Renesas M38503E4SP

Overview

M38503E4SP from Renesas Electronics is an 8-bit CISC single-chip microcomputer in the 740 Family / 38000 Series, featuring 16 KB on-chip ROM, 512 B RAM, 16-bit timer/counter with capture/compare, 8-channel 10-bit A/D converter, and UART serial interface. It operates at up to 10 MHz system clock, supports single-chip mode, and targets embedded control in industrial equipment and consumer appliances.

For engineers reviewing the M38503E4SP datasheet, M38503E4SP pinout, M38503E4SP application, or M38503E4SP equivalent, key selection criteria include its mask-ROM configuration, 48-pin SDIP package, integrated watchdog timer, flash memory programming support via CPU rewrite mode, and compliance with Standard-grade quality for non-safety-critical industrial use.

Technical Context

The M38503E4SP implements a Harvard-architecture 8-bit CPU core with 16-bit address bus and 8-bit data bus, executing instructions from on-chip ROM. Its peripheral set includes three 16-bit timers (one with input capture), a UART with programmable baud rate generator, and an 8-channel analog-to-digital converter with sample-and-hold and conversion completion interrupt.

Power management includes stop and wait modes controlled by dedicated bits in the CPU mode register (CPUM), while clock generation supports external crystal (XIN/XOUT) or ceramic resonator (XCIN/XCOUT) inputs with internal division options. Reset behavior is defined by dedicated reset circuitry with power-on and low-voltage detection thresholds.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

Package: 48-pin SDIP (Shrink Dual In-line Package), 0.6-inch width, 2.54 mm pitch, through-hole mounting.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with M38503E4SP, M38503M4SP offers identical functionality at lower memory density and cost, while UPD78F0503GC-GAH-AX provides flash-based flexibility and expanded resources at the expense of compatibility and layout changes.

Availability

M38503E4SP is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial motor control, home appliance UI, office equipment firmware, and test & measurement front-end applications requiring stable component supply and long-term manufacturing continuity.

Supply support for M38503E4SP 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 infrastructure markets.

The 3850 Group (Spec. H) was designed as a cost-optimized, high-reliability 8-bit microcontroller family targeting industrial automation, consumer electronics, and office equipment with mask-ROM firmware and integrated analog peripherals.

FAQ

What is the memory configuration of the M38503E4SP?

The M38503E4SP integrates 16 KB of mask-programmed ROM for firmware storage and 512 bytes of on-chip RAM for data and stack operations. This configuration is fixed at manufacture and does not support field reprogramming. The ROM size enables moderate-complexity control algorithms, while the RAM allocation supports real-time task stacks and sensor data buffering in applications such as motor control and appliance UIs. The M38503E4SP uses this memory map exclusively - no external memory interface is provided.

Does the M38503E4SP support in-system programming?

No, the M38503E4SP does not support in-system programming. It contains mask-ROM, meaning firmware is permanently programmed during wafer fabrication and cannot be altered post-manufacture. While the device supports CPU rewrite mode for flash versions in the same family, the M38503E4SP specifically uses mask-ROM and lacks flash memory circuitry. Users must verify firmware correctness before ordering production lots, as revisions require new mask sets and silicon respins.

What package type and pin count does the M38503E4SP use?

The M38503E4SP is packaged in a 48-pin SDIP (Shrink Dual In-line Package) with 2.54 mm pitch and 0.6-inch body width. This through-hole package supports manual assembly and prototyping while maintaining compatibility with legacy 3850-series layouts. All 48 pins are assigned to power, ground, I/O ports, analog inputs, clock, reset, and peripheral function signals - no unused or NC pins. The SDIP variant ensures mechanical robustness in industrial environments where vibration resistance is required.

What are the key timing and clocking features of the M38503E4SP?

The M38503E4SP supports system clocks up to 10 MHz using either an external crystal (XIN/XOUT) or ceramic resonator (XCIN/XCOUT). Its clock generating circuit includes internal dividers to derive peripheral clocks, and the CPU mode register (CPUM) allows selection between single-chip and expanded modes. The device also implements stop and wait modes to reduce power consumption during idle periods, with wake-up possible via external interrupt or timer overflow. These features enable deterministic real-time response in applications like motor control where timing jitter must be minimized.

Is the M38503E4SP qualified for automotive applications?

No, the M38503E4SP is classified as a Standard-grade product per Renesas Electronics' quality grading system and is not qualified for automotive use. It is intended for computers, office equipment, communications devices, audiovisual gear, home appliances, machine tools, personal electronics, and industrial robots. Automotive applications require High Quality-grade parts with extended temperature range, AEC-Q100 qualification, and enhanced reliability testing - none of which apply to the M38503E4SP. For automotive designs, users should select Renesas' RL78 or RH850 families instead.