Renesas’ Low-Power MCUs Provide First Support for USB-C 2.4 Standard

Renesas Electronics recently released its RA2L2 microcontroller group, the first in the industry to support the updated USB Type-C Revision 2.4 specification. These ultra-low-power microcontrollers (MCUs) are built on the 48-MHz Arm Cortex-M23 core and are designed to support compact, battery-powered products.

Renesas recently released its RA2L2 microcontrollers for ultra-low-power portable devices. 

By including native USB-C support and enabling detection of 1.5 A and 3.0 A current levels using newly defined voltage thresholds, the RA2L2 simplifies USB integration for developers working on the next generation of connected devices.

Targeting the Next Wave of Portable Designs

Renesas designed the RA2L2 microcontroller family (datasheet linked) specifically for embedded applications where board space, energy efficiency, and cost all play a critical role. With an active mode power consumption of 87.5 µA/MHz and software standby current as low as 250 nA, these devices deliver long-lasting performance without compromising on features or speed.

Block diagram of the RA2L2 microcontroller. 

The integrated low-power UART has its own clock domain, allowing it to wake the system upon data reception. This feature makes the RA2L2 particularly valuable for wireless peripherals, enabling seamless communication with Wi-Fi and Bluetooth modules while conserving energy.

A Full-Speed USB-C Solution Without Extra Hardware

One of the key differentiators of the RA2L2 group is its native USB-C functionality with CC detection and full-speed USB support. By integrating USB RD termination and VBUS detection directly into the MCU, Renesas eliminates the need for external USB components. This translates to lower bill of materials cost, reduced complexity, and better power optimization. Support for CAN, I³C, I²C, SPI, SCI, and SSI interfaces also provides designers with a wide range of flexible options, making it easier to incorporate rich connectivity into even the smallest designs.

Like other members of the RA family, the RA2L2 MCUs are fully supported by Renesas’ Flexible Software Package (FSP). The FSP includes everything from RTOS support to middleware and drivers, significantly accelerating software development cycles. Engineers will be able to quickly prototype and scale solutions using pre-integrated software blocks while maintaining compatibility across different RA devices. FSP also allows customers to reuse their legacy code and preferred RTOS environment, reducing ramp-up time for new products and smoothing the migration path for existing projects.

Real-World Applications: From Data Logging to Gaming Gear

Renesas has outlined several use cases for the RA2L2 MCUs across industries that demand portable, efficient, and high-performance electronics.

Industrial and Research Environments

USB data loggers built on RA2L2 can capture temperature, motion, or environmental metrics with high accuracy. With built-in EEPROM and USB-C for plug-and-play data transfers, these devices offer a balance of functionality and power savings.

Block diagram for recording and transferring data through data loggers. 

Automotive and Transit Systems

The RA2L2 enables compact and efficient tolling devices. These systems can track vehicle location using GNSS and handle road pricing calculations while operating in mixed toll booth environments.

Block diagram for automotive tracking and toll charging events. 

Consumer Electronics

RA2L2 powers energy-conscious gaming keyboards and mice. These peripherals can operate in both wired and wireless modes, offering programmable lighting, fast USB-C charging, and low-latency performance for gamers or productivity users on the go.

Block diagram for an energy-efficient wireless gaming keyboard. 

Specifications and Scalability

The RA2L2 group supports up to 128 KB of flash, 16 KB of SRAM, and 4 KB of data flash. The RA2L2 Group will be available in 32- to 64-pin packages, making them scalable to different board sizes and cost targets. With precision timing features, integrated temperature sensors, and high-speed internal oscillators, the RA2L2 provides a complete platform for next-generation portable systems.

All images used courtesy of Renesas.