NXP Semiconductors P4080NXE7PNAC

Overview

P4080NXE7PNAC from NXP Semiconductors (formerly Freescale) is an 8-core Power Architecture e500mc multicore processor designed for combined control- and dataplane processing in networking infrastructure. It operates at up to 1.5 GHz per core, integrates dual 64-bit DDR2/DDR3 memory controllers with ECC, delivers 800 Gb/s coherent read bandwidth via CoreNet fabric, and supports two 10 GbE (XAUI) and eight 1 GbE (SGMII) interfaces - enabling L2–L7 packet processing in enterprise routers and LTE access gateways.

For engineers reviewing the P4080NXE7PNAC datasheet, P4080NXE7PNAC pinout, P4080NXE7PNAC application, or P4080NXE7PNAC 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 support for hypervisor-based OS partitioning across cores.

Technical Context

The P4080NXE7PNAC implements a three-tier cache hierarchy: 32 KB I/D L1 + 128 KB private backside L2 per core, plus a shared 2 MB CoreNet platform cache. Its CoreNet coherency fabric enables prioritized, bandwidth-allocated coherent/non-coherent transactions between 8 e500mc cores, accelerators, and I/O endpoints without bus contention.

Datapath acceleration includes hardware-assisted packet parsing/classification/distribution, queue management with QoS scheduling, buffer allocation/de-allocation, and integrated SEC 4.0 (AES/SHA/RSA) and PME 2.0 (RegEx) engines - all accessible via Frame Manager and PAMU-controlled memory-mapped interfaces.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

P4080NXE7PNAC is housed in a 1296-pin, 37.5 mm × 37.5 mm, 1.0 mm pitch PBGA package (RoHS-compliant, lead-free). The package supports BGA reflow profiles per IPC/JEDEC J-STD-020D and requires controlled impedance PCB routing for SerDes and DDR interfaces.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with P4040NXE7PNA and P4081NXE7PNB, the P4080NXE7PNAC delivers highest aggregate compute density and I/O bandwidth - making it optimal for flagship carrier-grade equipment where dual 10 GbE, full 8-core performance, and maximum L3 cache are mandatory.

Availability

P4080NXE7PNAC is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for enterprise router control planes, service provider edge switches, and 4G/LTE radio network controllers requiring stable component supply throughout extended product lifecycles.

Supply support for P4080NXE7PNAC 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 spin-off of Freescale Semiconductor and NXP's standard products division, specializing in secure connectivity solutions for automotive, industrial, and networking markets.

The P4080NXE7PNAC belongs to the QorIQ P4 Series - a family of multicore communications processors engineered for high-performance, low-power L2–L7 networking infrastructure including routers, switches, and wireless baseband units.

FAQ

What is the maximum operating frequency of the P4080NXE7PNAC?

The P4080NXE7PNAC operates at a maximum core frequency of 1.5 GHz per e500mc core. This frequency is sustained under thermal and voltage conditions defined in the official NXP datasheet QP4080FS REV 4. All eight cores can run concurrently at this speed when configured in symmetric multiprocessing mode and adequately cooled within the specified 30 W TDP envelope. Frequency scaling is supported via dynamic voltage and frequency scaling (DVFS) mechanisms managed by the integrated power management unit.

Does the P4080NXE7PNAC support DDR3 memory?

Yes, the P4080NXE7PNAC supports both DDR2 and DDR3 SDRAM via dual 64-bit memory controllers with ECC, interleaving, and configurable timing parameters. DDR3-1333 (PC3-10600) operation is explicitly validated in the QP4080FS documentation, with support for registered (RDIMM) and unbuffered (UDIMM) modules. The memory controllers implement hardware-based scrubbing and single-bit error correction, meeting telecom-grade reliability requirements for carrier infrastructure.

How many 10 Gigabit Ethernet interfaces does the P4080NXE7PNAC provide?

The P4080NXE7PNAC integrates two independent 10 GbE controllers compliant with XAUI (10GBASE-X) electrical specifications. Each controller drives four differential lanes and supports full-duplex line-rate operation at 10.3125 Gbps. These interfaces are fully integrated with the Frame Manager and Queue Manager for hardware-accelerated packet classification, scheduling, and congestion management - enabling wire-speed forwarding without CPU intervention.

Is the P4080NXE7PNAC pin-compatible with other QorIQ P4 series processors?

Yes, the P4080NXE7PNAC is pin-compatible with the P4040NXE7PNA and P4081NXE7PNB variants. All three share identical 1296-pin PBGA packaging, matching ball maps for power, ground, DDR, SerDes, and peripheral signals. However, functional differences exist: the P4040 omits one 10 GbE controller and four cores, while the P4081 disables one 10 GbE controller and reduces max frequency to 1.2 GHz - requiring corresponding software and thermal design adjustments despite mechanical compatibility.

What security features are integrated into the P4080NXE7PNAC?

The P4080NXE7PNAC integrates SEC 4.0 for cryptographic acceleration (AES-128/256, SHA-1/256, RSA-2048, DES/3DES), a dedicated security monitor with tamper detection, and hardware-enforced secure boot using fused keys. It also supports Trust Architecture features including immutable boot ROM, runtime integrity checking, and memory protection via PAMU-based address translation - enabling NIST FIPS 140-2 Level 3–compliant implementations in networking equipment without external security chips.