MICROCONTROLLER SOLUTIONS

Low Pin Count MCU Range Expanded

Renesas has expanded its range of low pin-count Flash microcontrollers with the announcement of four new devices. The R8C/2A, R8C/2B, R8C/2C and R8C/2D feature a 16-bit CPU core running at 20MHz, with a wide range of peripherals, in 64-pin and 80-pin Leaded Quad Flat Packages (LQFPs).



The devices feature from 48KByte to 128KByte of high-reliability Flash memory, 2.2V to 5.5V single supply operation, and low power modes (down to 0.8µA) for energy saving. Low cost, entry level development tools, including a single-wire on-chip debugger and Flash interface, ease the designer's task.

The microcontrollers are based around an 8-bit bus, but are code compatible with processors based on the popular Renesas M16C 16-bit core, creating a seamless upgrade path for design teams creating a range of products. Use of the M16C core delivers high performance with excellent code density, reducing memory requirements for cost-constrained applications.

The new R8C/2x devices include up to four flexible clock circuits. Internally they feature a high precision (±1%) 40MHz unit and a 125kHz sub-clock. Externally they have 20MHz and 32kHz clocks. High performance on-chip timers with capture-compare allow designers to implement motor control systems and multi-channel 16-bit PWM circuits simply. The controllers also include a wide range of serial communications interfaces, including a LIN interface, SPI/I²C port, and multiple UARTs.

Available in two temperature ranges suitable for consumer and industrial use, the new R8C/2x MCUs feature up to 20 channels of 10-bit Analogue/Digital Conversion (ADC), and eight high-current drive ports (20mA), allowing the direct connection of LEDs. Security and failsafe features include an on-chip watchdog timer, clock stop detection, code protection and SFR (Special Function Register) protection to prevent accidental overwrites. Power on reset circuitry and low voltage detection is also included.



The combination of high performance and reliability, cost effectiveness and a rich range of timer options make the new R8C/2x series particularly suitable for use in household appliances, office equipment and general purpose motor control. Designers can call on a range of low-cost development tools, including a C compiler with integrated debugger and simulator and free-of-charge Flash development toolkit. A pre-packaged starter kit is available, featuring a CPU board with target microcontroller, LCD panel for user/diagnostic interaction, trial C compiler and Integrated Development Environment (IDE), on-chip debugger and sample peripheral driver code.

Features

• M16C 16-bit core running at up to 20MHz
• Cost-effective 8-bit bus
• 64-pin or 80-pin LQFP
• Up to 128KByte Flash
• 2.2V to 5.5V single supply operation
• Low power mode: down to 0.8µA
• Four flexible clock circuits
  • Two internal units: 40MHz ±1% and 125kHz
  • External: 20MHz and 32kHz
• Eight timer channels
  • Watchdog
  • Capture-compare
  • Prescaler
  • General purpose
• Serial I/O: LIN, USART, I²C/SPI
• Up to 20-channels 10-bit ADC
• Eight high-current LED drive ports (20mA)
• Clock stop detection
• Power on reset circuitry
• Low voltage detection is also included.
• Low cost tools

Applications

• Household appliances
• Office equipment
• Motor control
• Portable products

For further information, including a copy of the Renesas R8C Tiny Datasheet, M16C R8C catalogue or Product Guides for the R8C/2A & 2B and R8C/2C & 2D, please click here