The new 32MHz RL78/L23 MCU offers 512KB of flash memory, 109μA/MHz active current, dual bank FOTA updates, and a 30% reduction in LCD power consumption.
www.renesas.com
Renesas Electronics, a leading supplier of advanced semiconductor solutions, has launched a new series of 16-bit RL78/L23 microcontrollers (MCUs), expanding its low-power RL78 series. The RL78/L23 MCUs operate at a frequency of 32MHz, combining industry-leading low power performance with essential features such as dual bank flash memory, segmented LCD control, and capacitive touch functionality, supporting smart appliances, consumer electronics, IoT, and metering systems. These compact and cost-effective devices meet the performance and power consumption requirements of modern display-based human-machine interface (HMI) applications.Ultra-Low Power Operation and Optimized LCD Performance The RL78/L23 is optimized for ultra-low power, making it ideal for battery-powered applications that spend most of their time in standby mode. They provide an active current of only 109μA/MHz and a standby current as low as 0.365μA, along with a fast wake-up time of 1μs, helping to minimize CPU activity. The new reference mode VL4 for the LCD controller can reduce LCD operating current by approximately 30% compared to the existing RL78/L1X series. The MCU is equipped with an SMS (SNOOZE Mode Sequencer) that enables dynamic LCD segment display without CPU intervention. By offloading tasks to the SMS, these devices can minimize CPU wake-ups and help save system-level power consumption. These innovations significantly extend battery life, simplify design, and reduce replacement costs while minimizing environmental impact.The RL78/L23 offers a wide operating voltage range of 1.6V to 5.5V, directly supporting the commonly used 5V power supply in home appliances and industrial systems. This feature reduces the need for external voltage regulators. These MCUs also integrate key components such as capacitive touch sensing, temperature sensors, and internal oscillators, thereby lowering BOM costs and PCB size.Feature-Rich Peripherals for HMI SystemsThe RL78/L23 is designed to meet the dynamic demands of the HMI market, integrating a suite of advanced features in a compact, cost-effective package. Its built-in segmented LCD controller and capacitive touch enable stylish, responsive user interfaces for products such as induction cookers and HVAC systems. The IH timer (Timer KB40) allows for precise multi-channel thermal control, which is crucial for smart kitchen appliances like rice cookers and IH stoves. These devices include dual bank flash memory, enabling seamless firmware updates via FOTA (Firmware Over-The-Air), allowing systems to run continuously in applications where minimizing downtime is essential. The dual bank architecture allows one memory bank to run the user program while the other receives updates. This approach keeps the system operational throughout the process, enhancing reliability.Daryl Khoo, Vice President of Embedded Processing at Renesas Electronics, stated: “The Renesas RL78 series of 16-bit microcontrollers has been one of our most successful products since its launch over a decade ago, especially in the home appliance sector. I am pleased to announce the launch of the RL78/L23, the next generation of RL78 microcontrollers, which come with rich features that are ideal for smart appliances and cost-sensitive IoT solutions. With these devices, our goal is to provide a better user experience through an intuitive development environment, enabling customers to bring products to market faster based on Renesas technology that has been validated in the market.Main Features of the RL78/L23
- 16-bit RL78 microcontroller with a 32MHz operating frequency
- Built-in segmented LCD controller and capacitive touch
- Up to 512KB dual bank flash for seamless FOTA
- Up to 32KB SRAM and 8KB data flash
- SMS for ultra-low power operation
- IH timer (KB40) supports up to 3-channel induction heating control
- Wide operating voltage range of 1.6V to 5.5V
- Operating temperature range of -40°C to +105°C
- Multiple serial interfaces including UART, I2C, CSI
- Self-test library compliant with IEC60730 standards
- Available in 44-100 pin LFQFP, LQFP, and HWQFN packages
Intuitive Development Environment to Accelerate Time-to-MarketThe RL78/L23 comes with an easy-to-use development environment. Developers can leverage powerful support tools such as Smart Configurator and QE for Capacitive Touch to simplify system design. Renesas offers an RL78/L23 rapid prototyping development board compatible with Arduino IDE, as well as capacitive touch evaluation systems for in-depth testing and validation.Winning CombinationsRenesas Electronics provides induction heating rice cooker solutions that combine the new RL78/L23 devices with many compatible devices in its product portfolio, offering a wide range of winning combinations. Successful combinations are system architectures that have been technically reviewed, consisting of mutually compatible devices that work seamlessly together, resulting in optimized low-risk designs that accelerate time-to-market. Renesas offers over 400 successful combinations, featuring various products from the Renesas portfolio, enabling customers to speed up the design process and bring products to market faster. They can be found here.