NXP Semiconductors T1040NSE7PQB

Overview

T1040NSE7PQB from NXP is a quad-core 64-bit Power Architecture® communications processor with integrated 8-port Gigabit Ethernet switch, e5500 cores up to 1.5 GHz, 256 KB L2 cache per core, 256 KB shared L3 platform cache, and DDR3L/4 memory controller supporting 1600 MT/s - deployed in fixed routers and enterprise switches requiring deterministic data-plane acceleration.

For engineers reviewing the T1040NSE7PQB datasheet, T1040NSE7PQB pinout, T1040NSE7PQB application, or T1040NSE7PQB equivalent, key selection criteria include DPAA-enabled packet classification throughput (13 Gb/s), hardware virtualization support (hypervisor privilege level), SEC 5.4 crypto acceleration (5 Gb/s AES/3DES), and QorIQ T1 family pin compatibility across T1040/T1020 variants.

Technical Context

The T1040NSE7PQB implements four single-threaded e5500 cores with hybrid 32/64-bit ISA support, seven-stage pipeline for low-latency execution, and CoreNet coherency fabric enabling cache-coherent multicore communication. It integrates Data Path Acceleration Architecture (DPAA) with Frame Manager (FMAN), Queue Manager (QMAN), and Buffer Manager (BMAN) for hardware-accelerated packet parsing, scheduling, and buffer allocation.

Networking is handled via an integrated 8-port Gigabit Ethernet switch (T1040-specific), five 1 GbE MACs, eight-lane 5 Gb/s SerDes supporting SGMII/QSGMII/PCIe/SATA, and QUICC Engine for legacy TDM/HDLC protocols. Memory subsystem includes 64-bit DDR3L/4 controller with ECC and up to 64 GB addressable space.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

Package: 780-pin FC-BGA (27 mm × 27 mm, 1.0 mm pitch), RoHS-compliant, thermal lid-equipped for industrial temperature operation (–40°C to +105°C).

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with T1020NSE7MQB and T1042NSE7MQB, the T1040NSE7PQB uniquely delivers integrated 8-port Gigabit Ethernet switching in a quad-core configuration - making it optimal for compact, self-contained edge routing and switching platforms where board space and component count are constrained.

Availability

T1040NSE7PQB is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for fixed routers, enterprise switches, and UTM appliances requiring stable component supply, long-term industrial temperature support, and validated QorIQ software toolchain integration.

Supply support for T1040NSE7PQB 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 specializing in secure connectivity solutions for automotive, industrial, and networking applications.

The QorIQ T1 family - including the T1040NSE7PQB - was designed specifically for mixed-control-and-data-plane networking equipment, integrating Power Architecture cores, DPAA acceleration, and Ethernet switching to reduce system complexity in edge infrastructure.

FAQ

What is the operating temperature range for the T1040NSE7PQB?

The T1040NSE7PQB is rated for industrial temperature operation from –40°C to +105°C ambient, verified per JEDEC JESD22-A108 qualification standards. Its thermal lid and FC-BGA package enable reliable performance in unventilated network enclosures. The T1040NSE7PQB's power management unit dynamically throttles core frequency under thermal stress to maintain functional safety without shutdown.

Does the T1040NSE7PQB support DDR4 memory?

Yes, the T1040NSE7PQB supports both DDR3L and DDR4 memory interfaces at up to 1600 MT/s with full ECC protection. The memory controller implements JEDEC-compliant DDR4 timing parameters including tFAW, tRRD, and tRP, and supports 16-bit or 32-bit data widths per channel. This capability is confirmed in the official NXP T1040 Reference Manual Rev. 4, Section 12.3.2.

How many PCIe controllers does the T1040NSE7PQB integrate?

The T1040NSE7PQB integrates four PCI Express 2.0 controllers - each configurable as x1, x2, or x4 lane topology - supporting endpoint or root complex roles. These controllers share the eight-lane SerDes block and are independently clock-gated. All four PCIe interfaces are electrically validated and enabled in the NXP Linux SDK v2.0+ BSP for the T1040NSE7PQB.

Is the 8-port Gigabit Ethernet switch in the T1040NSE7PQB configurable as independent MACs?

No - the 8-port switch in the T1040NSE7PQB is a fixed-function hardware block with internal crossbar and QoS scheduler; ports cannot be reassigned as standalone MACs. However, the T1040NSE7PQB also provides five additional 1 GbE MACs (accessible via SGMII/RGMII) that operate independently of the switch fabric and can be used for uplink or management interfaces.

What virtualization software is validated for the T1040NSE7PQB?

The T1040NSE7PQB is validated with NXP's own hypervisor, Linux KVM (kernel-based virtual machine), and commercial offerings from Green Hills INTEGRITY Multivisor and Enea Hypervisor. All leverage the e5500's hypervisor privilege level (HV mode) and PAMU-based memory isolation. Validation reports and BSPs for the T1040NSE7PQB are published in NXP Document AN5069 and the QorIQ SDK release notes.