Renesas has unveiled two new microcontrollers, the RX260 and RX261, that promise to elevate the performance of power-efficient touch applications. These 64 MHz microcontrollers are part of the renowned RX product family and are specifically designed for applications requiring high performance while maintaining low power consumption.
Key Features - Performance and Efficiency:
The RX260 and RX261 microcontrollers are built on the RXv3 core, achieving an impressive performance score of 355 CoreMark at 64 MHz. This performance metric is noteworthy, as it is 2.5 times higher than other competing 64 MHz class MCUs. In terms of power efficiency, these chips consume just 69μA/MHz during active operation and a mere 1μA in standby mode. According to Renesas, they offer up to 25% greater efficiency in active mode and a staggering 87% improvement in standby mode compared to other MCUs in the same class.
Integrated Touch Sensing:
Both models feature Renesas' third-generation capacitive touch IP (CTSU2SL), enabling noise- and water-resistant touch sensing. One standout capability is the onboard automatic judgment function, which allows for touch detection even during standby, significantly reducing current consumption.
Versatile Applications:
These microcontrollers are aimed at a wide array of applications, including:
- Home Appliances
- Building and Factory Automation
- Smart Locks
- E-bikes
- Mobile Thermal Printers
Specifications Overview:
- CPU: 32-bit RXv3 core, 355 CoreMark @ 64 MHz
- Memory: 128KB SRAM
- Storage Options:
- 256KB/384KB/512KB code flash
- 8KB data flash
- Communication:
- Up to 11 communication functions
- USB full-speed (Host/Function), CAN FD, UART, SPI, I2C (RX261 Group)
- UART, SPI, I2C (RX260 Group)
- I/O Ports: 37 to 89 general I/O ports (5-V tolerant, open drain, input pull-up)
- Analog Features: 12-bit A/D converter, dual 8-bit D/A converters, capacitive touch sensing unit, temperature sensor
- Timers: Multiple timer configurations, including RTC and watchdog timer
- Operating Voltage: 1.6V to 5.5V
Package Options:
Renesas offers these microcontrollers in various package sizes, including:
- 100-pin LFQFP
- 80-pin LFQFP
- 64-pin LFQFP
- 48-pin LFQFP
- 48-pin HWQFN
Security Features:
The RX261 includes advanced security capabilities, such as Renesas Secure IP (RSIP-E11A), AES128/256 encryption, ECC, and a true-random number generator (TRNG).
Support and Resources:
To facilitate development, Renesas provides a range of support packages, including:
- QE for Capacitive Touch tuning tool
- Comprehensive design guides
- Sample programs
Additionally, the company has developed two “Winning Combinations” to demonstrate the functionality of these MCUs:
- Robust Operational Touch Panel with CAN FD
- Portable Thermal Printer
For pricing and more information, you can visit the Renesas RX products page.
The RX260 and RX261 microcontrollers are poised to make a significant impact in the realm of touch applications, combining high performance, power efficiency, and robust touch sensing capabilities. With their versatile applications and strong support from Renesas, these MCUs are an exciting addition to the open-source hardware landscape.
Stay tuned for more updates and insights on the latest developments in open-source hardware!
