TOKYO, Japan, Apr 23, 2025 – Renesas Electronics Corp. has introduced the RA0E2 microcontroller (MCU) group based on the Arm Cortex-M23 processor. The new, cost-competitive devices offer low power consumption, extended temperature range, peripheral functions and safety features.
Renesas launched the RA0 MCU series in 2024, attracting users with its budget-friendly pricing and energy-efficient design. RA0E1 devices are currently used across consumer electronics, home appliances, power tools, industrial monitoring, and various other applications.
RA0E2 MCUs are compatible with RA0E1 devices. They offer pin expansion while maintaining the same peripherals at low power usage. This compatibility allows customers to reuse existing assets. The new devices deliver power consumption of 2.8 mA in active mode, and 0.89 mA in sleep mode. The RA0 MCUs include a high-speed on-chip oscillator (HOCO) that supports rapid wake-up from standby mode, allowing power consumption to drop to 0.25 µA during idle periods.
Renesas’ RA0E1 and RA0E2 low power MCUs offer a suitable option for battery-operated consumer electronics, small appliances, industrial system control, and building automation.
Feature Set Optimized for Low Cost
The RA0E2 devices have features enhanced for cost-sensitive applications. They offer an operating voltage range from 1.6V to 5.5V, so customers do not need a level shifter or regulator in 5V systems. The RA0 MCUs include timers, serial communication, analog functions, safety features, and security functions to reduce the customer’s BOM cost. A range of packaging options is available, including a tiny 5mm x 5mm 32-lead QFN.
In addition, the MCU’s high-precision (±1.0%) HOCO improves baud rate accuracy and lets designers forego a standalone oscillator. Unlike other HOCOs in the industry, it keeps this precision in temperatures from -40°C to 125°C. This temperature range helps customers avoid time-consuming “trimming”, even after the reflow process.
“The market reception for our RA0 Series has exceeded even our own high expectations,” said Daryl Khoo, vice president of the embedded processing marketing division at Renesas. “The RA0E2 Group MCUs deliver the same ultra-low power and price point that have been so popular with our customers. The addition of extended temperature range and more memory opens up even more applications and use cases. We plan to further expand the RA0 product lineup, delivering optimal solutions for 8–16-bit MCU users transitioning to 32-bit MCUs.”
Key features of the RA0E2 Group MCUs
- Core: 32MHz Arm Cortex-M23
- Memory: Up to 128KB integrated Code Flash memory and 16KB SRAM
- Extended Temperature Range: Ta -40°C to 125°C
- Timers: Timer array unit (16b x 8 channels), 32-bit interval timer (8b x 4 channels), RTC
- Communications Peripherals: 3 UARTs, 2 Async UART, 6 Simplified SPIs, 2 I2C, 6 Simplified I2Cs
- Analog Peripherals: 12-bit ADC, temperature sensor, internal reference voltage
- Safety: SRAM parity check, invalid memory access detection, frequency detection, A/D test, output level detection, CRC calculator, register write protection
- Security: Unique ID, TRNG, AES libraries, Flash read protection
- Packages: 32- and 48-lead QFNs, 32-, 48-, and 64-pin LQFP
The new RA0E2 Group MCUs are supported by Renesas’ Flexible Software Package (FSP), which provides infrastructure software such as RTOS, BSP, peripheral drivers, middleware, connectivity, networking, and security stacks. It also includes reference software for applications like complex AI, motor control, and cloud solutions. The FSP supports the integration of existing legacy code and preferred RTOS, offering flexibility for development. It can also simplify migration from RA0E1 to RA0E2 devices if needed.
Availability
The RA0E2 Group MCUs are available along with the FSP software and the RA0E2 Fast Prototyping Board. Samples and kits can be ordered through the Renesas website or from distributors.
Source: Renesas
About Renesas Electronics Corp.
Renesas Electronics Corp. is a Japanese semiconductor manufacturer headquartered in Tokyo, Japan. The company specializes in research, development, design, manufacture, sale, and servicing semiconductor products. Renesas offers a portfolio that includes microcontrollers, analog products, power devices, and system-on-chip (SoC) solutions. The products serve various industries, notably automotive, industrial, infrastructure, and Internet of Things (IoT) sectors. As of Dec. 31, 2024, Renesas employs approximately 21,204 individuals worldwide. In the fiscal year ending December 31, 2024, Renesas reported revenue of approximately ¥1,348.5 billion, while the company’s operating profit for the same period was approximately ¥223.0 billion.