Renesas — RX140 Group of 32-bit Microcontrollers

The ultra low-power RX140 Group of 32-bit microcontrollers extends the Renesas RX100 series of entry-level MCUs, improving on the performance, power efficiency and touch sensitivity of the RX130 products.

Based on an RXv2 CPU core, the RX140 MCUs can operate at up to 48 MHz, approximately  twice the processing capability of RX130 MCUs. The RX140 MCUs also use 30% less power than the RX130 products, drawing just 56 µA/MHz when the CPU is in active mode, and as little as 0.25 µA/MHz in standby mode.

The RX140 Group MCUs feature an advanced capacitive touch-sensing unit which gives reliable, sensitive capacitive touch-sensing operation in a range of environments. This makes the MCUs suitable for use in appliances such as microwave ovens, refrigerators, and induction stoves, as well as in manufacturing equipment and building control panels.

The devices meet the noise tolerance requirements of the IEC EN61000-4-3 level 4 standard for radiated emissions and the EN61000-4-6 level 3 standard for conducted emissions. The RX140 devices may be used reliably in applications requiring the precise capacitive sensing of changes in water level, or the presence of powder on surfaces.

The RX140 Group of MCUs is available in packages which have between 32 and 80 pins, with up to 36 pins reserved for touch sensing. Built-in multi-scan and automated sensing functionality enable designers to improve sensitivity through the simultaneous measurement of multiple electrodes, and allow for automatic touch detection even in standby mode. This makes it easier to develop interfaces for applications that require touchless operation or proximity sensing. The device also includes an integrated temperature sensor.

The RX140 MCUs are pin-compatible with the RX130 products, enabling designers to upgrade existing designs easily. The new MCUs can be used with Renesas development tools including e2 studio and QE for capacitive touch.