[April 08, 2014]

Freescale introduces new family of QorIQ multicore processors built on Layerscape architecture, delivering a breakthrough, software-defined approach to advance the world's new virtualized networks

(Freescale (News - Alert) Technology Forum) - The world's networks have become increasingly virtualized, giving rise to software-defined networking (SDN), open-standard protocols such as OpenFlow™ and other software-based approaches to network infrastructure. Concurrently, the Internet of Things (IoT) and the early definition of 5G technologies are dramatically growing the number of network endpoints, while adding to the worldwide flood of data which must be secured, analyzed and transported.

To address these fast-moving dynamics, Freescale Semiconductor (News - Alert) (NYSE: FSL), the worldwide leader in embedded communications processors, is introducing the QorIQ LS2085A and LS2045A SoCs based on Layerscape architecture. In addition, Freescale continues to evolve its Power Architecture technology-based offerings with the introduction of three additional devices: the QorIQ T1023, T1024, and T4080 SoCs.

"We recognized the paradigm shift toward the era of SDN/NFV two years ago, when we first announced our next-generation of QorIQ platforms built on Layerscape architecture," said Tom Deitrich, senior vice president and general manager of Freescale's Digital Networking group. "With today's introduction of QorIQ LS2 products, we are fulfilling our commitment to deliver exceptionally advanced SoC technology that simultaneously boosts ease-of-use for our customers while dramatically enhancing network performance."

A new architecture for networking SoCs, built with ease-of-use in mind

The QorIQ LS2 architecture incorporates a processing domain built around the industry-leading 64-bit ARM (News - Alert) Cortex^®-A57 core. Tightly coupled to this domain is a set of debug, I/O and acceleration technologies, including a groundbreaking packet processing engine that abstracts hardware complexity and enables customers to focus their resources on innovation at the application level. This flexible data plane engine is C-programmable, which dramatically shortens development cycles and opens the architecture to a larger community of embedded developers. Additionally, the QorIQ LS2 packet processor is enabled with a vast toolkit of turnkey, C-based libraries of common networking protocols and functions which provide a link between flexibility and performance. Aso included in the architecture, and designed to work closely with the datapath engine, is an integrated L2 switch, enabling interconnect and peripherals to provide a complete system-on-chip for reduced power, form factor, cost and part counts. Programming the entire multicore SoC is greatly simplified by abstracting tasks such as setup, initialization and teardown, and allows users to call resources and accelerators using standard APIs and Linux^® objects.

"Freescale's new QorIQ T-series and LS2-series processors reveal the company's double-barreled strategy: deliver both Power Architecture and ARM based chips based on an innovative SoC architecture featuring a C-programmable, run-to-completion packet engine designed for ease-of-use, as well as high performance," said Linley Gwennap, principal analyst for The Linley Group. "Particularly notable is the QorIQ LS2085A -- which has eight 64-bit Cortex-57 cores and raises the performance bar for embedded processors optimized for communications."

Introducing the QorIQ LS2 Family of SoCs based on ARM technology

Optimized for networking applications, the new QorIQ LS2085A and LS2045A processors based on Layerscape architecture feature: eight and four 64-bit ARM Cortex-A57 cores respectively, running up to 2GHz; DDR4 memory controllers; eight 10Gb interfaces; and eight 1Gb interfaces with L2 switch capabilities. The products' advanced datapath engine is capable of 40 Gb/s complex packet processing with acceleration technology. The QorIQ LS2 family is specifically designed for SDN/OpenFlow switching, NFV solutions, wireless access, enterprise routing, and data center processing applications. The new product line raises the bar for the industry with plans for a complete ARMv8-A-based portfolio of multicore processors to be disclosed later in 2014.

QorIQ T Series processors - continuing Power Architecture innovation

Highlighting its commitment to expand a software-compatible upgrade path for its vast portfolio of Power Architecture designs, Freescale today also is introducing three new members of its 28-nm, 64-bit QorIQ families with the introduction of the QorIQ T1023, T1024, and T4080 64-bit processors. In conjunction with its new QorIQ LS2 family, Freescale's customers now have the widest selection of 64-bit Power Architecture- or ARM-based devices, delivering exceptional power/performance options.

The new QorIQ T1023 and T1024 processors combine seamless application software scalability with an outstanding offload performance upgrade path for the popular QorIQ P1 family and PowerQUICC processors. The T1023 device targets 802.11ac smart edge WLAN access points and branch routers, while the T1024 SoC delivers cost-effective upgrades for printing and imaging, traditional control applications and line cards. These new processors integrate performance-leading Power Architecture e5500 processor cores with advanced cache architectures running up to 1.4GHz, as well as an application-leading offload engine, and a future-proof, low-power memory subsystem.

The QorIQ T4080 processor further expands the QorIQ T4 family's scalability range. It is pin-compatible with the T4160 and T4240 processors, enabling customers to design several products from a single PCB. The QorIQ T4080 is ideal for application delivery controllers and WAN optimization controllers due to its highly efficient accelerators for deep packet inspection, bulk encryption, and compression. The T4080 integrates the high performance AltiVec engine and leverages four dual-threaded, Power Architecture-based e6500 cores running up to 1.67GHz.

Availability

Freescale's QorIQ LS2 family LS2045A and LS2085A devices are planned for availability in 2H 2014. General sampling of the QorIQ T1023 and T1024 devices is planned for November 2014. General sampling for the T4080 SoC is planned for June 2014. In addition, Freescale will show new demonstrations based on the QorIQ LS2 processors this week at FTF Americas, showcasing the new packet processing engine, performance analysis capabilities, and ease of use toolkit.

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About Freescale Semiconductor

Freescale Semiconductor is a global leader in embedded processing solutions, providing industry leading products that are advancing the automotive, consumer, industrial and networking markets. From microprocessors and microcontrollers to sensors, analog integrated circuits and connectivity - our technologies are the foundation for the innovations that make our world greener, safer, healthier and more connected. Some of our key applications and end-markets include automotive safety, hybrid and all-electric vehicles, next generation wireless infrastructure, smart energy management, portable medical devices, consumer appliances and smart mobile devices. The company is based in Austin, Texas, and has design, research and development, manufacturing and sales operations around the world. http://www.freescale.com.

Freescale, the Freescale logo, QorIQ and PowerQUICC are trademarks of Freescale Semiconductor, Inc. (News - Alert), Reg. U.S. Pat. & Tm.Off. Layerscape is a trademark of Freescale Semiconductor, Inc. All product or service names are the property of their respective owners. ARM and Cortex are trademarks or registered trademarks of ARM Ltd (News - Alert). or its subsidiaries in the EU and/or elsewhere. All rights reserved. The Power Architecture and Power.org word marks and the Power and Power.org logos and related marks are trademarks and service marks licensed by Power.org. All other product or service names are the property of their respective owners. © 2014 Freescale Semiconductor, Inc.

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