32-Bit CISC MCUs Look To The Future

With an eye on the diverse needs of future embedded-system applications, the RX600 Series MCUs forecasts a re-defining of the performance capabilities of complex instruction set computer (CISC) based MCUs. The devices, ramping up for sample shipment in the second quarter of 2009, will allegedly be the first 32-bit MCUs to employ the next-generation RX CPU architecture and deliver performance levels up to 200 MHz. They also claim to possess the industry’s fastest single-cycle flash access capability at 100 MHz. The devices will have up to 4 MB of flash memory, up to 256 KB of SRAM, and advanced peripheral functions including timers, serial interfaces, and A/D and D/A converters. They will also be upward compatible with the company’s current devices. For further details, call RENESAS TECHNOLOGY AMERICA INC., San Jose, CA. (408) 382-7407.