Microcontrollers (MCUs) with ultra-low power consumption and the first industry support for the new USB-C Revision 2.4 standard were introduced by Renesas Electronics under the RA2L2 group. The new MCUs, which are based on a 48-MHz Arm Cortex M23 processor, have a wide range of features that make them perfect for portable electronics and PC accessories like gaming keyboards and mouse.
Voltage detection limits have been lowered in the latest USB Type-C Cable and Connector Specification Release 2.4 (0.613V for 1.5A source and 1.165V for 3.0A source). The first MCUs in the industry to support these new levels are the RA2L2 MCUs.
Key Features of the RA2L2 MCUs
- Core: 48 MHz Arm Cortex-M23Memory: 128-64 KB Flash, 16 KB SRAM, 4 KB Dataflash
- Peripherals: USB-C, USB-FS, CAN, Low Power UART, SCI, SPI, I3C, I2S, 12-bit ADC (17-channel), Low Power Timer, Real-Time Clock, High-Speed On-chip Oscillator (HOCO), Temp SensorPackages: 32-, 48- and 64-pin LQFP; 32- and 48-pin QFN
- Security: Unique ID, TRNG
- Wide Ambient Temperature Range: Ta = -40°C to 125°COperating Voltage: 1.6V – 5.5V; USB Operating Voltage: 3.0V to 3.6V
Utilizing patented low-power technology, the RA2L2 MCUs provide software standby current of only 250nA and active mode current of 87.5 µA/MHz.
Additionally, they provide a separate running clock for the low-power UART, which can be utilized to activate the system when Bluetooth® LE modules or WiFi send data. The RA2L2 is the best option for portable devices like USB data recorders, charge cases, barcode readers, and other items because of its capabilities and USB-C compatibility.
The new MCUs have LP UART, I3C, and CAN interfaces in addition to USB-C with CC detection up to 15W (5V/3A) and USB FS compatibility. This allows designers to reduce the number of components, which lowers costs, board space, and power consumption.
The Flexible Software Package (FSP) from Renesas supports the RA2L2 MCUs. By offering all the infrastructure software required, such as different RTOS, BSP, peripheral drivers, middleware, connectivity, and networking, together with reference software to create intricate AI, motor control, and cloud solutions, the FSP facilitates quicker application development.
Customers can fully customize application development by integrating their own legacy code and preferred RTOS with FSP. Existing IP can be easily moved to and from other RA devices thanks to the FSP.
Leadership Comments
“The RA2L2 Group MCUs are our first to realize full-speed USB along with USB-Type C connector support. They also ensure system costs remain low by reducing external components, and they offer the same low-power characteristics as our popular RA2L1 devices,” said Daryl Khoo, Vice President of Embedded Processing Marketing Division at Renesas. “These new devices demonstrate our commitment and ability to quickly deliver the solutions our customers require.”
Winning Combinations
Renesas has combined the new RA2L2 MCUs with numerous compatible devices from its portfolio to offer a wide array of Winning Combinations, including USB Data Logger, Electronic Toll with GNSS, Gaming Keyboard and Gaming Mouse.
These designs are technically vetted system architectures from mutually compatible devices that work together seamlessly to bring an optimized, low-risk design for faster time to market.
Renesas offers more than 400 Winning Combinations with a wide range of products from the Renesas portfolio to enable customers to speed up the design process and bring their products to market more quickly. They can be found at renesas.com/win.
Availability
The RA2L2 MCUs are available now, along with the FSP software. Renesas is also shipping an RA2L2 Evaluation Kit. More information is available at renesas.com/RA2L2. Samples and kits can be ordered either on the Renesas website or through distributors.
