Portfolio expanded with MCUs for industrial automation

Built around the Renesas proprietary RXv3 CPU core, the RX72N features a maximum operating frequency of 240MHz and two Ethernet channels, and the RX66N features a maximum operating frequency of 120MHz and one Ethernet channel.

In the industrial equipment market, performance and functionality improvements lead to larger program code sizes. As a result, storage capacity and read speed play key roles in determining real time performance.

The new RX72N and RX66N devices offer up to 4MB of on-chip flash memory that perform read operations at a frequency of 120MHz, among the fastest in the industry, as well as 1MB of on-chip SRAM. This ample on-chip memory eliminates the need for external memory, which has slower read speeds, and makes it possible to extract the full performance capacity of the CPU.

In addition, larger memory capacity enables high-resolution graphics support, such as WVGA, on a single chip, which was not possible on earlier general-purpose MCUs.

With this combination, the MCUs can implement single-chip equipment control and networking function, enhancing the real time performance of applications such as industrial robots, general-purpose inverters, Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs), and remote I/O devices. They also make it possible to improve the exterior design and operability of a wide range of industrial automation equipment.

“The new products extend our portfolio of MCU products that combine equipment control and networking function on a single chip, joining the already available RX72M with EtherCAT support, and the mainstream RX65N and RX651 models,” said Sakae Ito, Vice President of IoT Platform Business Division at Renesas.

“The RX Family provides a high level of hardware and software inter-compatibility, making it easy for customers to build a development platform that scales from low-end to high-end products. This year marks the ten year anniversary of RX. We are planning a range of activities to appreciate our loyal RX customers and dedicated partners, which includes the launch of new products such as RX72N and RX66N. We are committed to continue to strengthen RX lineups for many more years to come.

Key features of the new RX72N Group and RX66N Group:

• Large-capacity on-chip memory and large pin count package options that contribute to smaller product enclosures. The new product lineup features capacities of 4MB flash memory and 1MB SRAM, with pin count packages ranging up to 224 pins, including a maximum of 182 General-Purpose Input/Output (GPIO) ports. By enabling single-chip implementation where it previously required additional components such as a sub-MCU or external memory, the new MCUs reduce the component mounting area required on the circuit board for smaller form factors.

• Hardware accelerator for faster motor control. The RX72N Group and RX66N Group incorporate an arithmetic unit for trigonometric functions (sin, cos, arctan, hypot; RX72N only) that accelerates motor vector control and a register bank save function that decreases the interrupt response time. This reduces the CPU load required for closed-loop control and simplifies the implementation of additional functions such as networking capabilities.

• Security functions that protect data communications and programs. The Trusted Secure IP module provided as a security engine supports multiple encryption standards, including AES, 3DES, RSA, ECC, SHA, and TRNG, as well as key management. Combined with the protection function of the on-chip flash memory, it provides support for secure firmware updating and secure boot function.

• HMI functions for improved exterior design and operability. The RX72N Group and RX66N Group incorporate an LCD controller, 2D drawing engine, and serial sound interface. They can support high resolution displays - WVGA (800x480) at 8-bit colours or WQVGA (400x240) at 16-bit colours - without the need for external memory. When used in combination with voice recognition or noise reduction middleware, they also enable customers to add voice control function to their products, making them suitable for applications such as network-connected LCD-equipped controllers or smart speakers.

Renesas also introduced the RX72N Envision Kit to further reduce common barriers to development. The evaluation board makes it easy to experiment with an array of functions, including:

• Network (wired: Ethernet, wireless: WiFi/Bluetooth LE combo module on-board)
• Security (Trusted Secure IP and flash memory protection function incorporated into RX72N)
• HMI (4.3" WQVGA TFT LCD, audio IC, MEMS microphone on-board)
• Connectivity (USB 2.0 Full Speed Host, SD host interface, QSPI)

Pricing and availability

The RX72N Group and RX66N Group of MCUs are available now. The RX72N Envision Kit is also available now, priced at $60 per unit. (Pricing and availability are subject to change without notice).