TOKYO, Japan, May 19, 2025 – Renesas Electronics Corp. has introduced a new microprocessor (MPU) in the RTOS-based RZ/A series that meets the demands of human-machine interface (HMI) systems. The RZ/A3M MPU comes with SDRAM, SRAM and RTOS support to facilitate the execution of tasks and graphical displays. The RZ/A3M drives video and camera output on LCD panels with resolutions up to 1280×800, addressing the display requirements in next-generation home appliances, industrial and office automation, healthcare devices and building control systems.
Similar to its existing RZ/A3UL, the RZ/A3M features a 64-bit Arm Cortex-A55 core with a maximum operating frequency of 1 GHz and 128 KB (kilobytes) of on-chip SRAM. By integrating 128MB DDR3L-SDRAM in a single System-in-Package (SiP), the device eliminates the task of designing a signal interface for connecting external memory.
Reducing System Cost with Built-in Memory and Simplified PCB Design
The RZ/A3M is built to reduce system costs and simplify development. It supports external NAND and NOR flash via QSPI for both code and data storage. When combined with a driver, high-capacity NAND flash offers a cost-efficient solution for expanding memory. The device uses a BGA package with two main rows of pins located along the outer edges, which simplifies PCB routing. This pin layout enables the use of a low-cost, dual-layer printed wiring board, reducing both design complexity and manufacturing time.
“I’m pleased to launch the RZ/A3M, the first RZ product with large built-in memory targeting high-function video/animation HMI performance while keeping overall system costs low,” said Daryl Khoo, vice president of the embedded processing marketing division at Renesas. “In addition, we aim to deliver a highly responsive user experience with high-quality, real-time graphics, and provide the ease of design and cost efficiency to help our customers build advanced HMI solutions quickly.”
Comprehensive Development Environment
Renesas offers an HMI development environment that includes the Flexible Software Package (FSP), evaluation kits, development tools, and sample software. Graphical user interface (GUI) solutions from partner companies such as LVGL, Crank, SquareLine Studio, and Envox will be available for the RZ/A3M to facilitate rapid HMI graphics development.
Key Features of RZ/A3M
- Arm Cortex-A55 CPU with a maximum operating frequency of 1GHz
- 128KB SRAM with error correction, Built-in 128MB DDR3L SDRAM
- Graphics capabilities: LCD controller supporting resolutions up to 1280×800 (WXGA), parallel RGB and MIPI-DSI (4-lane) interfaces, 2D graphics drawing engine
- Peripheral functions: QSPI interface for serial NOR/NAND flash memory, SPI, I2C, SDHI, USB2.0, I2S, temperature sensor, timer
- Package: 244-pin LFBGA, 17mm x 17mm, 0.8mm pitch
Renesas’ Comprehensive HMI Solutions
Renesas offers a variety of HMI solutions ranging from the 32-bit RX and RA MCU families to the 64-bit RZ family supporting 4K displays. The RZ/A series is RTOS-based MPU designed for HMI applications. It supports large memory and offers a development approach similar to that of microcontrollers.
Multi-HMI Winning Combination
Renesas offers Multi-HMI Solution Which combines the RZ/A3M MPU with compatible devices for appliance HMI functions. These winning combinations are vetted system architectures from mutually compatible devices that work together to bring an optimized, low-risk design for faster time to market. Renesas offers more than 400 Winning Combinations to help customers accelerate design and product launch.
Availability
The RZ/A3M is available in volume production along with the FSP, evaluation kits and development tools.
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Source: Renesas
About Renesas Electronics Corporation
Renesas Electronics Corporation, headquartered in Tokyo, Japan, is a semiconductor manufacturer focused on the research, design, development, production, and sale of semiconductor components. Its product portfolio includes microcontrollers, analog and power devices, and system-on-chip (SoC) solutions, which are used across automotive, industrial, infrastructure, and IoT applications. As of December 31, 2024, the company employed approximately 21,204 people globally. For the fiscal year ending December 31, 2024, Renesas reported revenue of ¥1,348.5 billion and an operating profit of ¥223.0 billion.