Renesas RL78/G24 MCU: High-Performance Solution

Renesas Electronics, a global leader in semiconductor solutions trading on the TSE under the symbol 6723, has unveiled its latest addition to the highly acclaimed RL78 microcontroller (MCU) series. The newcomer, RL78/G24, expands the series by offering versatile 8-bit and 16-bit products tailored to meet the demands of various applications with an emphasis on power efficiency. Distinguished by its exceptional performance, the RL78/G24 features application-specific accelerators (FAA) and a high-speed CPU, capable of reaching clock frequencies of up to 48MHz. Moreover, this product enhances peripheral capabilities, encompassing analog and timer functions, ideal for applications such as motor control, power management, and lighting control. The FAA operates independently of the CPU and efficiently handles tasks such as inverter control, encryption, sensing, and arithmetic operations, resulting in significant performance enhancements.

Toshihiko Seki, Vice President of the MCU Device Solution Division at Renesas, expressed enthusiasm, stating, "We are delighted to introduce a higher echelon of products within the esteemed RL78 series, which currently holds the largest market share in the global 16-bit MCU market. With its extensive array of features and specifications, the RL78 series empowers our customers to achieve peak performance while keeping costs in check."

Osamu Ogura, Software Development Manager in the Industrial System Development Division of TESSERA TECHNOLOGY INC., a valued partner within the Renesas ecosystem, pointed out, "Traditionally, CPU cores shoulder the entire processing load, imposing a substantial burden on the CPU. Achieving a harmonious equilibrium between high-speed processing and CPU load has historically required a substantial time investment. However, thanks to the FAA functionality incorporated into the RL78/G24, we can effectively allocate communication processing between the CPU and power control, thereby significantly shortening overall development timelines."

Brian McKay, Global Strategic Partner Manager at MathWorks, emphasized their collaborative efforts with Renesas, remarking, "Our partnership with Renesas empowers developers to enhance system performance through model-based design and preemptively identify issues prior to MCU deployment. Our mutual customers can leverage the RL78 virtual model in Simulink to access a wide array of features, including generating production-grade code, conducting processor-in-the-loop testing, and maintaining digital thread continuity."

Key Highlights of the RL78/G24 Series:

· Clock frequency of the CPU can reach up to 48MHz, with autonomous FAA operation.

· Features a 12-bit A/D converter capable of simultaneous sampling across three channels, with a maximum conversion speed of 1µs.

· Incorporates a high-speed comparator with a typical delay time of 50ns.

· Equipped with DALI-2 functionality, compliant with lighting communication standards.

· Withstands temperatures of up to 125°C.

· Available in a compact packaging format, including a minimal 3mm x 3mm package option.

The RL78/G24 series includes power-saving features, offering customers two distinct modes: HALT mode (resulting in a 60% reduction in power consumption compared to normal operation) and STOP mode (which slashes power consumption by 99% compared to HALT mode). These power-efficient modes contribute to an overall reduction in device power consumption.