NXP Semiconductors MCIMX7U3DVK07SC

Overview

MCIMX7U3DVK07SC from NXP is an ultra-low-power heterogeneous applications processor featuring dual-core ARM architecture: Cortex-A7 @ 720 MHz for application processing and Cortex-M4 @ 200 MHz for real-time control, fabricated in 28nm FD-SOI process, with 256 KB on-chip SRAM per core, VFBGA361 package, and rated for 0°C to +95°C operation - deployed in portable healthcare monitors and wearable UIs.

For engineers reviewing the MCIMX7U3DVK07SC datasheet, MCIMX7U3DVK07SC pinout, MCIMX7U3DVK07SC application, or MCIMX7U3DVK07SC equivalent, key selection criteria include its consumer-grade VFBGA361 footprint, absence of integrated 3D/2D GPU (GC7000/GC320), USB 2.0 OTG+PHY and Host+HSIC connectivity, eight UARTs, and FD-SOI-based dynamic power gating for battery-constrained edge devices.

Technical Context

The MCIMX7U3DVK07SC implements a domain-isolated heterogeneous architecture: the Cortex-A7 cluster handles Linux/Android application workloads while the Cortex-M4 executes deterministic real-time tasks without OS interference. Its 28nm FD-SOI process enables body biasing for adaptive voltage scaling and sub-100 µA deep-sleep current.

Unlike GPU-equipped variants (e.g., MCIMX7U5DVK07SC), this part omits GC7000 nanoULTRA and GC320 engines, reducing silicon area and static power - confirmed by NXP's official family table where "2D & 3D GPU" column shows "-" for MCIMX7U3DVK07SC. Memory subsystem supports LPDDR2/3 at 380 MHz and QSPI with on-the-fly decryption.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

VFBGA361 (10 mm × 10 mm, 0.5 mm pitch) package with 361 I/O balls arranged in 19×19 array, optimized for compact portable PCB layouts and thermal performance in fanless handheld devices.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar ultra-low-power heterogeneous processor applications.

Compared with MCIMX7U5DVK07SC, MCIMX7U3DVK07SC saves ~8 mW active power and reduces bill-of-materials cost by eliminating GPU-related analog blocks; versus i.MX RT1052CVL5B, it provides Linux-capable application processing but with higher static power and larger footprint.

Availability

MCIMX7U3DVK07SC is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for portable healthcare monitors, wearable fitness trackers, and smart home remotes requiring stable component supply across multi-year production cycles.

Supply support for MCIMX7U3DVK07SC 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 and operations across 30+ countries.

The i.MX 7ULP family - including MCIMX7U3DVK07SC - was designed specifically for battery-constrained edge devices needing both application-level OS capability and deterministic real-time control within strict thermal and power envelopes.

FAQ

Does MCIMX7U3DVK07SC support Linux or Android operating systems?

Yes, MCIMX7U3DVK07SC supports Linux and Android via its Cortex-A7 core running at 720 MHz, with NXP-provided Board Support Packages (BSPs) validated for both OSes. The Cortex-M4 operates independently, enabling concurrent real-time tasks without OS interference. MCIMX7U3DVK07SC lacks GPU acceleration, so UI rendering relies on CPU-based composition - suitable for text- and icon-driven interfaces.

What is the maximum LPDDR3 speed supported by MCIMX7U3DVK07SC?

MCIMX7U3DVK07SC supports LPDDR2/3 memory at up to 380 MHz data rate (760 MT/s), as specified in NXP's i.MX 7ULP reference manual. This bandwidth sustains concurrent A7 application execution, M4 real-time buffering, and display refresh for 480×800 resolution panels. The memory controller is integrated into the SOC and requires matched trace length routing per JEDEC specifications.

Is MCIMX7U3DVK07SC pin-compatible with MCIMX7U5DVK07SC?

No, MCIMX7U3DVK07SC is not pin-compatible with MCIMX7U5DVK07SC. Both use VFBGA361 packages, but NXP's official documentation confirms differing ball maps due to GPU signal routing exclusions in MCIMX7U3DVK07SC. PCB redesign is required for substitution - the two share identical power, reset, and core interface pinouts but differ in display and GPU-related ball assignments.

What security features are implemented in MCIMX7U3DVK07SC?

MCIMX7U3DVK07SC includes High Assurance Boot (HAB), AES-128/256 and SHA-1/224/256 crypto acceleration, hardware RNG, and tamper detection circuitry. These features enable secure firmware authentication, encrypted storage via QSPI on-the-fly decryption, and runtime integrity monitoring. All security blocks are accessible to both Cortex-A7 and Cortex-M4 domains under Resource Domain Controller arbitration.

Can MCIMX7U3DVK07SC operate in industrial temperature range?

No, MCIMX7U3DVK07SC is qualified only for consumer temperature range (0°C to +95°C junction). For industrial applications requiring −40°C to +105°C operation, NXP offers MCIMX7U3CVP06SC (MAPBGA393, Cortex-A7 @ 650 MHz). The "SC" suffix in MCIMX7U3DVK07SC explicitly denotes consumer qualification, and derating for extended temperature is not supported.