Renesas DF38124HV

Overview

DF38124HV from Renesas Electronics is an 8-bit single-chip microcontroller in the H8/38124 Group, built on the H8/300L Super Low Power CPU core. It integrates 32 KB flash ROM, 1 KB RAM, 10-bit A/D converter (8 channels), LCD controller/driver (32 seg × 4 com), UART/Synchronous SCI, four 16-bit timers (A/C/F/G), WDT, and 66 I/O pins. It operates at up to 20 MHz within 2.7–5.5 V supply, targeting embedded control in industrial instrumentation and low-power display interfaces.

For engineers reviewing the DF38124HV datasheet, DF38124HV pinout, DF38124HV application, or DF38124HV equivalent, key selection considerations include its FP-80A package, 20 MHz max clock, flash-based reprogrammability, integrated LCD driver with static/dynamic support, and operation over –40°C to +85°C (WTR grade).

Technical Context

The DF38124HV implements the H8/300L CPU architecture with 16-bit internal data paths and a 24-bit address space, supporting 100+ instructions including bit manipulation and block transfer. Its peripheral set is tightly coupled via on-chip bus, enabling deterministic timing for real-time control loops.

It features dual-clock domain operation: main system clock (up to 20 MHz) derived from external crystal/resonator or internal oscillator, and independent sub-clock for RTC/LVD functions. The LCD controller supports bias voltages of 1/2 or 1/3, programmable duty cycle, and static/dynamic drive modes without external components.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

DF38124HV is housed in a 80-pin Fine Pitch Plastic Quad Flat Package (FP-80A), 12 mm × 12 mm body, 0.5 mm lead pitch, with exposed thermal pad. Pin layout supports full I/O flexibility, dedicated reset and clock inputs, and dedicated LCD segment/common drivers.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar 8-bit microcontroller applications.

Compared with H8/38124 and R5F100PLDFB, DF38124HV uniquely combines WTR-grade temperature resilience, integrated LCD driving, and flash-based field update capability in a mature, pin-stable 80-pin package - making it optimal for cost-sensitive, display-centric industrial controls where architecture continuity matters.

Availability

DF38124HV is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial panel meters, smart thermostats, portable test equipment, and appliance control boards requiring stable component supply, long-term lifecycle assurance, and WTR-grade environmental robustness.

Supply support for DF38124HV 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

Renesas Electronics Corporation is a global semiconductor leader specializing in microcontrollers, analog, power, and SoC solutions for automotive, industrial, and IoT applications.

The H8/38124 Group - including DF38124HV - was designed for cost-effective, low-power embedded control with integrated human-interface peripherals, especially targeting applications requiring on-board LCD display and analog sensing without external support ICs.

FAQ

What is the maximum operating frequency of the DF38124HV?

The DF38124HV supports a maximum system clock frequency of 20 MHz when powered within its specified 2.7 V to 5.5 V range. This frequency is achievable using either an external crystal/resonator connected to OSC1/OSC2 or the internal oscillator with appropriate configuration. At 20 MHz, the DF38124HV delivers approximately 10 MIPS of processing throughput, sufficient for real-time control tasks such as PWM generation, A/D conversion sequencing, and LCD refresh management.

Does the DF38124HV include an integrated LCD driver, and what display configurations does it support?

Yes, the DF38124HV integrates a full-featured LCD controller/driver supporting up to 32 segments and 4 commons (128 segments total). It supports static, 1/2-bias, and 1/3-bias drive modes with programmable frame frequency and duty cycle. The DF38124HV's SEG0–SEG31 and COM0–COM3 pins provide direct CMOS-level outputs capable of driving standard character or custom segment LCDs without external bias resistors or charge pumps - reducing BOM count and PCB complexity in display-oriented designs.

What type of memory technology is used for program storage in the DF38124HV?

The DF38124HV uses 32 KB of on-chip flash memory (branded F-ZTAT™ by Renesas) for program storage. This flash memory supports in-system programming (ISP) via on-chip debug interface, enabling firmware updates in the field without removing the device from the PCB. The DF38124HV's flash endurance is rated for ≥10,000 write/erase cycles, and data retention exceeds 20 years at 85°C - making it suitable for applications requiring long-term reliability and post-deployment feature enhancements.

Is the DF38124HV qualified for industrial temperature operation?

Yes, the DF38124HV is a WTR-grade part qualified for operation from –40°C to +85°C. This extended temperature rating is explicitly confirmed in the H8/38124 Group Hardware Manual (Rev. 8.00, p. vii) and distinguishes DF38124HV from standard-grade variants like H8/38124 (–20°C to +75°C). Its qualification includes testing across thermal cycling, high-temperature operating life, and parameter stability - ensuring reliable performance in industrial enclosures, outdoor equipment, and automotive under-hood auxiliary modules.

What debugging and programming interfaces does the DF38124HV support?

The DF38124HV supports on-chip debugging via its dedicated on-chip emulator (OCE) interface, accessible through pins 33–35 and 95 - though these pins are partially or fully reserved during debug sessions. Programming is performed using Renesas' E8/E8a emulators or compatible tools supporting the H8/300L architecture. The DF38124HV does not include SWD or JTAG; instead, it relies on Renesas' proprietary debug protocol over dedicated pins, requiring appropriate development hardware and High-Performance Embedded Workshop (HEW) or e2 studio toolchains for full firmware development and validation.