The device is designed for the development of industrial robots, multi-axis servos, and programmable logic controllers (PLCs), with the aim of reducing the number of components, the board footprint, and the bill of materials (BOM) costs. The RZ/T2N can function as both a network controller and a standalone device, allowing the same hardware and software platform to be reused across different automation systems.
Four Arm cores for real-time processing and control
The RZ/T2N combines two Arm Cortex-A55 cores up to 1.2 GHz, intended for application processing, with two Cortex-R52 cores up to 800 MHz for real-time control tasks. Each Cortex-R52 has 576 KB of tightly coupled memory (TCM) with ECC error correction, designed to reduce variations in execution times and improve control accuracy.
The microprocessor incorporates peripherals for controlling up to four motor axes, enabling the development of integrated control solutions for SCARA and delta robots, among other applications. It also provides two encoder interface channels per axis, compatible with Tamagawa T-Format, HIPERFACE DSL, A-format, EnDat 2.2, and BiSS C protocols, as well as the newer EnDat 3 and BiSS Line.
Industrial Ethernet with EtherCAT, PROFINET and TSN
The new microprocessor supports major industrial communication protocols, including EtherCAT, PROFINET RT/IRT, and EtherNet/IP. It also incorporates Time-Sensitive Networking (TSN) support to facilitate synchronized and deterministic communications in industrial networks.
Its architecture integrates three Gigabit Ethernet MAC controllers (GMACs), an Ethernet switch, and an EtherCAT SubDevice controller (ESC). This combination allows for the implementation of industrial Ethernet controller and device functions without the need for external communication integrated circuits.
To improve network availability, the RZ/T2N supports the HSR (High-availability Seamless Redundancy), PRP (Parallel Redundancy Protocol) and FRER (Frame Replication and Elimination for Reliability) redundancy protocols.
Integrated security and memory protection
Renesas has incorporated security features designed to protect industrial systems and their communications. These include a cryptographic library, secure boot, secure firmware updates, and Arm TrustZone. The device also features ECC protection on the TCM memories and processor cache, the integrated SRAM, and the DDR memory. Furthermore, it supports 16-bit LPDDR4-1600 memory, with data encryption and decryption capabilities during memory access.
Software development and support tools
The RZ/T2N shares the Linux package and Flexible Software Package (FSP) with the RZ/T2x and RZ/N2x families, facilitating cross-platform reuse of developments. Renesas provides verified example programs for various industrial Ethernet and encoder interfaces, as well as examples of multi-axis motor control using its evaluation boards.
The company also plans to offer functional safety software solutions during the second half of 2027, based on those already used in the RZ/T2x and RZ/N2x series. According to Hari Pendurty, Vice President of Renesas' EP Edge AI and Application Processors division, the RZ/T2N addresses the need to combine enhanced performance and functionality with compact designs and controlled costs.
With this launch, Renesas expands its offering of microprocessors for industrial automation and robotics, integrating motion control, processing and network connectivity into a single platform.
