MPU for high-performance HMI systems needing AI acceleration and edge computing

Renesas Electronics Corporation has launched its new 64-bit RZ/G3E MPU, a general-purpose device optimised for high-performance HMI applications. Combining a quad-core Arm Cortex-A55 running at up to 1.8GHz with an NPU, the RZ/G3E brings high-performance edge computing with AI inference for faster, more efficient local processing. With Full HD graphics support and high-speed connectivity, the MPU is aimed at HMI systems for industrial and consumer segments, including factory equipment, medical monitors, retail terminals and building automation.

At the heart of the MPU is a quad-core Arm Cortex-A55, a Cortex-M33 core, and the Ethos-U55 NPU for AI tasks. This architecture efficiently runs AI applications, including image classification, object recognition, voice recognition and anomaly detection while minimising CPU load. Designed for HMI applications, it delivers smooth Full HD (1920x1080) video at 60fps on two independent displays, with output interfaces including LVDS (dual-link), MIPI-DSI, and parallel RGB. A MIPI-CSI camera interface is also available for video input and sensing applications.

“The RZ/G3E builds on the proven performance of the RZ/G series with the addition of an NPU to support AI processing,” said Daryl Khoo, vice president of Embedded Processing at Renesas. “By using the same Ethos-U55 NPU as our recently announced RA8P1 microcontroller, we’re expanding our AI embedded processor portfolio and offering a scalable path forward for AI development. These advancements address the demands of next-generation HMI applications across vision, voice and real-time analytics with powerful AI capabilities.”

The MPU is equipped with a range of high-speed communication interfaces vital for edge devices. These include PCI Express 3.0 (two lanes) for up to 8Gbps, USB 3.2 Gen2 for fast 10Gbps data transfer, and dual-channel Gigabit Ethernet for seamless connectivity with cloud services, storage, and 5G modules.

Starting with the third-generation RZ/G3S, the RZ/G series includes advanced power management features to reduce standby power significantly. The MPU maintains sub-CPU operation and peripheral functions while attaining low power consumption around 50mW and 1mW in deep standby mode. It supports DDR self-refresh mode to retain memory data, allowing quick wake-up from deep standby for running Linux applications.

The company continues to offer the Verified Linux Package (VLP) based on the reliable Civil Infrastructure Platform, with over ten years of maintenance support. For users needing the latest versions, it provides Linux BSP Plus, including support for the latest LTS Linux kernel and Yocto. Ubuntu by Canonical and Debian open-source OS are also available for server or desktop Linux environments.

The company has also introduced SoM solutions featuring the RZ/G3E. A wide range of SoM solutions will be available from Renesas’ ecosystem partners, such as a SMARC module from Tria, an OSM (Size-M) from ARIES Embedded, and an OSM (Size-L) from MXT.