NXP Semiconductors T4240NSE7QTB

Overview

T4240NSE7QTB from NXP Semiconductors (formerly Freescale) is a 12-core, dual-threaded Power Architecture® e6500-based multicore processor with 24 virtual CPUs, integrated Data Path Acceleration Architecture (DPAA), 4×10 GbE MACs, and three 64-bit DDR3/3L memory controllers. It delivers up to 129,600 DMIPS and 216 GFLOPs single-precision performance for high-throughput control-and-data-plane consolidation in network security appliances and intelligent NICs.

For engineers reviewing the T4240NSE7QTB datasheet, T4240NSE7QTB pinout, T4240NSE7QTB application, or T4240NSE7QTB equivalent, key selection criteria include its 1.8 GHz core frequency, hardware-assisted virtualization support, SEC 5.0 crypto acceleration (up to 40 Gbps), PME 2.1 regex engine (10 Gbps), and FC-PBGA 1932-pin package with 0–105°C industrial temperature rating.

Technical Context

The T4240NSE7QTB implements three clusters of four e6500 cores sharing 2 MB L2 cache each (6 MB total), with hierarchical CoreNet coherency fabric enabling cache intervention across clusters and 1.46 Tbps coherent read bandwidth. Its DPAA integrates Frame Manager 1.1, Queue Manager 1.1, BMan 1.1, and RMan 1.0 for packet parsing, scheduling, buffer management, and chip-to-chip interconnect.

It supports hardware virtualization via hypervisor privilege level, LRAT translation acceleration, IOMMU-based DMA protection, and configurable storage profiles for guest isolation. Memory subsystem includes prefetch-aware CPC (1.5 MB total), DDR3/3L controllers at 1867 MT/s with ECC, interleaving, and page-mode optimizations reducing latency by up to 10 cycles per burst hit.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

Package: 1932-pin flip-chip plastic ball grid array (FC-PBGA), 45 mm × 45 mm, RoHS-compliant, JEDEC-standard footprint with 0.8 mm pitch.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with LS2088A and Xeon D-1541, the T4240NSE7QTB uniquely combines Power Architecture deterministic latency, DPAA's 50 Gbps packet classification, and SEC 5.0's 40 Gbps crypto - making it irreplaceable for telecom infrastructure requiring both control-plane programmability and data-plane hardware acceleration.

Availability

T4240NSE7QTB is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for 1U security appliances, ATCA services blades, radio node controllers, and intelligent network adapters requiring stable component supply across extended product lifecycles.

Supply support for T4240NSE7QTB 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 Philips' semiconductor division, now specializing in secure connectivity solutions for automotive, industrial, and communications markets.

The T4240NSE7QTB belongs to NXP's QorIQ T4 family - designed specifically for consolidation of control and data plane processing in high-performance networking infrastructure, targeting NFV, SDN, and wireless infrastructure applications.

FAQ

What is the maximum operating frequency of the T4240NSE7QTB?

The T4240NSE7QTB operates at a maximum core frequency of 1.8 GHz, validated across the full 0–105°C industrial temperature range. This binning ensures deterministic real-time performance for telecom control-plane tasks and sustained 24-thread throughput in NFV workloads without thermal throttling under continuous load.

Does the T4240NSE7QTB support hardware virtualization?

Yes, the T4240NSE7QTB includes full hardware-assisted virtualization support: hypervisor privilege level, Logical-to-Real Address Translation (LRAT), IOMMU-based DMA protection, and configurable storage profiles for guest memory isolation. It runs KVM, Linux containers, and commercial hypervisors from Enea and Wind River without modification.

What types of memory does the T4240NSE7QTB support?

The T4240NSE7QTB supports three 64-bit DDR3/3L SDRAM controllers with ECC, operating at up to 1867 MT/s (DDR3) or 1600 MT/s (DDR3L). It supports x4/x8/x16 memory widths, unbuffered/registered DIMMs, 1/4/8 KB interleaving, and active zeroization on security violation - all validated per JEDEC standards.

How many 10 GbE interfaces does the T4240NSE7QTB provide?

The T4240NSE7QTB integrates four 10 GbE MACs supporting XAUI and 10GBase-KR XFI interfaces, plus ten 1 GbE SGMII and two 1 GbE RGMII MACs. The SerDes lanes are configurable, allowing flexible combinations such as 4×10G + 10×1G + 2×1G without external PHYs or retimers.

Is the T4240NSE7QTB pin-compatible with other QorIQ T4 family members?

Yes, the T4240NSE7QTB shares the same 1932-pin FC-PBGA package and pinout with the T4160 and T4080, enabling hardware scalability within the same PCB layout. Frequency, core count, and feature enablement differ per variant, but mechanical, thermal, and electrical interface compatibility is maintained across the T4 family.