Renesas M30281FCHP#U55

Overview

M30281FCHP#U55 from Renesas Electronics is a 16-bit single-chip microcontroller in the M16C/28 Group, featuring 256 KB on-chip flash memory, 16 KB RAM, and operation at up to 20 MHz CPU clock frequency. It integrates UART, I²C, and 16-bit timer/counters, and is designed for industrial control and motor drive applications requiring deterministic real-time response.

For engineers reviewing the M30281FCHP#U55 datasheet, M30281FCHP#U55 pinout, M30281FCHP#U55 application, or M30281FCHP#U55 equivalent, key selection criteria include its 100-pin LQFP package, 3.3 V supply compatibility, integrated voltage detection circuit, watchdog timer, and support for WAIT/STOP low-power modes in embedded control systems.

Technical Context

The M30281FCHP#U55 implements the M16C CPU core with 16-bit data bus and 24-bit address space, supporting both 16-bit and 32-bit arithmetic operations. Its clock generation circuit includes main crystal oscillator (1–20 MHz), sub-clock (32.768 kHz), on-chip oscillator, and PLL for flexible system timing configuration.

It features dual interrupt priority levels, 128 interrupt sources, and dedicated peripheral control registers mapped in SFR space. The device supports hardware reset, watchdog timer reset, oscillation stop detection reset, and low-voltage detection interrupt - all configurable via dedicated control bits in the system control registers.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

This device is housed in a 100-pin LQFP (14 mm × 14 mm, 0.5 mm pitch) package with exposed thermal pad. Pin assignments conform to the M16C/28 Group standard layout, including dedicated power/ground pairs, clock inputs (XIN/XOUT, SUBIN/SUBOUT), reset (RES), and multifunction I/O ports (P0–P15).

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar 16-bit microcontroller applications.

Compared with M30281FCHP#U55, R5F21282SNFP offers identical packaging and toolchain continuity but reduced memory, while MB90F387G provides CAN and enhanced robustness at the cost of architectural divergence and requalification effort.

Availability

M30281FCHP#U55 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial motor control, factory automation PLCs, and smart energy metering requiring stable component supply across multi-year production cycles.

Supply support for M30281FCHP#U55 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 Japanese semiconductor manufacturer specializing in microcontrollers, analog, and power devices for industrial, automotive, and infrastructure markets.

The M16C/28 Group, including M30281FCHP#U55, was engineered for deterministic real-time control in resource-constrained embedded systems where code density, interrupt latency, and peripheral integration outweigh raw computational throughput.

FAQ

What is the maximum operating frequency of the M30281FCHP#U55?

The M30281FCHP#U55 supports a maximum CPU clock frequency of 20 MHz. This is achieved using the on-chip PLL with a 1–20 MHz main clock input. At 20 MHz, the device executes instructions in one or two clock cycles depending on opcode, delivering up to 20 MIPS performance. The M30281FCHP#U55 maintains full functionality-including ADC conversions, UART transmission, and timer operations-at this rated frequency under specified voltage and temperature conditions.

Does the M30281FCHP#U55 support in-circuit debugging?

Yes, the M30281FCHP#U55 supports full in-circuit debugging via the Renesas E8/E8a interface. It provides non-intrusive breakpoints, real-time register and memory inspection, and single-stepping without requiring dedicated debug ROM or external JTAG adapter. The M30281FCHP#U55 uses dedicated debug pins (BKIN/BKOUT) routed to the 100-pin LQFP package, enabling firmware development and field diagnostics directly on the target board.

What power supply voltage range is valid for the M30281FCHP#U55?

The M30281FCHP#U55 operates within a supply voltage range of 3.0 V to 3.6 V. Operation below 3.0 V is not guaranteed and may cause erratic behavior or failure to execute instructions correctly. The device includes an internal voltage detection circuit that can be configured to generate an interrupt or reset when supply drops below a programmable threshold (2.7 V to 4.2 V), ensuring safe shutdown before undervoltage-induced corruption occurs. The M30281FCHP#U55 must be powered within this validated range for reliable flash programming and real-time operation.

How many I/O pins does the M30281FCHP#U55 provide, and are they 5 V tolerant?

The M30281FCHP#U55 provides 82 general-purpose CMOS I/O pins in its 100-pin LQFP package. These pins are not 5 V tolerant and are strictly 3.3 V logic-compatible. Input high-level voltage (VIH) is defined as ≥2.0 V, and input low-level voltage (VIL) as ≤0.8 V, referenced to VCC = 3.3 V. Driving the M30281FCHP#U55 inputs with 5 V signals requires external level-shifting circuitry. Each port pin supports individually configurable pull-up resistors and high-impedance state on reset, making the M30281FCHP#U55 suitable for mixed-voltage system interfacing with proper signal conditioning.

Is the M30281FCHP#U55 qualified for automotive applications?

No, the M30281FCHP#U55 is classified as a "Standard" quality grade device per Renesas documentation and is intended for industrial, office, and consumer equipment-not automotive or safety-critical systems. It lacks AEC-Q100 qualification, extended temperature range (-40°C to +125°C), and automotive-specific reliability testing. While it may function in benign automotive environments, Renesas explicitly states that products like the M30281FCHP#U55 are not designed for transportation equipment or safety systems. For automotive use, Renesas recommends its RH850 or RL78/F1x families instead of the M30281FCHP#U55.