Tokyo, Japan – Renesas Electronics Corporation (TSE:6723), a leading provider of advanced semiconductor solutions, has announced the release of the RX261 and RX260 microcontroller (MCU) series. These new 64 MHz MCUs deliver exceptional power efficiency, advanced capacitive touch functionality, and robust security features, making them ideal for a wide range of applications, including home appliances, building and factory automation, smart locks, e-bikes, and mobile thermal printers.
Unmatched Power Efficiency
The RX261/RX260 MCUs are built on Renesas’ RXv3 CPU core, achieving a remarkable 355 CoreMark at 64 MHz, which is 2.5 times higher than competing 64-MHz MCUs. In terms of power efficiency, these MCUs consume only 69μA/MHz during active operation and a mere 1μA in standby mode—up to 25% lower active current and 87% lower standby current compared to other MCUs in the same class. This outstanding efficiency reduces power consumption, extending battery life in portable devices and helping to meet strict energy consumption regulations for energy-sensitive products such as home appliances.
Advanced Touch Functionality for Diverse Applications
Renesas has integrated its third-generation capacitive touch technology (CTSU2SL) into the RX261/RX260 series, offering high noise immunity and water resistance. These capabilities enable the seamless implementation of touch-sensitive interfaces in a variety of environments, including kitchen appliances and outdoor equipment like smart locks. The MCUs’ automatic touch detection functionality reduces current consumption in standby mode while maintaining full touch responsiveness, which is critical for applications with intermittent operation.
Renesas’ QE for Capacitive Touch tuning tool, along with design guides and sample programs, simplifies the development of touch-based interfaces across multiple application domains, enhancing both usability and energy efficiency.
Robust Security Features for Connected Devices
As more consumer and industrial products incorporate wireless connectivity, including Bluetooth and Wi-Fi, protecting against cyber threats is paramount. The RX261/RX260 MCUs offer built-in security features, such as Renesas’ Secure IP (RSIP-E11A) and flash protection functions. These features ensure data integrity and secure communications, safeguarding devices against unauthorized access, data manipulation, and eavesdropping. Pre-configured sample programs streamline the implementation of security measures, including secure boot and secure firmware updates, providing developers with an easy path to enhance device protection.
Comprehensive Feature Set for Enhanced Connectivity
The RX261 Group MCUs come equipped with a range of integrated peripherals designed to enhance connectivity and performance. These include a Full-Speed USB function controller with a high-speed on-chip oscillator (HOCO), which eliminates the need for external crystals for generating an accurate USB clock. Additionally, the RX261 features a CAN FD module for fast and reliable communication in automotive and industrial applications. Furthermore, the MCUs include 8 KB of data flash memory, eliminating the need for external EEPROM storage.
A Continued Commitment to Innovation
According to Daryl Khoo, Vice President of Renesas’ Embedded Processing 1st Business Division, “The RX130 and RX230 series have been highly successful in the market, and the RX261/RX260 series represent an important step forward in meeting customer demand for more advanced features and higher performance. The RX series is a key pillar of our MCU portfolio, and Renesas remains committed to driving innovation and delivering exceptional value to our customers.”
With the introduction of the RX261/RX260 series, Renesas continues to build on its legacy of providing cutting-edge MCU solutions that offer a unique combination of performance, power efficiency, and security for a broad range of applications.
Key Features of the RX261/RX260 Group MCUs (* available on RX261 only)
Core: 64 MHz RXv3 CPU with 355 CoreMarkMemory:
- 256 KB, 384 KB, or 512 KB of code flash
- 8 KB of data flash
- 128 KB of SRAM
Power Efficiency:
- 69 μA/MHz during active operation
- 1 μA in standby mode
Touch Sensing: Water-resistant capacitive touch sensing (CTSU2SL)Security: Integrated RSIP-E11A security IP with AES, ECC, and SHA engines, along with advanced security management featuresPeripherals:
- Full-Speed USB (Host/Function)*
- CAN FD*
- RSIP-E11A* security
- CTSU2SL touch sensing
- UART, I2C, SPI
- 12-bit ADC, 8-bit DAC
- Comparator, PWM timer, Low power timer
Operating Range:
- Voltage: 1.6V to 5.5V
- Temperature: -40°C to 85°C/105°C
Package Options: Available in 48/64/80/100-pin LFQFP and 48-pin HWQFN5V Power Supply: Supports 5V with high noise immunity and a wide dynamic range for analog inputs
Winning Combinations: Optimized Solutions for Faster Time to Market
Renesas has seamlessly integrated the RX261/RX260 Group MCUs with a broad selection of compatible devices from its portfolio, offering a range of Winning Combinations. These combinations include ready-to-use, technically vetted system architectures, such as the Robust Operational Touch Panel with CAN FD and Portable Thermal Printer. Each Winning Combination is designed for compatibility and optimized performance, providing customers with low-risk, efficient designs that accelerate development and shorten time to market.
With over 400 pre-tested Winning Combinations, Renesas simplifies the design process across a wide variety of applications. These configurations leverage devices from Renesas’ extensive portfolio, ensuring seamless integration and minimizing design complexities. Customers can explore the complete range of Winning Combinations at renesas.com/win.
Availability
The RX261/RX260 Group MCUs, along with multiple evaluation kits, are now available through Renesas and its authorized distributors. For more details on these new MCUs, visit www.renesas.com/RX261 or www.renesas.com/RX260.
Renesas MCU Leadership
Renesas is a global leader in microcontrollers, shipping over 3.5 billion units annually. Approximately 50% of these shipments serve the automotive sector, while the remainder supports industrial, Internet of Things (IoT), and communications infrastructure markets. Renesas offers the industry’s broadest MCU portfolio, spanning 8-bit, 16-bit, and 32-bit devices that combine exceptional performance, quality, and efficiency.
Renesas’ commitment to innovation and reliability is backed by decades of experience in designing smart, secure MCUs, supported by the industry’s most advanced MCU process technology and a robust dual-source production model. Additionally, Renesas benefits from a vast network of over 250 ecosystem partners, ensuring customers receive the best possible solutions for their designs.
For more information about Renesas MCUs, visit renesas.com/MCUs.
About Renesas Electronics Corporation
Renesas Electronics Corporation (TSE: 6723) is driving a safer, smarter, and more sustainable future by leveraging technology to make everyday life easier. As a global leader in microcontrollers, Renesas integrates its deep expertise in embedded processing, analog, power, and connectivity to deliver comprehensive semiconductor solutions. These Winning Combinations accelerate time to market for a wide range of applications, including automotive, industrial, infrastructure, and IoT. Renesas is enabling billions of connected, intelligent devices that enhance how people work and live.
For more information, visit renesas.com and connect with us on LinkedIn, Facebook, X, YouTube, and Instagram.
Remarks: All product names or services mentioned in this press release are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective owners.
The content provided in this press release, including product prices and specifications, reflects the information available at the time of publication. These details are subject to change without prior notice.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the key features of the RX261/RX260 Group MCUs?
The RX261/RX260 MCUs are powered by a 64 MHz RXv3 CPU core, offering up to 355 CoreMark performance. They feature up to 512 KB of flash memory, 128 KB of SRAM, and ultra-low power consumption (69 μA/MHz active, 1 μA standby).
What types of applications are ideal for the RX261/RX260 MCUs?
These MCUs are suitable for applications in home appliances, building automation, smart locks, e-bikes, and mobile thermal printers. They are especially beneficial for battery-powered devices and energy-sensitive applications.
How do the RX261/RX260 Group MCUs enhance power efficiency?
The MCUs are designed with exceptional power efficiency, consuming just 69 μA/MHz during active operation and 1 μA in standby. This makes them ideal for extending battery life in portable or energy-constrained applications.
What security features are included in the RX261/RX260 MCUs?
The RX261/RX260 MCUs come with Renesas’ RSIP-E11A security IP, which includes AES, ECC, and SHA engines. These provide hardware-level protection against unauthorized access, data manipulation, and eavesdropping.
What is the significance of Renesas’ “Winning Combinations”?
Renesas offers over 400 Winning Combinations—pre-tested system architectures using compatible devices from its portfolio. These optimized solutions reduce design risks and accelerate time to market for a range of applications.
What peripherals are integrated into the RX261/RX260 MCUs?
The RX261/RX260 MCUs feature a comprehensive set of peripherals, including USB (Host/Function), CAN FD, UART, I2C, SPI, and 12-bit ADC. They also include capacitive touch sensing, PWM timers, and low-power timers.
What package options are available for the RX261/RX260 MCUs?
The RX261/RX260 MCUs are available in multiple package options, including 48/64/80/100-pin LFQFP and 48-pin HWQFN. These options allow flexibility for different design requirements and space constraints.
How does Renesas ensure quality and reliability for its MCUs?
Renesas leverages decades of expertise in MCU design, offering the most advanced MCU process technology and a dual-source production model. They also work with over 250 ecosystem partners to ensure high quality and reliability.
Conclusion
Renesas’ introduction of the RX261/RX260 Group MCUs marks a significant advancement in microcontroller technology, offering a powerful combination of high performance, energy efficiency, and security. With their exceptional processing capabilities, low power consumption, and versatile peripheral support, these MCUs are ideally suited for a wide range of applications, from home appliances to IoT devices. The integration of advanced security features ensures robust protection for connected systems, while Renesas’ extensive ecosystem and Winning Combinations streamline development for faster time to market. Overall, the RX261/RX260 Group MCUs provide a highly optimized solution that empowers designers to create smarter, more efficient products across various industries.