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Renesas highlights the RZ/T2H microprocessor unit’s exceptional ability to efficiently process software and swiftly manage real-time applications. | Supply: Renesas Electronics Company
Renesas Electronics Corp. This week, Renesas has unveiled its latest and most powerful microprocessor for industrial applications, dubbed RZ/T2H. The RZ/T2H boasts exceptional software processing capabilities and real-time efficiency, enabling it to manage up to nine commercial robotic motors with pinpoint precision and at high speeds, according to the company.
With labour scarcity intensifying demands, manufacturers are turning to innovative solutions like vertically integrated robotics and advanced control systems to boost productivity. Renesas asserts that its microprocessor uniquely blends exceptional performance with optimized efficiency, making it an ideal solution for meeting the demanding requirements of modern manufacturing applications.
Historically, industrial applications relied on multiple microprocessors units (MPUs) or a combination of field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs) to manage these complex functionalities. Notwithstanding, the Renesas RZ/T2H MPU delivers identical performance in a single package. Scaling back the complexity of elements would potentially reduce the time and value required for FPGA programme enhancement.
The multi-protocol unit (MPU) facilitates the convergence of various community communication protocols alongside industrial Ethernet capabilities on a solitary integrated circuit. The equipment focuses on industrial control systems that include programmable logic controllers (), distributed control systems (), and computer numerical controls ().
According to Daryl Khoo, Vice President of Renesas’ Embedded Processing 1st Enterprise Division, “We have enjoyed outstanding market success with our RZ/T2M and RZ/T2L products.” The RZ/T2H capitalizes on this traction by allowing industrial customers to harness existing design expertise while tackling more advanced industrial motor control and Linux capabilities. Notably, our clients are pleased with the ability to integrate a comprehensive nine-axis motor management system onto a single chip through the RZ/T2H.
As a leading global provider of microcontrollers, Renesas leverages its extensive expertise in embedded processing, analog, power, and connectivity technologies to deliver a comprehensive range of semiconductor solutions. The Tokyo-based company has accelerated the time-to-marketplace for its merchandise in automotive, industrial, infrastructure, and Internet of Things (IoT) applications.
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RZ/T2H can generate robotic trajectories
The RZ/T2H is equipped with four ARM Cortex-A55 software processors that operate at a maximum clock speed of 1.2 GHz. This system requires 32-bit LPDDR4-3200 SDRAM for exterior reminiscence functionality. Two Cortex-R52 CPUs operate at a maximum clock speed of 1 GHz, handling real-time processing duties; each core is equipped with 576 KB of high-bandwidth tightly-coupled memory (TCM).
This enables the execution of resource-intensive tasks such as running Linux commands, generating robotic trajectories, and processing PLC sequences on a single microchip. Concurrently, the RZ/T2H enables rapid and precise real-time management, such as motor control and industrial Ethernet protocol processing, according to Renesas.
The RZ/T2H can effectively manage up to nine axes simultaneously, leveraging its integrated three-phase PWM timers, delta-sigma interfaces for precise current value measurement, and high-resolution encoder interfaces. This suite of tools assists in formatting data for various protocols, including A-format, EnDat, BiSS, Hyperface DSL, and FA-CODER.
Additionally, the corporate-positioned peripheral features for motor management on the low-latency peripheral port (LLPP) bus of the Cortex-R52 real-time CPU core enable high-speed ingress from the CPU.
The Renesas RZ/T2H module features four Ethernet ports, including three Gigabit Ethernet Media Access Controllers (GMACs) and one Ethernet channel. This advanced network interface further supports EtherCAT, PROFINET, EtherNet/IP, OPC UA, and emerging Time-Sensitive Networking (TSN) standards.
The combination of Ethernet switches and a Gigabit Media Access Controller (GMAC) enables the microprocessing unit (MPU) to support multiple Industrial Ethernet controllers and devices. Renesas notes that this feature enables the system to accommodate a range of controller requirements, including higher-layer Ethernet protocols.
The block diagram of a recent RZ/T2H System-on-Chip (SOC) is depicted as follows:
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+—————+
| ARM Cortex-A7 |
+—————+
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v
+—————+
| DDR4/LPDDR3 |
| Memory Controller|
+—————+
|
|
v
+—————+
| RZ/T2H Hardware |
| Accelerator Core |
+—————+
|
|
v
+—————+
| TDM/TDMoIP/PCIe |
| Interface Controller|
+—————+
|
|
v
+—————+
| I/O Subsystem |
| (UART, SPI, I2C, |
| GPIO, etc.) |
+—————+
“` Supply: Renesas
Renesas introduces customized printed circuit boards and tailored software solutions.
The RZ/T2H ships with the Renesas Versatile Software Package (FSP) – identical to those found on all Renesas microprocessors – as well as a comprehensive Linux bundle, featuring long-term support. A cutting-edge, multi-faceted motor control analysis platform is available for innovative applications. The solution kit includes inverter boards for operating nine-axis motors, a comprehensive bundle of multi-axis motor management software, and the Movement Utility Instrument, a sophisticated motor management tool.
Renesas has also incorporated pattern protocols for industrial Ethernet and provided software PLC packages to facilitate seamless system development.
The corporation presents a solution that combines the RZ/T2H with several relevant peripherals, including and others.
The ensuing merchandise enable compatible devices to collaborate seamlessly, facilitating the rapid development and deployment of innovative, risk-minimized solutions to market. Renesas offers a comprehensive portfolio of more than 400 microcontrollers, covering a wide range of products from its diverse product lineup.
Is the revolutionary new RZ/T2H finally on the market? Renesas has announced plans to introduce its innovative RZ/N2H device, boasting identical performance to the RZ/T2H but in a more compact package, with a planned launch in the first quarter of 2025. This software can also be suitable for industrial control equipment such as programmable logic controllers (PLCs) and motion controllers.
The RZ/T2H is governed by the Product Longevity Program (PLP), a comprehensive framework ensuring the reliability and longevity of industrial gear, particularly those with demanding lifespan requirements.
