Freescale rolls out 28nm network processors

June 19, 2012 // Nick Flaherty

Freescale is continuing to support the Power architecture, rolling out new quad-core network processors in a 28nm process.

The QorIQ AMP T1042 and T2080 devices are the successors to the P family of devices, aimed at the entry level and mid range segments, joining the previously announced T4240 for high end systems.
With the addition of the two products, Freescale’s QorIQ AMP series now provides a scalable portfolio of 64bit, software-compatible devices based on a common architecture and incorporating multicore IP. Advanced acceleration engines, shared virtualization technology, power management systems and next-generation security features are common to all AMP products.
The T1042 processor (above) is the successor to Freescale’s popular, current-generation P1 and P2 products with twice the core performance and SerDes bandwidth at the same power budget. The T1042 integrates four 64bit Power Architecture cores, Freescale’s Data Path Acceleration Architecture (DPAA), sophisticated pattern matching/security capabilities and PCI Express and Ethernet networking interfaces. It targets a variety of power-sensitive applications such as WLAN access points, enterprise switching and routing equipment, security appliances, and factory automation networking products.
The T2080 device integrates four dual-threaded 64-bit Power Architecture cores running up to 1.8 GHz and is engineered to double performance per watt compared to the previous 45nm QorIQ P series devices. Key features include advanced virtualization technology, a broad array of I/O options, DPAA and robust security functionality. The T2080 is designed for control plane or integrated control and data plane processing. Target applications include mobile backhaul equipment, LTE/WCDMA channel cards, control cards and NICs, and test & measurement products.
Primarily intended as the successor to Freescale’s successful P3041 and P2041 quad-core devices, the T2080 delivers twice the core capability, cache size, SerDes bandwidth and Ethernet connectivity while maintaining the same power budget. The processor also offers twice the performance per watt compared to the P series flagship 45nm QorIQ P4080 device, delivering equivalent performance at about half the power.
The T2080’s performance gains are primarily attributable to the highly efficient dual-threaded e6500 core first introduced in the T4240. The core’s dual-threaded technology provides 1.7x the performance of a single-thread and achieves the industry’s highest CoreMark rating per watt. It delivers up to 1.8 GHz of performance while maintaining a short seven-stage pipeline for optimal latency response to unpredictable control plane code branches. The core also features the 128bit AltiVec single instruction multiple data vector processor, which performs calculations that DSPs would otherwise handle, such as media acceleration and radar processing, but at much lower power.
Freescale plans to offer samples of the T1042 and T2080 devices in the first half of 2013. World-class RTOS and/or development tools support is planned from Enea, Green Hills Software, Mentor Graphics, Wind River and others. Freescale intends to offer development tools, including a Linux BSP, a reference design board, CodeWarrior debug tools, configuration tools, models and more.
www.freescale.com

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