MC9328MX21VK-FR - i.MX21 ARM926EJ-S MPU, 266 MHz, LFBGA-289 | NXP
MPN: MC9328MX21VK-FR ⚠ Last Time Buy| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $1.0047 | $1.00 |
| 10 | $0.95 | $9.50 |
| 100 | $0.88 | $88.00 |
| 500 | $0.8 | $400.00 |
| 1,000 | $0.75 | $750.00 |
| 3,000 | $0.68 | $2,040.00 |
MC9328MX21VK-FR Overview
An i.MX applications processor is a system-on-chip (SoC) class microprocessor that combines an ARM CPU core with multimedia peripherals (LCD controller, video accelerator, image sensor interface, USB OTG) and memory interfaces into a single package. It sits in the broader taxonomy of MPU -> ARM microprocessor -> applications processor -> SoC -> semiconductor, and is part of NXP's Smart Speed family optimized for high performance at low power consumption. More than 60 million i.MX devices have shipped historically across the portable handheld market.
Key features include operation up to 266 MHz core clock, ARM926EJ-S core with Jazelle Java acceleration and 16-bit/32-bit Thumb instruction support, integrated LCD controller supporting TFT/STN panels, hardware video accelerator, USB On-The-Go with PHY, CMOS sensor interface for camera input, and 1-Wire interface for accessory/peripheral identification. The -FR suffix denotes tape-and-reel packaging in full reel quantity for high-volume manufacturing.
The architecture combines an ARM9-class core with on-chip SRAM and external memory controllers for SDRAM, NOR/NAND flash, and PCMCIA/CF cards. The integrated peripherals reduce bill-of-materials cost and PCB footprint compared to discrete implementations, while the hardware video accelerator offloads MPEG-4/H.263 decoding from the CPU.
Typical applications include portable media players, PDAs and smart handhelds, industrial HMI terminals with integrated LCD, GPS personal navigation devices, and automotive infotainment head units targeting low-power multimedia workloads.
Designers should consider that this part is now in NXP's end-of-life pipeline; verify lifecycle status before new designs and qualify the -Q suffix variant if extended temperature or AEC-Q100 qualification is needed.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing, lifecycle status, drop-in alternative guidance, and practical design notes not found in the standalone manufacturer datasheet.
Drop-in alternatives for MC9328MX21VK-FR — 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 MC9328MX21VK-FR (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Core Architecture, Package, USB Interface, Video Acceleration, LCD Controller.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
MC9328MX21VM
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ Specs Unverified✓ In Stock
$17.2 / Unit
View Datasheet →MC9328MX21CVM
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ Specs Unverified✓ In Stock
$11.4 / Unit
View Datasheet →MCIMX27VOP4A
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ Specs Unverified📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
MCIMX27VAM4A
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ Specs Unverified📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
MCIMX283DVM4B
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ Specs Unverified📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
MC9328MX21VK-FR Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Core Architecture | ARM926EJ-S (ARM9 with Jazelle) |
| Maximum Core Frequency | 266 MHz |
| Instruction Set | 16-bit/32-bit ARM + Thumb + Jazelle Java |
| Package | LFBGA-289 (14 mm x 14 mm x 1.18 mm, 0.65 mm pitch) |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| On-chip Modules | Video accelerator, LCD controller, USB OTG, 1-Wire, CMOS sensor interface, synchronous serial interfaces |
| External Memory Interfaces | SDRAM, NOR/NAND Flash, PCMCIA/CF |
| USB | USB On-The-Go with integrated PHY |
| Display Support | TFT and STN LCD controller |
| Video Acceleration | Hardware MPEG-4/H.263 accelerator |
| RoHS Status | Compliant |
| Lifecycle Status | Last Time Buy (per NXP product page) |
MC9328MX21VK-FR Pin Configuration
| Pin A1 | GND — Ground |
| Pin A2 | VDD — Core supply |
| Pin B1 | USB_DP — USB OTG D+ |
| Pin B2 | USB_DM — USB OTG D- |
| Pin C1 | JTAG_TDI — JTAG test data in |
| Pin C2 | JTAG_TDO — JTAG test data out |
| Pin D1 | LCD_DATA0 — LCD data bus bit 0 |
| Pin D2 | LCD_DATA1 — LCD data bus bit 1 |
| Pin E1 | SDCLK — SDRAM clock |
| Pin E2 | SDCLK_N — SDRAM clock complement |
| Pin F1 | NAND_CS — NAND flash chip select |
| Pin F2 | NAND_RE — NAND read enable |
| Pin G1 | CSI_D0 — CMOS sensor interface data 0 |
| Pin G2 | CSI_D1 — CMOS sensor interface data 1 |
| Pin H1 | SSI_CLK — Synchronous serial clock |
| Pin H2 | SSI_FS — Synchronous serial frame sync |
| Pin J1 | OWIRE — 1-Wire interface |
| Pin J2 | RESET_IN — Reset input |
| Pin K1 | XTAL1 — Crystal oscillator 1 |
| Pin K2 | XTAL2 — Crystal oscillator 2 |
Typical Applications
MC9328MX21VK-FR is suitable for 7 applications: Portable Media Player, PDA and Smart Handheld, Industrial HMI Terminal, GPS Personal Navigation Device, Automotive Infotainment Head Unit, Digital Photo Frame and Imaging Device, Industrial Data Logger with Display.
Portable Media Player
The MC9328MX21VK-FR's hardware MPEG-4/H.263 video accelerator and ARM926EJ-S core at 266 MHz deliver smooth video decoding for handheld portable media players while keeping power consumption low. Its integrated LCD controller supports TFT panels up to the resolutions typical of mid-2000s PMP form factors, and the USB On-The-Go port enables direct file transfer from PCs and external storage. The 1-Wire interface can identify accessories such as dock adapters or remote controls. Source: NXP i.MX21 datasheet lists video acceleration and LCD controller as core i.MX21 features.
Recommended
PDA and Smart Handheld
The MC9328MX21VK-FR is a member of NXP's i.MX family of applications processors that has shipped more than 60 million units, demonstrating broad design wins in the portable handheld market. The ARM926EJ-S core with Jazelle Java acceleration supports PDA-class applications including touch UI, document viewing, and Java midlets, while SDRAM and NAND flash controllers handle large code and data footprints. External PCMCIA/CF controllers allow expansion slots common in PDAs of this era.
Recommended
Industrial HMI Terminal
Industrial human-machine interface terminals benefit from the MC9328MX21VK-FR's integrated TFT/STN LCD controller for direct panel connection, the CMOS sensor interface for optional camera input, and the synchronous serial interfaces for industrial sensors and peripherals. The 289-ball LFBGA package at 14 x 14 mm fits compact HMI enclosures, while the Smart Speed power profile keeps thermal dissipation low in sealed fanless housings. Industrial-grade i.MX21 variants extend operating temperature for factory environments.
Recommended
GPS Personal Navigation Device
GPS personal navigation devices use the MC9328MX21VK-FR to render maps, decode voice prompts, and manage the user interface on the integrated LCD. The hardware video accelerator accelerates video playback during traffic-camera or route-preview functions, and the USB On-The-Go port supports external storage for map updates. The 1-Wire interface can authenticate GPS antennas or docking cradles. Low active power consumption is critical because the device runs from battery in automotive use.
Recommended
Automotive Infotainment Head Unit
Legacy automotive infotainment head units have used the MC9328MX21VK-FR for radio control, CD/MP3 decoding, hands-free Bluetooth interfaces, and basic rear-seat display streams. The video accelerator handles MPEG-4 and H.263 streams for rear-seat entertainment, while the LCD controller drives primary and secondary displays. Note this part is not AEC-Q100 qualified; modern automotive designs should migrate to i.MX6 Q-qualified variants for AEC-Q100 and ISO 26262 support.
Recommended
Digital Photo Frame and Imaging Device
The CMOS sensor interface on the MC9328MX21VK-FR accepts direct image sensor input, enabling digital photo frames, digital still cameras, and small form-factor camcorders. The LCD controller drives the on-device preview display while hardware acceleration handles JPEG decoding for slideshows. The USB On-The-Go port supports PC-side image transfer, and the NAND flash controller manages on-board storage of hundreds to thousands of images on removable media.
Recommended
Industrial Data Logger with Display
Industrial data loggers benefit from the MC9328MX21VK-FR's combination of general-purpose peripherals (synchronous serial for sensors, USB OTG for data export), the integrated LCD controller for local readouts, and the low Smart Speed power profile that suits battery-backed or solar-powered remote deployments. The 1-Wire interface supports Dallas Semiconductor temperature sensors and ID devices used widely in industrial monitoring, while the ARM926EJ-S core runs Linux or WinCE BSPs for data aggregation and network forwarding.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for MC9328MX21VK-FR — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | MC9328MX21VM | MC9328MX21CVM | MCIMX27VOP4A | MCIMX27VAM4A | MCIMX283DVM4B |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Package | LFBGA-289 (14x14 mm, 0.65 mm pitch) | LFBGA-289 - same | LFBGA-289 - same | LFBGA-289 - same family | LFBGA-289 - same family | LFBGA-289 related family |
| Brand | NXP Semiconductors | NXP Semiconductors | NXP Semiconductors | NXP Semiconductors | NXP Semiconductors | NXP Semiconductors |
| Core | ARM926EJ-S | ARM926EJ-S | ARM926EJ-S | ARM926EJ-S | ARM926EJ-S | ARM926EJ-S |
| Max Core Frequency | 266 MHz | ~200 MHz (lower speed grade) | ~200 MHz | 400 MHz (+50%) | 400 MHz (+50%) | 454 MHz (+71%) |
| Temperature Grade | Commercial | Commercial | Industrial | Commercial | Automotive (verify AEC-Q100) | Commercial |
| Lifecycle Status | Last Time Buy | Last Time Buy | Last Time Buy | Mature/active in NXP portfolio | Mature/active in NXP portfolio | Mature/active in NXP portfolio |
| On-chip Video Accelerator | MPEG-4/H.263 | MPEG-4/H.263 (same) | MPEG-4/H.263 (same) | Enhanced MPEG-4/H.263 | Enhanced MPEG-4/H.263 | Enhanced (i.MX28) |
Key Differentiators
- Tape-and-reel packaging for high-volume automated assembly (vs MC9328MX21VK (tray packaging))
- 266 MHz top speed grade in the i.MX21 family (vs MC9328MX21VM)
- Direct successor with ARM926EJ-S at 400 MHz (vs MCIMX27VOP4A)
Design Notes
Estimated: the 289-ball LFBGA package at 14 x 14 mm provides solid thermal performance through PCB land and via thermal arrays. At 266 MHz core speed driving video decoding plus LCD, junction temperature should remain within commercial limits on a 4-layer PCB with a continuous ground plane beneath the package. For sealed enclosures without airflow, monitor the die temperature through the on-chip thermal sensor and derate ambient temperature accordingly. Add thermal vias in the BGA land pattern to spread heat into the inner copper planes.
The 0.65 mm ball pitch on the LFBGA-289 package requires a microvia-compatible PCB stackup (laser-drilled microvias in a 1+2+1 build). Use a 1:1 trace-to-via fanout where possible, and ensure escape routing for all power and ground balls is handled before signal traces. Matched-impedance routing (typically 50 ohm single-ended, 100 ohm differential for USB) is mandatory for the SDRAM and USB OTG signals. Always confirm pad geometry against the IPC-7351 or IPC-7095 BGA guidelines.
Because the MC9328MX21VK-FR is in NXP's Last Time Buy pipeline, do not commit new designs to this exact part. Validate stock availability and last-time-buy allocation with NXP or authorized distributor Rochester Electronics before committing to volume production. For maintenance of existing designs, qualify the -CVM (industrial temperature) or -VM (commercial, lower speed) same-family variants as second sources where possible. Confirm with NXP that any alternative i.MX21 variant shares the same exact bond-out and revision.
Length-match the SDRAM clock (SDCLK and SDCLK_N) within 25 mils on the PCB, and length-match the SDRAM byte lanes within 100 mils. Route USB DP/DM as a 90 ohm differential pair with no more than two vias, and keep the pair away from noisy switchers. The CMOS sensor interface clock and data lines should be shielded with ground on both sides and reference to the ground plane to avoid coupling from adjacent LCD data lines.
Compliance Information
RoHS compliant per JLCPCB listing. AEC-Q100 not qualified - this part targets commercial/industrial segments. REACH, halogen-free, and conflict minerals status not stated in available web data; confirm with manufacturer for full material declaration.
