Wireless Communications within the electronics industry

PRODUCT INNOVATIONS

Renesas Technology - secure MCUs

MCU for machine-to-machine wireless communication applications

Renesas Technology Europe announced the availability of the AE470G secure MCU for M2M (Machine-to-Machine) wireless communication applications. The AE470G is built around the high-performance AE-4 CPU core, which was developed specifically for use in secure MCUs, and integrates 144 Kbytes of high-performance electrically erasable and programmable read-only memory (EEPROM) with a guaranteed operating temperature range of -40 to +105°C, 500,000 rewrite cycles, and a data storage period after programming of 10 years. The device offers a 16-bit computing element and bus width and operates at a maximum internal frequency of 10 MHz (at 3 V). This ensures software compatibility with earlier AE-4 Series MCUs, which also incorporate the AE-4 CPU core. It is suitable for use in a wide range of machines requiring M2M wireless communication capabilities.

EEPROM write/erase times are very fast: 2.4 ms for page-unit rewrites, 1.3 ms for page-unit erases, and 1.1 ms for page-unit overwrites. The ample ROM capacity of 288 Kbytes can accommodate a general-use OS supporting complex processing. Also, application programs or data that does not need to be rewritten can be stored in mask ROM beforehand in order to make full use of the EEPROM. Additional peripheral and security functions include an I/O port, a half-duplex UART that complies with ISO/IEC7816-3, a random number generator, a coprocessor with DES encryption support, and an interval timer.

The AE470G employs an 8-pin ultra-thin small-outline non-lead (USON) surface mount package measuring only 5.0 mm × 6.0 mm (0.65 mm thick). The small mounting area of the ultra-compact and thin package makes the AE470G suitable for use in compact systems. For example, it is ideal for applications such as utility meters.

The M2M communication market includes many systems that require continuous operation over long periods of time, such as vending machines. This means that secure MCUs for such applications must provide a high level of reliability. Also, the improved operating temperature range of the AE470G makes it suitable for M2M equipment that must withstand severe temperatures, such as systems intended to be installed outdoors.

Typical Applications
Machines with M2M support: Electric, gas, or water utility meters, vending machines, automatic parking facilities, monitoring systems, tracking systems, etc.