Renesas Electronics Corporation, a leading provider of semiconductor solutions, has announced the launch of the RX261 and RX260 microcontroller (MCU) series. These 64 MHz MCUs offer exceptional power efficiency, consuming just 69µA/MHz during active operation and only 1µA in standby mode. With advanced features like water-resistant touch sensors and integrated security, the RX261/RX260 series is ideal for home appliances, building automation, smart locks, e-bikes, thermal printers, and other applications.
Performance and Power Optimization
Built on Renesas’ RXv3 CPU core, the RX261 and RX260 MCUs achieve 355 CoreMark performance at 64 MHz, delivering 2.5 times more processing power than comparable MCUs. These MCUs also offer 25% lower active current and 87% lower standby current compared to other devices in the same class, optimizing energy consumption for battery-powered devices and helping manufacturers comply with energy-efficiency standards.
Capacitive Touch and Water-Resistant Sensors
Renesas’ third-generation capacitive touch technology (CTSU2SL) offers high noise immunity and water resistance, making it suitable for kitchen appliances, outdoor smart locks, and other demanding environments. The automatic detection function ensures that touch sensors remain responsive even in standby mode, further reducing power consumption. To simplify development, Renesas provides tools such as the QE Capacitive Touch tuning tool, sample programs, and design guidelines for seamless integration of touch interfaces.
Security and Connectivity Features
The RX261 MCU series includes Renesas Secure IP (RSIP-E11A) to provide encryption technologies such as AES, ECC, and SHA for enhanced data protection. These MCUs also support secure boot and firmware updates, helping developers safeguard their applications from unauthorized access and tampering.
With built-in Full-Speed USB controllers featuring high-speed oscillators (HOCO), the RX261 eliminates the need for external crystals. The series also includes CAN FD modules for reliable communication, particularly in industrial and automotive settings. Unlike many other MCUs, the RX261/RX260 models offer 8KB of integrated data flash, eliminating the need for external EEPROMs.
Key Features of the RX261/RX260 Series
- RXv3 CPU core operating at 64 MHz (355 CoreMark performance)
- Memory: 256KB/384KB/512KB code flash, 128KB SRAM, 8KB data flash
- Power Efficiency: 69µA/MHz active mode; 1µA standby mode
- Touch Sensing: Water-resistant capacitive touch with CTSU2SL technology
- Security: RSIP-E11A security IP (AES, ECC, SHA) on RX261 only
- Interfaces: Full-Speed USB (Host/Function), CAN FD, UART, I2C, SPI
- Analog Features: 12-bit ADC, 8-bit DAC, PWM, Comparator
- Operating Range: 1.6V to 5.5V; -40°C to 85°C/105°C
- Package Options: 48/64/80/100-pin LFQFP, 48-pin HWQFN
- 5V Support: High noise immunity and dynamic analog input range
(*Features exclusive to RX261 models)
Winning Combinations for Faster Development
Renesas offers Winning Combinations, pre-tested system architectures that integrate the RX261/RX260 MCUs with other Renesas components. Examples include the Robust Operational Touch Panel and Portable Thermal Printer solutions, designed to simplify development and reduce time to market. These architectures offer seamless integration of compatible devices, reducing design risks. Renesas currently offers over 400 Winning Combinations, accessible at renesas.com/win.
Availability and Market Impact
The RX261 and RX260 MCUs, along with evaluation kits, are now available through Renesas and authorized distributors. For detailed product information, visit www.renesas.com/RX261 or www.renesas.com/RX260.
Renesas MCU Leadership
Renesas is a global leader in the microcontroller market, shipping over 3.5 billion units annually. Approximately half of these shipments support automotive applications, with the remainder serving industrial, IoT, data center, and communication infrastructure markets. Renesas offers an extensive portfolio of 8-, 16-, and 32-bit MCUs, known for reliability, energy efficiency, and advanced security. The company’s dual-source production strategy and collaboration with over 250 ecosystem partners ensure robust product availability and design flexibility.
For more information on Renesas MCUs, visit renesas.com/MCUs.
