Renesas Electronics Corp. has launched the RA2L2 microcontroller (MCU) group with ultra-low power consumption. The new MCUs are suited for portable devices such as USB data loggers, charge cases, and barcode readers, and PC peripherals, including gaming mice and keyboards.
The RA2L2 MCU family, based on a 48-MHz Arm Cortex M23 processor, is claimed as the industry’s first to support the new USB Type-C (USB-C) cable and connector specification Revision 2.4 standard. The latest revision has reduced voltage detection thresholds: 0.613 V for 1.5-A source and 1.165 V for 3.0-A source.
(Source: Renesas Electronics Corp.)
The RA2L2 MCUs use proprietary low-power technology that delivers 87.5 µA/MHz active mode and software standby current of 250 nA. They have an independent operating clock for the low-power UART, which can be used to wake up the system when receiving data from Wi-Fi and/or Bluetooth Low Energy modules.
In addition to USB-C with CC detection up to 15 W (5 V/3 A) and USB FS support, the RA2L2 MCUs offer LP UART, I3C, and CAN interfaces. This gives designers the ability to reduce component count, saving cost, board space, and power consumption, Renesas said.
The RA2L2 MCUs offer up to 128-KB Flash, 16-KB SRAM, and 4-KB Dataflash memory, along with a range of peripherals, including a low-power timer, real-time clock, high-speed on-chip oscillator, and temperature sensor. Other specifications include an operating voltage of 1.6 V to 5.5 V, USB operating voltage of 3 V to 3.6 V, and operating temperature range of -40°C to 125°C. Security features include unique ID and TRNG.
These ultra-low-power MCUs are supported by Renesas’ Flexible Software Package (FSP), providing all of the infrastructure software needed, including multiple RTOS, BSP, peripheral drivers, middleware, connectivity, and networking as well as reference software to build complex AI, motor control, and cloud solutions. Customers can also integrate their own legacy code and choice of RTOS.
Renesas offers several Winning Combinations, technically vetted designs, incorporating the RA2L2 MCUs. These include designs for a USB data logger, electronic toll with GNSS, gaming keyboard, and gaming mouse.
The RA2L2 MCUs are available now, along with the FSP software. They are available in 32-, 48- and 64-pin LQFP as well as 32- and 48-pin QFN packages.
Renesas is also shipping an RA2L2 Evaluation Kit. Samples and kits can be ordered either on the Renesas website or through distributors.
The post Ultra-low-power MCUs target portables appeared first on Electronic Products.
