Renesas Unveils 1st Gen 32-bit RISC-V CPU Core

On November 30, 2023, Renesas Electronics (TSE: 6723), a global leader in semiconductor solutions, proudly announced the successful development and launch of a cutting-edge 32-bit CPU core based on the widely adopted RISC-V Instruction Set Architecture (ISA). As the pioneering entity to independently engineer a 32-bit general-purpose RISC-V CPU core, Renesas has established an open and adaptable platform tailored for applications in the Internet of Things (IoT), consumer electronics, healthcare, and industrial systems. This breakthrough augments Renesas' existing suite of 32-bit Microcontroller Unit (MCU) IP products, encompassing the proprietary RX product family and the RA product family based on the Arm Cortex-M architecture.

Recognized for its flexibility, scalability, energy efficiency, and open ecosystem, RISC-V has experienced rapid adoption across the semiconductor landscape. While many industry players collaborate in alliances to expedite RISC-V product development, Renesas has achieved autonomous success in developing its RISC-V core. This versatile CPU serves as a primary application controller, seamlessly integrates into System-on-Chip (SoC) configurations, on-chip subsystems, or even auxiliary cores within deep-embedded Application-Specific Standard Products (ASSPs). Building upon the prior launches of 32-bit voice control and motor control ASSP products, as well as the RZ/Five 64-bit general-purpose microprocessor (MPU) featuring the CPU core developed by Andes Technology Corp., Renesas stands at the forefront of the burgeoning RISC-V market.

“Renesas takes pride in offering embedded processing solutions for the broadest range of customers and applications,” said Daryl Khoo, Vice President of the IoT Platform Division at Renesas. “This new core extends our leadership in the RISC-V market and uniquely positions us to deliver more solutions that accommodate a diverse range of requirements.”

“We congratulate Renesas on achieving its recent milestone in 32-bit RISC-V MCU architecture development,” said Calista Redmond, CEO at RISC-V International. “This achievement exemplifies how RISC-V ecosystem partners, such as Renesas, are rapidly advancing RISC-V innovation. Our RISC-V community now spans 70 countries with more than 4,000 members, and we eagerly anticipate further innovations emerging from this dynamic, expanding market.”

The CoreMark/MHz performance of Renesas' RISC-V CPU stands at an impressive 3.27, surpassing comparable architectures in the industry. This performance includes extensions that enhance operational efficiency while simultaneously reducing code size. Renesas is currently providing samples of the new core to select customers and plans to unveil its inaugural RISC-V-based MCU, accompanied by related development tools, in the first quarter of 2024. Detailed information about this groundbreaking MCU product will be made publicly available at that time.