NXP Semiconductors P2041NXE7PNC

Overview

P2041NXE7PNC from NXP Semiconductors (formerly Freescale) is a quad-core Power Architecture e500mc integrated communication processor designed for high-throughput control and data path processing in networking infrastructure. It integrates 1 MB CoreNet platform cache with ECC, DDR3/DDR3L memory controller, five 1-GbE controllers, three PCIe 2.0 ports, two sRIO 1.3 ports, and dual USB 2.0 PHYs - enabling single-chip routing, switching, and base station control in telecom and aerospace systems.

For engineers reviewing the P2041NXE7PNC datasheet, P2041NXE7PNC pinout, P2041NXE7PNC application, or P2041NXE7PNC equivalent, key selection criteria include its 780-ball FCBGA package, 23 mm × 23 mm footprint, multi-voltage domain support (GVDD, BVDD, LVDD, XVDD), CoreNet coherency fabric, and IEEE 1588-capable Ethernet timing - all critical for deterministic embedded compute and packet processing designs.

Technical Context

The P2041NXE7PNC implements four e500mc cores with hypervisor-level privilege separation, independent boot/reset, and secure boot capability. Its CoreNet fabric enables coherent and non-coherent transactions between cores, accelerators, and I/O endpoints, backed by a 1 MB ECC-protected platform cache.

It supports DDR3/DDR3L SDRAM at up to 1600 MT/s with 64-bit bus width and full ECC, delivers five 1-GbE interfaces via SGMII/RGMII, and provides two serial RapidIO 1.3 ports with feature set 2.1 - enabling low-latency interconnect in distributed baseband units and packet-processing blades.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

Package: 780-ball Fine-Pitch Column Grid Array (FC-PBGA), 23 mm × 23 mm, 1.27 mm ball pitch, RoHS-compliant, lead-free finish.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar integrated communication processor applications.

Compared with LS1043A and P2020, the P2041NXE7PNC uniquely delivers Power Architecture continuity, CoreNet coherency, and hardware IEEE 1588 support - making it irreplaceable for certified avionics, carrier-grade timing, and existing QorIQ-based platform upgrades.

Availability

P2041NXE7PNC is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for wireless infrastructure, carrier routing, avionics data concentrators, and industrial Ethernet switches requiring stable component supply across extended product lifecycles.

Supply support for P2041NXE7PNC includes scheduled delivery planning, volume procurement assistance, BOM continuity management, traceable sourcing, and lifecycle availability coordination for OEM customers, industrial embedded developers, connected-device designers, and electronics production programs.

Manufacturer

NXP Semiconductors is a global semiconductor leader focused on secure connectivity solutions for automotive, industrial, IoT, and communications markets.

The P2041NXE7PNC belongs to the QorIQ P2 series, engineered specifically for high-integration, high-reliability embedded communications - targeting telecom infrastructure, aerospace, and mission-critical industrial control where deterministic performance and long-term supply stability are mandatory.

FAQ

What is the maximum DDR3 data rate supported by the P2041NXE7PNC?

The P2041NXE7PNC supports DDR3/DDR3L SDRAM at up to 1600 MT/s with a 64-bit bus width and full ECC protection. This enables sustained memory bandwidth exceeding 12.8 GB/s, validated under JEDEC JESD79-3D specifications and confirmed in the P2040EC Rev. 2 hardware specification document.

Does the P2041NXE7PNC include hardware support for IEEE 1588 Precision Time Protocol?

Yes, the P2041NXE7PNC includes dedicated hardware timestamping logic in all five 1-Gigabit Ethernet controllers, enabling sub-microsecond timestamp resolution and hardware-assisted PTP event message handling - a requirement explicitly documented in Section 2.12 of the P2040EC Rev. 2 specification.

What package type and dimensions does the P2041NXE7PNC use?

The P2041NXE7PNC uses a 780-ball Fine-Pitch Column Grid Array (FC-PBGA) package measuring 23 mm × 23 mm with 1.27 mm ball pitch. Mechanical details, including solder mask and land pattern recommendations, are specified in Section 4 of the P2040EC Rev. 2 datasheet.

Can the P2041NXE7PNC boot from NAND flash memory?

Yes, the P2041NXE7PNC supports NAND flash boot through its enhanced local bus controller (eLBC) with built-in BCH error correction. Boot mode selection is configured via hardware strapping pins or security fuses, and NAND initialization sequences are defined in Chapter 6 of the P2040EC Rev. 2 specification.

How many PCIe 2.0 lanes does the P2041NXE7PNC provide, and what configurations are supported?

The P2041NXE7PNC integrates three PCIe 2.0 controllers supporting x1, x2, and x4 link widths. Each controller can operate independently, enabling configurations such as one x4 root complex plus two x1 endpoints - detailed in Section 2.20 of the P2040EC Rev. 2 hardware specification.