NXP Semiconductors PVF61NN151CMK50

Overview

PVF61NN151CMK50 from NXP Semiconductors (formerly Freescale) is a dual-core heterogeneous application processor integrating an ARM Cortex-A5 core running at 500 MHz and an ARM Cortex-M4 core running at 167 MHz, with 512 KB on-chip SRAM (ECC), 1 MB graphics SRAM, 96 KB boot ROM, and integrated L2 cache (512 KB). It supports DDR3/LPDDR2, QuadSPI XIP, dual Ethernet with IEEE 1588, dual FlexCAN3, and security features including TrustZone and CAAM cryptographic acceleration - deployed in industrial HMI gateways requiring real-time control and rich UI rendering.

For engineers reviewing the PVF61NN151CMK50 datasheet, PVF61NN151CMK50 pinout, PVF61NN151CMK50 application, or PVF61NN151CMK50 equivalent, key selection considerations include verified dual-core asymmetric multiprocessing support, confirmed 364-pin MAPBGA package (17×17 mm, 0.8 mm pitch), validated -40°C to +85°C operating range, and documented L2 cache inclusion per part number decoding.

Technical Context

The PVF61NN151CMK50 implements asymmetric multiprocessing (AMP) with hardware-isolated memory domains: the Cortex-A5 runs Linux-based application stacks while the Cortex-M4 handles deterministic real-time tasks such as motor control via FTM timers and CAN messaging. Its memory subsystem includes a 8/16-bit DRAM controller supporting DDR3 up to 400 MHz (ECC enabled for 8-bit only) and dual QuadSPI interfaces with execute-in-place capability.

Security is enforced through ARM TrustZone, a Cryptographic Acceleration and Assurance Module (CAAM) with 16 KB secure RAM, Secure Non-Volatile Storage (SNVS), and High Assurance Boot (HAB) supporting encrypted boot. Clocking uses multiple PLLs - System PLL (528 MHz), USB PLL (480 MHz), Ethernet PLL, Audio PLL, and Video PLL - each with low-jitter digital synthesis and independent enable/disable control via peripheral clock registers.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

Package: 364-pin MAPBGA (17 mm × 17 mm, 0.8 mm pitch), RoHS-compliant, moisture sensitivity level (MSL) 3 per J-STD-020.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with MVF60NN151CMK50, PVF61NN151CMK50 delivers measurable L2 cache benefits for GUI and networking stacks; compared with MVF61NS151CMK50, it omits security fuses and CAAM key provisioning - enabling faster development iteration but excluding certified secure deployments.

Availability

PVF61NN151CMK50 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial HMI gateways, secure edge controllers, automotive diagnostic tools, and medical imaging front-ends requiring stable component supply across multi-year production cycles.

Supply support for PVF61NN151CMK50 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 specializing in secure connectivity solutions for automotive, industrial, and IoT markets, with roots in Freescale's embedded processor heritage.

The Vybrid VF6xx series - including PVF61NN151CMK50 - was designed to bridge the gap between microcontrollers and application processors, delivering real-time determinism and rich OS support in a single die for resource-constrained edge systems.

FAQ

What is the maximum DDR3 speed supported by the PVF61NN151CMK50?

The PVF61NN151CMK50 supports DDR3 operation up to 400 MHz (200 MHz clock with double-data-rate), with ECC protection enabled for 8-bit configurations only. The DRAM controller includes programmable timing parameters and on-die termination calibration to maintain signal integrity across temperature and voltage variations. This speed enables sustained memory bandwidth >1.2 GB/s for graphics and network buffering in the PVF61NN151CMK50.

Does the PVF61NN151CMK50 include hardware cryptographic acceleration?

Yes, the PVF61NN151CMK50 includes the Cryptographic Acceleration and Assurance Module (CAAM) with dedicated AES-256, SHA-256, and RSA-2048 engines, plus 16 KB of secure RAM. However, CAAM functionality requires security fuses to be blown and HAB keys provisioned - which is not enabled in the 'N' (No Security) variant. For full CAAM use, MVF61NS151CMK50 must be selected instead of PVF61NN151CMK50.

What is the function of the '1' digit in the PVF61NN151CMK50 part number?

The '1' in the fourth position of PVF61NN151CMK50 (after 'F6') indicates the Option field per Freescale's part numbering scheme: '1N' denotes L2 cache inclusion. This distinguishes PVF61NN151CMK50 from base VF60 variants (e.g., MVF60NN151CMK50) and confirms the presence of 512 KB of shared L2 cache - a verified feature critical for A5 core performance in GUI and protocol stack workloads.

Can the PVF61NN151CMK50 operate without external NPN ballast transistors?

No - the PVF61NN151CMK50 requires an external NPN ballast transistor connected to the BCTRL pin to regulate the 1.2 V digital core supply (VDD_ARM/VDD_M4). The internal HPREG controller drives the BCTRL pin with ≤20 mA and ≤2.5 V, necessitating a discrete NPN (e.g., MMBT5401) with Hfe ≥42.5 and power dissipation ≥2.04 W at 85 °C. This requirement is documented in AN4807 and applies identically to PVF61NN151CMK50.

How many CAN interfaces does the PVF61NN151CMK50 support, and what protocols are implemented?

The PVF61NN151CMK50 integrates two FlexCAN3 modules, each supporting ISO 11898-1 compliant CAN 2.0B and CAN FD protocols up to 5 Mbps. Both controllers include hardware message filtering, 64-message object buffers, and loopback self-test mode. These interfaces are fully functional in the PVF61NN151CMK50 and do not require external transceivers beyond standard CAN bus physical layer components.