Renesas Electronics Corporation introduced the RA0 microcontroller (MCU) Series based on the Arm® Cortex®-M23 processor. The new, low-cost RA0 devices offer the industry?s lowest overall power consumption for general purpose 32-bit MCUs. The RA0 devices consume only 84.3 µA/MHz of current in active mode and only 0.82 mA in sleep mode.

In addition, Renesas offers a Software Standby mode in the new MCUs that reduces power consumption by a further 99% to a miniscule 0.2 µA. Coupled with a fast wake-up High-speed On-Chip Oscillator (HOCO), these ultra-low power MCUs deliver an ideal solution for applications including battery-operated consumer electronics devices, small appliances, industrial system control, and building automation applications. Feature Set Optimized for Low Cost: Renesas is now shipping the first group in the RA0 Series, the RA0E1 Group. These 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 HMI functionality to reduce customer BOM cost. A wide range of packaging options is also available, including a tiny 3mm x 3mm 16-lead QFN. In addition, the new MCU?s high-precision (±1.0%) on-chip oscillator (HOCO) improves baud rate accuracy and enables designers to forego a standalone oscillator.

Unlike other HOCOs, it maintains this precision in environments from -40°C to 105°C. This wide temperature range enables customers to avoid costly and time-consuming ?trimming,? even after the reflow process. The RA0E1 MCUs include critical diagnostic safety functions as well as an IEC60730 self-test library.

They also offer security features including true random number generator (TRNG) and AES libraries for IoT applications, including encryption. Key Features of the RA0E1 Group MCUs: Core: 32MHz Arm Cortex-M23; Memory: Up to 64KB integrated Code Flash memory and 12KB SRAM; Analog Peripherals: 12-bit ADC, temperature sensor, internal reference voltage; Communications Peripherals: 3 UARTs, 1 Async UART, 3 Simplified SPIs, 1 IIC, 3 Simplified IICs; Safety: SRAM parity check, invalid memory access detection, frequency detection, A/D test, immutable storage, CRC calculator, register write protection; Security: Unique ID, TRNG, Flash read protection; Packages: 16-, 24- and 32-lead QFNs, 20-pin LSSOP, 32-pin LQFP. The new RA0E1 Group MCUs are supported by Renesas?

Flexible Software Package (FSP). The FSP enables faster application development by providing all the infrastructure software needed, including multiple RTOS, BSP, peripheral drivers, middleware, connectivity, networking, and security stacks as well as reference software to build complex AI, motor control and cloud solutions. It allows customers to integrate their own legacy code and choice of RTOS with FSP, thus providing full flexibility in application development.

Using the FSP will ease migration of RA0E1 designs to larger RA devices if customers wish to do so. Winning Combinations: Renesas has combined the new RA0E1 Group MCUs with numerous compatible devices from its portfolio to offer a wide array of Winning Combinations, including the HVAC Environment Monitor Module for Public Buildings. Winning Combinations 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. Demonstration at embedded world 2024: To see a live demonstration of the new RA0 MCUs, join Renesas at embedded world 2024 in Nuremberg, Germany, April 9-11 in Hall 1, Stand 234. Availability: The RA0E1 Group MCUs are available now, along with the FSP software and the RA0E1 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 renesas.com/RA0E1.