Renesas Electronics Corporation introduced the RA0E2 MCUs Group, which is based on the Arm Cortex-M23 processor. The new, cost-effective devices have incredibly low power consumption, a wider temperature range, and a plethora of auxiliary functions and safety features.
Renesas debuted the RA0 MCU series in 2024, and it rapidly became popular across a wide spectrum of clients due to its low cost and power consumption. RA0E1 devices are already being used in consumer electronics, appliance and white goods, power tools, industrial monitoring, and other applications.
RA0E2 MCUs are fully compatible with RA0E1 devices, providing pin expansion while maintaining the same peripherals and ultra-low power. This compatibility enables customers to reuse existing software assets.
The new devices have industry-leading power consumption of only 2.8mA in active mode and 0.89 mA in sleep mode. Furthermore, an integrated High-speed On-Chip Oscillator (HOCO) provides the fastest wake-up time for this type of microcontroller.
The RA0 MCUs rapid wake-up allows them to stay in Software Standby mode for longer periods of time, reducing power consumption to 0.25 µA.
Feature Set Optimized for Low Cost
The RA0E2 devices have a feature set optimized for cost-sensitive applications. They offer a wide operating voltage range of 1.6V to 5.5V so customers don’t need a level shifter/regulator in 5V systems.
The RA0 MCUs also integrate timers, serial communications, analog functions, safety functions and security functionality to reduce customer BOM cost. A wide range of packaging options is also available, including a tiny 5mm x 5mm 32-lead QFN.
In addition, the new MCU’s high-precision (±1.0%) HOCO improves baud rate accuracy and enables designers to forego a standalone oscillator. Unlike other HOCOs in the industry, it maintains this precision in environments from -40°C to 125°C.
This wide temperature range enables customers to avoid costly and time-consuming “trimming,” even after the reflow process.
Key Features of the RA0E2 Group MCUs
- Core: 32MHz Arm Cortex-M23
- Memory: Up to 128KB integrated Code Flash memory and 16KB SRAM
- Extended Temperature Range: Ta -40°C to 125°C
- Timers: Timer array unit (16b x 8 channels), 32-bit interval timer (8b x 4 channels), RTC
- Communications Peripherals: 3 UARTs, 2 Async UART, 6 Simplified SPIs, 2 I2C, 6 Simplified I2Cs
- Analog Peripherals: 12-bit ADC, temperature sensor, internal reference voltage
- Safety: SRAM parity check, invalid memory access detection, frequency detection, A/D test, output level detection, CRC calculator, register write protection
- Security: Unique ID, TRNG, AES libraries, Flash read protection
- Packages: 32- and 48-lead QFNs, 32-, 48-, and 64-pin LQFP
The new RA0E2 Group MCUs are compatible with Renesas’ Flexible Software Package (FSP). The FSP accelerates application development by offering all of the infrastructure software required, such as numerous RTOS, BSP, peripheral drivers, middleware, connectivity, networking, and security stacks, as well as reference software for building complicated AI, motor control, and cloud solutions.
It enables users to combine their own legacy code and preferred RTOS with FSP, enabling complete flexibility in application development. If customers want to migrate their RA0E1 designs to larger RA0E2 devices, using the FSP makes it easier.
Key Applications Include
Renesas’ RA0E1 and RA0E2 ultra-low power MCUs are an excellent choice for battery-powered consumer electronics products, small appliances, industrial system control, and building automation applications.
Leadership Comments
“The market reception for our RA0 Series has exceeded even our own high expectations,” said Daryl Khoo, Vice President of the Embedded Processing Marketing Division at Renesas. “The RA0E2 Group MCUs deliver the same ultra-low power and price point that have been so popular with our customers. The addition of extended temperature range and more memory opens up even more applications and use cases. We plan to further expand the RA0 product lineup, delivering optimal solutions for 8-16 bit MCU users transitioning to 32-bit MCUs.”
Availability
The RA0E2 Group MCUs are available now, along with the FSP software and the RA0E2 Fast Prototyping Board. Samples and kits can be ordered either on the Renesas website or through distributors.
More Information on The New MCUs is Available at, CLICK HERE
