Jan. 16, 2023 /SemiMedia/ -- Renesas Electronics Corporation recently introduced a new general-purpose microcontroller (MCU) in the low-power RL78 Family, with small package sizes that target 8-bit MCU applications. The versatile RL78/G15 packs many peripheral functions and 4-8KB of code flash memory in package sizes ranging from 8 to 20 pins, with the smallest 8-pin device measuring only 3 x 3 mm. These features are designed to keep system size small and reduce the cost of end systems, such as industrial, consumer, sensor control, lighting, and inverter applications. In addition, the maximum operating ambient temperature of 125°C facilitates optimal thermal design, covering a wide temperature range and allowing the MCU to be used near heat-generating components such as inverter motors.

“The RL78 family is known for its excellent power efficiency and optimized peripheral functions,” said Toshihiko Seki, Vice President of Renesas' MCU Device Solution Business Division. “To date, we have shipped over 7.1 billion units in the 11 years since its release, and we are currently shipping 100 million units per month. Renesas will continue to expand cost-effective and easy-to-use 8-bit and 16-bit MCUs that support customers’ requirements."

"We welcome the expansion of Renesas' RL78 family offerings to the extensive low-end MCU market,” said Lotta Frimanson, Director of Product Management at IAR Systems. “As the only partner supporting the entire RL78 family of MCUs, IAR is committed to providing high-class development solutions that allow engineers worldwide to make the most out of the RL78 MCU’s capabilities and generate fast and compact code for efficient development."

Key Features of the RL78/G15

  • RL78 16-bit CPU core operating at 16MHz
  • Wide operating ambient temperature range of -40°C to 125°C
  • Available in 8-pin to 20-pin packages, with the smallest 3 mm x 3mm WDFN package
  • All pins can be used for general-purpose I/O, except VDD and VSS power supply pins
  • Up to 8 KB of code flash memory, 1 KB of data flash, and 1 KB of SRAM
  • Supports operating voltages from 2.4V to 5.5V
  • Multiple serial interfaces supported: CSI, UART, Simple I2C, and multi-master I2C
  • High-precision oscillator (±1.0%)
  • Built-in comparator

The RL78/G15 is available today in volume production. More information please visit https://www.renesas.com/rl78g15.