Networking equipment such as a smart meter and an HVAC controller requires real-time performance that achieves both the operation of a complicated system and network communication. In addition, it requires constant firmware (FW) updates for continuous stable operation.
It means that the microcontroller for main control of the equipment should have those performances and functionality as well. Wouldn’t it be nice to have an MCU meeting those requirements with a single chip and an evaluation kit for easy evaluation?
This time, I will introduce the 32-bit RX66N MCU that can meet those requirements and the Target board for RX66N, an evaluation kit that enables easy and quick evaluation and Proof of Concept (PoC).
The secret key to the RX66N's outstanding real-time performance is its CPU and flash memory. The Renesas' proprietary RXv3 CPU core realizes outstanding performance with a CoreMark score of 707 operating at 120MHz, and the 4MB flash memory can be read with zero wait states from the RX CPU, still keeping up the processing speed while executing the code stored in the flash memory.
In addition, the 4MB flash memory is capable of dual-bank configuration, which benefits firmware updates and makes it possible to download the updated firmware to the flash memory during system operation by utilizing the background operation (BGO) function.
Furthermore, we provide the Target Board for RX66N for easy and quick evaluation of the features mentioned above. It comes built-in with an emulator circuit, making it possible to evaluate the RX66N outstanding real-time performance just by connecting to a PC with the USB cable. Also, when connecting Wi-Fi modules to the onboard Pmod connector, you can build the RTOS-based cloud connectivity and the system with firmware updates via the network. Using the cloud solutions for the RX family, middleware for FW update, and sample program, you can easily and quickly perform the evaluation and make PoC.
Please also check out our blogs on RX Family Cloud Solutions and FW Update Middleware.
I recommend taking an RX66N target board in your hand to experience the RX66N outstanding real-time performance and the large flash memory capacity that is useful for FW updates. In the next blog, I will try to implement the FW update function using a Target Board for RX66N. Please stay tuned!