NXP Semiconductors MVF50NS152CMK40

Overview

MVF50NS152CMK40 from NXP Semiconductors is a dual-core heterogeneous application processor integrating an ARM Cortex-A5 core (500 MHz) and an ARM Cortex-M4 core (167 MHz), with 1.5 MB on-chip memory (512 KB SRAM + 1 MB graphics SRAM), security-enabling CAAM cryptographic module, and dual 10/100 Ethernet with IEEE 1588 support - deployed in industrial HMI, secure gateway, and edge node control systems.

For engineers reviewing the MVF50NS152CMK40 datasheet, MVF50NS152CMK40 pinout, MVF50NS152CMK40 application, or MVF50NS152CMK40 equivalent, key selection considerations include A5/M4 core coordination, 364-pin MAP BGA package thermal profile, 500 MHz A5 clocking with L2 cache absence, security-enabled boot via HAB, and dual FlexCAN3 interface compatibility.

Technical Context

The MVF50NS152CMK40 implements a tightly coupled dual-core architecture where the Cortex-A5 handles Linux-capable application processing and the Cortex-M4 executes real-time deterministic tasks - coordinated via shared memory and hardware semaphores. It integrates TrustZone-assisted memory isolation, CAAM-accelerated AES/SHA/RSA, and SNVS-secured RTC and non-volatile storage.

Clock subsystem includes independent PLLs for system (528 MHz), USB (480 MHz), Ethernet (200 MHz), audio (variable), and video (variable) domains, all fed from 24 MHz and 32 kHz crystals. Power management supports multiple stop/wait/run modes with per-peripheral clock gating and low-voltage detection at 1.13 V (HPREG) and 1.105 V (ULPREG).

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

364-pin Molded Array Package (MAP) BGA, 17 mm × 17 mm body, 0.8 mm ball pitch, 1.5 mm height, RoHS-compliant, moisture sensitivity level 3 (MSL3).

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with i.MX 6SoloX, MVF50NS152CMK40 offers superior time-sensitive networking capability and integrated security features at lower thermal envelope; versus i.MX 8M Mini, it provides proven industrial qualification and smaller footprint for space-constrained gateways where AI compute is unnecessary.

Availability

MVF50NS152CMK40 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial HMI, secure edge gateways, railway signaling interfaces, and medical diagnostic subsystems requiring stable component supply across extended product lifecycles.

Supply support for MVF50NS152CMK40 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 Vybrid family, including MVF50NS152CMK40, was designed to bridge the gap between microcontrollers and application processors - delivering real-time determinism, security, and rich peripheral integration for resource-constrained industrial edge devices.

FAQ

What is the maximum operating junction temperature for MVF50NS152CMK40?

The MVF50NS152CMK40 has a maximum junction temperature (T_J) of 105 °C under continuous operation, as specified in its thermal operating requirements. This limit applies across the full ambient range of –40 °C to +85 °C and must be maintained via appropriate PCB thermal design - including ≥12 thermal vias under the package center and 2 oz copper planes - to avoid derating or thermal shutdown.

Does MVF50NS152CMK40 include L2 cache, and how does that affect performance?

No, MVF50NS152CMK40 does not include L2 cache. Its part number encoding ('50' = A5-500 MHz, 'N' = no L2 cache) confirms this configuration. Performance relies on 32 KB/32 KB I/D L1 cache and 512 KB on-chip SRAM with ECC. For workloads requiring large working sets, developers must optimize data placement in SRAM or use DDR3/LPDDR2 with careful prefetch tuning - unlike L2-equipped variants such as MVF51NS152CMK50.

How is security implemented in MVF50NS152CMK40, and what standards does it support?

MVF50NS152CMK40 implements security through ARM TrustZone, CAAM cryptographic accelerator (AES-256, SHA-256, RSA-4096), Secure Non-Volatile Storage (SNVS), Real-Time Integrity Checker (RTIC), and High Assurance Boot (HAB v4). It supports FIPS 140-2 Level 1 cryptographic operations and meets IEC 62443-3-3 SL2 requirements for secure boot and runtime attestation when configured per NXP's AN5403 guidelines.

Can MVF50NS152CMK40 boot directly from QuadSPI flash, and what are the constraints?

Yes, MVF50NS152CMK40 supports Execute-In-Place (XIP) from dual QuadSPI interfaces, enabling direct code execution from flash without loading into RAM. Constraints include: boot ROM only supports single/dual mode (not quad) initialization; XIP requires flash device with 133 MHz read frequency support; and secure boot via HAB mandates signed images stored in first 16 MB of flash with proper IVT and DCD headers.

What are the supported Ethernet PHY interfaces for MVF50NS152CMK40's dual MACs?

MVF50NS152CMK40's dual Ethernet MACs support MII, RMII, and RGMII PHY interfaces - with hardware timestamping and IEEE 1588 PTP event message handling native to both MACs. RGMII requires 1.8 V I/O voltage (VDDIO_1P8), while MII/RMII operate at 3.3 V (VDDIO_3P3). External PHY selection must match chosen interface mode and support IEEE 1588 Annex D for transparent clock functionality.