Cost-sensitive MPU meets the demands for advanced HMI solutions

Renesas Electronics Corporation has introduced a new high-performance MPU in the RTOS-based RZ/A series that meets the growing demands of advanced HMI systems. The new RZ/A3M MPU features large SDRAM, SRAM, and RTOS support, facilitating the seamless execution of complex tasks and real-time graphical displays. The MPU drives video and camera output on large LCD panels with resolutions of up to 1280x800, addressing the display demands of next-generation home appliances, industrial and office automation, healthcare devices, and building control systems.

Similar to its existing RZ/A3UL, the new MPU features a 64-bit Arm Cortex-A55 core with a maximum operating frequency of 1GHz and 128KB of on-chip SRAM. By integrating high-speed 128MB DDR3L-SDRAM in a single SiP, the device eradicates the complex task of designing a high-speed signal interface for connecting external memory.

The MPU is designed to lower system costs and accelerate development. It supports external NAND and NOR flash via QSPI for data and code storage. Paired with a driver, high-capacity NAND flash, it provides a cost-effective option for memory expansion. Additionally, the MPU's BGA package features a unique pin layout with two main rows positioned along the outside edge. This layout simplifies PCB routing, allowing for a low-cost, dual-layer printed wiring board design that provides significant cost and time savings. This memory integration simplifies PCB design by reducing the routing complexity and minimizing layout constraints.

"I'm pleased to launch the RZ/A3M, the first RZ product with large built-in memory targeting high-function video/animation HMI performance while keeping overall system costs low," said Daryl Khoo, vice president of the Embedded Processing Marketing Division at Renesas. "In addition, we aim to deliver a highly responsive user experience with high-quality, real-time graphics and provide the ease of design and cost efficiency to help our customers build advanced HMI solutions quickly."

The company offers a comprehensive HMI development environment that includes the FSP, evaluation kits, development tools, and sample software. GUI solutions from partner companies such as LVGL, Crank, SquareLine Studio, and Envox will be available for the RZ/A3M to facilitate rapid HMI graphics development.