The new Renesas Synergy low-power S1JA microcontroller with built-in programmable analog capabilities

     Renesas Electronics Corporation announced the expansion of the Renesas Synergy S1 family of microcontrollers (MCUS) with the introduction of the S1JA product group. The ultra-low-power S1JA MCU features a 48MHz Arm® Cortex-M23 core that integrates advanced programmable simulation and security features to support high-precision sensor signal acquisition and conditioning. The S1JA MCU is suitable for cost-sensitive, low-power Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) sensor applications such as flow control meters, multi-sensor systems, headless medical monitors and instrumentation systems, and single-phase meters.

     The S1JA product group includes five MCUS with up to 256 KB of flash memory, 32 KB of SRAM memory, and an operating voltage range of 1.6V to 5.5V. Each MCU integrates a sensor bias unit to provide precise power to external sensors. The highly configurable analog network is capable of handling complex algorithms to maximize signal conditioning and achieve accurate analog measurements. On-chip simulator components include a high-precision 16-bit analog-to-digital converter (ADC), a 24-bit sigma-delta analog-to-digital converter (DAC), a fast-response 12-bit digital-to-analog converter (DAC), a rail-to-rail low-offset operational amplifier, and a high-speed/low-power comparator.

     The S1JA MCU supports advanced configuration functions from basic simulation functions to more complex simulation modules. As a result, embedded system designers can eliminate multiple external analog components, resulting in lower material costs and reduced PCB size. With capacitive touch sensing pins, designers can develop touch key HMI interfaces, while the S1JA memory mirroring feature supports over-the-air download updates, reducing software overhead.

     The ultra-low power S1JA MCU extends battery life for battery-powered portable devices and battery backup applications. The advanced software standby mode consumes as little as 500nA of power, enabling long sleep-mode battery-powered applications to last up to 20 years. In addition, the S1JA integrates the AES cryptographic algorithm accelerator, true random number generator (TRNG), and memory protection unit, providing the basic building blocks for the development of cloud-connected security systems.

     The Renesas Synergy Package (SSP) supports S1JA MCUS to configure HAL drivers, application frameworks, and RTOS. The SSP also includes six new modules that simplify the interconnection of configurable internal analog modules. Embedded system designers can use the Renesas Synergy development environment - e² studio or IAR Embedded Workbench®- to build projects for custom design.

     Daryl Khoo, vice president of Product Marketing, iot Platform Business Unit, Renesas Electronics, said: "The S1JA is the first MCU in the Renesas Synergy family with rich analog capabilities. "Outstanding programmable simulation capabilities allow maximum flexibility in MCU design, allowing customers to experiment with algorithms to maximize performance and achieve design goals without significantly increasing material cost overhead and PCB space."