MCIMX255AVM4 - i.MX25 ARM926 400MHz Auto SoC | NXP Semiconductors
MPN: MCIMX255AVM4 ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $28.5 | $28.50 |
| 10 | $26.1 | $261.00 |
| 100 | $22.75 | $2,275.00 |
| 500 | $19.8 | $9,900.00 |
| 1,000 | $17.4 | $17,400.00 |
MCIMX255AVM4 Overview
An applications processor (AP) is a system-on-chip (SoC) that combines a CPU core with memory interfaces, peripheral controllers, and graphics or media engines on a single die. The i.MX25 family targets industrial HMI, telematics, body electronics, and automotive infotainment head units where deterministic real-time response, automotive temperature range, and long-term supply continuity matter more than peak application-processor performance. Within the broader taxonomy, MCIMX255AVM4 is part of the i.MX25 family, which sits under i.MX applications processors, then ARM-based SoCs, then microprocessors/MPUs.
Key features of the MCIMX255AVM4 include the ARM926EJ-S core with Jazelle Java acceleration and a vector floating-point (VFP) coprocessor option, integrated 128 Kbytes SRAM, dual 10/100 Ethernet MACs with hardware acceleration, USB 2.0 high-speed OTG and host, CAN and FlexRay controllers, an LCD controller, CMOS sensor interface, and an advanced power management block with multiple voltage domains. The device supports DDR and DDR2 memory up to 200 MHz and includes a NAND flash controller with 4-bit ECC for reliable automotive boot. Security features include secure boot, hardware cryptographic accelerators (AES, SHA, RSA), and a true random number generator.
The MCIMX255AVM4 uses a 90 nm CMOS process and targets the automotive AEC-Q100 qualification envelope, supporting an extended -40C to +85C operating temperature range. Multiple low-power modes (Run, Wait, Stop, Doze, and Deep Sleep) are coordinated with an on-chip smart-power controller, enabling sub-1 mA standby current for always-on automotive ECUs. The 400-LFBGA package offers sufficient pin density for the parallel LCD data bus and multiple serial interfaces while maintaining PCB manufacturability with 1.0 mm ball pitch.
Typical applications include automotive instrument clusters, telematics and fleet management units, body controllers and gateway modules, industrial HMI panels, and point-of-sale terminals. The integrated Ethernet and CAN/FlexRay block makes it especially attractive as a vehicle network gateway between in-vehicle subnets and external diagnostic or telematics links.
When designing with the MCIMX255AVM4, ensure the boot configuration fuses and SDRAM timing parameters are loaded correctly before first boot, and respect the decoupling network recommended in the reference manual - at least 20 low-ESR 100 nF capacitors distributed under the BGA plus bulk 10 uF/22 uF tantalum or ceramic capacitors near each power rail. Plan PCB stack-up for the 1.0 mm BGA escape with at least 6 layers, microvia-in-pad if possible, and controlled-impedance routing on the DDR2 data group.
This page consolidates distributor pricing, automotive-grade comparison, and practical design notes that go beyond the manufacturer datasheet to help hardware and embedded engineers plan a robust automotive-grade i.MX25 design.
Drop-in alternatives for MCIMX255AVM4 — 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 MCIMX255AVM4 (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Package, Core Architecture, Mounting Type, Data Bus Width, Ethernet.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
MCIMX257CVM4
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$19.4 / Unit
View Datasheet →MCIMX258CJM4A
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
MCIMX255DJM4
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
MCIMX253CVM4
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$17.95 / Unit
View Datasheet →MCIMX251CVM4
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
MCIMX27LMOP4A
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
MCIMX255AVM4 Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Product Type | Applications Processor / SoC |
| Core Architecture | ARM926EJ-S |
| Core Count | 1 |
| Data Bus Width | 32-bit |
| Maximum Core Frequency | 400 MHz |
| Integrated SRAM | 128 Kbytes |
| External Memory Support | DDR/DDR2, NAND, NOR |
| Program Memory Type | External |
| Number of I/O | 128 |
| Package | 400-LFBGA (17x17 mm, 1.0 mm pitch) |
| Oscillator Type | External |
| Operating Temperature Range | -40C to +85C (automotive AEC-Q100) |
| Operating Voltage (Core) | 1.2 V |
| Operating Voltage (I/O) | 1.8 V / 3.3 V |
| Packaging | Tray |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| AEC-Q100 | Qualified (automotive) |
MCIMX255AVM4 400-lfbga (17x17 mm, 1.0 mm pitch) Pin Configuration Guide
Pin configuration for MCIMX255AVM4 (400-lfbga (17x17 mm, 1.0 mm pitch) 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 MCIMX255AVM4.
Refer to the datasheet for full pin configuration.
Typical Applications
MCIMX255AVM4 is suitable for 6 applications: Automotive Instrument Cluster, Telematics and Fleet Management Unit, Automotive Gateway / Body Controller, Industrial HMI Touch Panel, Point-of-Sale (POS) Terminal, Vehicle Network Diagnostics Tool.
Automotive Instrument Cluster
The MCIMX255AVM4's ARM926EJ-S core at 400 MHz, integrated LCD controller (up to WVGA), and 128 Kbytes SRAM are well matched to mid-resolution automotive cluster graphics where the 400-LFBGA thermal envelope and AEC-Q100 grade matter. Driving stepper-motor gauge pointers and TFT pixel data from the same SoC eliminates an external graphics MCU. The wide temperature range and deterministic interrupt latency suit real-time CAN-bus cluster refreshes, and the cryptographic accelerators support secure odometer storage required for legal compliance.
Recommended
Telematics and Fleet Management Unit
The MCIMX255AVM4's dual 10/100 Ethernet MACs, USB 2.0 high-speed OTG, and CAN/FlexRay controllers make it a strong fit for telematics control units that aggregate in-vehicle network data and forward it over cellular or Wi-Fi. The 400 MHz ARM926 core runs Linux/QNX telematics stacks comfortably at 200-300 MHz headroom, while sub-1 mA deep-sleep current preserves battery life in always-on fleet trackers. Hardware AES/SHA engines encrypt vehicle data at the edge before WAN transmission.
Recommended
Automotive Gateway / Body Controller
Central gateway ECUs route CAN, LIN, and FlexRay traffic between automotive subnets and require deterministic real-time behavior rather than raw application-processor throughput - exactly the MCIMX255AVM4 design target. With two CAN-FD capable controllers, one FlexRay channel, multiple LIN/UARTs, and dual Ethernet MACs, the part consolidates the role of three legacy MCUs. Its secure-boot ROM and hardware crypto accelerators protect OTA firmware updates, and the AEC-Q100 qualification supports deployment in body control modules behind the dashboard.
Recommended
Industrial HMI Touch Panel
For industrial touch panels up to WVGA, the MCIMX255AVM4's integrated LCD controller, CMOS sensor interface (for camera-based gesture or machine-vision input), and Linux BSP support deliver a low-BOM HMI SoC at automotive-grade longevity (15 years). The 400 MHz ARM926EJ-S core is sufficient for Qt or LVGL rendering at 60 fps on 800x480 panels without external graphics hardware. The wide operating temperature range allows deployment in factory-floor cabinets, food-processing lines, and outdoor kiosks.
Recommended
Point-of-Sale (POS) Terminal
POS terminals benefit from the MCIMX255AVM4's USB 2.0 high-speed host (for barcode scanners and printers), dual Ethernet (for LAN and cash-register uplink), and secure-boot crypto engines that protect payment-card data. The 128 Kbytes internal SRAM accelerates transaction processing, while the LCD controller drives the merchant-facing display. AEC-Q100 temperature grading is overkill for indoor retail but is a free bonus for outdoor or kiosk deployments in transit stations.
Recommended
Vehicle Network Diagnostics Tool
Service-bay diagnostic tools benefit from the MCIMX255AVM4's FlexRay and CAN controllers, dual Ethernet ports for DoIP (Diagnostics over IP), and high-speed USB for tethered PCs. The 400 MHz ARM926EJ-S core handles UDS (Unified Diagnostic Services) stack parsing in real time while streaming data over USB or Ethernet. Automotive-grade qualification means the same hardware platform can be reused by OEM plant-floor testers and aftermarket service technicians.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for MCIMX255AVM4 — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | MCIMX257CVM4 | MCIMX258CJM4A | MCIMX253CVM4 | MCIMX27LMOP4A |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Package | 400-LFBGA (17x17) | 400-LFBGA (17x17) | 400-LFBGA (17x17) | 400-LFBGA (17x17) | 400-LFBGA |
| Brand | NXP Semiconductors | NXP Semiconductors | NXP Semiconductors | NXP Semiconductors | NXP Semiconductors |
| Core Architecture | ARM926EJ-S | ARM926EJ-S | ARM926EJ-S | ARM926EJ-S | ARM926EJ-S |
| Maximum Core Frequency | 400 MHz | 400 MHz | 400 MHz | 400 MHz | 400 MHz |
| Integrated SRAM | 128 Kbytes | 128 Kbytes | 128 Kbytes | 128 Kbytes | 128 Kbytes |
| Dual Ethernet MAC | Yes | Yes | Yes | No (single) | Yes |
| FlexRay Controller | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Optional |
| AEC-Q100 Grade | Qualified | Qualified | Qualified | Qualified | Capable |
| Approx. Unit Price (qty 1000) | USD 17.40 | USD 19.20 | USD 18.50 | USD 15.80 | USD 22.00 |
Key Differentiators
- Mature automotive longevity and BSP ecosystem (vs ATSAMA5D31A-CUR)
- Cost-reduced variant within the same 400-LFBGA footprint (vs MCIMX257CVM4)
- Dual Ethernet MAC with hardware acceleration (vs MCIMX253CVM4)
Design Notes
The 400-LFBGA 17x17 mm package with 1.0 mm ball pitch requires a minimum 6-layer PCB stack-up with laser-drilled 0.1 mm microvias for inner-row escape. Use microvia-in-pad technology with filled and plated copper to keep BGA balls coplanar and avoid head-in-pillow defects during reflow. Match the DDR2 data group trace lengths to within 25 mil and route them on an inner layer with a solid reference plane on the adjacent layer to control impedance at 50 ohms single-ended.
Estimated: at 400 MHz core clock, 1.2 V core voltage, and full peripheral utilization, the MCIMX255AVM4 core power is approximately 0.4-0.6 W and the I/O plus analog blocks add another 0.2 W, totaling 0.6-0.8 W. Use a switching regulator with at least 1 A capability on each of the 1.2 V core and 1.8 V DDR rails, plus a low-noise LDO for the 3.3 V analog supply. Place at least 20 x 100 nF X7R 0402/0201 ceramic capacitors under the BGA footprint plus 4 x 10 uF bulk ceramics within 5 mm of the package.
Do not skip the boot-mode fuse programming - the MCIMX255AVM4 boot configuration (NAND vs NOR vs SD vs serial boot, bus width, and ECC mode) is latched on POR. Wrong fuse values result in a silent non-boot that looks like a hardware fault. Use NXP's manufacturing tool (MFGTool) via USB OTG for first-time programming, and always verify DDR2 timing parameters using the i.MX25 stress-test tool before final firmware deployment.
The MCIMX255AVM4's 400-LFBGA has a theta_JA in the 25-30 C/W range depending on PCB copper area. At 0.8 W worst-case dissipation, junction temperature rise is approximately 20-24 C above ambient, so even in sealed automotive enclosures the part stays well below its 125 C junction limit. For high-temperature under-hood deployments (>70 C ambient), however, increase top-side BGA copper pour and add thermal vias directly into the ball grid.
Compliance Information
AEC-Q100 qualified per NXP automotive grade 'V' suffix. RoHS and REACH compliant per NXP product declaration. 15-year longevity commitment for automotive supply continuity.
