How can appliance makers cut power consumption and component costs while adding smarter controls? A 16-bit microcontroller family combines low-power operation with expanded touch-interface options.
Renesas Electronics has expanded its RL78 microcontroller family with the RL78/G21, a 16-bit microcontroller unit (MCU) for system control in air conditioners, refrigerators, washing machines and microwave ovens. The device targets lower power consumption and component costs, while an expansion of the RL78/G23 range adds more capacitive-touch channels for advanced human-machine interfaces (HMIs).
The microcontroller aims to draw 34µA/MHz in operation, nearly half the current consumption of the RL78/G13, according to the company. Lower power demand can help reduce power-supply requirements and overall system costs. Its high-speed on-chip oscillator, with ±1% accuracy, and 4KB of data flash also remove the need for an external oscillator and EEPROM in suitable designs.
The MCU offers ±4kV human body model (HBM) electrostatic discharge tolerance, helping protect against electrical discharge during manufacturing, assembly and product operation. It also supports a UARTA communication interface for system expansion, including additional sensors, and includes security features intended to protect against unauthorised access, tampering and cloning.
For manufacturers developing touch-based appliance controls, the company has also expanded the RL78/G23 range with devices offering 24 touch channels in the 44 pin version and 25 in the 48-pin version. Existing versions provide 14 and 16 channels, respectively. The additional channels allow more touch keys to be incorporated into an interface, while common touch-development tools across the RL78, RX and RA families support designs ranging from basic controls to advanced displays.
Raji Mukhopadhyay, Business Division Manager, EP Mainstream MCU Business Division at Renesas, says, “With the RL78/G21’s ultra-low-power performance and enhanced security, alongside the RL78/G23’s expanded touch capabilities, customers can select the right MCU for their system-control and HMI requirements and bring more efficient, reliable and secure smart appliances to market faster.”
Click here for the official announcement.
