Quick Takeaways
- RL78/G21 delivers ultra-low-power control at 34 μA/MHz, reducing appliance costs.
- Enhanced security, ±4 kV ESD tolerance, and compatibility simplify reliable upgrades.
- Expanded RL78/G23 supports up to 25 touch channels for richer interfaces.
- Both MCUs are available now; RL78/G21 starts at $0.56.
A smaller brain for everyday appliances
Renesas has expanded its RL78 microcontroller family with the RL78/G21, a chip designed to manage appliance functions such as temperature control, motor operation and sensor input. It is aimed at products including air conditioners, refrigerators, washing machines and microwaves.
The chip’s low-power design may help appliance makers reduce energy use and component costs. It does not, by itself, determine how much electricity an appliance consumes; that depends on the full product design. Still, efficiency gains in control electronics can support more economical devices.
Efficiency, reliability and security
The RL78/G21 uses 34 microamps per megahertz, nearly half the operating current of the older RL78/G13, according to Renesas. Its built-in oscillator and data storage can also eliminate the need for some external parts. As a result, manufacturers may be able to simplify designs and lower costs.
The chip includes security features intended to help guard against unauthorized access and tampering. It also has a stated electrostatic-discharge tolerance of ±4 kilovolts under the Human Body Model, which can help protect it during manufacturing and operation. These features add safeguards, but they do not make an appliance immune to every threat or failure.
More options for smarter controls
Renesas also expanded the RL78/G23 lineup with versions that support more touch controls. The new models offer up to 25 capacitive-touch channels, compared with 16 in the earlier version. That gives designers more flexibility for appliance panels, from simple buttons to more advanced interfaces.
Both product lines are available now. The RL78/G21 is pin- and function-compatible with the RL78/G13 and RL78/G23, which may ease upgrades. For consumers, the advances are likely to appear behind the scenes: potentially more responsive controls and efficient appliances, without a change in how people use them.
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