Renesas Unveils Powerful 1GHz RZ/A3UL 64-Bit MPUs with RTOS Support That Enable High-Definition HMI and Quick Startup

Rhea-AI Summary

Renesas Electronics Corporation (TSE: 6723) has unveiled the new RZ/A3UL microprocessors (MPUs), designed for high-definition human-machine interfaces (HMIs) with rapid startup capabilities. Featuring a 64-bit Arm Cortex-A55 CPU operating at 1 GHz, these MPUs support real-time operating systems (RTOS), enabling startup times under one second. The RZ/A3UL integrates advanced memory interfaces, including Octal-SPI and DDR3L/DDR4, enhancing design simplicity and performance. Compatible with Azure RTOS and FreeRTOS, they offer extensive middleware support, aiming to streamline development and improve efficiency in various industries.

Positive

• Introduction of RZ/A3UL MPUs enhances performance for high-definition HMIs with 1 GHz speed.
• Supports rapid startup (<1 second) suitable for industrial and consumer applications.
• Integrates Octal-SPI and DDR3L/DDR4 memory interfaces for improved design and performance.
• Compatible with leading RTOSs (FreeRTOS, Azure RTOS) for broader application development.
• Extensive middleware support reduces development time and costs.

Negative

• None.

Versions Available Supporting High-Speed DDR3L/DDR4 Memory Interface and Octal-SPI Memory Interface for Simpler Design

TOKYO--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Renesas Electronics Corporation (TSE: 6723), a premier supplier of advanced semiconductor solutions, today announced the RZ/A3UL group of microprocessors (MPU) that enables both a high-definition human-machine interface (HMI) and quick startup for applications that require high throughput and real-time capabilities. The new RZ/A3UL allows customers to achieve the full potential of a real-time operating system (RTOS) while leveraging the performance boost provided by the 64-bit Arm® Cortex®-A55 CPU core with a maximum operating frequency of 1 GHz. Using an RTOS allows systems to start up instantly, in less than a second after boot-up. This feature is ideal for systems that require a fast response time such as industrial equipment, home appliances and office automation equipment with liquid crystal displays or control panels, as well as audio equipment and POS terminals.

(Graphic: Business Wire)

The new RZ/A3UL MPUs integrates an Octal-SPI memory interface*¹ that facilitates simpler and more compact board designs. In addition, the new devices include versions that support a DDR3L/DDR4 memory interface to enable connection of high-speed DRAM. For example, the DDR3L/DDR4 memory interface achieves a data transfer speed that is approximately 10 times faster than the Octal-SPI memory interface, maximizing the performance needed to enable an HD (1280x720) class display and an interactive and more sophisticated HMI utilizing camera input or various types of sensors.

The RZ/A3UL supports the industry’s two leading RTOSes: FreeRTOS and Azure RTOS. Since Renesas is a license provider of Azure RTOS for the RZ Family, users can simply download the high-performance Azure RTOS from GitHub and get started immediately. In addition, Renesas offers a Flexible Software Package including FreeRTOS and HAL (Hardware Abstraction Layer) drivers that developers can use as a reference when developing their own applications. An extensive suite of middleware is also available for both operating systems, further reducing the time and cost for development.

“Many customers who use RTOSes tell us that they want to retain features like excellent real-time capabilities and quick startup, but that they also want higher resolution and better performance,” said Shigeki Kato, Vice President of the Enterprise Infrastructure Business Division at Renesas. “I am confident that the RZ/A3UL will deliver the higher performance required, while still giving customers the flexibility and ease of use offered by MCUs.”

Moe Tanabian, Vice President & General Manager, Azure IoT, Light Edge, AI at Microsoft added, “The combination of high-performance MPUs like the RZ/A3UL, with the real-time capabilities of Azure RTOS, will directly improve the performance of our customers' devices."

The peripheral functions and package pin assignments of the RZ/A3UL are compatible with the RZ/G2UL that employs the Cortex-A55 core targeting Linux-based HMI applications, and with the RISC-V-based RZ/Five products. This means that engineers can develop new products using the same board design, simply by replacing the chip. The compatibility between devices also allows engineers to easily transition from a product that runs an RTOS to a Linux-based product, facilitating efficient development across multiple product models.

Winning Combination with RZ/A3UL

Renesas has designed an HMI solution, “RTOS Based RZ/A3UL HMI SMARC SOM” that uses the RZ/A3UL and other compatible devices from Renesas and its partners’ portfolios. This Winning Combination is a module conforming to the industry-standard SMARC 2.1 form factor. The module incorporates devices including the DA9062 power management IC, 5P35023 programmable clock generator, AT25QL128A flash memory IC, and SLG46538 GreenPAK implementing peripheral functions such as system reset. It can be used to evaluate the RZ/A3UL and also as a reference design to help shorten development time. Renesas Winning Combinations have technically vetted system architecture from mutually compatible devices that work together seamlessly to bring an optimized low-risk design for a faster time to market. Renesas offers more than 300 Winning Combinations with a wide range of products from its portfolio. They can be found at https://www.renesas.com/win.

Availability

The RZ/A3UL MPUs and development tools are available now. For further information, please visit: https://www.renesas.com/rza3ul.

About Renesas Electronics Corporation

Renesas Electronics Corporation (TSE: 6723) empowers a safer, smarter and more sustainable future where technology helps make our lives easier. A leading global provider of microcontrollers, Renesas combines our expertise in embedded processing, analog, power and connectivity to deliver complete semiconductor solutions. These Winning Combinations accelerate time to market for automotive, industrial, infrastructure and IoT applications, enabling billions of connected, intelligent devices that enhance the way people work and live. Learn more at renesas.com. Follow us on LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter, YouTube and Instagram.

(*Note 1) The RZ/A3UL supports Macronix Serial Multi I/O (MXSMIO®) Octa Peripheral Interface (OPI) as its Octal-SPI memory interface.

(Remarks) Arm and Arm Cortex are trademarks or registered trademarks of Arm Limited in the EU and other countries. All names of products or services mentioned in this press release are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective owners.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20220804005377/en/

Americas

Don Parkman

Renesas Electronics Corporation

+ 1-408-887-4308

don.parkman.xh@renesas.com

Source: Renesas Electronics Corporation

FAQ

What is the RZ/A3UL microprocessor by Renesas Electronics Corporation?

The RZ/A3UL is a microprocessor designed for high-definition human-machine interfaces, offering high throughput and real-time capabilities.

When was the RZ/A3UL microprocessor announced?

The RZ/A3UL microprocessor was announced in August 2022.

What is the operating frequency of the RZ/A3UL?

The RZ/A3UL operates at a maximum frequency of 1 GHz.

What memory interfaces does the RZ/A3UL support?

The RZ/A3UL supports Octal-SPI and DDR3L/DDR4 memory interfaces.

How does the RZ/A3UL improve startup time for devices?

The RZ/A3UL enables rapid startup of less than one second, ideal for applications requiring quick response times.

Which operating systems are supported by the RZ/A3UL?

The RZ/A3UL supports FreeRTOS and Azure RTOS.