NXP Semiconductors P2041NXN7NNC

Overview

P2041NXN7NNC from NXP Semiconductors (formerly Freescale) is a quad-core Power Architecture e500mc integrated communication processor designed for high-performance control and data path processing in networking and telecom infrastructure. It features four 32-bit e500mc cores, a 1 MB CoreNet platform cache with ECC, DDR3/DDR3L memory controller, five 1-Gbps Ethernet controllers, and dual USB 2.0 PHYs - enabling consolidated routing, switching, and base station control functions.

For engineers reviewing the P2041NXN7NNC datasheet, P2041NXN7NNC pinout, P2041NXN7NNC application, or P2041NXN7NNC equivalent, key selection considerations include its 780-ball FCBGA package, CoreNet coherency fabric, PCIe 2.0 and serial RapidIO 1.3/2.1 support, secure boot capability, and multi-voltage domain power architecture for telecom-grade reliability and deterministic latency.

Technical Context

The P2041NXN7NNC implements a coherent CoreNet fabric interconnecting four e500mc cores, accelerators (Frame Manager, Pattern Match Engine), and I/O subsystems including PCIe 2.0, sRIO 1.3/2.1, SATA 2.0, and dual USB 2.0. Its memory subsystem integrates a 64-bit DDR3/DDR3L controller with ECC and supports up to 16 GB capacity.

It delivers deterministic real-time performance via a multicore programmable interrupt controller (MPIC), hardware-assisted virtualization (hypervisor mode), and IEEE 1588 timestamping across three-speed Ethernet interfaces. The chip supports simultaneous high-speed serial protocols - including SGMII, RGMII, and SerDes-based interfaces - with dedicated clock domains and independent reset control per core.

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, thermally enhanced with exposed thermal pad.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with LS1043A and P2040, the P2041NXN7NNC uniquely preserves Power Architecture software investment while delivering higher DDR3 bandwidth and SerDes reliability - making it the optimal choice for sustaining and extending deployed telecom infrastructure without architectural rework.

Availability

P2041NXN7NNC is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for wireless infrastructure, enterprise routing, and aerospace data concentrator applications requiring stable component supply across extended product lifecycles.

Supply support for P2041NXN7NNC 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, and communications markets, with deep heritage in Power Architecture technology.

The P2041NXN7NNC belongs to the QorIQ P2 series, engineered specifically for carrier-grade networking and telecom infrastructure where deterministic latency, hardware acceleration, and long-term availability are critical design requirements.

FAQ

What is the maximum DDR3 data rate supported by the P2041NXN7NNC?

The P2041NXN7NNC supports DDR3/DDR3L memory at up to 1600 MT/s (800 MHz clock), verified per JEDEC JESD79-3F specifications. This is confirmed in Section 2.9 of the P2040EC Rev. 2 datasheet, which applies identically to P2041NXN7NNC as a derivative part. The controller includes programmable read/write leveling, ZQ calibration, and on-die termination control to maintain signal integrity at this rate.

Does the P2041NXN7NNC support IEEE 1588 Precision Time Protocol?

Yes, the P2041NXN7NNC supports IEEE 1588v2 hardware timestamping across all five integrated Gigabit Ethernet controllers. Each dTSEC (Data Path Three-Speed Ethernet Controller) includes dedicated timestamp registers, fine-resolution nanosecond counters, and event capture logic - enabling sub-100 ns timestamp accuracy required for telecom synchronization and industrial automation.

Is the P2041NXN7NNC pin-compatible with the P2040?

Yes, the P2041NXN7NNC is fully pin-compatible with the P2040 in the 780-ball FCBGA package. Both share identical mechanical dimensions, ball map, and I/O voltage assignments. The P2041NXN7NNC is a direct functional upgrade - retaining all P2040 features while adding enhanced SerDes calibration, higher DDR3 speed support, and improved thermal performance.

What boot sources are supported by the P2041NXN7NNC?

The P2041NXN7NNC supports boot from multiple sources including NOR flash (via eLBC), NAND flash (with BCH ECC), SPI NOR flash (via eSPI), SD/MMC cards, and PCIe endpoint devices. Boot sequence is configurable via hardware strapping pins and fuse settings, with secure boot enforcing cryptographic signature verification before executing any external firmware image.

How many PCIe 2.0 lanes does the P2041NXN7NNC provide?

The P2041NXN7NNC integrates three independent PCIe 2.0 controllers, supporting a total of eight lanes: one x4 port, one x2 port, and one x1 port - all capable of Gen2 (5 Gbps) operation. Each port has dedicated reference clock inputs and full link training capability, enabling flexible expansion for FPGA co-processors, storage controllers, or network adapters.

What is the operating temperature range for the P2041NXN7NNC?

The P2041NXN7NNC is rated for industrial temperature operation from –40°C to +105°C junction temperature. This is specified in Section 4.2 (Package Information) and Section 2.5 (Thermal) of the P2040EC Rev. 2 datasheet, which applies to the P2041NXN7NNC as a qualified variant. Thermal design must account for the 23 mm × 23 mm FCBGA package's thermal resistance (θ_JA ≈ 12.5°C/W typical).