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RX IoT Cloud Over-the-Air (OTA) Solution

The RX family offers an evaluation kit with a convenient development environment (e² studio) which is ideal for IoT device development. The evaluation kit supports real-time OSs (FreeRTOS, Azure RTOSNote) and various libraries (SSL/TLS, OTA, MQTT, TCP/IP, etc.) for IoT devices provided by major cloud vendors such as Amazon Web Services (AWS) and Microsoft. AWS and Microsoft device certifications give you the confidence to start development immediately. We support your IoT development with various application notes, such as the visualization of data uploaded to the cloud, remote control of devices and OTA firmware updates, etc.

Note: Microsoft has announced the open sourcing of Azure RTOS. Azure RTOS will now be provided by the Eclipse Foundation as Eclipse ThreadX. Please check the Microsoft website for details.

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cloud-solution

Hardware

CK-RX65N v2

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Chart
  • ROM/RAM: 2MB/640KB 144-pin, temperature, humidity sensor, indoor/outdoor air quality sensor, etc.
  • Connectivity: Wi-Fi*, Ethernet
    *Wi-Fi module included
  • Acquired AWS Partner Device certification
  • For more information and to purchase: CK-RX65N v2

Software

Step 1: Trial for CK-RX65N v2

Easily try visualizing sensor data on Renesas dashboard

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Visualizing sensor data on Renesas dashboard

Step 2: IoT Product Development

Demo projects with the following features essential for IoT devices are available. Please refer to the Getting Started Guide on GitHub for usage instructions.

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PubSub / MQTT, OTA, Fleet Provisioning: Assisted provisioning for mass production

Development Support

IDE & Tools

  • Various Free RTOS samples can be generated as new projects in the free IDE e² studio
  • Development support tool QE for OTA enables easy implementation of OTA firmware updates

Application Notes

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4 steps to started with development using the RX MCU Evaluation Kits
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Select Board

Choose the board you want to use.
The latest evaluation kit, CK-RX65N, supports the following communication controls and examples.
For supported RTOS versions, please check GitHub ( AWS / Azure ).
For other boards, see "Evaluation Boards".

Board AppearanceBoard NameCommunication ControlDashboardMQTTOTAQE for OTA (*1)Fleet Provisioning (*2)
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CK-RX65N Overview
CK-RX65N v2Wi-FiAWSAWSAWSAWSAWS
Ethernet (*3)-AWSAWSAWSAWS

*1: A free development support tool that allows you to easily try OTA. The e² studio GUI supports various settings required for OTA and OTA execution.
*2: One of the provisioning methods provided by AWS. Automate the provisioning of multiple devices, which is a challenge during mass production.
*3: For the steps to perform Ethernet communication with CK-RX65N v2, please refer to the Getting Started Guide on GitHub.
*4: Use of cellular modules other than RYZ014A is described in the Porting Guide.

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Prepare IDE

Install the integrated development environment and compiler

 RenesasIAR Systems
※Supports Azure RTOS only
Integrated development environmente² studio (free)IAR Embedded Workbench for Renesas RX (commercial version)
CompilerRenesas CC-RX compiler (paid)
or
GNU CC compiler (free of charge) ※
※This can be installed at the same time as e² studio
IAR RX compiler (commercial version)
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Download Sofware

Get various sample projects downloadable from e² studio or Renesas Web. For development with Free RTOS or Azure RTOS, we recommend using e² studio's new project generation feature.
To learn how to create a new RTOS project using e² studio, please check the tutorial video on YouTube.
< The YouTube playlist is here: ( Free RTOS / Azure RTOS ) >

 e² studioIAR Systems
※Supports Azure RTOS only
Remarks
Create a new RTOS projectdone
(Recommended)
done
  • Suitable configuration for building user programs
  • You can create a kernel-only project or a project that includes the following sample programs.
     <AWS>MQTT、FleetProvisioning
     <Azure>MQTT、OTA
    Click here for details such as compatible kits <AWS / Azure>.
    (Supported RTOS versions may differ depending on the kit.)
  • You can update FIT drivers in a project with the smart configurator
    Click here to get the smart configurator for IAR.
    (If you have e² studio, the smart configurator is bundled with e² studio and does not need to be obtained separately)
  • You can learn how to create a project for IAR, click here.
Importing the Sample Projectdone-
  • Getting Started Guide for the CK-RX65N linked to Renesas Dashboard, as well as various sample programs for each development step are provided.
  • For details of the sample programs corresponding to each evaluation kit, see "Evaluation Boards"
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Connect to the Cloud

Connect To The Cloud.

CloudSample usedHow to connect to cloud
AWSImport a certification program
Create new in an e² Studio project
AzureImport a certification program
Create new in an e² Studio project

Development Environment

Recommended Microcontrollers

We have selected the best products for cloud connectivity from our extensive line of RX microcontrollers.
As a basis for this selection, Renesas has ported the RTOS and as a result, believes that the memory resources required are at least 96KB RAM and at least 512KB ROM (or at least 1.5MB for OTA feature implementation).
Taking into account the communications, security and OTA capabilities required for cloud connectivity, we have selected the following products:

 Part NumberCPUFrequencyROMRAMTrusted
Secure IP
BGO,
Dual Bank
Driver support
EtherWi-FiBLECellular
MCURX72M  /  RX72NRXv3240MHz4MB1MBcheckcheckcheckcheckTBDcheck
RX66NRXv3120MHz4MB1MBcheckcheckcheckcheckTBDTBD
RX671RXv3120MHz2MB384KBcheckcheckNocheckTBDTBD
RX65N  /  RX651RXv2120MHz2MB640KBcheckcheckcheckcheckTBDcheck

Evaluation Board

You can easily try cloud communication using a board equipped with Renesas devices. You can choose based on the microcontroller, the communication method, and the peripheral functions. You can also download a variety of predefined programs for each board free of charge.
The kit is ideal for:

  1. Evaluation of Renesas devices (MCUs, analog devices, sensors)
  2. As a reference for customers when designing boards and programs
  3. As a learning application for those who are newly starting cloud communications
 CK-RX65N v2RX72N Envision KitRenesas Starter Kit+ for RX671
 
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ck-rx65n-connected-pmod
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Cloud_RX72N-Envision-Kit
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Cloud_RSK-plis-for-RX671
DescriptionThe best evaluation kit for IoT development.
Comes with a Wi-Fi module (DA16600) and is equipped with 6 types of sensors. With an AWS trial account worth 10 USD, you can start IoT device development immediately.
*: Specification differences between CK-RX65N v1 and v2 are listed on the GitHub Wiki page.
Multifunctional evaluation kit supporting cloud communication as well as LCD and voice input. Equipped with a Wi-Fi/Bluetooth® Low energy (LE) module and general-purpose USB port. Cloud communication + HMI evaluation in a single unit.Optimal starter kit for an introduction to the RX671 (2MB of code flash, 144-pin count). Includes an LCD display module and on-chip debugging emulator.
CommunicationEthernetSupportedSupported-
Cellular(CAT-M1)---
Wi-FiSupportedSupported
(requires optional Wi-Fi Pmod expansion board )
Supported
(requires optional Wi-Fi Pmod expansion board)
Sample ProgramsAWSGetting StartApplication NoteApplication NoteApplication Note
MQTTCan be generated in the e² studioCan be generated in the e² studioCan be generated in the e² studio
OTACan be generated in the e² studioApplication NoteApplication Note
Extended ProgramsSensor Data VisualizationSensor Data Visualization-
AzureMQTT-Can be generated in the e² studioCan be generated in the e² studio
OTA(ADU)-Can be generated in the e² studioCan be generated in the e² studio
Plug and Play-Can be generated in the e² studio
 
Can be generated in the e² studio
LCD-EquippedEquipped

Certified Programs

The RX Family offers programs that port real-time OSs provided by major cloud vendors for the RX Family. The FreeRTOS and Azure RTOS compatible programs have been certified as AWS and Azure devices, respectively, and can be used with confidence.

 Amazon FreeRTOSMicrosoft Azure RTOSNote
Usage feeFree of charge
MIT Open Source License)
Free of charge
MIT Open Source License)
Cloud IT Vendor CertificationAWS Partner Device certification for various kitsAzure Certified Device certification for various kits
Sample programs
for OTA/FW Update

AWS FreeRTOS OTA

Microsoft ADU
RTOS-LTS support
for IT vendors

FreeRTOS - LTS Libraries

Azure RTOS - LTS Components
Development environmentfree IDE (e² studio) provided by Renesasfree IDE (e² studio) provided by Renesas
IAR Embedded Workbench for RX

Note: Microsoft has announced the open sourcing of Azure RTOS. Azure RTOS will now be provided by the Eclipse Foundation as Eclipse ThreadX. With this change, the Azure Certified Device program has also been terminated. Please check the Microsoft website for details.

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aws logo

AWS Certified Programs

There are two AWS-certified FreeRTOS-powered programs.

  • MQTT communication project for immediate communication with cloud services
  • OTA project with remote firmware update by OTA

Different MCUs and evaluation kits support different versions of FreeRTOS.
The latest FreeRTOS ported for the RX family is supported by the CK-RX65N v1 and others.
For additional support status, please check Renesas' GitHub.
* For FreeRTOS v202107.00 and earlier versions, please check here on GitHub.

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Movie

A video explaining how to connect to AWS cloud services using the "CK-RX65N" evaluation kit for IoT device development with FreeRTOS is now available on YouTube!

Please watch the video from the playlist (FreeRTOS Tutorial - YouTube) on the official Renesas YouTube channel.

Extended Programs

FreeRTOS Extended Programs

We provide sample programs with extended functions useful for IoT device development based on the AWS certification program.

Programacquisitionboardcommunicationoperation overview
Sensor data uploadLinkRenesas CK-RX65NEthernet
Cellular
This explains the series of steps from activation of the SIM card included with the CK-RX65N to displaying the sensor data on the Dashboard. You can start developing IoT devices right away by using the SIM card included with the CK-RX65N and an AWS trial account.
LinkRenesas CK-RX65N v2Wi-FiThis is a sample project to connect to AWS via Wi-Fi to visualize sensor data values on a dashboard. 10USD worth of service is available free of charge by using the AWS trial account that comes with the CK-RX65N. This sample is recommended for beginners in AWS cloud development.
LinkRX65N Cloud KitWi-FiBy entering the provisioning information via TeraTerm, it connects to the AWS cloud and sends the sensor data. Please use this service for the initial operation check.
LinkRX65N Cloud KitWi-FiVisualize and control sensor data using AWS cloud services for PoC development.
LinkRX72N Envision KitWi-FiUtilize Quick-Connect IoT to send sensor information to Amazon Web Services and visualize sensor data. Use this for PoC development.
MbedTLS for Trusted Secure IPLinkRenesas CK-RX65NWi-FiThis application note describes how to manage keys safely and speed up the encryption/description processing in TLS communication by using the Trusted Secure IP (TSIP) module, which is security hardware built into RX Family MCUs. This application note also provides concrete implementation examples and sample code.
OTA firmware update of secondary devicesLinkRenesas Starter Kit+ for RX65N-2MBEthernet

This is sample code for an OTA firmware update (2nd OTA) for a secondary device. The OTA FW update is performed to the RX microcontroller for the secondary device using a gateway device (RX65N) that communicates with AWS. The OTA can be performed on devices that are not directly connected to the cloud, allowing for flexible service updates and response to vulnerabilities in secondary devices.
Introduction video: Secondary Device OTA Update using FreeRTOS and Amazon Web Services 

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FreeRTOS-secondary-device-OTA
Low power operationLinkRenesas CK-RX65NCellularThis is a sample program for low power consumption (intermittent operation) using the LTE Cat-M1 module (RYZ014A) and FreeRTOS. Many IoT devices are designed to be battery-powered, so it is necessary to devise ways to reduce power consumption. Low power consumption can be achieved by intermittent operation of communication control with this sample program.
Introduction video: RX MCU Low Power Consumption Operation with FreeRTOS by Amazon Web Service
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Azure-logo
 

Azure Certified Programs

There are three Azure-certified programs with Azure RTOS.

Since the support status of the sample programs varies depending on the Azure RTOS version and device combination, please check the official Renesas GitHub for the latest information. Application notes on how to create a new Azure RTOS project in Renesas' free development environment (e² studio) and how to use the sample programs are also available.

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Movie

A video explaining how to connect to Azure cloud services using the "CK-RX65N" evaluation kit for IoT device development with Azure RTOS is now available on YouTube!

Please watch the video from the playlist (Azure RTOS - YouTube) on the official Renesas YouTube channel.

*IoT Plug and Play compatible program that is a sample program based on Azure RTOS that has been certified by Microsoft for IoT Plug and Play operation. You can connect to Azure IoT Central using this sample code, which provides a customizable dashboard that makes it easy to connect, monitor, control, and manage IoT devices and products without any program changes. For more information, please see Microsoft Official Documents.

Azure RTOS Extended Programs

We provide sample programs with extended functions useful for IoT device development based on the Azure Certified program.

ProgramAcquisitionBoardCommunicationOperation Overview
Sensor data uploadLinkRX65N Cloud KitWi-FiSample code to visualize temperature data on a web application using Azure cloud services. Please use it for PoC development. The contents of this sample code can also be viewed in the video below.
Explanatory video:
Azure RTOS Tutorial (1/3) RX65N Cloud Kit: ~ Development Environment Setup ~
Azure RTOS Tutorial (2/3) RX65N Cloud Kit: ~ Set up the program ~
Azure RTOS Tutorial (3/3) RX65N Cloud Kit: ~ Operate Azure Cloud ~
OTA firmware update of secondary devicesLinkRenesas CK-RX65NEthernet

This is sample code for an OTA firmware update (2nd OTA) for a secondary device. The OTA FW update is performed to the RX microcontroller for the secondary device using a gateway device (RX65N) that communicates with Azure. The OTA can be performed on devices that are not directly connected to the cloud, allowing for flexible service updates and response to vulnerabilities in secondary devices.
Introduction video: Leaf Device OTA Update using Microsoft Azure ADU

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Azure rtos expand secondary device OTA update
NetXDuo with TSIP for TLSLinkRenesas CK-RX65N This APN presents an example of adding the TSIP driver to Azure RTOS, which includes NetX Duo, and explains how to confirm its operation. No keying information is handled as plaintext during TLS protocol processing, thereby reducing the risk that customer keying information stored on the device may leak. In addition, hardware acceleration speeds up encryption processing.

Amazon Web Services is a trademark of Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates in the United States and/or other countries.
https://aws.amazon.com/jp/trademark-guidelines/

FreeRTOS™ is a trademark of Amazon Web Services, Inc.
http://www.openrtos.net/copyright.html

GitHub® is a trademark of GitHub, Inc.
https://github.com/logos

Azure is a registered trademark or trademark of Microsoft Corporation in the United States and/or other countries.
https://azure.microsoft.com

Documentation

Downloads

Type Title Date
Sample Code
[Software=RX-Driver-Package|V122],[Toolchains=GNURX|V8.3.0.2019.4]
Log in to Download ZIP 442.25 MB 日本語
Application: Industrial
Compiler: GNURX Function: Application Example, Communication Interface, Driver or Library, Other peripherals IDE: e2 studio
Board Description File ZIP 1 KB
Upgrade - IDE Log in to Download ZIP 570.25 MB 日本語
Upgrade - IDE Log in to Download ZIP 1,616.95 MB 日本語
Upgrade - IDE Log in to Download ZIP 1,264.29 MB 日本語
Upgrade - Compiler Log in to Download ZIP 22.40 MB 日本語
6 items

Videos

FreeRTOS PubSub Demo with Trusted Secure IP (TSIP) - CK-RX65N V2 Summary

This video provides a summary of the FreeRTOS PubSub demo using Trusted Secure IP (TSIP).

Watch the rest of the video series below

Video List

News & Blog Posts

RX Family Software – The Past and the Future - #12 - Embedded System Tuning/Tracealyzer Blog Post Dec 6, 2023
RX Family Software – The Past and the Future - #11 Navigating the TCP/IP Implementation Challenges with RX Family Blog Post Oct 5, 2023
RX Family Software – The Past and the Future – #10 Design of OTA for RX MCU via AWS/Azure Blog Post Sep 6, 2023
RX Family Software – The Past and the Future – #9 Design IoT Latest Provisioning Scheme with RX MCUs Blog Post May 31, 2023
Struggling with OTA? Easier and Faster Your Development using AWS IoT Core! Blog Post Apr 19, 2023
RX Family Software – The Past and the Future - #8: Security for IoT Applications Blog Post Apr 18, 2023
RX Family Software – The Past and the Future - #7: Cellular Connectivity Blog Post Mar 28, 2023
Learn AWS/Azure Cloud Connectivity through Videos. Let’s Start IoT Development using the RX Family! Blog Post Jan 10, 2023
Introducing the RX family low-power solution with low power by using Cellular and FreeRTOS Blog Post Jul 29, 2022
RX Family Software – The Past and the Future - #4 Blog Post Jul 11, 2022
Realizing Secure and High-Speed Communications with RX MCU and wolfSSL's TLS Library Blog Post Jun 27, 2022
Azure RTOS ADU Blog Post Apr 28, 2022
Realizing OTA Function of a Secondary MCU with the RX MCU – FreeRTOS Version Blog Post Mar 9, 2022
Would You Like to Address the Challenges of Network-Connected Equipment by Using 32-Bit RX66N MCUs? Blog Post Nov 30, 2021
Easy to Start with Tutorial Videos! Cloud Connectivity Using Azure RTOS and RX65N Cloud Kit Blog Post Oct 25, 2021
Renesas Extends Support for Microsoft Azure RTOS Across 32-bit MCU Families with Simple Licensing for Secure Embedded IoT Development News Jun 15, 2021
Easy Azure IoT Connection! RX65N 32-bit MCU Supports Azure RTOS Blog Post Jun 9, 2021
AWS Certified Program - OTA Firmware Updates Using AWS Blog Post Mar 31, 2021