Renesas introduces low-power MCUs in RA0 series

Renesas Electronics Corporation has recently unveiled a new group of low-power, cost-effective MCUs as part of the popular RA0 Series, known as the RA0E2. These MCUs are powered by the Arm® Cortex®-M23 processor and boast exceptional energy efficiency, an extended temperature range, and a range of peripheral functions and safety features. Targeted applications for the RA0E2 MCUs include consumer electronics, small appliances, industrial system control, and building automation.

The RA0E2 MCUs are designed to be fully compatible with their predecessors, the RA0E1 devices, offering pin expansion capabilities while retaining the same peripherals and ultra-low power consumption. This compatibility feature enables customers to leverage their existing software assets seamlessly. The new devices stand out for their industry-leading power efficiency, consuming only 2.8 mA in active mode and a mere 0.89 mA in sleep mode.

Engineered for cost-sensitive applications, the RA0E2 MCUs come with a broad operating voltage range of 1.6 V to 5.5 V, eliminating the need for a level shifter or regulator in 5 V systems. Additionally, these MCUs integrate timers, serial communication interfaces, analog functions, and safety and security features, all of which contribute to reducing the overall Bill of Materials (BOM) costs for customers. Various packaging options are available, including a compact 5- x 5-mm 32-lead QFN package.

Moreover, the RA0E2 MCUs feature an integrated high-speed on-chip oscillator (HOCO) that enables rapid wake-up times, setting a new standard in this microcontroller class. This quick wake-up capability allows the MCUs to spend more time in Software Standby mode, where power consumption drops significantly to just 0.25 µA. The high-precision (±1.0%) HOCO enhances baud rate accuracy and eliminates the need for a separate oscillator. Notably, the HOCO maintains its precision across a wide temperature range from -40°C to 125°C, eliminating the need for costly and time-consuming trimming processes, even after reflow.

Commenting on the launch, Daryl Khoo, Vice President of the Embedded Processing Marketing Division at Renesas, expressed his enthusiasm, stating, “The market response to our RA0 Series has surpassed our expectations. The RA0E2 Group MCUs continue to deliver the ultra-low power and affordability that our customers appreciate. With the extended temperature range and increased memory, these MCUs open up new possibilities for applications and use cases. We are committed to expanding the RA0 product range further to provide optimal solutions for users transitioning from 8-16-bit MCUs to 32-bit MCUs.”