlexCAN 2.0B ports (1 Mbps), four eCSPI interfaces (52 Mbit/s), and a GPMI NAND controller with up to 62-bit BCH ECC-enabling robust storage in industrial edge gateways without external ECC logic.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

MCIMX6X3EVN10AB is packaged in a 17×17 mm, 0.8 mm pitch plastic BGA with 364 I/O balls. Pin assignments follow the "VN" package code mapping defined in Section 6.3 of IMX6SXCEC Rev. 1.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with MCIMX6X3EVN10AB, the MCIMX6X4EVM10AB adds LVDS and video ADC at the cost of larger footprint and layout rework, while the i.MX 8M Mini offers higher performance and modern interfaces but abandons PCIe and introduces significant software porting effort.

Availability

MCIMX6X3EVN10AB is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial HMI gateways, smart audio endpoints, secure access control panels, and portable medical monitors requiring stable component supply across extended temperature ranges and long production lifecycles.

Supply support for MCIMX6X3EVN10AB 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 roots in Freescale's i.MX processor lineage.

The i.MX 6SoloX product line was engineered to deliver heterogeneous compute for resource-constrained connected devices-balancing Linux-capable application processing with real-time responsiveness and hardware security in a single die.

FAQ

What is the maximum operating frequency of the Cortex-A9 core in MCIMX6X3EVN10AB?

The MCIMX6X3EVN10AB features an ARM Cortex-A9 core rated for operation at up to 1 GHz under extended commercial conditions (–20°C to +105°C). This speed assumes use of a 24 MHz crystal input and compliance with voltage and thermal specifications outlined in Section 4.1 of the IMX6SXCEC datasheet. The actual sustained frequency depends on thermal management and power delivery stability.

Does MCIMX6X3EVN10AB support PCIe Gen2, and what is its lane configuration?

Yes, MCIMX6X3EVN10AB integrates a PCIe v2.0 controller supporting x1 lane configuration in either Root Complex or Endpoint mode. It achieves 5.0 GT/s signaling rates and complies with PCI Express Base Specification Revision 2.0. The interface uses dedicated differential pairs (PCIe_RXP/N and PCIe_TXP/N) mapped to specific BGA balls per the VN package layout in Section 6.3 of IMX6SXCEC.

Which display interfaces are enabled on MCIMX6X3EVN10AB?

MCIMX6X3EVN10AB supports one parallel 24-bit LCD interface (LCDIF) capable of driving WXGA (1280×800) displays at 60 Hz. It does not support LVDS or HDMI output-those features are disabled per the "Features not supported" list in Table 1 of IMX6SXCEC. Display output must be implemented via RGB TTL or custom bridge ICs for LVDS conversion.

What hardware security features are integrated into MCIMX6X3EVN10AB?

MCIMX6X3EVN10AB includes CAAM (Cryptographic Acceleration and Assurance Module) with AES-128/256, SHA-256, and RSA-2048 acceleration; SNVS (Secure Non-Volatile Storage) with tamper-resistant RTC; A-HABv4 for secure boot using SHA-256 and 2048-bit RSA keys; and ARM TrustZone for memory and interrupt isolation. These features are fully functional and documented in the i.MX 6SoloX Security Reference Manual (IMX6XSRM).

Is MCIMX6X3EVN10AB pin-compatible with other i.MX 6SoloX variants like MCIMX6X1EVK10AB?

No, MCIMX6X3EVN10AB is not pin-compatible with MCIMX6X1EVK10AB. They use different package codes ("VN" vs. "VK"), differing in size (17×17 mm vs. 14×14 mm), ball count (364 vs. 289), and pin mapping. Even within the same package family, variant-specific signal disablements (e.g., PCIe presence) affect ball functionality-requiring unique PCB layouts for each part number.