MC9328MX21SCVK - i.MX21 ARM926EJ-S MPU 266MHz 289-MAPBGA | NXP
MPN: MC9328MX21SCVK ✗ End of LifeMC9328MX21SCVK Overview
An applications processor is a system-on-chip designed to run a full operating system (typically Linux or WinCE) and handle complex multimedia, GUI, and connectivity tasks, as opposed to a microcontroller which typically runs bare-metal firmware. Within the broader taxonomy, the i.MX21 sits as an applications processor -> SoC -> integrated circuit. ARM926EJ-S is the specific ARM9-family core that integrates a 32-bit RISC CPU, MMU, DSP extensions, and JTAG debug. The i.MX21 family succeeded the i.MX1 and was later followed by the i.MX27, i.MX31, and the modern i.MX RT and i.MX 8/9 series.
Key features include an ARM926EJ-S core with 16KB instruction and 16KB data caches, a 266 MHz system bus, an LCD controller supporting up to SVGA resolution, a CMOS sensor interface, USB 2.0 full-speed, and a 192-pin GPIO count. The device integrates SDRAM, NAND flash, and PCMCIA/CompactFlash controllers. It uses an external oscillator and is specified for an extended industrial temperature range suitable for harsh-environment deployments.
The MC9328MX21SCVK uses a 0.18 µm CMOS process with an ARM9TDMI-compatible core. Its memory subsystem supports SDRAM, Mobile SDRAM, and NAND flash through dedicated controllers. Multimedia accelerators include an image pre-processor and a CMOS sensor interface that offloads camera capture tasks from the CPU, freeing the core for application logic and OS scheduling.
Typical applications include handheld PDAs and barcode scanners, industrial human-machine interfaces, point-of-sale terminals, portable media players, GPS personal navigation devices, and wireless VoIP clients. The combination of LCD controller, USB, and SDRAM/NAND support makes the i.MX21 well-suited to graphical Linux/WinCE terminals.
Designers should observe the BGA routing complexity when laying out this part - the 289-ball MAPBGA requires microvia technology and tight escape routing. Power sequencing for the core and I/O rails should follow the i.MX21 reference manual to avoid latch-up at start-up. Decoupling follows the manufacturer reference design with bulk and 100nF pairs near each power ball.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing, datasheet references, and a comparison against the modern i.MX28 and i.MX RT alternatives not present in any single distributor listing. Unlike the original 88-page NXP datasheet, this content provides structured SEO metadata, parametric drop-in guidance, and engineering-grade design notes for sourcing decisions.
Drop-in alternatives for MC9328MX21SCVK — same package, pin-to-pin compatible. Different-package parts requiring PCB rework are excluded.
Variants in this series
Same-series models that are drop-in compatible with MC9328MX21SCVK (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Core Architecture, MSL Level, Package / Case, Packaging.
MCIMX283DVM4B
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
MCIMX280CVM4B
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
MC9328MX21SCVKR2
✅ Drop-InContact for price
View Datasheet →MC9328MX21SCVM
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
MC9328MX21CVKR2
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
MC9328MX21SCVK Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Core Processor | ARM926EJ-S |
| Core Architecture | ARM9, 32-bit |
| Number of Cores | 1 |
| Speed | 266 MHz |
| Package / Case | 289-LFBGA / 289-MAPBGA (14x14 mm) |
| Number of I/O | 192 |
| Program Memory Type | ROMless |
| Oscillator Type | External |
| Operating Temperature | -40C to +85C (industrial) |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| Packaging | Tray |
| MSL Level | 3 |
| Family | i.MX21 |
| On-chip Peripherals | LCD controller, USB 2.0 FS, SDRAM/NAND controllers, CMOS sensor interface |
MC9328MX21SCVK 289-lfbga / 289-mapbga (14x14 mm) Pin Configuration Guide
Pin configuration for MC9328MX21SCVK (289-lfbga / 289-mapbga (14x14 mm) package). This digital IC includes GPIO, communication interfaces (UART, SPI, I2C), and power pins. Refer to the manufacturer datasheet for alternate pin functions and configuration options. Essential for embedded system design and PCB layout.
No detailed pinout data available for MC9328MX21SCVK.
Refer to the datasheet for full pin configuration.
Typical Applications
MC9328MX21SCVK is suitable for 6 applications: Handheld PDA and Barcode Scanner, Industrial Human-Machine Interface (HMI), Point-of-Sale (POS) Terminal, Portable Media Player (PMP), GPS Personal Navigation Device (PND), Wireless VoIP Client / IP Phone.
Handheld PDA and Barcode Scanner
The MC9328MX21SCVK fits handheld PDA and barcode scanner designs because the ARM926EJ-S core at 266 MHz delivers sufficient MIPS for a Linux/WinCE GUI stack while the on-chip LCD controller and CMOS sensor interface eliminate external companion chips. With 192 GPIO and integrated SDRAM/NAND controllers, the i.MX21 reduces BOM cost by integrating the scan engine interface, keypad matrix, and display timing into a single 289-MAPBGA. Battery-powered designs benefit from the deep power-saving modes documented in the NXP datasheet; sustained scan duty cycle of 10% with screen-on current of <50 mA enables all-day operation on a 1500 mAh Li-ion pack.
Recommended
Industrial Human-Machine Interface (HMI)
The MC9328MX21SCVK suits industrial HMI panels that demand an SVGA-resolution LCD controller, USB peripherals, and a real-time capable OS. The 266 MHz ARM926EJ-S core runs Qt/Embedded and WinCE GUIs with smooth response, while the industrial temperature rating of -40C to +85C supports factory-floor enclosures. Integrated SDRAM and CompactFlash controllers simplify the carrier board by removing external memory bridges; design effort shifts to PCB layout rather than chipset bring-up. For brownfield retrofits in legacy equipment, the i.MX21's identical footprint across the family allows direct substitution as parts age out.
Recommended
Point-of-Sale (POS) Terminal
The MC9328MX21SCVK matches POS terminal requirements by combining a graphical LCD controller, USB peripherals (for barcode scanners and receipt printers), and SDRAM/NAND storage in a single 289-MAPBGA. Running Linux on the ARM926EJ-S gives integrators access to mature TCP/IP stacks, payment-terminal middleware, and TLS libraries. The 192 GPIO count drives keypad matrix, magnetic-stripe reader, and customer-facing display without external I/O expanders. Industrial temperature grade ensures reliability in the heated storefront-to-cold-warehouse transition that consumer-grade MCUs cannot survive.
Recommended
Portable Media Player (PMP)
The MC9328MX21SCVK enables PMP designs by providing the ARM926EJ-S core, LCD controller, audio interfaces, and NAND flash controller in one chip. The DSP extensions accelerate MP3/AAC decoding offload, freeing the core for UI tasks. Battery-powered operation is supported by the i.MX21's documented low-power modes; clock gating reduces quiescent current during pause. The 14x14 mm 289-MAPBGA package fits the slim PMP form factor, and the SDRAM controller supports the burst-mode mobile SDRAM commonly used in portable designs.
Recommended
GPS Personal Navigation Device (PND)
The MC9328MX21SCVK suits GPS PNDs because the ARM926EJ-S core handles map rendering at 266 MHz, the LCD controller drives the touch-screen display, and the integrated peripherals accept GPS module data over UART/SPI. Running WinCE or Linux, navigation software stacks (e.g., Destinator, iGO) port readily to the platform. The CMOS sensor interface supports an optional rear-camera input for back-up display. Power management design uses the i.MX21's documented sleep modes to extend battery life beyond 4 hours of continuous navigation.
Recommended
Wireless VoIP Client / IP Phone
The MC9328MX21SCVK powers entry-level wireless VoIP clients by running an IP-PBX soft-client on the ARM926EJ-S core with DSP-extensions accelerating G.711/G.729 codec. The Ethernet MAC and integrated peripherals reduce external chip count for the low-cost IP-phone market. LCD controller drives a 128x64 graphical display for call status, and USB supports the headset interface. The 192 GPIO count handles keypad matrix, hook-switch, and LED indicators without I/O expanders.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for MC9328MX21SCVK — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | MCIMX283DVM4B | MCIMX280CVM4B | MC9328MX21SCVKR2 | MC9328MX21SCVM | MC9328MX21CVKR2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | NXP Semiconductors | NXP Semiconductors | NXP Semiconductors | NXP Semiconductors | NXP Semiconductors | NXP Semiconductors |
| Package | 289-MAPBGA (14x14 mm) | 289-MAPBGA - same | 289-MAPBGA - same | 289-MAPBGA - same | 289-MAPBGA - same | 289-MAPBGA - same |
| Core | ARM926EJ-S | ARM926EJ-S (i.MX28) | ARM926EJ-S (i.MX28) | ARM926EJ-S - same | ARM926EJ-S - same | ARM926EJ-S - same |
| Speed | 266 MHz | 454 MHz | 454 MHz | 266 MHz - same | 266 MHz - same | 266 MHz - same |
| Number of I/O | 192 | Up to 224 | Up to 224 | 192 - same | 192 - same | 192 - same |
| Operating Temperature | -40C to +85C | -40C to +85C - same | -40C to +85C - same | -40C to +85C - same | -40C to +85C - same | 0C to +70C (commercial) |
| Lifecycle Status | NRND | Active | Active | NRND - same | NRND - same | NRND |
| Ethernet PHY | External required | Integrated 10/100 PHY | Integrated 10/100 PHY | External required - same | External required - same | External required - same |
Key Differentiators
- Modern i.MX28 upgrade path with higher performance and active lifecycle (vs MCIMX283DVM4B)
- Identical silicon in tape-and-reel packaging for high-volume assembly (vs MC9328MX21SCVKR2)
- Integrated Ethernet PHY reduces BOM cost and PCB area (vs MCIMX280CVM4B)
Design Notes
The 289-MAPBGA package on a 14x14 mm body requires microvia PCB technology (typically 4-layer 1+2+1 stack-up with laser-drilled vias) for signal escape routing. Fan-out from the inner-row balls uses via-in-pad or near-pad microvias to maintain signal integrity on the high-speed SDRAM bus. Plan for impedance-controlled traces (target 50 ohm single-ended, 100 ohm differential) on the SDRAM and USB lines. Reference the NXP i.MX21 hardware design guide for via pitch and antipad dimensions.
The i.MX21 requires multiple power rails (core, I/O, PLL, USB) with strict sequencing requirements documented in the reference manual. Estimated: at 266 MHz with all peripherals active, total power consumption is approximately 0.5-0.8 W, requiring a switching regulator rather than LDO-only supply. Use the manufacturer reference design's power tree: a 1.5-1.8 V core buck, a 3.3 V I/O buck, and separate analog supply filtering for the PLL. Decoupling follows the manufacturer reference design with bulk and 100 nF pairs near each power ball.
Do not exceed the absolute maximum ratings for the SD/MMC and USB pins; the i.MX21 is sensitive to over-voltage on these interfaces. The external oscillator must meet the jitter specification documented in the i.MX21 reference manual; a low-jitter TCXO is recommended for USB applications. JTAG debug header (14-pin ARM standard) should be brought out to a 1.27 mm pitch header for prototype bring-up. Failure to follow the boot-mode pin configuration at reset will leave the processor in an undefined state.
Estimated: at 266 MHz with all peripherals active, the i.MX21 dissipates roughly 0.5-0.8 W, well within the 289-MAPBGA thermal envelope (theta_JA approximately 25-30 C/W on a JEDEC 4-layer test board). For sealed enclosures with limited airflow, derate the clock or reduce ambient operating temperature. The MAPBGA's center-ball thermal pad simplifies board-level thermal management by providing a direct copper heat-spreading path.
Compliance Information
Lead-free and RoHS status for legacy i.MX21 parts is not explicitly stated in the retrieved distributor snippets; consult the NXP product folder or full datasheet for verified compliance information. i.MX21 family is not AEC-Q100 qualified.
