Renesas launches a 32-bit RX MCU with high-speed and high-precision analog front-end for high-end industrial sensor systems

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    The all-new RX23E-B has a data rate 8 times faster than the existing version and includes 125 kSPS ΔΣ A/D converter

    Global semiconductor solution provider Renesas Electronics (TSE: 6723) announced today the launch of a new RX product, RX23E-B, for high-end industrial sensor systems, expanding its 32-bit microcontroller (MCU) product line. As a member of the popular RX product family, the new product features a high-precision analog front-end (AFE) designed specifically for systems that require fast and accurate analog signal measurement.

    This new MCU integrates a 24 bit Delta Sigma A/D converter, with a conversion speed of up to 125 kSPS (125000 samples/second), which is 8 times faster than existing RX23E-A products. Compared with RX23E-A, it can handle precise A/D conversion while reducing root mean square (RMS) noise to 1/3 (0.18 µ Vrms @ 1kSPS). RX23E-B can measure key parameters such as strain, temperature, pressure, flow rate, current, and voltage more quickly and accurately, making it an ideal choice for high-end sensor equipment, measuring instruments, and testing equipment. Of particular note, the RX23E-B has sufficient performance to drive force sensitive sensors used in industrial robots, which typically require measurements at a speed of 10 µ sec (100000 samples per second). This product also integrates AFE and MCU on a single chip, thereby reducing the overall size of the system and reducing the number of components.

    Sakae Ito, Vice President of the IoT Platform Business Division at Renesas, stated, "With the launch of the RX23E-B with AFE sensor interfaces, we can now provide services for various sensing applications from mid-range to high-end systems. We will also continue to expand Renesas‘ products to meet the growing low-power needs of battery powered and wireless sensors."

    Takatsugu Nemoto, President at Meiko Electronics, stated: "At Meiko Electronics, since the launch of RX23E-A, we have been developing evaluation boards and providing design support to customers. Now, with the availability of high-speed Δ-Σ The launch of the RX23E-B for A/D converters will allow more customers to experience the benefits of its enhanced conversion performance, compact circuit board design, and reduced number of components

    Similar to RX23E-A, RX23E-B also integrates a CPU based on a 32MHz RXv2 core with digital signal processing (DSP) instructions and floating-point operation units (FPUs), and integrates AFE into a single chip using the same manufacturing process. It provides new peripheral functions such as a 16 bit D/A converter, which can achieve measurement adjustment, self diagnosis, and analog signal output. The+/-10V analog input of this product can be measured using a 5V power supply for+/-10V without the need for external components or additional power sources. In addition, it also includes an LCD controller that can support up to 40 SEG x 4 COM and real-time clock (RTC) functionality.

    Large instruments that require control and measurement of multiple targets, such as robotic arms, gas and liquid analyzers, have a huge demand for distributed processing architectures. In distributed processing design, each function can operate as a separate module, responsible for various tasks such as motor control, sensor measurement, and temperature control, rather than relying on a dedicated MCU to manage all functions. This modular approach allows for independent development, thus achieving greater design flexibility and simplifying maintenance work. Since each module requires an MCU for calculation, engineers can easily develop sensor modules using an MCU with built-in AFE, rather than combining discrete AFE chips with separate MCUs.

    The RX23E-B provides versions that support up to 125 kSPS A/D data conversion rates and 31.25 kSPS. Both products come with flexible data rate settings, ranging from 3.8 SPS to the maximum supported value, allowing users to choose the optimal balance between data rate and noise based on their specific system requirements. These two products support a 5.5mm square 100 pin BGA package and a 6mm square 40 pin QFN package, suitable for compact applications, and also offer wide pin packages ranging from 48 to 100 pins.

    Successful product portfolio

    Renesas will combine the new RX23E-B MCU designed for precise pressure measurement and control with intelligent power devices responsible for driving solenoid valves to develop a high-speed pressure control system. The integrated high-precision AFE achieves precise pressure control and minimizes the number of components in the design, thereby reducing BOM costs and circuit board installation area. These "successful product combinations" are based on mutually compatible and seamlessly collaborative devices, with a technically validated system architecture that brings optimized low-risk designs to accelerate product launch speed. Renesas has now launched over 400 "successful product combinations" based on various products in its product lineup, enabling customers to accelerate the design process and push products to the market faster. For more information, please visit: renesas.com/win.

    Supply information

    RX23E-B is now on the market and also offers an entry-level solution kit for Reza for RX23E-B. With this suite, engineers can evaluate the operation and functionality of AFE and signal conversion without the need for software development.