NXP Semiconductors T4080NXE7PQB

Overview

T4080NXE7PQB from NXP Semiconductors is a multicore communications processor based on the Power Architecture e6500 core, delivering 4 dual-threaded physical cores (8 virtual cores) at up to 1.8 GHz, 2 MB L2 cache per cluster, dual 64-bit DDR3L memory controllers supporting 1866 MT/s, and integrated Data Path Acceleration Architecture (DPAA) for networking offload. It targets control-and-data-plane convergence in carrier-grade routers and NFV infrastructure.

For engineers reviewing the T4080NXE7PQB datasheet, T4080NXE7PQB pinout, T4080NXE7PQB application, or T4080NXE7PQB equivalent, key selection criteria include its 24 SerDes lanes, dual FMANs supporting up to 2×10 GbE + 10×1 GbE, PCIe 3.0 controller count, hardware virtualization support (hypervisor privilege level, PAMUv2), and SEC 5.0 cryptographic acceleration throughput.

Technical Context

The T4080NXE7PQB implements four e6500 cores clustered with shared 2 MB L2 cache and AltiVec SIMD engines, operating at up to 1.8 GHz with 7 DMIPS/MHz per core. Its CoreNet coherency fabric delivers 1.6 Tb/s coherent read bandwidth and supports hierarchical QoS-aware packet scheduling via QMAN 1.1.

It integrates DPAA accelerators including FMAN 1.1 (50 Gbit/s classify/parse/distribute), BMAN 1.1 (64 buffer pools), SEC 5.0 (40 Gbit/s crypto), PME 2.0 (10 Gbit/s RegEx), and DCE 1.0 (20 Gbit/s compression), all accessible through virtualized I/O paths with PAMUv2-enforced memory protection.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

Package: FC-BGA-1932 (35 mm × 35 mm, 1.0 mm pitch). Pinout validated per NXP reference design T4080-RDB and datasheet T4240T4160FS REV 7.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with T4160NXE7PQB and T4240NXE7PQB, the T4080NXE7PQB provides optimal balance of power efficiency (24-lane SerDes, dual DDR), virtualization readiness, and DPAA acceleration for mid-tier edge infrastructure-avoiding over-provisioned core count while retaining full feature parity in security, networking, and memory subsystems.

Availability

T4080NXE7PQB is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for carrier-grade edge routers, NFV platform development, and defense radar signal processors requiring stable component supply across extended product lifecycles.

Supply support for T4080NXE7PQB 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 communications markets, with leadership in Power Architecture-based processors.

The T4080NXE7PQB belongs to NXP's QorIQ T series, designed specifically for embedded communications infrastructure demanding simultaneous high-performance control and data-plane processing within strict power envelopes.

FAQ

What is the maximum operating frequency of the T4080NXE7PQB?

The T4080NXE7PQB operates at up to 1.8 GHz per e6500 core. This frequency is guaranteed across temperature and voltage ranges specified in the official NXP datasheet T4240T4160FS REV 7. The dual-threaded architecture maintains full performance at this speed, delivering 7 DMIPS/MHz per core. Thermal design must accommodate peak power dissipation at 1.8 GHz under sustained load, especially when all 4 cores and DPAA accelerators are active. T4080NXE7PQB validation testing confirms stable operation at rated frequency with standard cooling.

Does the T4080NXE7PQB support hardware virtualization?

Yes, the T4080NXE7PQB includes comprehensive hardware virtualization support: an extra hypervisor privilege level in the e6500 core, logical-to-real address translation acceleration, PAMUv2 for I/O memory management, and DPAA-level virtualization of Ethernet MACs and accelerators. This enables KVM, Linux containers, and commercial hypervisors from Enea, Green Hills, and Wind River. T4080NXE7PQB's virtualization features are functionally identical to those in the T4160NXE7PQB and T4240NXE7PQB families.

What memory types and speeds does the T4080NXE7PQB support?

The T4080NXE7PQB integrates two 64-bit DDR3L memory controllers supporting data rates up to 1866 MT/s, with ECC, interleaving, and configurable burst lengths. It supports DDR3L-1866, DDR3L-1600, and DDR3L-1333 modules in registered or unbuffered configurations. The controller implements JEDEC-compliant timing parameters and includes built-in training sequences. T4080NXE7PQB does not support DDR4 or LPDDR variants - only DDR3L compliant with JESD79-3F specification.

How many 10 Gigabit Ethernet interfaces can the T4080NXE7PQB support?

The T4080NXE7PQB supports up to two 10 Gigabit Ethernet interfaces via its dual Frame Managers (FMANs), each capable of driving one 10 GbE MAC in XFI or 10Gbase-KR mode. These interfaces connect directly to external PHYs or optical modules. Additional 1 GbE ports (up to ten) are available for management or auxiliary traffic. T4080NXE7PQB's SerDes lanes are allocated to achieve this 2×10 GbE + 10×1 GbE configuration without compromising PCIe or SRIO functionality.

Is the T4080NXE7PQB pin-compatible with other QorIQ T4 family processors?

Yes, the T4080NXE7PQB shares the same FC-BGA-1932 package footprint and pinout with the T4160NXE7PQB and T4240NXE7PQB, enabling hardware scalability across the T4 family. This pin compatibility allows board reuse when upgrading from T4080NXE7PQB to higher-core-count variants, provided thermal and power delivery margins accommodate increased current draw. T4080NXE7PQB's pin mapping for DDR, PCIe, SerDes, and FMAN signals matches the family-wide layout defined in NXP's T4240T4160FS documentation.