The expanded lineup features MCUs with integrated Trusted Secure IP, enhanced flash functionality, and a trusted human-machine interface (HMI) for industrial and network control systems.
The expansion of devices operating at the edge of the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) has increased the need for system manufacturers to have secure network connectivity and reliability, including secure, on-the-go firmware updates. The expanded RX65N/RX651 devices support these evolving security and reprogrammability needs, offering built-in trusted IP, enhanced flash protection, and other technological advancements to create a secure and stable integrated solution that far surpasses others on the market, as demonstrated by Cryptographic Algorithm Validation Certification (CAVP). These security advancements, in turn, enable seamless flash firmware updates in the field via secure network communications.
Main features of the enhanced RX65N / RX651 MCUs
• Built-in reliable IP
The new, enhanced MCUs with improved security features are based on the high-performance RXv2 core and a 40nm process, providing excellent energy efficiency for CPU operation at 4.55 Core Mark/MHz. The integration of Trusted Secure IP into the new MCUs allows system control engineers to achieve high levels of confidence in device operation through a combination of three new features:
• Protect the encryption key by Trusted Secure IP
• Integration of encryption hardware accelerators including AES, 3DES, SHA and TRNG as part of Trusted Secure IP
• Protects the boot code by Flash area
Trusted Secure IP received CAVP certification, which guarantees that the customer will use a device with a high level of security.
• Network connectivity and HMI features optimized for IIoT
Renesas has optimized the new RX65N/RX651 MCUs for connected industrial environments. The new MCUs offer network connectivity and HMI support, enabling:
• Monitor the operational status of machinery both inside and outside the factory
• Data exchange to make changes to production instructions
• Reprogramming the MCU memory to update the equipment configuration
Design engineers are frequently asked to integrate TFT displays into their IoT edge devices or system control applications. These displays allow users to control machine behavior through a modern, low-cost HMI solution. The RX65N/RX651 is an ideal solution for controlling these displays, as it features an integrated TFT controller and 2D graphics accelerator to provide advanced graphics capabilities and high-performance applications. Selecting a WQVGA display size allows the large 640kB on-chip RAM to be used as a display frame buffer, saving external RAM and ensuring a cost-optimized design.
• Field-integrated firmware updates
Compared to other IoT devices, industrial applications are designed for long-term operation, which entails unique and sometimes challenging requirements, such as field firmware updates. The new RX65N/RX651 MCUs feature dual-bank integration with Back Ground Operation (BGO) support and SWAP functionality, making it easier for network and system control manufacturers to perform field firmware updates safely and reliably.
• Integrated controllers and portability through Firmware Integration Technology (FIT)
FIT is a holistic concept that emphasizes integrated peripheral function module (PFM) drivers and improved portability across RX65N/RX651 MCUs. The technology aims to lighten the burden of program development and resource management in software development using the entire RX MCU family. FIT provides a common application programming interface (API) for peripheral drivers and middleware across the RX family, based on a robust board support package that manages common information for these functions, such as the initial MCU, clock, and board configuration. FIT is available for all RX devices and is fully integrated into the development environment.
• Expanded RX ecosystem for greater design support
Renesas has expanded its robust RX tooling infrastructure to help engineers get started with their development work. The new Envision Kit provides an evaluation environment that allows engineers to easily compare MCU performance and begin developing their own software. The new Renesas RX65N Starter Kit (RSK) includes an MCU development board, display, on-chip debugger, Renesas C test compiler, and integrated development environment (IDE), enabling engineers to begin evaluations and development in minutes.
To revitalize their visualization designs, RX users can also take advantage of several ecosystem partner tools, including easy-to-use graphical user interface (GUI) tools.
Availability
The upgraded RX65N/RX651 MCUs, the Renesas RX65N Starter Kit, and the Envision Kit are now available.
NuMicro M3351: Cortex-M33 microcontrollers for industrial control
Nuvoton Technology Corporation has introduced the NuMicro M3351 series of 32-bit microcontrollers, based on the Arm Cortex-M33 core. The devices operate at frequencies up to 144 MHz and support a voltage range of 2.7 V to 5.5 V. Their features are geared towards...
