Renesas Introduces Low-Power RL78/G15 MCU with the Smallest 8-pin Package Option Available within the RL78 Family

Renesas Electronics Corporation introduced a new general-purpose microcontroller (MCU) in the low-power RL78 Family, with small package sizes that target 8-bit MCU applications. The versatile RL78/G15 packs many peripheral functions and 4-8KB of code flash memory in package sizes ranging from 8 to 20 pins, with the smallest 8-pin device measuring only 3 x 3 mm.

These features are designed to keep system size small and reduce the cost of end systems, such as industrial, consumer, sensor control, lighting, and inverter applications. In addition, the maximum operating ambient temperature of +125°C facilitates optimal thermal design, covering a wide temperature range and allowing the MCU to be used near heat-generating components such as inverter motors.

Similar to other RL78 devices, engineers designing with the new RL78/G15 can use the GUI-based Smart Configurator to easily generate driver code for peripheral functions. Renesas also offers the Fast Prototyping Board (FPB) for evaluation, which comes with Arduino Uno and Pmod™ Type 6A interfaces with access to all pins. In addition, debugging and programming are possible using only a USB cable. Using an Arduino library that can run on the FPB, developers can gain access to development resources of the RL78 as well as the vast resources offered through the Arduino ecosystem, so that they can quickly turn their ideas into a working solution (more info).