NXP Semiconductors MCIMX7D2DVK12SDR

Overview

MCIMX7D2DVK12SD from NXP Semiconductors is a dual-core applications processor featuring two Arm Cortex-A7 cores running at 1.2 GHz and one Arm Cortex-M4 core, integrated into a 12×12 mm, 0.4 mm pitch BGA package. It supports DDR3/DDR3L/LPDDR2/LPDDR3-1066 memory, includes two Gigabit Ethernet controllers with IEEE 1588 AVB support, and delivers secure boot via HABv4 and cryptographic acceleration via CAAM - designed for low-power connected devices such as smart appliances and industrial HMIs.

For engineers reviewing the MCIMX7D2DVK12SD datasheet, MCIMX7D2DVK12SD pinout, MCIMX7D2DVK12SD application, or MCIMX7D2DVK12SD equivalent, key selection considerations include its 1.2 GHz Cortex-A7 speed grade, absence of EPDC and CAN interfaces, single 12-bit ADC, consumer temperature range (0 to +85°C), and 12×12 mm BGA package with 0.4 mm pitch.

Technical Context

The MCIMX7D2DVK12SD implements a heterogeneous multicore architecture: dual Cortex-A7 cores (1.2 GHz) with 32 KB L1 I/D caches and shared 512 KB L2 cache, plus a Cortex-M4 core (with FPU, MPU, 64 KB TCM) for real-time task offload. Memory subsystem includes boot ROM (96 KB), OCRAM (256 KB), and secure RAM (32 KB).

It integrates dedicated hardware accelerators including PXP for pixel processing and CAAM for cryptographic operations (AES, SHA-256, RSA-2048), alongside SNVS for tamper detection and secure RTC. Power management is handled by on-chip LDOs and PMU, enabling multiple low-power states with software state retention.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

MCIMX7D2DVK12SD is housed in a plastic 12×12 mm BGA package with 0.4 mm ball pitch and 361 I/O balls. Pin assignments follow the i.MX 7Dual 12×12 mm package layout defined in Section 6.1 of IMX7DCEC Rev. 7.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with MCIMX7D5EVK10SD and i.MX 8M Mini, MCIMX7D2DVK12SD uniquely balances 1.2 GHz performance, consumer-grade cost, and mature hardware security (HABv4 + CAAM + SNVS) in a compact 12×12 mm BGA - making it optimal for cost-sensitive, security-aware connected devices requiring stable, long-lifecycle silicon.

Availability

MCIMX7D2DVK12SD is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for smart home gateways, industrial HMI panels, and portable medical monitors requiring stable component supply across multi-year production cycles.

Supply support for MCIMX7D2DVK12SD 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 7Dual family - including MCIMX7D2DVK12SD - was engineered for low-power, high-integration applications in connected portable devices, emphasizing heterogeneous processing, hardware security, and interface flexibility without external PMIC dependency.

FAQ

What is the maximum operating frequency of the Cortex-A7 cores in MCIMX7D2DVK12SD?

The MCIMX7D2DVK12SD features two Arm Cortex-A7 cores rated for operation at up to 1.2 GHz, as confirmed in Table 1 of the IMX7DCEC Rev. 7 datasheet. This speed grade is validated under consumer temperature conditions (0°C to +85°C) and requires compliance with VDD_ARM voltage specifications outlined in Table 9. The MCIMX7D2DVK12SD does not support 1.2 GHz operation outside this thermal envelope.

Does MCIMX7D2DVK12SD include an Electronic Paper Display Controller (EPDC)?

No, MCIMX7D2DVK12SD explicitly excludes the EPDC module, as stated in Table 1 of the IMX7DCEC datasheet under "Options" for this part number. Unlike variants such as MCIMX7D7DVK10SD, the MCIMX7D2DVK12SD is configured without EPDC hardware - meaning it cannot drive E Ink panels directly. Designers requiring EPDC must select a different i.MX 7Dual variant.

How many ADC channels does MCIMX7D2DVK12SD support?

The MCIMX7D2DVK12SD integrates one 12-bit analog-to-digital converter (ADC1), supporting up to 8 single-ended inputs. ADC2 is not present in the 12×12 mm package variant, as noted in the "Modules list" section (Table 2) and confirmed by the "Options" column in Table 1 of IMX7DCEC Rev. 7. This single ADC is sufficient for basic sensor monitoring in consumer and industrial applications.

What Ethernet capabilities are supported by MCIMX7D2DVK12SD?

The MCIMX7D2DVK12SD includes two fully independent Gigabit Ethernet controllers (ENET1 and ENET2), each supporting 10/100/1000 Mbps operation and IEEE 1588-2008 AVB time synchronization. Both controllers require external PHYs and support full AVB feature sets including gPTP timestamping and traffic shaping - enabling synchronized audio/video distribution in smart home and professional AV systems.

Is MCIMX7D2DVK12SD pin-compatible with other i.MX 7Dual variants in the 12×12 mm package?

Yes, MCIMX7D2DVK12SD shares identical mechanical and electrical pinout with other 12×12 mm i.MX 7Dual variants (e.g., MCIMX7D7DVK10SD, MCIMX7D3DVK10SD), as defined in Section 6.1 of IMX7DCEC Rev. 7. However, functional pin behavior may differ due to disabled modules (e.g., EPDC, CAN) - so PCB design must align with the specific peripheral enablement of MCIMX7D2DVK12SD.