Product lineup

To launch the RX family, Renesas will initially release two product lines: the 32-bit RX600 series of the very high speed, high-efficiency MCUs and the 32-bit RX200 series of fast, low-power-consumption MCUs (see Figure 4-1, below). Each series will incorporate a memory size and integrate peripheral functions optimized for particular applications and corresponding user needs.

Fig. 4-1. Roadmap of the RX family

MCUs in the RX600 series provide features and capabilities geared towards the requirements of embedded system control systems. The MCUs are ideal for processing large high-speed high-efficiency application programs that must be executed at high-speeds. Their RX CPU can access the on-chip flash memory a single cycle at 100MHz and operates at clock speeds up to 200MHz. A single-precision hardware floating-point unit (FPU) and a 32-bit multiplier, divider and MAC allow RX600 series devices to execute filter operations in real time and rapidly process algorithms that implement precise motor control. A memory protection unit will be available as optional features on future RX600 devices.

The inaugural RX600 MCU is a general-purpose device. It offers large-capacity memory, as well as timer, A/D converter and serial interface peripherals compatible with similar functions in existing products. Samples are scheduled to be shipped in the second quarter of 2009.

The characteristics of RX600 series chips are summarized in the table in Figure 4-2, below.

Fig. 4-2 RX600 series specifications