Renesas 14235R-500

Overview

14235R-500 from Echelon is a FT 5000 Smart Transceiver - a fully integrated LONWORKS® 2.0 platform IC combining a high-performance Neuron® Core, free-topology twisted-pair transceiver, and on-chip memory subsystem. It operates at 3.3 V, supports up to 254 Network Variables, delivers 80 MHz internal clock speed via PLL, and integrates 12 programmable I/O pins with 35 standard I/O models for building interoperable smart network nodes in building automation and industrial control.

For engineers reviewing the 14235R-500 datasheet, 14235R-500 pinout, 14235R-500 application, or 14235R-500 equivalent, key selection criteria include TP/FT-10 channel compliance, polarity-insensitive free topology wiring support, Neuron firmware v19 compatibility, 7 mm × 7 mm 48-pin QFN package, and dual serial memory interface (SPI/I²C) for external EEPROM/flash.

Technical Context

The 14235R-500 implements three independent 8-bit logical processors - MAC, NET, and APP - plus a dedicated interrupt processor at higher clock rates. Its architecture enables concurrent physical layer management, network protocol handling, and user application execution without resource contention.

It supports differential Manchester encoding at 78 kbps over TP/FT-10 channels, achieves Level 3 conducted RF immunity per EN 61000-4-6, and requires the FT-X3 Communications Transformer for isolation and noise immunity - no other transformer is warranted for use with this device.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

14235R-500 is housed in a 7 mm × 7 mm, 48-pin QFN package with exposed thermal pad (Pin 49). The package supports reflow soldering up to 260°C peak temperature and requires GND connection to the thermal pad for thermal and electrical integrity.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar smart transceiver applications.

Compared with FT 3150-1, 14235R-500 delivers 16× faster processing, 4× more network variables, and native free topology support - enabling higher node intelligence and lower installation labor. Compared with FT 5000-1, 14235R-500 offers identical performance but may differ in reel quantity or lot marking for supply chain tracking.

Availability

14235R-500 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for smart building automation, industrial lighting control, fire alarm interfacing, and energy submetering applications requiring stable component supply, long lifecycle support, and LONWORKS® 2.0 interoperability.

Supply support for 14235R-500 includes scheduled delivery planning, volume procurement assistance, BOM continuity management, traceable sourcing, and lifecycle availability coordination for OEM customers, industrial embedded developers, connected-device designers, and electronics production programs.

Manufacturer

Echelon Corporation is a pioneer in open-standard control networking, specializing in LONWORKS technology for interoperable smart infrastructure systems.

The 14235R-500 belongs to Echelon's FT 5000 Series - designed specifically to enable low-cost, high-performance, self-contained LONWORKS nodes for building management, industrial automation, and utility grid applications.

FAQ

What is the function of the FT-X3 Communications Transformer with the 14235R-500?

The FT-X3 Communications Transformer is mandatory for use with the 14235R-500. It provides galvanic isolation (1,000 Vrms, 60 s), common-mode noise rejection, and magnetic immunity for the TP/FT-10 twisted-pair channel. Using any other transformer voids the 14235R-500 warranty and violates Echelon's design certification requirements.

Does the 14235R-500 support backward compatibility with older LONWORKS devices?

Yes, the 14235R-500 is fully TP/FT-10 channel compliant and interoperable with FTT-10A, FT 3120/3150 Smart Transceivers, and LPT-10/LPT-11 Link Power Transceivers. However, firmware must be v19 or later, and applications written for Series 3100 require recompilation using NodeBuilder® FX Development Tool.

What external memory configurations does the 14235R-500 support?

The 14235R-500 supports four validated external memory configurations: (1) single I²C EEPROM (2–64 KB), (2) I²C EEPROM + SPI flash, (3) single SPI EEPROM (2–64 KB), or (4) SPI EEPROM + SPI flash. At least 2 KB of I²C or SPI EEPROM is mandatory for configuration storage; flash is optional for application code.

Can the 14235R-500 operate without an external crystal?

No. The 14235R-500 requires a 10 MHz fundamental-mode crystal connected to XIN/XOUT pins. Its internal PLL uses this reference to generate the 5–80 MHz system clock. No internal RC oscillator or alternative clock source is provided - omission of the crystal prevents functional operation of the 14235R-500.

What is the maximum application code size supported by the 14235R-500?

The 14235R-500 supports up to 42 KB of application code when using a 64 KB external serial EEPROM or flash device. This limit is defined by the extended NVM area in the memory map (0x4000–0xE7FF). Code executes from internal RAM after being loaded from external NVM during reset.