Renesas Launches 600 MHz RX74M and RX74N MCUs with Embedded MRAM

Renesas has introduced two flagship 32-bit microcontrollers built on a 22 nm process, with more than twice the performance of the previous RX72 generation and expanded industrial networking and security capabilities.

The RX74M and RX74N are the first devices in the RX family to incorporate embedded magnetoresistive RAM (MRAM). Both use a 600 MHz RXv3e core, compared with 240 MHz in their RX72M and RX72N predecessors, and integrate 1 MB of MRAM, 256 KB of zero-wait-state tightly coupled memory (TCM) and 1.5 MB of SRAM.

The RX74M is aimed at factory automation equipment including AC drives, industrial robots and programmable logic controllers (PLCs). The RX74N targets other industrial applications such as smart meters, power conditioners and HVAC systems.

22 nm Process and High-Speed MRAM

The move to 22 nm and embedded MRAM is a significant change for the RX family. Unlike conventional embedded flash, MRAM can write data without first performing an erase operation, allowing faster code and data updates and shorter programming times.

Renesas says the combination of the 600 MHz RXv3e core, high-speed MRAM and zero-wait-state TCM delivers fast, low-jitter real-time processing, including workloads with frequent interrupts and branches. Faster MRAM writes can also reduce downtime in equipment that regularly stores operating parameters, records logs or requires software updates.

Alongside the 600 MHz products, Renesas is offering 300 MHz versions with more than 20% lower power consumption.

Industrial Networking on a Single MCU

The RX74M integrates an EtherCAT slave controller, a TSN-capable Gigabit Ethernet switch and CAN FD, allowing major industrial networking standards to be supported on a single device.

These include EtherCAT, PROFINET and EtherNet/IP, together with deterministic communication through TSN. The integrated Ethernet switch also supports redundant network configurations such as EtherNet/IP Device Level Ring (DLR), which Renesas says were not supported by the previous generation.

Both MCUs also introduce additional hardware security features. ProtectZone is incorporated into the RX CPU to separate secure and non-secure regions, while the next-generation Renesas Secure IP (RSIP) extends public-key cryptography support and adds authenticated encryption and a broader range of hash algorithms. The hardware supports security implementations that include post-quantum cryptography.

The RX74M and RX74N operate from 1.62 V to 3.6 V and support junction temperatures from −40°C to +125°C. Package options include 176-, 224- and 320-pin LFBGA and 100-, 144- and 176-pin LFQFP. The devices also support execute-in-place (XiP) from external Octa Flash with on-the-fly decryption.

Both MCUs are available now, with development support through Renesas' Flexible Software Package (FSP), Zephyr RTOS and third-party tools.

Learn more and read the original announcement at renesas.com.

Technology Overview

The Renesas RX74M and RX74N are 32-bit industrial MCUs manufactured on a 22 nm process. Both feature a 600 MHz RXv3e core, 1 MB embedded MRAM, 256 KB zero-wait-state TCM and 1.5 MB SRAM. The RX74M integrates EtherCAT, TSN-capable Gigabit Ethernet and CAN FD, while both devices include ProtectZone security isolation and next-generation RSIP cryptographic capabilities. Applications include industrial automation, robotics, PLCs, smart meters and HVAC equipment.

FAQs

What is the advantage of MRAM in the RX74M and RX74N?

Unlike conventional embedded flash, MRAM can write data without an erase operation, supporting faster programming, parameter storage and code updates.

Which industrial networks does the RX74M support?

The RX74M integrates an EtherCAT slave controller, TSN-capable Gigabit Ethernet switch and CAN FD, supporting EtherCAT, PROFINET, EtherNet/IP and redundant network configurations.

How much faster are the RX74M and RX74N than their predecessors?

Renesas specifies a 600 MHz RXv3e core and more than twice the performance of the previous 240 MHz RX72M and RX72N devices.