The new product meets the security regulations for DLMS Suite2 metering applications, offering rich communication options, a capacitive touch interface, and dual-zone flash memory that supports software updates.
August 21, 2025, Beijing, China – Global semiconductor solutions provider Renesas Electronics (TSE: 6723) today announced the launch of the RA4C1 microcontroller (MCU) product line based on the 80MHz Arm® Cortex®-M33 processor. The new MCU features ultra-low power consumption, advanced security features, a rich set of communication interfaces, and support for segment LCDs. Thanks to its unique combination of features and performance metrics, it is an ideal choice for battery-powered applications requiring stringent security, covering electric meters, gas meters, water meters, industrial flow meters, as well as smart locks, thermostats, building control systems, and industrial user interfaces. Additionally, this new MCU is well-suited to meet the demands of the domestic large-scale power metering system control market.
The RA4C1 MCU employs proprietary low-power technology, achieving a mode current consumption of only 168µA/MHz at an 80MHz operating frequency, while the standby current can be as low as 1.79µA, retaining all SRAM data. Additionally, the RA4C1 is equipped with a real-time clock (RTC) with an independent power domain, facilitating battery-powered time data backup. This outstanding performance, combined with support for input voltages as low as 1.6V, enables customers to design battery-powered applications that use smaller batteries or achieve higher performance with the same battery size.
Security is critical for metering systems. The RA4C1 MCU features the RSIP-E31A security engine, which provides an isolated subsystem managed and protected by dedicated control logic. This MCU also supports a 256-bit hardware unique key and a true random number generator (TRNG), along with key management capabilities that can generate encapsulated keys, support SHA algorithms, AES hardware acceleration, and ECC with NIST and Brainpool curves, with key lengths of up to 384 bits. The RA4C1 has also achieved PSA Level 1 certification, complying with the European Cyber Resilience Act (CRA) compliance extension, demonstrating Renesas’s ongoing commitment to cybersecurity and adherence to upcoming European regulations.
The new MCU from Renesas also provides a comprehensive set of features required for metering system design. Its built-in 512KB dual-zone on-chip flash memory allows for easy and secure software updates; the MCU is also equipped with 96KB SRAM and 8KB data flash for on-chip data storage. Peripherals include a low-power ADC, an on-chip temperature sensor with 1% accuracy, and an on-chip LCD controller for driving low-power segment displays.
The RA4C1 MCU is supported by the Renesas Flexible Software Package (FSP). The FSP provides all the infrastructure software needed for development, including multiple RTOS, BSPs, peripheral drivers, middleware, connectivity, networking, and security stacks, as well as reference software for building complex AI, motor control, and cloud solutions, helping customers accelerate application development. It supports customers in integrating their existing code and chosen RTOS with the FSP, providing ample flexibility for application development. Furthermore, the FSP simplifies the migration process of existing IP between RA6 or RA2 series products.
Daryl Khoo, Vice President of Embedded Processing Marketing Division at Renesas, stated: “Renesas has a well-established and market-recognized product line with RL78, RX, and RA series, empowering customers to develop advanced smart metering solutions and move towards a greener future. Based on close collaboration with global customers, we developed this new RA4C1: this product has been meticulously optimized to meet current and future customer needs.”
Key Features of the RA4C1 MCU
Core: 80MHz Arm® Cortex®-M33
Memory: 256 – 512KB dual-zone flash, 96KB SRAM, 8KB data flash
Peripherals: CAN FD, LPUART, SCI, SPI, QSPI, I²C, ADC, real-time clock, temperature sensor, low-power timer, LCD, Vrtc
Package: 10 mm x 10 mm LQFP64; 14 mm x 14 mm LQFP100
Security: Unique ID, supports TRNG, AES, ECC, Hash with RSIP security engine
Successful Product Portfolio
Renesas combines the new RA4C1 series MCU with many compatible devices in its product lineup to create a successful product portfolio for smart single-phase electric meters. The successful product portfolio employs a technically reviewed system architecture composed of mutually compatible devices that can work seamlessly together, resulting in optimized low-risk designs and faster time-to-market. Renesas offers over 400 successful product combinations, covering many of Renesas’s products, helping customers accelerate their design processes and bring products to market faster. You can find these combinations at renesas.com/win.
Supply Information
The Renesas RA4C1 MCU and FSP software are now available, along with the launch of the RA4C1 evaluation board. For more information, please visit: renesas.com/RA4C1. Samples and kits can be ordered from the Renesas website or through distributors.
Scan to follow us!
Long press to save
Recognize and follow on Douyin
Long press to recognize
Subscription account
Long press to recognize
Video account
151 5165 8006
www.skjcsc.com
Headquarters: Room 1306, Mingliu Future Building, Fengtai District, Beijing
Jiangsu: 4009 Gucheng North Road, Bancheng Town, Kunshan City
Taiwan: Kaohsiung Station | 320 Shunxing Street, Taichung City
(Source: Renesas Electronics)