Renesas Electronics introduces 32-bit RX23W microcontrollers that provide Bluetooth 5.0 for IoT end devices

     Renesas Electronics Corporation announced the launch of RX23W, a Bluetooth 5.0 enabled 32-bit microcontroller (MCU), which is particularly suitable for iot terminal devices such as home appliances and medical devices. By combining Bluetooth 5.0 with its Trusted Secure IP security feature in its popular family of high-performance RX MCUS, Renesas offers customers an optimized single-chip solution for system control and wireless communications, while also providing a more secure way to address Bluetooth security risks such as eavesdropping, tampering and viruses.

     Daryl Khoo, vice president of product Marketing, iot Platform Group, Renesas Electronics, said: "While devices that support Bluetooth Low Energy 5.0 are not uncommon in the market, Renesas Electronics is adding value to this ubiquitous wireless technology by placing a strong emphasis on security and privacy. Recent security breaches clearly show that as more core use cases are defined, Bluetooth implementations are becoming more complex and there is an urgent need for better, more secure connectivity.

     Renesas believes that its hardware security benefits greatly complement the security risks associated with the deployment of Bluetooth Low Energy 5.0 applications. Renesas single chip solutions enable simultaneous handling of applications, communications and security. I am delighted that Renesas has been able to position our flagship RX family of products so well, which has a proven track record of reliability and safety."

     Based on Renesas' RXv2 core (Note 1), the new RX23W features superior computing performance, improved FPU(Note 2) and DSP capabilities, and is capable of running at a maximum clock rate of 54 MHz. The RX23W provides full Bluetooth® 5.0 Low Energy support, including long range and mesh networking capabilities, and achieves the industry's lowest receiving mode peak power consumption at 3.0 mA current.

     In addition, the RX23W integrates various features that are integral to iot devices, including security, touch keys, USB and CAN. These features help the RX23W achieve system control and Bluetooth wireless functionality on a single chip for iot end devices such as home appliances, medical devices, and sports and fitness devices. In addition, the RX23W's Bluetooth mesh networking capabilities are ideal for industrial IoT devices collecting sensor data in factories or buildings.