Chip Talk > Renesas Redefines Low-Power Design with RA2L2 Microcontrollers
Published June 10, 2025
Renesas Electronics Corporation has made a noteworthy impact in the microcontroller space with its introduction of the RA2L2 microcontroller (MCU) group. These MCUs are designed with ultra-low power consumption and mark the industry’s first support for the USB-C Revision 2.4 standard. This makes them particularly suitable for portable devices and PC peripherals.
The RA2L2 group distinguishes itself by being the first to integrate support for the updated USB-C Rev. 2.4 specification, which includes reduced voltage detection thresholds—0.613V for a 1.5A source and 1.165V for a 3.0A source. This innovation is critical for extending battery life in portable devices, a major consideration in today’s mobile-centric world.
Built around a 48-MHz Arm Cortex M23 processor, the RA2L2 MCUs offer several low-power features: - Active Mode Power Consumption: Achieving just 87.5 µA/MHz. - Standby Current: A mere 250nA, enabling prolonged battery life. - Additional Interfaces: Support for low power UART, which can wake the system upon data receipt from wireless modules like Wi-Fi or Bluetooth Low Energy.
These power-saving features make RA2L2 MCUs highly effective for applications in USB data loggers, charge cases, and various portable products.
Besides power efficiency, the RA2L2 MCUs incorporate a rich set of peripherals: - Memory: Offers 128-64 KB Flash, 16 KB SRAM, and 4 KB Dataflash. - Wide Range of Interfaces: USB-C, USB-FS, CAN, and more. - Security: Equipped with unique ID and a true random number generator (TRNG).
These features ensure the MCUs cater to a wide array of applications beyond typical consumer electronics.
The RA2L2 series is fully supported by Renesas' Flexible Software Package (FSP), which facilitates faster application development. The FSP provides infrastructure software, RTOS choices, middleware, connectivity, and networking solutions, simplifying the integration of existing IP.
The RA2L2 MCUs are available for sampling and come with an evaluation kit. Renesas has further strengthened its portfolio by providing technical resources and design solutions that aid in fast-tracking product development. As a leading player in MCU markets, Renesas continues to innovate, providing customers with robust solutions that meet modern demands.
Renesas Electronics continues to lead with its cutting-edge solutions in the semiconductor industry. By spearheading the RA2L2 with support for USB-C Rev. 2.4 and ultra-low power features, Renesas demonstrates its commitment to advancing technology in portable and IoT devices. Developers interested in exploring the vast applications of the RA2L2 can find more information on Renesas's official website.
Join the world's most advanced semiconductor IP marketplace!
It's free, and you'll get all the tools you need to discover IP, meet vendors and manage your IP workflow!
Join the world's most advanced AI-powered semiconductor IP marketplace!
It's free, and you'll get all the tools you need to advertise and discover semiconductor IP, keep up-to-date with the latest semiconductor news and more!
Plus we'll send you our free weekly report on the semiconductor industry and the latest IP launches!
