Renesas Samples Its First 22-nm Microcontroller of the RA 32-bit Arm Cortex-M family

Renesas has recently announced that they will be introducing their first MCU on the new 22nm node. This MCU will be an expansion of the RA 32-bit Arm Cortex-M family and will be specifically designed for wireless applications. It will incorporate software-defined radio and provide support for Bluetooth 5.3 low energy, including in-field upgrades for new wireless capabilities. With this new device, developers will only need one MCU to accommodate all previous Bluetooth specifications, such as Bluetooth 5.1 Angle of Arrival/Angle of Departure and Bluetooth 5.2 isochronous channels for low-power stereo audio transmission.

Renesas anticipates significant improvements in performance and power consumption due to the migration to the smaller 22nm process node. They expect lower power consumption by utilizing reduced core voltages. Additionally, the company claims that the smaller die area of the MCU will enable the integration of memory and peripherals, resulting in smaller chips with enhanced functionality. The 22nm device is currently being sampled by Renesas, and the company plans to officially launch it in the fourth quarter of 2023.

According to Renesas’ Roger Wendelken during the sampling phase, Renesas’ dominance in the field of microcontroller units (MCUs) stems from their extensive range of products and expertise in manufacturing process technologies. Wendelken expresses satisfaction in introducing the initial 22nm product development within the RA MCU family, which will serve as a foundation for future-generation devices that enable customers to safeguard their designs and ensure long-term availability. Renesas remains dedicated to delivering top-notch performance, user-friendly experiences, and the most up-to-date features in the market. This milestone signifies just the initial step in their progress.

In the realm of semiconductor manufacturing, nanometers have become a means of measuring and distinguishing between different process nodes. Initially, it referred to the size of specific features, then to the smallest gap between features, and now it serves as a broad indicator for differentiating next-generation process nodes from previous ones. High-frequency application processors, such as those produced by Intel or AMD, are currently exploring single-digit nanometer process nodes at the cutting edge. However, microcontrollers, which require fewer transistors than high-performance processors, have traditionally opted for established and cost-effective double- or triple-digit process nodes.

Renesas’ announcement of a microcontroller built on a 22nm process node holds significance due to its context. Intel had previously utilized the 22nm process node in 2012 for its Ivy Bridge chip family before transitioning to 14nm for Broadwell in 2014. In the realm of microcontrollers, the utilization of a 22nm process node represents an advanced technology. This advancement enables Renesas to incorporate a greater number of components within a given area. Renesas has capitalized on this expanded capacity by integrating a software-defined radio (SDR) into the chip. This SDR empowers Bluetooth 5.3 Low Energy (BLE) connectivity, including features like direction-finding and low-power audio capabilities at launch. Moreover, the chip can be upgraded post-release to support new radio protocols and standards as needed.

The transition to a 22nm node not only brings advantages in terms of size reduction but also offers opportunities for improved efficiency. These benefits can be leveraged to achieve either enhanced performance with the same power consumption or reduced power consumption for the same level of performance. Alternatively, a balanced combination of both can be achieved. While Renesas has not yet disclosed complete specifications for the part, including frequency and power requirements, the utilization of the 22nm node holds the potential for significant advancements in these areas.

Renesas is currently providing samples of the 22nm RA-family chips to specific customers for testing and evaluation. The company intends to make the chips widely available by the end of the year. If interested in requesting a sample, individuals or organizations can reach out to their local sales office for further information and details.

Please follow and like us: