NXP Semiconductors P4080NSE7PNC

Overview

P4080NSE7PNC from NXP Semiconductors (formerly Freescale) is an 8-core Power Architecture e500mc multicore processor designed for combined control- and data-plane processing in networking infrastructure. It operates at up to 1.5 GHz per core, integrates dual 64-bit DDR2/3 memory controllers with ECC, delivers 800 Gb/s coherent read bandwidth via CoreNet fabric, and supports two 10 GbE XAUI + eight 1 GbE SGMII interfaces - enabling high-throughput L2–L7 packet processing in enterprise routers and LTE access gateways.

For engineers reviewing the P4080NSE7PNC datasheet, P4080NSE7PNC pinout, P4080NSE7PNC application, or P4080NSE7PNC equivalent, key selection considerations include its 45 nm process node, independent core boot/reset capability, SEC 4.0 cryptographic acceleration, PME 2.0 RegEx engine, and CoreNet coherency fabric scalability for real-time deterministic multicore software partitioning.

Technical Context

The P4080NSE7PNC implements a three-tier cache hierarchy: 32 KB I/D L1 cache per core, 128 KB private backside L2 cache per core, and a shared 2 MB CoreNet platform L3 cache. Its CoreNet coherency fabric enables prioritized, bandwidth-allocated coherent and non-coherent transactions across 800 Gb/s read bandwidth.

Datapath acceleration includes hardware-accelerated packet parsing/classification/distribution, queue management with QoS scheduling, buffer allocation/de-allocation, SEC 4.0 crypto offload (AES, SHA, RSA), and PME 2.0 RegEx pattern matching - all tightly coupled to the CoreNet fabric and Frame Manager blocks.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

Package: 1296-pin PBGA (37.5 mm × 37.5 mm, 1.0 mm pitch), RoHS-compliant, lead-free.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar multicore communications processor applications.

Compared with P4040NSE7PNC and P4081NSE7PNC, the P4080NSE7PNC delivers highest per-watt performance for full-featured L2–L7 processing, retaining pin compatibility with both while offering maximum core count, frequency, and 10 GbE interface count - making it optimal for flagship enterprise and service provider platforms where consolidation and future-proofing are critical.

Availability

P4080NSE7PNC is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for enterprise routers, LTE access gateways, and industrial embedded computing systems requiring stable component supply, long-term lifecycle support, and traceable sourcing.

Supply support for P4080NSE7PNC 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 company formed from the acquisition of Freescale Semiconductor in 2015, specializing in secure connectivity solutions for automotive, industrial, and networking markets.

The P4080NSE7PNC belongs to the QorIQ P4 series - a family of high-performance, low-power multicore communications processors engineered specifically for integrated control-and-dataplane processing in next-generation networking infrastructure.

FAQ

What is the maximum operating frequency of the P4080NSE7PNC?

The P4080NSE7PNC operates at a maximum core frequency of 1.5 GHz per e500mc core. This frequency is guaranteed across temperature and voltage ranges specified in the official datasheet (QP4080FS REV 4). All eight cores can sustain this frequency simultaneously under thermal and power delivery conditions meeting the 29 W TDP specification. The P4080NSE7PNC achieves this using 45 nm SOI process technology and dynamic voltage/frequency scaling support.

Does the P4080NSE7PNC support DDR3 memory?

Yes, the P4080NSE7PNC supports both DDR2 and DDR3 SDRAM via two independent 64-bit memory controllers, each with ECC, interleaving, and configurable timing parameters. DDR3 operation is validated up to 800 MHz data rate (PC3-6400), providing up to 12.8 GB/s aggregate bandwidth. The memory controllers are fully compliant with JEDEC DDR3 standards and support rank switching, self-refresh, and partial-array self-refresh modes.

Is the P4080NSE7PNC pin-compatible with other QorIQ P4 series processors?

Yes, the P4080NSE7PNC is pin-for-pin compatible with the P4040NSE7PNC and P4081NSE7PNC, sharing the same 1296-ball PBGA package and identical ball map for power, ground, DDR, PCIe, sRIO, Ethernet, and peripheral interfaces. This enables direct PCB reuse across P4-series variants, though firmware and thermal design must account for differences in core count, frequency, and 10 GbE controller count.

What hardware security features does the P4080NSE7PNC include?

The P4080NSE7PNC integrates SEC 4.0 (Security Engine Complex) supporting AES-128/256, SHA-1/256, MD5, HMAC, RSA-2048, and random number generation. It also includes a hardware-based secure boot ROM with fuse-controlled key storage, tamper-detection circuitry, and Trust Architecture support for secure firmware updates. These features are documented in the QorIQ P4 Security Reference Manual and enabled via dedicated register sets accessible only in hypervisor mode.

Can the P4080NSE7PNC run multiple operating systems simultaneously?

Yes, the P4080NSE7PNC supports concurrent execution of multiple operating systems through hardware-assisted virtualization. Its embedded hypervisor leverages CoreNet PAMU to enforce strict memory and peripheral isolation between partitions. Verified configurations include Linux on four cores, VxWorks on two cores, and bare-metal applications on the remaining two - all running deterministically with no software-level interference, as confirmed in Freescale's QorIQ P4 Hypervisor Application Note AN4427.