NXP Semiconductors P4080NXN7MMC

Overview

P4080NXN7MMC 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/DDR3 memory controllers with ECC, delivers 800 Gb/s coherent read bandwidth via CoreNet fabric, and supports 2×10 GbE (XAUI) + 8×1 GbE (SGMII) for enterprise routers and LTE access gateways.

For engineers reviewing the P4080NXN7MMC datasheet, P4080NXN7MMC pinout, P4080NXN7MMC application, or P4080NXN7MMC equivalent, key selection criteria include its eight independently bootable e500mc cores, SEC 4.0 cryptographic acceleration, PME 2.0 RegEx engine, hierarchical three-tier cache (32 KB L1 I/D + 128 KB private L2 + 2 MB shared L3), and support for SMP/AMP/hypervisor-based partitioning across layers 2–7 network functions.

Technical Context

The P4080NXN7MMC implements a fully coherent CoreNet interconnect fabric enabling concurrent, prioritized traffic between 8 e500mc cores, accelerators (SEC 4.0, PME 2.0, Frame Manager), memory controllers, and I/O endpoints - eliminating bus contention. Its architecture supports hardware-enforced virtualization via embedded hypervisor, independent core reset/boot, and three privilege levels (user/supervisor/hypervisor).

Datapath acceleration includes packet parsing/classification/distribution, hardware queue management with QoS scheduling, buffer allocation/de-allocation, and full RFC-compliant cryptographic offload (AES, DES, SHA, RSA). Networking I/O comprises two 10 GbE XAUI controllers, eight 1 GbE SGMII controllers, three PCIe 2.0 lanes (5 GHz), and two sRIO 1.2 ports (3.125 GHz).

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

Package: 1296-pin FCCSP (Fine-Pitch Column Grid Array), 37.5 mm × 37.5 mm, 0.8 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 P4040NXN7MMC and P4081NXN7MMC, the P4080NXN7MMC delivers highest aggregate compute throughput (8×1.5 GHz), maximum PCIe bandwidth (3 controllers), and broadest accelerator set - making it optimal for flagship control-and-forwarding platforms where performance headroom and I/O flexibility are critical.

Availability

P4080NXN7MMC is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for enterprise routers, LTE access gateways, and radio network controllers requiring stable component supply, long-term lifecycle support, and traceable sourcing for industrial and telecom deployments.

Supply support for P4080NXN7MMC 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 communications markets.

The P4080NXN7MMC belongs to the QorIQ P4 Series - a family of multicore communications processors engineered for integrated control- and data-plane processing in next-generation networking infrastructure, emphasizing hardware virtualization, cryptographic acceleration, and deterministic real-time performance.

FAQ

What is the maximum operating frequency of the P4080NXN7MMC?

The P4080NXN7MMC operates at a maximum core frequency of 1.5 GHz per e500mc core. This frequency is guaranteed under specified thermal and voltage conditions outlined in the official datasheet (QP4080FS REV 4). All eight cores can sustain this frequency simultaneously when adequate cooling and power delivery are provided. The P4080NXN7MMC's 45 nm process technology enables this performance within a <30 W TDP envelope.

Does the P4080NXN7MMC support DDR3 memory?

Yes, the P4080NXN7MMC supports both DDR2 and DDR3 SDRAM via two independent 64-bit memory controllers with ECC, interleaving, and programmable timing parameters. DDR3 operation is validated up to 1333 MT/s, delivering up to 12.8 GB/s aggregate bandwidth. The P4080NXN7MMC's memory controller includes hardware scrubbing and address parity protection - critical for telecom-grade reliability.

Is the P4080NXN7MMC pin-compatible with other QorIQ P4 series processors?

Yes, the P4080NXN7MMC is pin-for-pin compatible with the P4040NXN7MMC and P4081NXN7MMC, sharing the same 1296-ball FCCSP package and identical ball map for power, ground, DDR, PCIe, sRIO, and Ethernet interfaces. This allows PCB reuse across product tiers. However, the P4080NXN7MMC enables all three PCIe controllers, while the P4081NXN7MMC disables one - functionality is determined by strapping and configuration registers, not pin count.

What virtualization capabilities does the P4080NXN7MMC provide?

The P4080NXN7MMC includes hardware-assisted virtualization via an embedded hypervisor supporting three privilege levels (user/supervisor/hypervisor), per-core MMU translation, and PAMU-based peripheral access control. It enables secure coexistence of multiple OS instances (e.g., Linux + VxWorks + bare metal) with strict memory/peripheral isolation. The P4080NXN7MMC's virtualization features are defined in the Power Architecture Book III-E specification and implemented in silicon - no external components required.

Which cryptographic algorithms are accelerated by the SEC 4.0 engine in the P4080NXN7MMC?

The SEC 4.0 engine in the P4080NXN7MMC accelerates symmetric ciphers (AES-128/192/256, DES, 3DES), hash functions (SHA-1, SHA-224/256/384/512), and public-key operations (RSA-1024/2048/4096, DSA, ECDSA). It supports IPsec ESP/AH, SSL/TLS record layer, and IEEE 802.1AE MACsec offload. Performance exceeds 10 Gbps for AES-GCM authenticated encryption - verified in NXP's QorIQ P4 reference designs using the P4080NXN7MMC.