QorIQ processors make networking more personal

To address these needs, Freescale Semiconductor has introduced the QorIQ LS1088A octal and LS1048A quad multicore processors based on the performance-optimised and power-conscious 64-bit capable ARM Cortex-A53 cores. The devices integrate Freescale’s 2nd gen datapath acceleration architecture (DPAA2), delivering datapath offload with software developers in mind, and providing networking engineers with the processing resources to deliver low power, flexible and cost-efficient solutions for new virtualised networks as envisioned by ARM and others.

Further expanding the industry’s broadest ARM portfolio of multicore networking SoCs, the QorIQ LS1088A and LS1048A processors feature Cortex-A53 cores running up to 1.5GHz. The devices deliver exceptional integration, incorporating DDR4 memory controllers and up to two 10Gb/s and eight 1Gb/s Ethernet interfaces with L2 switch capabilities. These ultra-low-power processors are specifically designed for intelligent edge access equipment, NFV and virtual CPE solutions, industrial control systems and intelligent NIC applications.

The products are the first ultra-low power communications processors targeting access and vCPE applications to leverage Freescale’s 2nd gen DPAA2, which enables extreme performance and ease of use through sophisticated accelerator sharing and a simplified, secure networking interface. DPAA2 incorporates a range of powerful acceleration engines, including an advanced I/O processor to offload software running on the CPUs. The next-gen datapath’s high-performance also powers a range of proven Freescale network security engines. The result is the introduction of two highly secure communications processors featuring extreme value, power efficiency and processing power.

“Last year we announced the QorIQ LS2 family for the new virtualised network, and today we are in full execution mode and are uniquely positioned for even greater portfolio expansion with the upcoming integration of Cortex-A72 core technology,” said Tareq Bustami, Vice President, Digital Networking group, Freescale. “Continuing this momentum, we’re making the network more personal by bringing data closer and more accessible to consumers. The QorIQ LS1088A processor pairs our offload datapath with ARM’s most advanced 64-bit capable Cortex-A53 core, providing an excellent balance of low power and high performance, and bringing an advanced architectural solution to the value tier and the intelligent edge.”

Freescale’s QorIQ LS1088A and LS1048A devices are planned for availability in Q1 2016. In addition, Freescale will show new demonstrations based on the QorIQ LS1 and LS2 family processors this week at FTF Americas, showcasing the power and performance of Freescale’s advanced datapath technology.