Renesas to release R8C/Mx MCU series for low powe apps

SAN JOSE, USA: Renesas Technology America, Inc., has released the R8C/Mx Series of low-pin-count MCUs with on-chip flash memory (flash MCUs) offering power consumption among the lowest in the industry and a cost optimized peripheral set for applications requiring low power consumption, such as motion detectors, electric toothbrushes, smoke detectors and dedicated safety sensors for home appliances.

The R8C/Mx Series is a new addition to the R8C Family of flash MCUs, which has an established track record based on low pin count and high performance. The new series combines extremely low power consumption and a low pin count. The first products to appear will be the R8C/M11A, with a 14-pin package, and the R8C/M12A, with a 20-pin package. They will comprise a total of six types with 18 products. Sample shipments are scheduled to begin in Q2, 2010.

According to Ritesh Tyagi, director of marketing, system LSI business unit, Renesas Technology America: "Renesas Technology has invested heavily in the R8C Family to deliver superior technologies to a number of markets over the last five years. One of the biggest strengths of the R8C product offering has been its exceptional scalability and now Renesas takes that to a new level with the R8C/Mx Series.

"The R8C/Mx devices are not your typical low pin count MCUs. This new lineup is designed with advanced process technology tuned for low power and low voltage re-programmability of flash memory, while still supporting a 1.8V to 5.5V operating range. With the R8C/Mx series, engineers can get the best current consumption per MHz within the R8C Family and take advantage of the peripheral set optimized for low-cost designs."