32-bit MCUs enhanced with larger memory capacity

Built around the company's RXv1 core, the RX111 Group MCUs provide ultralow power consumption and excellent processing performance. Operating at 32MHz, the devices offer processing performance of 1.56DMIPS/MHz and power consumption of just 64µA/DMIPS. The MCUs can also consume just 440nA while retaining the contents of the RAM and register values in software standby mode. According to Renesas, these current rating are among the lowest in the industry for 32-bit MCUs.

The MCUs offer a wakeup time of 4.8µs, from software standby mode to normal operating mode. This reduces current consumption and current loss during wakeup from standby mode, offering significant savings during intermittent operation where switching between standby mode and normal operation occurs repeatedly. This, therefore, makes it possible to extend the operating duration of battery-powered products such as portable or healthcare devices.

Healthcare devices, sensors for industrial applications, and measuring and detection devices for building automation systems require high computational processing performance and low power consumption. There has been a recent trend towards using common components in order to pursue differentiation through extended functionality and improved safety. However, software design has become more complex and more programs are needed for control. This has led many developers to select MCUs with high performance and increased flash memory capacity, which feature high power consumption. The latest components within the RX111 Group offer the increased flash memory capacity required, without increasing power consumption.

Samples of the RX111 MCUs with increased memory capacity are available now with mass production scheduled to begin in December 2014. Production is expected to reach a scale of 500,000 units per month in January 2016.