NXP Semiconductors MIMXRT1021CAG4AR

Overview

MIMXRT1021CAG4AR from NXP Semiconductors is an Arm® Cortex®-M7-based crossover processor operating at 396 MHz, featuring 256 KB on-chip RAM (configurable as TCM or OCRAM), dual FlexCAN interfaces, 10/100 Ethernet with IEEE 1588 support, and 96 GPIOs in a 144-pin LQFP package. It targets industrial motor control, home appliance HMI, and IoT edge nodes requiring real-time responsiveness and integrated power management.

For engineers reviewing the MIMXRT1021CAG4AR datasheet, MIMXRT1021CAG4AR pinout, MIMXRT1021CAG4AR application, or MIMXRT1021CAG4AR equivalent, key selection criteria include its 144-pin LQFP package with full SEMC and dual uSDHC support, industrial temperature range (−40°C to +105°C), and hardware-accelerated security features including HAB, DCP, and BEE.

Technical Context

The MIMXRT1021CAG4AR implements a single Arm Cortex-M7 core with 16 KB I-cache, 16 KB D-cache, and VFPv5 FPU, enabling deterministic real-time execution at 396 MHz. Its memory subsystem integrates 96 KB boot ROM and 256 KB flexible on-chip RAM managed by FlexRAM for TCM/OCRAM allocation.

It delivers industrial connectivity via two FlexCAN 2.0B controllers, one 10/100 ENET MAC with IEEE 1588 timestamping, dual uSDHC supporting eMMC 4.5/SD 3.0, and three SAI modules for I2S/TDM audio. Power is managed internally through integrated DCDC and LDO regulators, eliminating external PMIC requirements.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

Package: 144-pin LQFP, 20 × 20 mm, 0.5 mm pitch, exposed pad (thermal pad not electrically connected).

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with MIMXRT1021CAF4A, the MIMXRT1021CAG4AR offers full SEMC and dual uSDHC for expandable storage and external memory-critical for firmware-over-the-air and data logging. Against MIMXRT1024CJL5A, it trades BGA density and CAAM for LQFP manufacturability and cost efficiency in mid-tier industrial designs.

Availability

MIMXRT1021CAG4AR is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial motor control, home appliance HMI, and IIoT edge gateway designs requiring stable component supply across extended temperature ranges and long production lifecycles.

Supply support for MIMXRT1021CAG4AR 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 deep expertise in Arm-based microcontrollers and crossover processors.

The i.MX RT102x product line was designed specifically for industrial real-time applications demanding MCU-like simplicity with MPU-level performance-bridging the gap between traditional MCUs and application processors in cost-sensitive, high-reliability environments.

FAQ

What is the maximum operating frequency of the MIMXRT1021CAG4AR?

The MIMXRT1021CAG4AR operates at a maximum frequency of 396 MHz on its Arm Cortex-M7 core. This frequency is guaranteed across the full industrial temperature range (−40°C to +105°C) and under specified voltage conditions (VDD_SOC = 1.0–1.3 V). The device does not support dynamic frequency scaling beyond this rated speed, and all timing-critical peripherals-including FlexPWM, SEMC, and uSDHC-are validated for reliable operation at this clock rate.

Does the MIMXRT1021CAG4AR support external SDRAM, and if so, what interface is used?

Yes, the MIMXRT1021CAG4AR supports external SDRAM via its Smart External Memory Controller (SEMC). The SEMC provides a dedicated 16-bit data bus, 22-bit address bus, and full control signal set (RAS/CAS/WE/CS) compatible with SDRAM-133 timing. It is available only on the 144-pin LQFP variant (MIMXRT1021CAG4AR), not on the 100-pin version, and supports burst lengths, auto-refresh, and power-down modes per JEDEC standards.

What security features are implemented in hardware on the MIMXRT1021CAG4AR?

The MIMXRT1021CAG4AR includes multiple hardware security blocks: High Assurance Boot (HAB) for cryptographic signature verification of boot images; Data Co-Processor (DCP) supporting AES-128 (ECB/CBC) and SHA-256; Bus Encryption Engine (BEE) for on-the-fly decryption of QSPI flash contents; True Random Number Generator (TRNG); and Secure Non-Volatile Storage (SNVS) with tamper-resistant RTC and zeroizable master keys-all accessible without software intervention or CPU cycles.

Can the MIMXRT1021CAG4AR operate without an external crystal, and what clock sources are internal?

The MIMXRT1021CAG4AR requires an external 24 MHz crystal for main system clock generation but includes an internal 32.768 kHz RTC oscillator circuit (RTC_XTALI/RTC_XTALO) that accepts a crystal for secure timekeeping. It has no internal RC oscillator capable of driving the main PLL; the 24 MHz crystal feeds the CCM PLL to derive core, bus, and peripheral clocks. The internal 32.768 kHz path is isolated in the SNVS domain and remains active during low-power states.

How many UART interfaces does the MIMXRT1021CAG4AR support, and what are their key capabilities?

The MIMXRT1021CAG4AR supports eight LPUART modules (LPUART1–LPUART8), each capable of baud rates up to 20 Mbps, programmable parity (even/odd/none), 7- or 8-bit word length, and 1–2 stop bits. All eight are available in the 144-pin LQFP package. They support automatic baud rate detection, infrared modulation, and low-power wake-up from stop modes-making them suitable for industrial serial communication and debug interfaces.