MCIMX31CVMN4CR2 - i.MX31 ARM1136 400MHz MPU, 473-LFBGA | NXP
MPN: MCIMX31CVMN4CR2 ✗ End of Life| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $27.41 | $27.41 |
| 10 | $24.5 | $245.00 |
| 100 | $21.85 | $2,185.00 |
| 500 | $19.4 | $9,700.00 |
| 1,000 | $17.1 | $17,100.00 |
MCIMX31CVMN4CR2 Overview
An applications microprocessor (MPU) is a System-on-Chip class device that integrates one or more CPU cores, memory controllers, graphics and multimedia accelerators, and a rich set of peripheral interfaces into a single package. The i.MX31 sits in the broader hierarchy: MPU -> applications processor -> microprocessor -> integrated circuit. By collapsing what used to require a separate CPU, northbridge, southbridge and graphics chip into one device, MPUs like the i.MX31 reduce BOM count, board area and power consumption in cost-sensitive embedded designs.
Key features of the MCIMX31CVMN4CR2 include an ARM1136JF-S core with Jazelle Java acceleration and floating-point support, an integrated MPEG-4/H.263 hardware encoder/decoder block, an Image Processing Unit (IPU) for LCD and camera pipelines, and on-chip peripherals such as USB, Ethernet MAC, and multiple UART/I2C/SPI ports. The 473-LFBGA 19x19 mm package exposes the full set of address/data buses and peripheral pins, while the automotive ('V') screening and 400 MHz speed grade support robust consumer, industrial and automotive multimedia products.
The architecture pairs the ARM1136JF-S core with a multi-layer AHB/IPS bus matrix and a dedicated Smart DMA (SDMA) controller, allowing concurrent video, audio and display streams without starving the CPU. The on-chip IPU offloads LCD refresh and camera capture, while the MPEG-4 accelerator handles CIF/VGA encode and decode at real-time rates, making the part well suited to portable media players, telematics and industrial HMI boards.
Typical applications include automotive infotainment head units, portable media players, industrial human-machine interfaces, and point-of-sale terminals. Designers typically pair the MCIMX31CVMN4CR2 with DDR / mobile-DDR memory, a power-management IC from the PF series, and an OS such as Linux, WinCE or VxWorks.
When designing with this part, pay close attention to the four-layer PCB stackup recommended in the reference manual, keep DDR traces matched within the published length tolerances, and provide at least 1 oz copper on inner power planes for the 1.8 V and 2.0 V core/memory rails.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing, drop-in and same-family alternatives from the i.MX31 line, and practical design notes that are not duplicated in the manufacturer datasheet, helping engineers shorten BOM selection and layout review cycles.
Drop-in alternatives for MCIMX31CVMN4CR2 — 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 MCIMX31CVMN4CR2 (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Mounting Type, Core Architecture, Data Bus Width, RoHS Status, Family.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
MCIMX31CJMN4C
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$27.85 / Unit
View Datasheet →MCIMX31LCVMN4C
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$10.5 / Unit
View Datasheet →MCIMX31LCVMN4D
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
MCIMX31CVMN4C
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$17.4 / Unit
View Datasheet →MCIMX31CVMN4CR2 Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Core Architecture | ARM1136JF-S |
| Core Count | 1 |
| Data Bus Width | 32-bit |
| Maximum Core Frequency | 400 MHz |
| Operating Supply Voltage | 1.8 V to 2.0 V core, 1.8 V to 3.3 V I/O |
| Package / Case | 473-LFBGA (MAPBGA-473) |
| Package Dimensions | 19 mm x 19 mm |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| RAM Size (on-chip SRAM) | 16K x 8 |
| Packaging | Tape & Reel (TR) |
| Oscillator Type | External |
| On-chip Multimedia | MPEG-4/H.263 encoder/decoder, Image Processing Unit (IPU) |
| Peripheral Interfaces | USB, Ethernet MAC, UART, I2C, SPI, MMC/SD |
| Operating Temperature Range | -40 C to +85 C (automotive/industrial grade) |
| Family | i.MX31 multimedia applications processors |
| RoHS Status | Compliant |
MCIMX31CVMN4CR2 19 mm x 19 mm Pin Configuration Guide
Pin configuration for MCIMX31CVMN4CR2 (19 mm x 19 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 MCIMX31CVMN4CR2.
Refer to the datasheet for full pin configuration.
Typical Applications
MCIMX31CVMN4CR2 is suitable for 6 applications: Automotive Infotainment Head Unit, Portable Media Player (PMP), Industrial Human-Machine Interface (HMI) Panel, Point-of-Sale (POS) Terminal, Medical Patient Monitor, Connected Video Doorbell / Surveillance Panel.
Automotive Infotainment Head Unit
The MCIMX31CVMN4CR2's automotive-grade screening, integrated MPEG-4/H.263 hardware codec, and Image Processing Unit (IPU) make it well-suited to drive in-cabin head units with a color LCD and rear-seat displays. At 400 MHz the ARM1136JF-S core runs a WinCE or Linux BSP handling CAN, MOST or Ethernet AVB traffic, while the IPU offloads LCD refresh and camera input. Engineers typically pair it with a NXP PF-series power management IC and DDR/mobile-DDR memory; the automotive 'CV' temperature grade ensures operation from -40 C to +85 C without active cooling.
Recommended
Portable Media Player (PMP)
The i.MX31's hardware-accelerated MPEG-4 and H.263 codec block, combined with the on-chip IPU for LCD driving, allows portable media players to decode VGA video at 30 fps while the ARM core handles UI and audio mixing. The 473-LFBGA package keeps the board footprint compact, and the on-chip Smart DMA engine feeds the audio DAC and LCD controller without CPU intervention. The 1.8 V core / 2.0 V memory rail scheme simplifies battery-powered designs and pairs naturally with single-cell Li-ion power management.
Recommended
Industrial Human-Machine Interface (HMI) Panel
Factory-floor HMIs benefit from the i.MX31's wide peripheral set: Ethernet MAC for PLC connectivity, USB for service ports, and the IPU for driving 7- to 12-inch TFT panels. The 400 MHz ARM1136JF-S runs a Linux or WinCE GUI with Qt or .NET CF, and the on-chip SRAM supports fast boot for safe shutdown logic. The 473-LFBGA 19x19 mm footprint simplifies thermal management when paired with a 4-layer FR-4 stack-up; the industrial temperature grade ensures reliable operation across unheated factory cabinets.
Recommended
Point-of-Sale (POS) Terminal
POS terminals require a fast boot, a reliable color LCD, secure peripheral I/O and industrial-grade reliability - all within the MCIMX31CVMN4CR2's envelope. The ARM1136JF-S core runs the payment stack and printer driver, while the IPU drives the cashier display and customer-facing second screen. The on-chip USB, UART and Ethernet blocks attach a magnetic-stripe reader, thermal printer and LAN uplink without external glue logic, which keeps the BOM small and the security boundary tight.
Recommended
Medical Patient Monitor
Patient monitors demand deterministic real-time behavior and a long-lifecycle industrial part. The MCIMX31CVMN4CR2's VFP co-processor accelerates ECG/SpO2 DSP filters, while the IPU drives a high-resolution medical-grade TFT. The automotive/industrial screening and NXP's long-term continuity programs make the part attractive for IEC 60601-1 qualified designs. Designers pair the MPU with isolated power, isolated UART to the host, and a Linux BSP with verified real-time extensions.
Recommended
Connected Video Doorbell / Surveillance Panel
The i.MX31's hardware MPEG-4 codec compresses CIF/D1 camera streams for IP upload, while the Ethernet MAC and USB ports attach a Wi-Fi/Bluetooth module or 4G modem. The IPU drives a small LCD viewfinder and handles camera capture through the on-chip sensor interface. The part's industrial-grade temperature profile and NXP's long-term support programs make it a fit for outdoor surveillance products that must run 24/7 for years.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for MCIMX31CVMN4CR2 — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | MCIMX31CJMN4C | MCIMX31LCVMN4C | MCIMX31LCVMN4D | MCIMX31CVMN4C |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Package | 473-LFBGA (19x19 mm) | 473-LFBGA (19x19 mm) - same | 473-LFBGA (19x19 mm) - same | 473-LFBGA (19x19 mm) - same | 473-LFBGA (19x19 mm) - same |
| Brand | NXP Semiconductors | NXP Semiconductors | NXP Semiconductors | NXP Semiconductors | NXP Semiconductors |
| Core Architecture | ARM1136JF-S | ARM1136JF-S | ARM1136JF-S | ARM1136JF-S | ARM1136JF-S |
| Maximum Frequency | 400 MHz | 400 MHz | 400 MHz | 400 MHz | 400 MHz |
| Temperature Grade | Automotive / Industrial (-40 C to +85 C) | Consumer / Extended Commercial | Automotive / Industrial | Automotive / Industrial | Automotive / Industrial |
| On-chip Multimedia | MPEG-4/H.263 + IPU + VFP | MPEG-4/H.263 + IPU + VFP | MPEG-4/H.263 + IPU + VFP | MPEG-4/H.263 + IPU + VFP | MPEG-4/H.263 + IPU + VFP |
| Packaging Form | Tape & Reel (TR) | Tray | Tray | Tray | Tray |
| Silicon Revision | Mask set per NXP i.MX31 errata | Same family, 'C' mask | 'C' mask | 'D' mask (newer) | Same die as TR variant |
Key Differentiators
- Automotive/industrial temperature screening on a Tape & Reel supply chain (vs MCIMX31CJMN4C)
- Updated silicon revision D available within the same package (vs MCIMX31LCVMN4C)
- Drop-in compatible with other i.MX31 family members, simplifying multi-SKU strategy (vs MCIMX31CVMN4C)
Design Notes
Use a four-layer stackup with continuous ground on layer 2 and a split 1.8 V / 2.0 V power plane on layer 3 for the MCIMX31CVMN4CR2. Match DDR data, address and clock traces within +/-25 mil length tolerances as specified in the i.MX31 hardware reference manual, and keep the 400 MHz core clock trace under 1 inch to avoid radiated emissions. Place at least ten 100 nF X7R bypass capacitors under the LFBGA footprint, distributed one per pin quadrant, to suppress the core's high di/dt transients.
Estimated: at 1.8 V core supply, 400 MHz core clock and full MPEG-4 encode/decode workload, the MCIMX31CVMN4CR2 dissipates roughly 0.8 to 1.2 W. The 473-LFBGA 19x19 mm package has a theta_JA of approximately 20-25 C/W on a standard 4-layer JEDEC test board, so the junction-to-ambient rise is roughly 16-30 C. In a sealed enclosure without forced airflow, provide copper thermal vias under the center pad and consider a small heat spreader for sustained full-load operation.
Power the MCIMX31CVMN4CR2 from a NXP PF-series power management IC (e.g. PF0100) that sequences the 1.8 V core, 2.0 V memory and 3.3 V I/O rails in the correct order. Hold RESET until all rails are stable for at least 1 ms, and add a 32.768 kHz crystal on the RTC pins if battery-backed real-time clock operation is required. Use a ferrite bead on the USB VBUS line to keep digital switching noise out of the analog supply domain.
Common pitfalls when designing with the MCIMX31CVMN4CR2 include: omitting the boot-mode strap resistors (which can leave the MPU unable to boot from NAND or NOR flash), failing to enable the on-chip 1.2 V PLL filter caps close to the analog supply pin, and routing the differential USB lines without 90 ohm impedance. Always check the latest i.MX31 errata document for the specific mask revision on your reel because some silicon revisions added mandatory software workarounds for the IPU and MPEG-4 blocks.
Compliance Information
RoHS/REACH compliant per NXP product page. AEC-Q100 automotive screening applied (CV suffix). Halogen-free status not explicitly stated in the verified web data.
