With rich connectivity options and full-speed USB, it enables compact, cost-efficient designs for data loggers, gaming peripherals, and wireless-enabled applications.
Renesas Electronics has announced the launch of its new RA2L2 microcontroller (MCU) group, the first in the industry to support USB Type-C Specification Revision 2.4. Designed for low-power performance, the MCUs target portable devices such as USB data loggers, charge cases, barcode readers, gaming peripherals, and other compact electronics.
These energy-efficient features make it ideal for battery-powered applications. The device also includes a low-power UART with an independent clock, enabling wake-up functionality from wireless modules like Wi-Fi or Bluetooth LE. The company backs the MCU with its Flexible Software Package (FSP), which includes RTOS support, drivers, middleware, and connectivity solutions. This enables rapid development and simplifies code migration across Renesas’ RA family.
The key features are:
- Powered by 48 MHz Arm Cortex-M23 core
- Integrated full-speed USB
- Reduces need for external components, saving space and cost
The RA2L2 microcontroller is designed for ultra-low power operation, consuming just 87.5 µA/MHz in active mode and only 250 nA in software standby. It is the first MCU to offer native support for the USB-C Revision 2.4 standard, with updated voltage detection thresholds of 0.613V for 1.5A sources and 1.165V for 3.0A sources, supporting power delivery up to 15W (5V/3A). In addition, the RA2L2 features a comprehensive set of communication interfaces including I3C, CAN, SPI, SCI, and I2S, enabling flexible connectivity while minimizing the need for external components.
It is available in multiple package options—LQFP and QFN with 32 to 64 pins—and supports a wide operating voltage (1.6V to 5.5V) and temperature range (-40°C to 125°C).The company has also bundled the RA2L2 with complementary components into several ready-to-use design solutions, including data loggers, gaming keyboards, and toll systems. These “Winning Combinations” help customers reduce design time and accelerate market readiness.
