Renesas Electronics, a global leader in semiconductor solutions, has expanded its RH850 automotive microcontroller (MCU) family with the introduction of the 28nm RH850/U2C. This new MCU is specifically engineered to address the demanding requirements of modern vehicle control, battery management systems (BMS), lighting, motor control, and other critical safety applications demanding ASIL D (Automotive Safety Integrity Level D) compliance.
Advanced Processing Power for Next-Generation Architectures
The RH850/U2C is a powerful 32-bit microcontroller that integrates four RH850 CPU cores, capable of operating at speeds up to 320 MHz. Notably, it includes two lockstep cores, a crucial feature for enhancing functional safety by ensuring continuous operation and error detection in critical systems. The MCU also boasts up to 8 MB of on-chip flash memory, providing ample space for complex software functionalities.
Renesas positions the RH850/U2C as a strategic migration pathway for developers currently utilizing older RH850/P1x or RH850/F1x devices. This new MCU is designed to facilitate a smooth transition towards advanced vehicle electrical and electronic (E/E) architectures, which are becoming increasingly sophisticated to manage the growing complexity of vehicle functions.
Enhanced Communication Capabilities for Evolving E/E Architectures
A significant focus for the RH850/U2C is its comprehensive communication support. The MCU features interfaces vital for modern automotive networks, including Ethernet 10BASE-T1S and high-speed Ethernet TSN (Time-Sensitive Networking) at 1 Gbps/100 Mbps. It also supports the newer CAN-XL protocol and I3C (Improved Inter-Integrated Circuit) for efficient data transfer.
Crucially, the RH850/U2C maintains compatibility with established automotive interfaces such as CAN-FD, LIN, UART, CXPI, I²C, I²S, and PSI5. This dual support for both cutting-edge and legacy communication protocols is designed to ease the phased migration towards domain- and zone-based vehicle E/E architectures, allowing automakers to gradually update their systems without a complete overhaul.
Robust Functional Safety and Cybersecurity Features
Adherence to stringent safety and security standards is paramount in the automotive industry. The RH850/U2C is engineered for functional safety up to ASIL D, the highest level required for automotive systems, ensuring compliance with the ISO 26262 functional safety standard. This level of safety is critical for applications like braking, steering, and advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS).
Furthermore, the MCU addresses the growing cybersecurity threats with support for ISO/SAE 21434 cybersecurity requirements. It includes dedicated hardware accelerators specifically designed for cryptographic processing, enhancing the security of data transmission and protecting vehicle systems from unauthorized access and malicious attacks.
Meeting the Demands of Next-Generation ECUs
Satoshi Yoshida, Vice President at Renesas, highlighted the MCU’s capabilities, stating, “The RH850/U2C combines performance, a rich feature set and compliance with key industry standards to meet the requirements of next-generation ECUs.” This underscores Renesas’ commitment to providing solutions that empower the development of more intelligent, safer, and connected vehicles.
The integration of high processing power, advanced communication interfaces, and robust safety and security features makes the RH850/U2C a compelling choice for automotive manufacturers looking to develop advanced Electronic Control Units (ECUs) for the evolving automotive landscape. Its design is aimed at simplifying the development process for engineers working on complex vehicle systems, ensuring compliance and performance.