Renesas moves RX family to 22nm with MRAM in RX74M/N

Renesas has launched the RX74M and RX74N, flagship 32-bit microcontrollers that mark the first use of a 22nm process and embedded MRAM within the RX family. Both devices run a 600MHz RXv3e core, which Renesas says delivers more than twice the performance of the 240MHz RX72M and RX72N predecessors.

The MCUs combine 1MB of MRAM (magnetoresistive RAM) with 256KB of zero-wait-state TCM (tightly coupled memory) and 1.5MB of SRAM. Unlike conventional embedded flash, MRAM can write data without a preceding erase cycle, which Renesas states enables faster code and data updates and shorter programming times, particularly for applications that frequently log parameters or update data during operation.

Networking and target applications

The RX74M integrates an EtherCAT slave controller, a TSN-capable Gigabit Ethernet switch and CAN FD on a single chip, supporting EtherCAT, PROFINET and EtherNet/IP, including deterministic TSN communication and redundant EtherNet/IP DLR (Device Level Ring) configurations that Renesas says were not supported in previous RX generations. Renesas positions the RX74M for industrial and factory automation equipment such as AC drives, industrial robots and PLCs, while the RX74N targets smart meters, power conditioners and HVAC systems.

Security provisions

Both devices add ProtectZone to the RX CPU to separate secure and non-secure regions on a single chip, alongside a next-generation Renesas Secure IP (RSIP) block that extends public-key cryptography beyond the earlier TSIP implementation and adds authenticated encryption and additional hash algorithms. Renesas states this is intended to address emerging requirements including compliance with the Cyber Resilience Act and support for post-quantum cryptography.

Package and operating range

• 600MHz and 300MHz variants, with the 300MHz devices offering more than 20% lower power consumption according to Renesas
• 176/224/320-pin LFBGA and 100/144/176-pin LFQFP packages
• Supply voltage range of 1.62V to 3.6V
• Operating temperature range of −40°C to +125°C (Tj)
• Support for XiP (execute-in-place) from external Octa Flash with on-the-fly decryption

The devices use the FSP (Flexible Software Package) development environment shared across the RX, RA and RZ families. Renesas lists ecosystem partners including Codewerk and RT-Labs for software, IAR for development tools, and eForce and Zephyr RTOS for real-time operating systems. Renesas states the RX74M and RX74N are available now, with details and evaluation boards published on its product pages.