TOKYO, Japan, June 11, 2025 – Renesas has launched the RA2L2 microcontroller (MCU) series, which focuses on low power consumption and is among the first to support the UCB-C Revision 2.4 standard. These MCUs run on a 48-MHz Arm Cortex-M23 processor and include features suited for portable devices and PC peripherals, such as gaming mice and keyboards. Efficient processing and updated connectivity make these MCUs suitable for performance- and power-sensitive applications.
The USB Type-C Cable and Connector Specification Release 2.4 has reduced voltage detection thresholds (0.613V for 1.5A source, and 1.165V for 3.0A source). The RA2L2 MCUs are the first MCUs to support these new levels.
The RA2L2 MCUs use proprietary low-power technology, achieving 87.5 µA/MHz in active mode and 250 nA in software standby. They include an independent clock for the low-power UART, enabling system wake-up upon receiving data from Wi-Fi or Bluetooth LE modules. Combined with USB-C support, these features suit applications such as USB data loggers, charging cases, and barcode readers in portable devices.
In addition to USB-C with CC detection up to 15W (5V/3A) and USB FS support, the new MCUs offer LP UART, I3C, and CAN interfaces, giving designers to reduce components, lowering cost, board space, and power use.
The RA2L2 MCUs are compatible with Renesas’ Flexible Software Package (FSP), which provides essential software components including multiple RTOS, board support packages (BSP), peripheral drivers, middleware, and networking stacks. The FSP also includes reference code for developing AI, motor control, and cloud solutions. It supports integration of legacy code and preferred RTOS choices, offering flexibility in application development. Additionally, the FSP simplifies migrating intellectual property between RA device families.
“The RA2L2 Group MCUs are our first to realize full-speed USB along with USB-Type C connector support. They also ensure system costs remain low by reducing external components, and they offer the same low-power characteristics as our popular RA2L1 devices,” said Daryl Khoo, vice president of embedded processing marketing division at Renesas. “These new devices demonstrate our commitment and ability to quickly deliver the solutions our customers require.”
Key Features of the RA2L2 MCUs
- Core: 48 MHz Arm Cortex-M23
- Memory: 128-64 KB Flash, 16 KB SRAM, 4 KB Dataflash
- Peripherals: USB-C, USB-FS, CAN, Low Power UART, SCI, SPI, I3C, I2S, 12-bit ADC (17-channel), Low Power Timer, Real-Time Clock, High-Speed On-chip Oscillator (HOCO), Temp Sensor
- Packages: 32-, 48- and 64-pin LQFP; 32- and 48-pin QFN
- Security: Unique ID, TRNG
- Wide Ambient Temperature Range: Ta = -40°C to 125°C
- Operating Voltage: 1.6V – 5.5V; USB Operating Voltage: 3.0V to 3.6V
Winning Combinations
Renesas pairs the RA2L2 MCUs with compatible devices from its portfolio to provide a range of verified system architectures, called Winning Combinations. These include solutions for USB data loggers, Electronic Toll with GNSS, Gaming Keyboard and Gaming Mouse. Each combination is designed to ensure compatibility and streamline development, helping reduce time to market. Renesas currently offers over 400 such combinations across its product range to support faster design and deployment.
They can be found at renesas.com/win.
Availability
The RA2L2 MCUs are available along with the FSP software. Renesas is also shipping an RA2L2 Evaluation Kit.
Renesas MCU Leadership
Renesas ships over 3.5 billion MCUs annually, with 50% serving the automotive sector and the rest supporting industrial, IoT, data center, and communications infrastructure applications. Its portfolio includes 8-, 16-, and 32-bit devices designed for performance and efficiency. Renesas leverages decades of experience in MCU design, supported by manufacturing strategy, process technology, and a network of more than 250 partners.
Source: Renesas
About Renesas
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.