NXP Semiconductors T4240NSN7PQB

Overview

T4240NSN7PQB from NXP Semiconductors is a QorIQ multicore communications processor featuring 12 dual-threaded Power Architecture® e6500 cores, 1.5 MB CoreNet platform cache, three 64-bit DDR3/DDR3L memory controllers with ECC, and integrated Data Path Acceleration Architecture (DPAA) for packet processing, cryptography (SEC 5.0), and IEEE 1588 timing. It targets high-throughput network infrastructure systems including routers, switches, and wireless baseband units.

For engineers reviewing the T4240NSN7PQB datasheet, T4240NSN7PQB pinout, T4240NSN7PQB application, or T4240NSN7PQB equivalent, key selection considerations include its 1932-ball FC-PBGA package, 32 SerDes lanes up to 10 Gb/s, support for up to four 10 Gbps Ethernet MACs, PCIe 2.0/3.0 and Serial RapidIO 2.0 interfaces, and hardware-accelerated security and packet classification functions.

Technical Context

The T4240NSN7PQB implements a hierarchical interconnect fabric centered on the CoreNet coherent fabric, delivering 1.6 Tbps coherent read bandwidth and supporting prioritized, bandwidth-allocated transactions across multiple endpoints. Its DPAA subsystem integrates Frame Manager 1.1, Queue Manager 1.1, Buffer Manager 1.1, SEC 5.0, PME 2.0, and DCE 1.0 engines for deterministic data path offload.

It integrates three independent DDR3/DDR3L memory controllers (64-bit wide, ECC-capable), four PCI Express 2.0/3.0 controllers (one supporting SR-IOV), two Serial RapidIO 2.0 controllers (5 Gbaud), and four 1 Gbps/10 Gbps Ethernet MAC combinations with full IEEE 1588 v2 timestamping and synchronization support.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

Package: 1932-ball FC-PBGA, 45 mm × 45 mm, 1.0 mm pitch, RoHS-compliant ceramic substrate with thermal lid.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with LX2160A and T4160, the T4240NSN7PQB delivers highest deterministic packet processing throughput via Power Architecture coherence and full DPAA 1.1 feature set, making it optimal for legacy telecom control plane migration and applications requiring IEEE 1588 v2 precision without external timestamping ICs.

Availability

T4240NSN7PQB is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for telecom infrastructure, defense comms gateways, wireless baseband units, and industrial TSN switches requiring stable component supply across extended product lifecycles.

Supply support for T4240NSN7PQB 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, IoT, and communications markets.

The T4240NSN7PQB belongs to the QorIQ T-series multicore communications processors, designed specifically for high-performance, low-latency networking and signal processing in carrier-grade and mission-critical infrastructure equipment.

FAQ

What is the maximum DDR3/DDR3L data rate supported by the T4240NSN7PQB?

The T4240NSN7PQB supports DDR3/DDR3L memory up to 1.6 GT/s (800 MHz clock, 1600 MT/s effective data rate) across all three 64-bit controllers. Each controller implements full ECC, address/command parity, and interleaving to sustain >50 GB/s aggregate memory bandwidth. This rate is confirmed in Section 3.8 of the official T4240 datasheet Rev. 1 (May 2016).

Does the T4240NSN7PQB support PCIe 3.0 Gen3 signaling?

Yes, the T4240NSN7PQB includes four PCI Express controllers that support both PCIe 2.0 and PCIe 3.0 modes, with lane rates up to 8 GT/s. One controller additionally supports Single-Root I/O Virtualization (SR-IOV), enabling direct VM-to-device assignment in virtualized network functions. Electrical compliance is verified per PCIe Base Spec 3.0.

How many independent IEEE 1588v2 timestamping units does the T4240NSN7PQB integrate?

The T4240NSN7PQB integrates dedicated IEEE 1588v2 timestamping hardware in all Ethernet MACs - supporting up to four 10 Gbps and sixteen 1 Gbps ports. Each MAC contains a programmable timestamp unit with nanosecond resolution, PTP event message detection, and hardware-assisted correction for ingress/egress delay asymmetry.

Is the T4240NSN7PQB pin-compatible with other QorIQ T-series processors like the T4160?

No, the T4240NSN7PQB is not pin-compatible with the T4160. While both use the 1932-ball FC-PBGA package, ball assignments differ significantly - especially for DDR, SerDes, and PCIe interfaces - due to higher core count, additional memory controllers, and expanded I/O. Migration requires PCB redesign and layout verification per NXP's migration guidelines.

What security features are implemented in hardware on the T4240NSN7PQB?

The T4240NSN7PQB implements multiple hardware security features: SEC 5.0 cryptographic engine (AES-128/256-GCM, SHA-256/384/512, RSA-2048/4096), secure boot ROM with fuse-based key storage, LP Trust and Trust domains for isolated execution, tamper-detect pins, and JTAG lockout via security monitor. These are documented in Sections 6 and 15 of the T4240 datasheet.