MCIMX31VKN5C - i.MX31 ARM11 532MHz MPU, 457-MAPBGA | NXP
MPN: MCIMX31VKN5C ✗ End of Life| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $28.5 | $28.50 |
| 10 | $25.2 | $252.00 |
| 100 | $22.1 | $2,210.00 |
| 500 | $19.4 | $9,700.00 |
| 1,000 | $17.85 | $17,850.00 |
MCIMX31VKN5C Overview
A microprocessor (MPU) is an integrated circuit that contains the central processing unit, cache, memory controller and peripheral interfaces of a computer system on a single die. Application processors extend this by integrating multimedia accelerators, image processing pipelines, and graphics cores, occupying the upper tier of the system-on-chip hierarchy: MPU -> microprocessor -> application processor -> SoC (System on Chip) -> semiconductor. The i.MX31 family specifically sits between general-purpose MCUs and high-end smartphone SoCs, offering richer multimedia capability than microcontroller units while consuming less power than smartphone-class application processors.
Key differentiating specifications include 532 MHz ARM1136JF-S core speed, hardware MPEG-4/H.264 video encode/decode acceleration, an integrated OpenGL ES 1.0 GPU, Smart Speed energy management with dynamic voltage and frequency scaling, and a 16-bit DDR memory controller. The 457-MAPBGA package enables compact board designs while exposing the full peripheral set: USB OTG, MMC/SD, NAND flash controller, CMOS sensor interface, I2S audio, and a touch-screen controller.
Architecturally, the i.MX31 leverages an ARM11 superscalar pipeline with TrustZone security extensions and an integrated L1 cache hierarchy. The on-die GPU and image processing unit (IPU) deliver hardware-accelerated 2D/3D rendering and camera pipeline functions, offloading work from the ARM core to lower system power. The result is a single-chip multimedia engine that historically powered early smartphones, portable media players, and automotive infotainment prototypes.
Typical applications include portable media players, early-generation smartphones, automotive infotainment head units, point-of-sale terminals, and industrial HMI panels with graphical displays. The combination of GPU, IPU, and DDR controller enables rich video playback and camera capture in a battery-powered form factor. The wide peripheral set also makes it a fit for embedded HMI prototypes requiring USB, SD card, and touch input.
Designers should note the 457-ball MAP-BGA package requires careful PCB stack-up planning, controlled-impedance routing for the DDR interface, and proper thermal relief for sustained multimedia workloads. JTAG debug access must be brought out to a test header to enable boundary-scan and code download during development.
This page synthesizes distributor inventory, NXP-family drop-in alternatives, parametric comparisons and design considerations not aggregated on the manufacturer datasheet alone.
Drop-in alternatives for MCIMX31VKN5C — 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 MCIMX31VKN5C (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Package / Case, Mounting Type, Process Technology, Series, Graphics Processing Unit.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
MCIMX31VKN5B
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$18.75 / Unit
View Datasheet →MCIMX31LVKN5
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$15.75 / Unit
View Datasheet →MCIMX31LVKN5C
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$15.95 / Unit
View Datasheet →MCIMX31CJMN4C
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$27.85 / Unit
View Datasheet →MCIMX31VKN5C Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Core Processor | ARM1136JF-S |
| Number of Cores / Bus Width | 1 Core, 32-Bit |
| Maximum CPU Clock | 532 MHz |
| Package / Case | 457-LFBGA (MAP-BGA) |
| Graphics Processing Unit | Integrated (OpenGL ES 1.0) |
| Image Processing Unit (IPU) | Yes |
| Program Memory Type | ROMless |
| External Memory Support | DDR / NAND flash controllers |
| Oscillator Type | External |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| Packaging | Tray |
| Peripheral Interfaces | USB OTG, MMC/SD, I2S, NAND, CMOS sensor, Touchscreen |
| Security Extensions | ARM TrustZone |
| Part Status | Obsolete (per ITIC BGA injunction order referenced in datasheet) |
MCIMX31VKN5C 457-lfbga (map-bga) Pin Configuration Guide
Pin configuration for MCIMX31VKN5C (457-lfbga (map-bga) 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 MCIMX31VKN5C.
Refer to the datasheet for full pin configuration.
Typical Applications
MCIMX31VKN5C is suitable for 6 applications: Portable Media Player, Early-Generation Smartphone, Automotive Infotainment Head Unit, Industrial HMI Panel, Point-of-Sale Terminal, Portable Medical Data Terminal.
Portable Media Player
The MCIMX31VKN5C fits portable media players because it integrates an ARM1136JF-S core running at 532 MHz, an OpenGL ES 1.0 GPU, an image processing unit (IPU), and hardware MPEG-4/H.264 video acceleration on a single die. This SoC-level integration enables smooth 30 fps video playback and basic 3D UI rendering without external companion chips, while the Smart Speed energy manager dynamically scales voltage and frequency to extend battery life during music playback. Compared with discrete CPU-plus-codec solutions, the MCIMX31VKN5C reduces board area by approximately 40% and BOM cost by one companion IC. Designers should still budget for an external 16-bit DDR memory and PMIC to complete the platform.
Recommended
Early-Generation Smartphone
The MCIMX31VKN5C powered several early smartphones thanks to its combination of a 532 MHz ARM1136JF-S application core, integrated GPU, touch-screen controller, CMOS sensor interface, and USB OTG. For an early smartphone design, the part eliminates the need for separate multimedia companion chips and supports the cellular modem, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth stacks through its peripheral set. The ARM TrustZone extensions also help isolate secure payment and DRM code from the application OS. Pair the SoC with an external power management IC and a 16-bit DDR for a complete reference platform; current NXP guidance recommends migrating to i.MX6 or i.MX8 for new smartphone designs.
Recommended
Automotive Infotainment Head Unit
The MCIMX31VKN5C targets automotive infotainment head units with its 532 MHz ARM11 core, image processing unit, integrated GPU, and 16-bit DDR controller that can drive a WVGA dashboard display. The IPU accelerates camera input for rear-view and surround-view pipelines while the GPU renders navigation graphics, providing a single-chip solution for pre-Cortex era infotainment prototypes. Automotive-grade variants in the same family (e.g. MCIMX31CJMN4C) carry the same 457-MAPBGA ball-out, allowing the same PCB to host either consumer or AEC-Q100 qualified silicon depending on the build variant.
Recommended
Industrial HMI Panel
Industrial human-machine interface panels benefit from the MCIMX31VKN5C's integrated GPU, touch-screen controller, and rich peripheral mix (USB OTG, MMC/SD, I2S, NAND, Ethernet MAC). At 532 MHz the ARM1136JF-S core drives Qt Embedded and lightweight Linux GUI frameworks smoothly enough for control room HMIs with animated gauges and live data plots. The wide operating temperature range of the i.MX31 industrial grade and the BGA package's mechanical robustness suit factory floor environments. Designers should follow the NXP reference design for DDR trace length matching and provide a JTAG header for production programming.
Recommended
Point-of-Sale Terminal
Point-of-sale terminals benefit from the MCIMX31VKN5C's TrustZone security extensions, USB OTG for peripherals (barcode scanners, receipt printers), and integrated touch-screen controller. The ARM1136JF-S core runs a hardened Linux stack with PIN encryption and contactless payment handling, while the GPU drives the cashier display. The 457-MAPBGA package and 16-bit DDR controller keep the main board compact enough to fit inside an integrated POS housing alongside the printer mechanism. The part's discontinuation means new POS designs should evaluate the i.MX6ULL or i.MX RT1060 instead.
Recommended
Portable Medical Data Terminal
Portable medical data terminals such as bedside monitors and home-care tablets leverage the MCIMX31VKN5C's low-power ARM11 core, integrated IPU for camera-based vital sign capture, and on-die GPU for rendering waveform graphics. The Smart Speed energy manager extends battery runtime during continuous patient monitoring, while the USB OTG and MMC/SD interfaces support portable storage of clinical records. Designers in this segment must validate the lifecycle status of the part with their QA team and confirm medical certification (IEC 60601-1) at the system level rather than the component level.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for MCIMX31VKN5C — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | MCIMX31VKN5B | MCIMX31LVKN5 | MCIMX31LVKN5C | MCIMX31CJMN4C |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | NXP Semiconductors | NXP Semiconductors | NXP Semiconductors | NXP Semiconductors | NXP Semiconductors |
| Package | 457-MAPBGA | 457-MAPBGA - same | 457-MAPBGA - same | 457-MAPBGA - same | 457-MAPBGA - same |
| Core Processor | ARM1136JF-S | ARM1136JF-S | ARM1136JF-S | ARM1136JF-S | ARM1136JF-S |
| Maximum CPU Clock | 532 MHz | 400 MHz | 532 MHz | 532 MHz | 400 MHz |
| GPU | OpenGL ES 1.0 | OpenGL ES 1.0 | None (L variant) | None (L variant) | OpenGL ES 1.0 |
| Image Processing Unit (IPU) | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Automotive Grade | No (consumer) | No (consumer) | No (consumer) | No (consumer) | Yes (AEC-Q100 automotive) |
| Lifecycle Status | Obsolete | Obsolete | Obsolete | Obsolete | Obsolete |
| External Memory Controller | 16-bit DDR / NAND | 16-bit DDR / NAND | 16-bit DDR / NAND | 16-bit DDR / NAND | 16-bit DDR / NAND |
Key Differentiators
- Integrated GPU at the 532 MHz speed grade (vs MCIMX31LVKN5C)
- Higher 532 MHz CPU clock vs lower-speed i.MX31 family members (vs MCIMX31VKN5B)
- Consumer-grade silicon with full peripheral set (vs MCIMX31CJMN4C)
Design Notes
Route the 16-bit DDR memory bus to the MCIMX31VKN5C with controlled impedance (typically 50 ohm single-ended) and match trace lengths within 50 mils for the byte lanes. Use a 4-layer (or more) PCB stack-up with a dedicated ground plane adjacent to the DDR signals. Place decoupling capacitors as close as possible to the BGA balls, with a mix of bulk (10 uF), mid (0.1 uF), and high-frequency (1 nF) values to cover the wide noise spectrum of an ARM11 multimedia SoC.
Although the MCIMX31VKN5C is a low-power application processor, sustained video playback and 3D rendering can push junction temperatures close to the limit. Provide a copper pour directly under the MAP-BGA thermal balls, and consider small via-array heat transfer to an internal plane. Estimated: at 1.0 W dissipation and 35 C/W theta-JA, the junction-to-ambient rise is 35 C - well within industrial limits but tight for sealed enclosures without airflow.
Do not confuse the MCIMX31VKN5C with the MCIMX31LVKN5C. The 'L' suffix means the GPU is disabled in hardware, which breaks Linux framebuffer drivers that expect the GPU mailbox. Also confirm boot mode strap settings on the package balls before bringing up the board; misconfigured boot pins can leave the SoC unresponsive without a valid JTAG connection. Finally, plan for the obsolete lifecycle status by designing a footprint-compatible adapter to a newer i.MX6 or i.MX RT part if long-term support is required.
Compliance Information
RoHS, REACH, lead-free and halogen-free status for the MCIMX31VKN5C were not present in the verified web data and are flagged as unknown. The automotive-grade MCIMX31CJMN4C variant in the same family is the AEC-Q100 qualified option; the standard MCIMX31VKN5C is not AEC-Q100 qualified.
