Renesas extends RZ/A MPU line-up with RZ/A3M for HMI solutions

Renesas Electronics has introduced a new high-performance microprocessor (MPU) in the RTOS-based RZ/A series that addresses the needs of advanced human-machine interface (HMI) systems.

The RZ/A3M supports HMI solutions Credit: Renesas

The RZ/A3M MPU comes with large SDRAM, SRAM and RTOS support to facilitate complex tasks and real-time graphical displays. The RZ/A3M drives video and camera output on large LCD panels with resolutions up to 1280x800, addressing the display requirements in next-generation home appliances, industrial and office automation, healthcare devices and building control systems.

Similar to its existing RZ/A3UL, the RZ/A3M features a 64-bit Arm Cortex-A55 core with a maximum operating frequency of 1 GHz and 128 KB (kilobytes) of on-chip SRAM. By integrating high-speed 128MB DDR3L-SDRAM in a single System-in-Package (SiP), the device eliminates the complex task of designing a high-speed signal interface for connecting external memory.

The RZ/A3M is designed to reduce system costs and accelerate development. It supports both external NAND and NOR flash via QSPI for data and code storage. Paired with a driver, high-capacity NAND flash offers a cost-effective option for memory expansion.

Additionally, the RZ/A3M's BGA package has an innovative pin layout with two main rows positioned on the outside edge. This simplifies PCB routing and enables a low-cost, dual-layer printed wiring board design, providing significant cost and time savings. This memory integration simplifies PCB design by reducing the routing complexity and minimizing layout constraints.

Renesas also offers a comprehensive HMI development environment that includes the Flexible Software Package (FSP), evaluation kits, development tools, and sample software. Graphical user interface (GUI) solutions from partner companies such as LVGL, Crank, SquareLine Studio, and Envox will also be made available for the RZ/A3M to facilitate rapid HMI graphics development.

Key Features of RZ/A3M

Arm Cortex-A55 CPU with a maximum operating frequency of 1GHz

128KB SRAM with error correction, Built-in 128MB DDR3L SDRAM

Graphics capabilities: LCD controller supporting resolutions up to 1280x800 (WXGA), parallel RGB and MIPI-DSI (4-lane) interfaces, 2D graphics drawing engine

Peripheral functions: QSPI interface for serial NOR/NAND flash memory, SPI, I2C, SDHI, USB2.0, I2S, temperature sensor, timer

Package: 244-pin LFBGA, 17mm x 17mm, 0.8mm pitch