NXP Semiconductors T4240NSN7TTB

Overview

T4240NSN7TTB from NXP Semiconductors (formerly Freescale) is a 12-core, dual-threaded Power Architecture® e6500-based multicore processor delivering 24 virtual CPUs at up to 1.8 GHz. It integrates Data Path Acceleration Architecture (DPAA), SEC 5.0 crypto acceleration (up to 40 Gbps), PME 2.1 regex engine (up to 10 Gbps), and DCE 1.0 compression/decompression (up to 20 Gbps). Designed for control- and data-plane consolidation in network security appliances and intelligent NICs.

For engineers reviewing the T4240NSN7TTB datasheet, T4240NSN7TTB pinout, T4240NSN7TTB application, or T4240NSN7TTB equivalent, key selection criteria include DDR3/3L memory controller bandwidth (1.867 GT/s), dual FMAN supporting up to 16 MACs (including 4×10G XFI), PCIe 3.0 SR-IOV support with 128 VFs, hardware-assisted virtualization with hypervisor privilege level, and CoreNet coherency fabric bandwidth (1.46 Tbps read).

Technical Context

The T4240NSN7TTB implements three clusters of four e6500 cores sharing 2 MB L2 cache each (6 MB total), with AltiVec SIMD units and 7-stage pipelines enabling 10,800 DMIPS/core. Its CoreNet coherency fabric supports 40-bit physical addressing, hierarchical interconnect prioritization, and cache intervention across remote L2 banks to reduce average memory latency.

DPAA is tightly coupled to the CoreNet fabric via Frame Manager (FMAN), Queue Manager (QMAN), Buffer Manager (BMAN), and RMAN for chip-to-chip interconnect. Hardware accelerators are accessible through dedicated DMA channels and stashed directly into L1/L2 caches, enabling line-rate packet processing without CPU intervention for classification, crypto, regex, and compression tasks.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

Package: 1932-pin flip-chip plastic ball grid array (FC-PBGA), 45 mm × 45 mm, JEDEC-compliant, 0–105°C junction temperature range.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with LS2088A and Xeon D-1541, the T4240NSN7TTB delivers superior deterministic latency for telecom control plane, native hardware-accelerated packet steering, and Power Architecture ecosystem continuity-making it optimal for brownfield carrier deployments and high-touch security appliances where DPAA integration reduces software development effort by 60%.

Availability

T4240NSN7TTB is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for 1U security appliances, ATCA services blades, intelligent network adapters, and radio node controllers requiring stable component supply across extended lifecycle programs.

Supply support for T4240NSN7TTB 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 and later merged with Freescale. It focuses on secure connectivity solutions for automotive, industrial, and networking markets.

The QorIQ T4 family-including T4240NSN7TTB-was designed specifically for high-performance, consolidated control-and-data-plane processing in carrier-grade networking equipment, where hardware acceleration, virtualization readiness, and long-term industrial support are mandatory.

FAQ

What is the maximum DDR3 data rate supported by the T4240NSN7TTB?

The T4240NSN7TTB supports DDR3 memory at up to 1.867 GT/s, corresponding to DDR3-1866 operation. This rate is achievable with proper PCB layout, termination, and timing calibration using the built-in write-leveling and read-leveling engines. The T4240NSN7TTB also supports DDR3L at 1.6 GT/s for thermally constrained environments. All three DDR controllers include ECC, interleaving, and page-mode optimizations to maximize effective bandwidth.

Does the T4240NSN7TTB support PCIe 3.0 SR-IOV, and how many virtual functions does it enable?

Yes, the T4240NSN7TTB supports PCIe 3.0 SR-IOV on two of its four PCIe controllers, enabling up to 128 virtual functions per controller. This capability allows direct assignment of PCIe resources to individual VMs in NFV deployments without hypervisor mediation, reducing I/O latency by 40% compared to paravirtualized drivers. The T4240NSN7TTB's IOMMU ensures memory isolation between VFs, meeting PCI-SIG SR-IOV compliance requirements.

How does the Data Path Acceleration Architecture (DPAA) in the T4240NSN7TTB improve packet processing efficiency?

The DPAA in the T4240NSN7TTB improves packet processing efficiency by offloading classification, queuing, crypto, regex, and compression from CPU cores to dedicated hardware blocks (FMAN, QMAN, SEC, PME, DCE). This reduces instructions-per-packet by up to 75%, freeing CPU cycles for value-added services like application-layer inspection and policy enforcement. DPAA stashing into L1/L2 caches further eliminates memory copies, enabling true zero-copy forwarding in Linux kernel bypass stacks.

What thermal and packaging specifications apply to the T4240NSN7TTB?

The T4240NSN7TTB uses a 1932-pin FC-PBGA package measuring 45 mm × 45 mm, compliant with JEDEC standards. Its operating junction temperature range is 0–105°C, requiring a heatsink with ≥0.15°C/W thermal resistance for full 35 W TDP operation. The package supports lead-free reflow profiles and includes thermal pads for direct die-to-heatsink contact. Thermal monitoring is integrated via on-die sensors accessible through the CCSR register space.

Can the T4240NSN7TTB run multiple operating systems simultaneously, and how is isolation enforced?

Yes, the T4240NSN7TTB supports concurrent execution of multiple operating systems-including Linux, VxWorks, and bare-metal RTOS-using hardware-assisted virtualization. Isolation is enforced via three privilege levels (user/supervisor/hypervisor), IOMMU-based DMA protection, PAMU address translation, and configurable storage profiles that partition I/O buffers between guests. The Security Monitor and Trust Architecture 2.0 provide secure boot and runtime attestation to prevent unauthorized OS loading.