Renesas Electronics Corporation (TSE:6723), renowned for its cutting-edge semiconductor solutions, has unveiled its latest addition to the 32-bit microcontroller (MCU) family: the RX23E-B. This advanced MCU targets high-end industrial sensor systems, integrating a high-speed, high-precision analog front end (AFE) tailored for swift and precise analog signal measurements.
The RX23E-B MCU stands out with its 24-bit Delta-Sigma A/D converter, boasting an impressive conversion speed of up to 125 kSPS (125,000 samples/second) – a notable eightfold increase compared to its predecessor, the RX23E-A. This enhancement significantly augments the device’s capacity for accurate A/D conversion while reducing RMS noise to 1/3 (0.18µVrms @1kSPS) in comparison to the RX23E-A. Such capabilities empower the RX23E-B to perform rapid and precise measurements of crucial parameters like strain, temperature, pressure, flow rate, current, and voltage, making it an ideal fit for high-end sensor devices, measuring instruments, and test equipment.
Sakae Ito, Vice President of the IoT Platform Business Division at Renesas, highlighted the RX23E-B’s ability to cater to a wide spectrum of sensing applications, particularly mid- to high-end systems. Emphasizing Renesas’ commitment to meeting the evolving demands of battery-powered and wireless sensors while minimizing power consumption, Ito signaled a continued expansion of their product range.
Collaborating with Renesas, Takatsugu Nemoto, President at Meiko Electronics, expressed anticipation regarding the RX23E-B’s potential benefits, specifically acknowledging its enhanced conversion performance, compact board design, and reduced component count. Meiko Electronics had been actively engaged in developing evaluation boards and offering design support since the RX23E-A launch.
Similar to its predecessor, the RX23E-B integrates a 32-MHz RXv2-based CPU with digital signal processing (DSP) instructions and a floating-point unit (FPU). This integration of the AFE and MCU on a single chip using the same fabrication process further streamlines system design and reduces overall component count.
Notably, the RX23E-B introduces new peripheral functions, including a 16-bit D/A converter for measurement adjustments and analog signal output. Moreover, its +/-10V analog input capability enables +/-10V measurement with a 5V power supply, eliminating the need for external components or an additional power supply.
In the context of large-scale instruments requiring multiple target control and measurements, such as robot arms and gas analyzers, there’s a growing demand for distributed processing architecture. This approach, facilitated by MCUs like the RX23E-B, allows independent development of modules responsible for various functions, promoting design flexibility and simplifying maintenance.
The RX23E-B offers versions supporting A/D conversion data rates of up to 125 kSPS and up to 31.25 kSPS, providing flexible data rate settings ranging from 3.8 SPS to the maximum value. These products are available in compact packages suitable for a range of applications, from 5.5 mm square 100-pin BGA packages to 6 mm square 40-pin QFN packages.
Renesas has strategically combined the RX23E-B MCU with intelligent power devices to create the high-speed Pressure Control Solution, enabling precise pressure control while minimizing design costs and board space. These pre-vetted system architectures, termed “Winning Combinations,” ensure optimized, low-risk designs for faster market entry.
The RX23E-B is currently available, accompanied by the Renesas Solution Starter Kit for RX23E-B. This kit allows engineers to evaluate the AFE and signal conversion functionalities without necessitating software development.
With a robust legacy of shipping over 3.5 billion MCU units annually, with around half serving the automotive sector, Renesas holds the mantle of the world’s leading MCU provider. Renesas’ extensive portfolio spans 8-, 16-, and 32-bit devices, showcasing unparalleled quality and efficiency coupled with exceptional performance.
