Renesas is pushing its 16-bit MCU dominance further into the smart home with the launch of the RL78/G21 and an expanded RL78/G23 lineup. Engineered specifically for system control in appliances like air conditioners, washing machines, and microwaves, the new silicon focuses heavily on slashing power consumption while driving down overall BOM costs.
Slashing Power and BOM Costs
The RL78/G21 takes energy efficiency seriously. Operating at just 34 ?A/MHz, it cuts power consumption in half compared to the previous G13 generation. This ultra-low-power architecture, which recently secured top scores in the ULPMark-PeripheralProfile benchmark, allows engineers to downsize power supply circuits and reduce battery capacity.
To keep system costs highly competitive in the 128KB to 256KB flash memory class, Renesas integrated a high-speed on-chip oscillator with strict ±1.0% accuracy alongside 4KB of data flash.
This effectively eliminates the need for an external oscillator and EEPROM. The company also upgraded the communication architecture with a new UARTA interface, making future sensor expansion straightforward.
Scaling Up Touch Capabilities
As smart appliances demand more innovative human-machine interfaces, Renesas expanded the existing RL78/G23 lineup to handle heavier capacitive touch requirements.
The updated 44-pin and 48-pin versions now support 24 and 25 touch channels respectively, a significant jump from the previous 14 and 16.
Development is streamlined through the QE for Capacitive Touch tool, giving engineering teams a scalable path from basic touch inputs to advanced graphical displays.
Built for the Factory Floor and the Field
Both new MCUs feature fortified security architectures built to block counterfeiting, cloning, and unauthorized network access through robust flash read protection and Unique IDs. On the manufacturing floor, the RL78/G21 stands out with a ±4 kV HBM electrostatic discharge tolerance, ensuring high reliability from the assembly line through to the end product’s lifecycle.
Crucially, both devices offer a seamless upgrade path. They are pin and function compatible with legacy G13 and G23 designs, minimizing redesign headaches for engineering teams.
Backed by a wide 1.6V to 5.5V operating range and an IEC 60730-compliant self-test library, the new chips provide a highly secure, drop-in solution for the next generation of smart appliances.
Leadership Comment
“The RL78/G21 and RL78/G23 are built on the proven strengths of the RL78 family, delivering significant advances in low-power performance, reliability and security,” said Raji Mukhopadhyay, Business Division Manager, EP Mainstream MCU Business Division at Renesas. “The RL78/G21’s ±4 kV HBM ESD tolerance is a key differentiator. It further strengthens reliability, while its enhanced security capabilities address the growing need for more secure smart appliances.”
“Appliance makers are asking for more intelligence, better user experiences and stronger security without increasing cost or energy consumption,” added Mukhopadhyay. “With the RL78/G21’s ultra-low-power performance and enhanced security, alongside the RL78/G23’s expanded touch capabilities, customers can select the right MCU for their system-control and HMI requirements and bring more efficient, reliable and secure smart appliances to market faster.”
Winning Combinations
Renesas combines the RL78/G21 and RL78/G23 with various devices from its portfolio to offer smart appliance solutions, including Smart Remote-Controlled Tankless Gas Water Heater and Household Water Pump.
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Availability
The new RL78/G21 and RL78/G23 products are available today. Pricing for the RL78/G21 starts at US$0.56 for the 128KB/44-pin LQFP product and US$0.77 for the 256KB/44-pin LQFP product (Note 2).
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