Low-power MCU offers a small eight-pin package option

Renesas Electronics Corporation has released a new general-purpose MCU in the low-power RL78 Family, with small package sizes aimed at 8-bit MCU applications. The versatile RL78/G15 crams many peripheral functions and 4-8KB of code flash memory in package sizes varying from eight to 20 pins, with the smallest 8-pin device measuring just 3mm x 3mm. These characteristics are developed to keep system size small and lower the cost of end systems, including industrial, consumer, lighting, sensor control, and inverter applications. Also, the maximum operating ambient temperature of 125C aids optimal thermal design, covering a wide temperature range and enabling the MCU to be employed near heat-generating components such as inverter motors.

"The RL78 family is known for its excellent power efficiency and optimised 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."

Like other RL78 devices, engineers developing the new RL78/G15 can use the GUI-based Smart Configurator to generate driver code for peripheral functions easily. The company also provides the Fast Prototyping Board for evaluation, which is provided with Arduino Uno and Pmod Type 6A interfaces with access to all pins. Further, debugging and programming are feasible using just a USB cable. Utilising an Arduino library that can run on the FPB, developers can gain access to the development resources of the RL78 and the vast resources provided through the Arduino ecosystem so that they can swiftly turn their ideas into a working solution.