Renesas Electronics Launches the RL78/G15 Low-Power MCU, Offering the Smallest 8-Pin Package Option in the RL78 Family

Renesas Electronics, a global supplier of semiconductor solutions, announced on January 12 that its low-power RL78 product family has launched a new general-purpose multi-function microcontroller (MCU) – RL78/G15. The device targets 8-bit MCU applications in a small package size. Numerous peripheral functions and 4-8KB of code flash memory are included in package sizes ranging from 8 to 20 pins, with the smallest 8-pin device measuring only 3mm x 3mm. These features are designed to keep system size small and reduce system cost for end-use applications such as Industrial, consumer, sensor control, lighting and inverters. In addition, its maximum operating ambient temperature of 125°C facilitates optimized thermal design and can cover a wider temperature range, allowing the MCU to be used near heat-generating components such as inverter motors.

“The RL78 product family is known for its excellent power efficiency and optimized peripheral functions. So far, in the 11 years since its launch, shipments have exceeded 7.1 billion. Currently monthly shipments are 100 million. Renesas will continue to expand cost-effective and easy-to-use 8-bit and 16-bit MCUs to meet user needs.”

Lotta Frimanson, director of product management at IAR Systems, said: “We welcome the expansion of Renesas’ RL78 family into the broad low-end MCU market. As the exclusive partner supporting the entire RL78 family of MCUs, IAR is committed to creating best-in-class development solutions that will help Engineers worldwide take full advantage of the capabilities of the RL78 MCU and generate fast, compact code for efficient development.”

Key Features of the RL78/G15

• RL78 16-bit CPU core, operating frequency is 16MHz
• Covers a wide operating temperature range of -40°C to 125°C
• Available in 8 to 20-pin packages, with a minimum 3mm x 3mm WDFN package achievable
• All pins available for general purpose I/O except VDD and VSS supply pins
• Up to 8KB of Code Flash, 1KB of Data Flash, and 1KB of SRAM
• Supports 2.4V to 5.5V operating voltage
• Multiple serial interfaces supported: CSI, UART, simple I2C, and multi-master I2C
• High precision oscillator (±1.0%)
• built-in comparator

development environment

Similar to other RL78 devices, engineers designing with the new RL78/G15 can use the smart GUI-based configurator to easily generate driver code for peripheral functions. Renesas also offers a Fast Prototyping Board (FPB) for evaluation with an Arduino Uno and a Pmod™ Type6A interface that provides access to all pins. Only one USB cable is required for debugging and programming. Developers can obtain rich RL78 development re