32-bit RX MCU targets industrial sensor systems

Renesas Electronics Corp. has expanded its 32-bit microcontroller (MCU) offering with a new RX MCU for high-end industrial sensor systems. The new RX23E-B 32-bit RX MCU features a high-precision analog front end (AFE), specifically designed for systems that require fast and accurate analog signal measurements.

(Source: Renesas Electronics)

The 32-bit RX MCU integrates a 24-bit Delta-Sigma A/D converter capable of achieving a conversion speed of up to 125 kSPS (125,000 samples/second), which is eight times faster than the existing RX23E-A, according to Renesas. It also can process accurate A/D conversion while reducing RMS noise to 1/3 (0.18 µVrms @1kSPS) when compared to the RX23E-A.

Delivering faster and more precise measurements of parameters such as strain, temperature, pressure, flow rate, current and voltage, the RX23E-B is suited for high-end sensor devices, measuring instruments and test equipment and can address a broad range of mid- to high-end system applications. For example, the RX23E-B offers sufficient performance to drive force sensors used in industrial robots, which often require measurements as fast as 10 µsec (100,000 samples/second), Renesas said. The MCU also reduces overall system size and the component count by integrating the AFE and the MCU on a single chip.

“In distributed processing designs, instead of relying on a dedicated MCU to manage all functions, each function can operate as a separate module, responsible for tasks such as motor control, sensor measurement and temperature control,” Renesas said.

Engineers can develop sensor modules more easily using an MCU with a built-in AFE than combining a discrete AFE chip and a separate MCU, in distributed processing designs such as large-scale instruments that control and take measurements of multiple targets like robot arms and gas and liquid analyzers, said the company.

Like the RX23E-A, the RX23E-B incorporates a 32-MHz RXv2-based CPU with digital signal processing (DSP) instructions and a floating point unit (FPU) and combines the AFE into a single chip using the same fabrication process. It offers new peripheral functions such as a 16-bit D/A converter, which enables measurement adjustments, self-diagnosis and analog signal output. Other features include an LCD controller with a maximum of 40 SEG × 4 COM and a real-time clock (RTC) function.

In addition, the RX23E-B’s +/-10-V analog input enables +/-10-V measurement with a 5-V power supply without requiring external components or additional power supply.

 The RX23E-B offers a version that supports an A/D conversion data rate of up to 125 kSPS, and one that supports up to 31.25 kSPS. Both products offer flexible data rate settings ranging from 3.8 SPS to the maximum value. This allows users to choose the best balance between data rate and noise for their specific system requirements, Renesas said.

The RX MCUs are available in a 5.5-mm² 100-pin BGA package and a 6-mm² 40-pin QFN package. They are also available in wide pin packages ranging from 48- to 100-pin options.

Both the RX23E-B and RX23E-B starter kit are available now. With the kit, engineers can evaluate the functionality of the AFE and signal conversion without the need for software development, Renesas said.

Renesas also offers the high-speed Pressure Control Solution Winning Combination design that combines the RX23E-B MCU with intelligent power devices that drive solenoid valves. The integrated high-precision AFE provides precise pressure control and minimizes the component count for the design, which reduces the BOM costs and board mounting area.