MCIMX257CVM4 - i.MX25 ARM926 MPU 400MHz 400-LFBGA | NXP
MPN: MCIMX257CVM4 ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $28.5 | $28.50 |
| 10 | $26.1 | $261.00 |
| 100 | $23.85 | $2,385.00 |
| 500 | $21.6 | $10,800.00 |
| 1,000 | $19.4 | $19,400.00 |
MCIMX257CVM4 Overview
An ARM926EJ-S based microprocessor is a 32-bit RISC application processor with an MMU, DSP extensions, and tightly coupled memory that runs a memory management unit capable of running full operating systems such as Linux, WinCE, or a real-time OS. Within the broader hierarchy, this places the i.MX25 in the application processor class of embedded microprocessors (MPU), sitting above microcontrollers (MCU) and below higher-performance Cortex-A application processors. NXP positions the i.MX25 line for low-power, cost-sensitive human-machine interface (HMI) and connected device designs.
Key features of the MCIMX257CVM4 include a 400 MHz ARM926EJ-S core with 16 KB I-cache and 16 KB D-cache, a 400-ball LFBGA (17x17 mm) package, integrated LCD and image-processing peripherals, multiple connectivity options including USB and Ethernet MAC, and an industrial temperature grade. Compared with higher-tier i.MX applications processors, the i.MX25 trades peak CPU frequency for lower system BOM cost and lower active power.
Architecturally, the i.MX25 combines the ARM926EJ-S core with a multi-layer bus matrix, an image-processing unit (IPU) for LCD driving, and a hardware encryption accelerator. The integrated peripherals remove the need for companion display or image controllers, simplifying board layout and shrinking BOM cost for terminal-style products.
Typical applications include human-machine interface (HMI) panels, industrial control terminals, point-of-sale (POS) terminals, and connected consumer electronics that need an LCD controller and ARM117-class CPU performance at low power. The wide peripheral set also suits networked printers, smart-grid terminals, and remote sensor gateways.
When designing with this device, pay close attention to power-rail sequencing and DDR/SDRAM signal integrity; the part requires a properly terminated memory bus for stable operation at 400 MHz. PCB designers should follow NXP's i.MX25 hardware development guide for stack-up and decoupling.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing, drop-in alternatives, and practical design notes not found in the manufacturer datasheet alone.
Drop-in alternatives for MCIMX257CVM4 — 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 MCIMX257CVM4 (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Package, Core Architecture, Touchscreen Controller, USB, Data Bus Width.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
MCIMX257CJM4A
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$15.95 / Unit
View Datasheet →MCIMX255AJM4
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$17.85 / Unit
View Datasheet →MCIMX255AVM4
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$17.4 / Unit
View Datasheet →MCIMX6X4CVM08AC
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$41.5 / Unit
View Datasheet →MCIMX6U7CVM08AB
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
MCIMX257CVM4 Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Core Architecture | ARM926EJ-S |
| Core Count | 1 |
| Data Bus Width | 32-bit |
| Maximum CPU Clock | 400 MHz |
| Series | i.MX25 |
| Family | SENNA IMX25 INDUST |
| Package | 400-LFBGA (17x17 mm) |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| Temperature Grade | Industrial |
| Integrated Peripherals | LCD controller, USB, Ethernet MAC, image processing unit |
MCIMX257CVM4 400-lfbga (17x17 mm) Pin Configuration Guide
Pin configuration for MCIMX257CVM4 (400-lfbga (17x17 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 MCIMX257CVM4.
Refer to the datasheet for full pin configuration.
Typical Applications
MCIMX257CVM4 is suitable for 6 applications: Industrial HMI Panels, Point-of-Sale (POS) Terminals, Connected Consumer Electronics, Networked Printers and MFDs, Smart-Grid and Metering Terminals, Remote Sensor Gateways.
Industrial HMI Panels
The MCIMX257CVM4's 400 MHz ARM926EJ-S core with integrated image processing unit (IPU) and LCD controller makes it a strong fit for industrial human-machine interface (HMI) panels. It drives TFT LCDs up to the resolution defined in the i.MX25 datasheet without an external display controller, simplifying the BOM. The industrial temperature grade and Linux BSP support allow continuous operation on factory floors with Qt-based GUIs and touchscreen overlays. Compared with a discrete MCU + graphics controller, BEV-supported architecture cuts part count and PCB area.
Recommended
Point-of-Sale (POS) Terminals
POS terminals benefit from the MCIMX257CVM4's ARM926EJ-S core running at 400 MHz, which can handle encrypted payment flows, barcode scanning, and a touchscreen GUI simultaneously under Linux. The integrated USB and Ethernet MAC peripherals support printer, scanner, and LAN connectivity without extra chips. Unlike higher-cost Cortex-A POS designs, the i.MX25 keeps the BOM low while delivering enough compute for typical retail transaction times.
Recommended
Connected Consumer Electronics
Smart-home hubs and connected appliances leverage the MCIMX257CVM4's Ethernet MAC, USB, and LCD controller to deliver a low-cost networked UI appliance. The ARM926EJ-S at 400 MHz runs lightweight Linux stacks (Yocto, Buildroot) for MQTT, cloud connectivity, and local control. Power consumption stays low enough for always-on designs, and the industrial temperature grade supports appliance and metering enclosures.
Recommended
Networked Printers and MFDs
Multi-function printers and networked printers use the MCIMX257CVM4 to drive the control panel LCD, scan engine, network stack, and job queue. The 400 MHz ARM926EJ-S core handles PCL/PostScript interpretation and the integrated peripherals (USB, Ethernet) connect directly to host PCs and network. Industrial temperature operation supports the thermal environment inside printer enclosures.
Recommended
Smart-Grid and Metering Terminals
Smart-grid terminals and advanced metering infrastructure benefit from the MCIMX257CVM4's industrial temperature grade, ARM926EJ-S core, and integrated LCD. It can drive a user-facing display, run secure communication stacks, and interface to metering ASICs via UART/SPI/I2C. Linux support with security extensions makes it suitable for encrypted AMI deployments requiring long product lifecycles.
Recommended
Remote Sensor Gateways
Industrial IoT gateways that aggregate sensor data and forward to cloud services use the MCIMX257CVM4 to run lightweight Linux plus MQTT or CoAP stacks. The 400 MHz ARM926EJ-S handles multiple serial sensor buses (UART, SPI, I2C) via the integrated peripherals, and the Ethernet MAC provides the uplink. Low active power supports always-on remote installations where the gateway may be solar- or battery-powered.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for MCIMX257CVM4 — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | MCIMX257CJM4A | MCIMX255AJM4 | MCIMX255AVM4 | MCIMX6X4CVM08AC | MCIMX6U7CVM08AB |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Package | 400-LFBGA (17x17 mm) | 400-LFBGA | 400-MAPBGA | 400-LFBGA (17x17) | 400-MAPBGA | 400-MAPBGA |
| Brand | NXP Semiconductors | NXP Semiconductors | NXP Semiconductors | NXP Semiconductors | NXP Semiconductors | NXP Semiconductors |
| Core | ARM926EJ-S | ARM926EJ-S | ARM926EJ-S | ARM926EJ-S | Cortex-A class | Cortex-A class |
| Max CPU Clock | 400 MHz | 400 MHz | 400 MHz | 400 MHz | up to 800 MHz | up to 800 MHz |
| Series | i.MX25 | i.MX25 | i.MX25 | i.MX25 | i.MX6 | i.MX6 |
| Temperature Grade | Industrial | Industrial | Industrial | Industrial | Industrial | Industrial |
| Integrated LCD Controller | Yes (IPU) | Yes (IPU) | Yes (IPU) | Yes (IPU) | Yes (enhanced) | Yes (enhanced) |
| Integrated Ethernet MAC | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Datasheet Availability | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Key Differentiators
- Industrial-grade i.MX25 with integrated IPU (vs MCIMX255AJM4)
- Same 400-ball LFBGA footprint as i.MX6 family (vs MCIMX6X4CVM08AC)
- ARM926EJ-S with MMU supports full Linux (vs Cortex-M class MCUs)
Design Notes
The 400-ball LFBGA at 0.8 mm pitch requires a 4-6 layer PCB stack-up with dedicated ground and power planes. Follow NXP's i.MX25 hardware design guide for stack-up thickness, via-in-pad recommendations, and trace impedance targets. Use X-ray inspection post-reflow because BGA joints are not visible optically.
DDR/SDRAM termination and supply sequencing are critical for i.MX25 stability at 400 MHz. Use the recommended NXP power sequencing circuit and place decoupling capacitors within 2 mm of each supply ball. Estimated: a 4-layer board with proper decoupling typically holds core rail ripple under 30 mV peak-to-peak.
Industrial temperature grade i.MX25 parts are specified for -40C to +85C ambient operation. At 400 MHz the SoC dissipates a few hundred milliwatts depending on peripheral activity; provide a copper pour under the LFBGA thermal pad to spread heat. Enclosure designers should account for the SoC as the warmest component in sealed HMI housings.
Do not substitute a higher-clock i.MX6 family part (e.g. MCIMX6X4CVM08AC) without revalidating software. The i.MX6 uses Cortex-A cores and requires porting the entire BSP, even if the BGA footprint is similar. Use same-family i.MX25 variants for true drop-in replacements; treat i.MX6 as a redesign path.
Compliance Information
RoHS and REACH compliance inferred from NXP product family standards; specific certificates available on request from NXP. Not AEC-Q100 qualified - this is an industrial-grade part, not automotive. Cross-brand compliance data not available in Verified Web Data.
