Renesas Electronics Corporation introduces a new 64-bit general-purpose microprocessor (MPU) for IoT edge and gateway devices, and consumes significantly less power.

As the latest addition to Renesas’ RZ/G Series MPU, the RZ/G3S targets to meet the demanding requirements of modern IoT devices. Specifically, it offers power consumption as low as 10µW in standby mode and fast startup for the Linux operating system. The new MPU comes with a PCI Express interface that enables high-speed connectivity with 5G wireless modules. Additionally, the device boasts enhanced security features such as tamper detection to ensure data security. Collectively, these features make the device ideal for IoT applications such as home gateways, smart meters, and tracking devices.

“Renesas’ RZ/G has seen a steady increase in adoption in the global industrial human-machine interface market,” said Daryl Khoo, Vice President of Embedded Processing 1st Division at Renesas. “The RZ/G3S represents the next-generation products that will extend our reach to the rapidly growing 5G IoT and Gigabit Wi-Fi 7 gateway markets. Renesas has been aggressively expanding our connectivity portfolio in these markets through strategic acquisitions to offer advanced connectivity solutions that are power efficient at the system level and enhance data utilization.”

Designed with Fewer Component

The RZ/G3S employs an Arm® Cortex®-A55 core as the main CPU with a maximum operating frequency of 1.1GHz. Also, it integrates two Cortex®-M33 cores as sub-CPUs operating at 250MHz. Users can distribute the MPU’s workloads to sub-CPUs. Mainly, this allows the device to efficiently handle tasks such as receiving data from sensors, controlling system functions, and managing power systems. Accordingly, this reduces the workload on the main CPU, resulting in fewer components, lower costs, and a smaller system size.

Low-power Standby Mode with Fast Linux Startup

The device’s new power management system aims to reduce power consumption to extremely low levels — less than 10µW. Also, the MPU supports the DDR self-refresh function which allows retaining DRAM data, while also enabling fast Linux startup. The fast startup allows IoT devices, which frequently operate intermittently, to save power and significantly extend the runtime of battery-powered devices. Moreover, the device offers a standby mode that can maintain sub-CPU operation at a power level as low as 40mW. Accordingly, it offers the flexibility to optimize power consumption based on the specific operating requirements of each application.

5G Connectivity Enabled by PCI Express

Additionally, the RZ/G3S is equipped with a wide range of peripheral functions. Among them include Gigabit Ethernet, CAN, USB, as well as the PCI Express interface. By connecting with 5G communication modules, the device can achieve high-speed communication at gigahertz levels.

High Reliability and Robust Security Functions

Similar to other RZ/G devices, RZ/G3S features an ECC (Error Correction Code) function in both internal memory and external DDR interface to maintain data integrity. The Verified Linux Package (VLP) based on the industrial-grade Linux software (Civil Infrastructure Platform™ (CIP) Linux) is available for the RZ/G3S. With VLP, developers receive over 10 years of maintenance support, ensuring long-term protection against security threats. Also, the device provides tamper detection along with secure boot, secure debug and more. Mainly, the RZ/G Series products are already Level 2 PSA Certified from Arm. Renesas has plans to include the RZ/G3S in the future.

“Our IAR Embedded Workbench for Arm inherently supports both MPUs and MCUs,” said Anders Holmberg, CTO at IAR. “By combining Renesas’ RZ/G3S MPU, which features a highly secure Root of Trust, with extensive security tool solutions from IAR, developers can rapidly develop high-performance, secure IoT devices and bring them to market faster.”

Winning Combinations

Renesas has combined the MPU with optimized power management ICs and clock products to develop the Single Board Computer Gateway. Also, its rich set of interfaces allows connection with various sensors via USB, CAN, RS485, UART, and I²C. Also, it offers high-performance wireless connectivity options to build a robust network for home automation or IoT applications. Its multicore design allows for real-time processing of data while being power efficient with its advanced sleep mode functions.

Specifically, the Winning Combinations are technically vetted system architectures from mutually compatible devices. They work together seamlessly to bring an optimized, low-risk design for faster time to market. Renesas offers more than 400 Winning Combinations with a wide range of products from the Renesas portfolio. Thus, it enables customers to speed up the design process and bring their products to market more quickly.