NXP Semiconductors T2080NXN8P1B

Overview

T2080NXN8P1B from NXP is a 28 nm QorIQ communications processor featuring four dual-threaded 64-bit e6500 Power Architecture® cores, 2 MB shared L2 cache, and integrated Data Path Acceleration Architecture (DPAA) for packet parsing, classification, and crypto acceleration up to 10 Gb/s. It delivers up to 1.8 GHz core frequency, supports DDR3/3L memory at 2133 MT/s, and targets mid-range control-and-data-plane networking applications including enterprise switches and wireless infrastructure control cards.

For engineers reviewing the T2080NXN8P1B datasheet, T2080NXN8P1B pinout, T2080NXN8P1B application, or T2080NXN8P1B equivalent, key selection criteria include SerDes lane count (16 × 10 GHz), PCIe Gen3/Gen2 configuration (2× Gen3 + 2× Gen2), Ethernet MAC flexibility (up to 4× 10G + 8× 1G), hardware virtualization support, and 25 mm × 25 mm 896-pin PBGA package with 0.8 mm pitch.

Technical Context

The T2080NXN8P1B implements a coherent CoreNet interconnect fabric linking four e6500 cores, 512 KB platform cache with prefetch, and DPAA subsystems (FMAN/QMAN/BMAN/SEC/DCE/PME). Its hierarchical memory subsystem includes a 64-bit DDR3/3L controller with ECC and supports hybrid 32/64-bit execution modes.

Hardware-assisted virtualization is enabled via hypervisor privilege level, PAMU v2 I/O MMU, SR-IOV, and DPAA-level MAC/accelerator virtualization. The device integrates dual 8-channel DMA engines, two USB 2.0 controllers with PHYs, SDXC/eMMC host controller, and four I²C interfaces - all managed through a unified peripheral access management unit.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

Package: 25 mm × 25 mm, 896-pin Fine-Pitch Ball Grid Array (PBGA), 0.8 mm pitch, RoHS-compliant, lead-free, moisture sensitivity level 3.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with T2080NXN8P1B, T2081NXN7P1B offers reduced I/O and footprint for cost-sensitive edge deployments, while T4240NXN12P1B delivers scalable performance for core infrastructure-both require PCB redesign but share toolchain, SDK, and virtualization stack compatibility.

Availability

T2080NXN8P1B is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for enterprise switching, wireless infrastructure control, and industrial secure routing applications requiring stable component supply, long-term lifecycle assurance, and traceable sourcing.

Supply support for T2080NXN8P1B 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 headquartered in Eindhoven, Netherlands, specializing in secure connectivity solutions for automotive, industrial, and networking markets.

The T2080NXN8P1B belongs to NXP's QorIQ T Series communications processors, designed specifically for mid-range control-and-data-plane integration in networking equipment where performance-per-watt, hardware virtualization, and DPAA acceleration are critical.

FAQ

What is the maximum DDR3/3L memory speed supported by the T2080NXN8P1B?

The T2080NXN8P1B supports DDR3/3L SDRAM up to 2133 MT/s with a 64-bit data bus and 72-bit width including ECC. This enables high-bandwidth memory access for concurrent control-plane processing and packet buffering, and the controller complies with JEDEC DDR3L standards for 1.35 V operation. System design must meet strict timing budgets and use matched trace lengths for reliable operation at rated speed.

Does the T2080NXN8P1B support hardware virtualization for mixed control-and-data-plane workloads?

Yes, the T2080NXN8P1B includes comprehensive hardware virtualization features: an extra hypervisor privilege level, PAMU v2 I/O MMU with paging support, vMPIC for virtualized interrupt handling, and DPAA-level virtualization for Ethernet MACs and accelerators. These capabilities allow safe partitioning of Linux-based control plane and real-time data plane tasks within isolated VMs-validated with KVM and NXP's hypervisor.

What SerDes protocols can be configured on the T2080NXN8P1B's 16 lanes?

All 16 SerDes lanes on the T2080NXN8P1B are protocol-agnostic and configurable as PCIe Gen3/Gen2, Serial RapidIO 2.1, SATA 2.0, Aurora, or Ethernet interfaces (XFI/XAUI/HiGig). Lane assignment is defined at boot via RCW settings, and each lane pair supports independent protocol selection-enabling simultaneous operation of PCIe, SRIO, and 10G Ethernet on a single device without external retimers.

How does the DPAA subsystem in the T2080NXN8P1B accelerate packet processing?

The T2080NXN8P1B's DPAA comprises FMAN (frame manager), QMAN (queue manager), and BMAN (buffer manager). FMAN parses and classifies packets at line rate; QMAN schedules work across 224 queues with strict ordering and congestion management; BMAN handles zero-copy buffer allocation from 64 configurable pools. Together they offload 80–90% of packet I/O overhead from CPU cores-demonstrated in VortiQa switch software achieving 10 Gb/s VXLAN throughput.

Is the T2080NXN8P1B pin-compatible with any earlier NXP processors?

No, the T2080NXN8P1B is not pin-compatible with earlier NXP processors such as the P3041 or P2041. It uses a new 896-pin PBGA package with distinct power, clock, and I/O pin assignments. However, its software stack-including Linux SDK, CodeWarrior tools, and VortiQa applications-is backward-compatible with P-series devices, easing migration at the firmware level despite PCB redesign requirements.