The new product meets the DLMS Suite2 meter application security regulations and provides a wide range of communication options

Capacitive touch interface and dual zone flash memory supporting software updates

On August 21, 2025, Beijing, China - Renesas Electronics (TSE: 6723), a global semiconductor solutions provider, announced today the launch of its RA4C1 microcontroller (MCU) product line based on the 80MHz Arm Cortex-M33 processor. The new MCU has ultra-low power consumption, advanced security features, rich communication interfaces, and support for segmented LCD. Thanks to its unique combination of features and performance indicators, it is an ideal choice for battery powered applications that require strict safety, covering areas such as electricity meters, gas meters, water meters, and industrial flow meters, as well as smart locks, thermostats, building control systems, industrial user interfaces, and more. In addition, this new MCU is highly compatible with the demand of the domestic large-scale power metering system control market.

The new member of the Renesas RA family, RA4C1, has ultra-low power consumption, supports segment code display, complies with the DLMS Suite2 specification, and is designed for high-end smart meter applications

The RA4C1 MCU adopts proprietary low-power technology, with a working mode power consumption of only 168 μ A/MHz at an operating frequency of 80MHz, while the standby current can be as low as 1.79 μ A while retaining all SRAM data. At the same time, RA4C1 is also equipped with a real-time clock (RTC) with an independent power domain, which facilitates battery powered time data backup. This outstanding performance, combined with support for input voltages as low as 1.6V, enables customers to design battery powered applications that use smaller batteries or achieve higher performance at the same battery size.

For measurement systems, safety is crucial. The RA4C1 MCU is equipped with the RSIP-E31A security engine: this engine provides an isolated subsystem managed and protected by dedicated control logic. This MCU also supports 256 bit hardware unique keys and true random number generators (TRNG), and has key management capabilities that can generate encapsulated keys. It supports SHA algorithm, AES hardware acceleration, and ECC that supports NIST and Brainpool curves with key lengths up to 384 bits. RA4C1 has also obtained PSA Level 1 certification, in compliance with the European Cyber Resilience Act (CRA) compliance extension, fulfilling Renesas' ongoing commitment to cybersecurity and compliance with upcoming European regulations.

Renesas' new MCU also offers a set of features that meet the requirements of metrology system design. Its built-in 512KB dual zone on-chip flash memory enables easy and secure software updates; At the same time, the MCU is equipped with 96KB SRAM and 8KB data flash for on-chip data storage. The peripherals include low-power ADC, on-chip temperature sensor with an accuracy of 1%, and on-chip LCD controller for driving low-power segmented display screens.

The RA4C1 MCU is supported by the Renesas Flexible Configuration Software Package (FSP). FSP provides all the necessary infrastructure software for development, including multiple RTOS, BSP, peripheral drivers, middleware, connectivity, network, and security stacks, as well as reference software for building complex AI, motor control, and cloud solutions, thereby helping customers accelerate application development speed. It supports customers to integrate their existing code and selected RTOS with FSP, providing ample flexibility for application development. In addition, FSP also simplifies the migration process of existing IPs between RA6 or RA2 series products.

Daryl Khoo, Vice President of Embedded Processing Marketing Division at Renesas, stated that Renesas has a comprehensive and widely recognized product line of RL78, RX, and RA series, empowering customers to develop advanced intelligent metering solutions and work together towards a greener future. Based on close cooperation with global customers, we have developed this new RA4C1: a product that has been carefully optimized to meet customers' current and future needs. ”

Key features of RA4C1 MCU

·Core: 80MHz Arm Cortex-M33

·Storage: 256-512KB dual zone flash memory, 96KB SRAM, 8KB data flash memory

·Peripherals: CAN FD, LPUART, SCI, SPI, QSPI, I2C, ADC, real-time clock, temperature sensor, low-power timer LCD、Vrtc

·Package: 10 mm x 10 mm LQFP64; 14 mm x 14 mm LQFP100

·Security: RSIP security engine with unique ID, supporting TRNG, AES, ECC, Hash

Successful product portfolio

Renesas has combined the all-new RA4C1 series MCU with numerous compatible devices in its product lineup to create a successful product portfolio for smart single-phase electric meters. The successful product portfolio adopts a technically audited system architecture composed of compatible components that can seamlessly collaborate, resulting in optimized low-risk designs and accelerating product launch speed. Renesas offers over 400 successful product combinations, covering numerous Renesas products, helping customers accelerate the design process and bring products to market faster. You can find these combinations on renesas.com/win.

Renesas RA Family MCU Product Lineup. jpg

Supply Information

The Renesas RA4C1 MCU and FSP software are now available on the market, and the RA4C1 evaluation board is also being launched simultaneously. For more information, please visit Renesas.com/RA4C1. Samples and kits can be ordered on the Renesas website or through distributors.

Advantages of Renesas MCU

As a globally renowned supplier of MCU products, Renesas Electronics' average annual shipment of MCUs has exceeded 3.5 billion units in recent years, of which about 50% are used in the automotive industry, while the rest are used in industries such as industrial, IoT, data centers, and communication infrastructure. Renesas Electronics has a wide range of 8-bit, 16 bit, and 32-bit product combinations, making it an excellent supplier of 16 bit and 32-bit MCUs in the industry. The products provided have excellent quality, efficiency, and performance. Meanwhile, as a trusted supplier, Renesas Electronics has decades of experience in MCU design, backed by a dual source production model, advanced MCU process technology in the industry, and a vast system of over 250 ecosystem partners. For more information about Renesas Electronics MCUs, please visit Renesas.com/MCUs.

About Renesas Electronics

Renesas Electronics (TSE: 6723), with technology making life easier, is committed to creating a safer, smarter, and more sustainable future. As a global microcontroller supplier, Renesas Electronics integrates expertise in embedded processing, simulation, power supply, and connectivity to provide complete semiconductor solutions. The successful product portfolio accelerates the launch of automotive, industrial, infrastructure, and IoT applications, empowering billions of connected smart devices to improve people's work and lifestyle. For more information, please visit renesas.com. Follow Renesa's WeChat official account to find more exciting content.

This is reported by Top Components, a leading supplier of electronic components in the semiconductor industry

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