Renesas Technology Europe has enhanced its H8S family of 16-bit CISC (Complex Instruction Set Computer) microcontrollers with the addition of the H8S/2424, H8S/2426, H8S/2426R, H8S/2454, H8S/2456 and H8S/2456R groups.

These six groups comprise products suitable for use in a wide variety of applications including user interface devices, white good products, and industrial equipment. The H8S/2424 and H8S/2426 models are functionally enhanced versions of Renesas’ H8S/2368 and H8S/2378 groups.

The H8S/2426, H8S/2426R, H8S/2456 and H8S/2456R groups also feature an on-chip EXDMA controller. This additional module allows the direct-drive of a TFT display without the need of an external LCD- or graphics controller.

EXDMA is a data transfer function that uses an external bus rather than the internal system bus. With this approach, the internal bus is released for use by other processes resulting in an improvement in processing efficiency.

The H8S/2454 and H8S/2456 devices include a USB 2.0 (Full Speed) controller making them suitable for use in a wide range of digital consumer products that require this form of connectivity. In addition, all devices feature several software standby modes that allow power consumption to be further reduced.

On-chip peripheral functions include an 8-bit D/A converter and dual 10-bit A/D converter units with up to 16 channels. Five serial communication interfaces, a high-speed serial interface (SSU), 4 x I2C bus interfaces, a DMA and DTC controller, flexible timer units in the TPU module (timer pulse unit) and a programmable pulse generator are also included.

Depending on the device, a 32 or 33 MHz maximum operating frequency is combined with Flash memory capacities of 128Kbytes to 256Kbytes and Ram capacities of 48Kbytes up to 64Kbytes. Romless versions are also available.

The flash memories feature single power supply operation and 1-cycle access capability providing high-speed operation, helping to simplify product design and achieve fast program processing. The on-chip data flash memory can be used to replace external EEPROM previously provided for data storage purposes, helping to achieve both parts count and cost reductions.

A Renesas Starter Kit (RSK, samples available) is under development and planned to be available by May 2009. RSKs are low-cost, complete with E10A-USB debugger and software.

More information: www.renesas.eu