Renesas M38C37ECAFS
- Part No.:
- M38C37ECAFS
- Manufacturer:
- Renesas
- Category:
- Microcontrollers
- Package:
- -
- Datasheet:
-
M38C37ECAFS.pdf
- Description:
- 8-BIT, UVPROM, 4MHZ
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:1,474
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Product details
Overview
M38C37ECAFS from Renesas Electronics is an 8-bit CMOS single-chip microcomputer in the 38C3 Group (740 Family), featuring 64 KB mask ROM, 2 KB RAM, and integrated peripherals including 10-bit A/D converter, LCD controller, serial I/O, and timer modules. It operates at up to 10 MHz with a 5 V supply and targets embedded control in industrial and consumer equipment.
For engineers reviewing the M38C37ECAFS datasheet, M38C37ECAFS pinout, M38C37ECAFS application, or M38C37ECAFS equivalent, key selection criteria include its mask-ROM-based firmware permanence, on-chip LCD drive capability for segment-type displays, and support for PWM and IGBT output modes in Timer A - critical for motor control and display subsystems.
Technical Context
The M38C37ECAFS implements the 740-family CPU core with 16-bit address space, supporting both single-chip and expanded memory modes. Its clock system accepts external crystal (1–10 MHz) or ceramic resonator input and provides programmable division ratios (XIN/2, XIN/8, XIN) via CPUM register bits b1–b0.
Peripheral integration includes a 16-channel 10-bit A/D converter with sample-and-hold, 4×16-segment LCD driver with bias control, and dual serial I/O channels (UART and clock-synchronous). Timer A supports PWM generation and IGBT gate drive with dead-time insertion, while Timer B offers 16-bit free-running or event-counting operation.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| CPU Core | 740 Family 8-bit CMOS CPU with 16-bit addressing - enables direct access to full 64 KB ROM + 2 KB RAM space without banking. |
| ROM Size | 64 KB mask ROM - provides fixed, tamper-resistant firmware storage; no external program memory required. |
| RAM Size | 2 KB on-chip RAM - sufficient for stack, variables, and real-time data buffers in standalone control applications. |
| A/D Converter | 10-bit resolution, 16-channel input - supports precision analog sensing (e.g., temperature, voltage) with internal reference. |
| LCD Driver | 4-backplane × 16-segment static/dynamic drive - directly interfaces common segment-type LCDs without external drivers. |
| Max Clock Frequency | 10 MHz main clock - delivers ~1.25 MIPS throughput suitable for real-time motor timing and UI response. |
| Supply Voltage | 4.5 V to 5.5 V - compatible with standard TTL/CMOS logic rails and industrial 5 V power domains. |
Pinout & Package
Package: 80-pin plastic QFP (FP-80A), 14 mm × 20 mm body, 0.65 mm pitch - designed for high I/O count in space-constrained industrial PCB layouts.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| VCC, VSS | Power supply and ground | Dual VCC/VSS pairs ensure stable core and I/O rail decoupling; mandatory 0.1 µF bypass per pair. |
| XIN, XOUT | Crystal oscillator input/output | Supports fundamental-mode quartz crystals (1–10 MHz) or ceramic resonators; internal feedback resistor included. |
| P00–P07 | Port 0 bidirectional I/O | 8-bit port with pull-up control; P00–P03 double as LCD segment outputs (SEG0–SEG3) in LCD mode. |
| P10–P17 | Port 1 bidirectional I/O | 8-bit port with interrupt-on-change capability; P10–P13 serve as LCD backplane drivers (BP0–BP3). |
| AD0–AD15 | Analog input channels | 16 dedicated analog inputs mapped to internal 10-bit A/D; selectable via ADCH register (0–15). |
| TO0, TO1 | Timer output pins | TO0 = Timer A output (PWM/IGBT); TO1 = Timer B output - drive external MOSFET gates or logic-level loads. |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| On-chip LCD controller | Drives up to 64 segments (4 BP × 16 SEG) with software-selectable bias (1/2, 1/3, 1/4) - eliminates external LCD driver IC and reduces BOM cost. |
| Timer A with IGBT mode | Generates complementary PWM with programmable dead time (1–64 µs) - enables safe driving of half-bridge IGBTs in motor inverters. |
| Mask ROM firmware | Factory-programmed 64 KB ROM - ensures boot integrity, prevents field corruption, and lowers unit cost vs. flash-based alternatives. |
| 10-bit A/D with sample hold | Internal S/H circuit allows accurate conversion during dynamic signal acquisition - critical for sensor readings under CPU load. |
| Interrupt vector table | Fixed 16-vector layout with priority encoding - simplifies real-time ISR design for multi-peripheral systems (e.g., A/D completion + UART RX + timer overflow). |
Applications
| Industrial Motor Control | Appliance User Interface |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Variable-speed fan or pump control in HVAC systems using IGBT-based inverter stage. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Main system controller executing PID loop, generating gated PWM via Timer A, and monitoring current/voltage via A/D inputs. Use Value: Integrated IGBT output mode and dead-time control eliminate external gate driver logic, reducing component count and layout complexity. | Use Scenario: Keypad-driven microwave oven with segmented LCD display showing time, power level, and status. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Standalone UI controller managing button scan, LCD refresh, buzzer timing, and cooking cycle sequencing. Use Value: On-chip LCD driver supports direct connection to 4×16-segment display, removing need for external driver IC and associated glue logic. |
| Test Equipment Front Panel | Energy Meter Display Module |
Use Scenario: Portable multimeter with analog input conditioning, digitized readings, and 4-digit LCD readout. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Signal acquisition controller performing 10-bit A/D sampling, numeric conversion, and static LCD segment activation. Use Value: Simultaneous 16-channel A/D input and 64-segment LCD drive allow compact integration of measurement and display functions in one chip. | Use Scenario: Residential electricity meter requiring kWh calculation, tamper detection, and local LCD energy display. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Embedded metering controller reading shunt voltage/current, computing accumulated energy, and updating LCD every second. Use Value: Mask ROM ensures immutable firmware for revenue-critical metering algorithms, while low-power standby modes extend battery life in backup operation. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar 8-bit microcontroller applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| M38C34M6AXXXFP | Same 38C3 Group architecture but with 32 KB mask ROM and no LCD controller - smaller code footprint, no integrated display drive. | Suitable where LCD is absent and firmware size ≤32 KB; requires external display driver if UI needed. | Select when cost sensitivity outweighs display integration and ROM headroom is sufficient. |
| RL78/G13 R5F100LEAFB | Modern 16-bit RL78 core, 128 KB flash, 10 KB RAM, integrated LCD controller (4×32), and hardware multiplier - higher performance and flexibility. | Supports larger applications, field-upgradable firmware, and more complex UIs; requires flash programming infrastructure. | Choose for new designs needing scalability, long-term availability, and flash-based development agility. |
Compared with M38C37ECAFS, the M38C34M6AXXXFP reduces ROM and omits LCD drive - lowering cost for simpler control tasks - while the RL78/G13 offers flash programmability, larger memory, and enhanced peripherals at the expense of legacy toolchain compatibility and higher BOM cost.
Availability
M38C37ECAFS is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial motor control, appliance user interface, test equipment front panels, and energy meter display modules requiring stable component supply and long-lifecycle support.
Supply support for M38C37ECAFS 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 markets.
The 38C3 Group - including M38C37ECAFS - was designed for cost-sensitive, high-reliability embedded control applications requiring integrated analog peripherals, LCD drive, and deterministic real-time response in 5 V systems.
FAQ
What is the maximum operating frequency of the M38C37ECAFS?
The M38C37ECAFS supports a maximum main clock frequency of 10 MHz, achieved using an external crystal or ceramic resonator connected to XIN/XOUT. This corresponds to a typical instruction execution speed of approximately 1.25 million instructions per second (MIPS), sufficient for real-time control loops and UI responsiveness in industrial and consumer applications. The CPU clock is derived directly from the crystal input with optional division (XIN/2, XIN/8, or XIN) configured via the CPUM register.
Does the M38C37ECAFS include on-chip debug capability?
No, the M38C37ECAFS does not feature on-chip debug interfaces such as JTAG or SWD. It relies on external EPROM emulators or ROM monitor-based debugging via serial I/O during development. Production units use mask ROM, so firmware updates require hardware replacement. For debug-intensive projects, Renesas recommends evaluating newer families like RL78 which integrate full on-chip debug support.
Can the M38C37ECAFS drive a 4×20 character LCD module?
No, the M38C37ECAFS LCD controller supports only static or multiplexed segment-type displays - specifically up to 4 backplanes and 16 segments (64 total segments), not character-based dot-matrix LCDs. A 4×20 character module requires a controller (e.g., HD44780) with built-in CGROM and DDRAM addressing, which the M38C37ECAFS does not provide. It is intended for custom segment displays used in appliances and meters.
What is the A/D converter reference voltage source for the M38C37ECAFS?
The M38C37ECAFS A/D converter uses an internal reference voltage derived from VCC, with typical accuracy of ±10 mV over temperature and supply variation. It does not support external reference inputs. The 10-bit conversion result is linear across the full VCC range (4.5 V to 5.5 V), enabling direct ratiometric measurements of resistive sensors or voltage dividers referenced to the same VCC rail.
Is the M38C37ECAFS qualified for automotive applications?
No, the M38C37ECAFS is classified as a "Standard" quality grade device per Renesas documentation, intended for computers, office equipment, home appliances, and industrial robots - not transportation or safety-critical systems. It lacks AEC-Q100 qualification, extended temperature range (-40°C to +125°C), or automotive-specific reliability testing. For automotive use, Renesas recommends RH850 or RL78/F1x series devices with appropriate qualification.
M38C37ECAFS Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- Renesas
- Package/Case:
- -
- Series:
- *
- Packaging:
- Bulk
- Product Status:
- Active
- Programmable:
- Not Verified
- Core Processor:
- -
- Core Size:
- -
- Speed:
- -
- Connectivity:
- -
- Peripherals:
- -
- Number of I/O:
- -
- Program Memory Size:
- -
- Program Memory Type:
- -
- EEPROM Size:
- -
- RAM Size:
- -
- Voltage - Supply (Vcc/Vdd):
- -
- Data Converters:
- -
- Oscillator Type:
- -
- Operating Temperature:
- -
- Grade:
- -
- Qualification:
- -
- Mounting Type:
- -
- Supplier Device Package:
M38C37ECAFS FAQ
1.How can I place an order for M38C37ECAFS through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for M38C37ECAFS on Aetrix. Our sales agent will provide a competitive quotation and guide you through the order confirmation once you accept the terms.
2.Are the price and stock information for M38C37ECAFS reliable?
The price and inventory of M38C37ECAFS are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for M38C37ECAFS is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for M38C37ECAFS?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for M38C37ECAFS transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for M38C37ECAFS?
M38C37ECAFS orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your M38C37ECAFS order is processed, you will receive an email with the shipment details and tracking number.
Note: Tracking information may take up to 24 hours to appear. Express delivery typically takes 3–5 business days.
5.How can I obtain technical support or documentation for M38C37ECAFS?
For technical support, including M38C37ECAFS datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your M38C37ECAFS requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that M38C37ECAFS is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All M38C37ECAFS products on Aetrix are procured from qualified distributors and authorized channels. Our dedicated quality assurance team conducts strict verification, including traceability checks and, if necessary, third-party testing. This ensures that M38C37ECAFS meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of M38C37ECAFS?
All M38C37ECAFS units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with M38C37ECAFS, returns or replacements are accepted under the following conditions:
1.Quantity discrepancies, incorrect items, or visible external defects (such as breakage or corrosion), acknowledged by Aetrix.
2.The issue is reported within 90 days of delivery.
3.The M38C37ECAFS part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for M38C37ECAFS:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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