Freescale launches 64bit ARM based SoCs for software defined networking applications

Matt Short, Freescale's senior marketing manager for digital networking, said: "Layerscape 2 devices are based on a high performance architecture optimised for software defined networks." Claiming the 'many core' approach used by other manufacturers is not sustainable, due to power, software complexity and integration costs, Freescale has gone with four and eight core implementations of the 64bit Cortex-A57 processor, with each core running at 2GHz. Both parts have been optimised for network architecture applications. The QorIQ LS2085A is the eight core version, while the LS2045A features four cores. Both have DDR4 memory controllers, eight 10Gbit interfaces and eight 1Gbit interfaces with L2 switch capabilities. Integrated L2 switching is said to enable the interconnect and peripherals to provide a complete SoC solution. There are also four PCIe gen 3 controllers and twin USB3.0 ports. According to Short, I/O will be an important element of future products. "Layerscape 2 products will offer up to 100Gbit of I/O," While Layerscape 2 is a 'huge addition' to the Freescale line up, according to Short, the launch is accompanied by further PowerPC based devices. The QorIQ T1024/1023 will have single or twin e5500 PowerPC cores running at up to 1.4GHz and a range of flexible network interfaces. Also launched is the QorIQ T4080, with four e6500 cores clocked at up to 1.67GHz. This features two frame managers, each able to parse, classify and distribute at up to 15Gbit/s. T102x parts will be aimed at smart edge access, industrial automation and control plane applications, while the T4080 is likely to be used in wireless infrastructure, network interface cards and the defence and aerospace markets. The LS2045A and LS2085A are planned to be available in the second half of 2014. General sampling of the QorIQ T1023 and T1024 is planned for November 2014, while the T4080 SoC will sample in June 2014.