Renesas QB-64GK-NQ-01T

Overview

QB-64GK-NQ-01T from Renesas Electronics is a target connector adapter designed for RL78/G13 and RL78/G14 microcontroller families in 64-pin LQFP (10×10 mm) packages. It provides NQ-series mechanical and electrical interface compatibility between IECUBE emulation hardware and target boards, supporting debug and programming via SWD/JTAG signals. It is used in embedded firmware development for industrial control and sensor nodes.

For engineers reviewing the QB-64GK-NQ-01T datasheet, QB-64GK-NQ-01T pinout, QB-64GK-NQ-01T application, or QB-64GK-NQ-01T equivalent, this part serves as a standardized, mechanically keyed NQ-type target interface for RL78-based designs requiring reliable in-circuit debugging with Renesas IECUBE systems.

Technical Context

QB-64GK-NQ-01T implements a passive, zero-insertion-force (ZIF)-compatible target connector interface with precise 0.5 mm pitch alignment for 64-pin LQFP devices. It routes SWDIO, SWCLK, RESET, VDD, and GND signals between the IECUBE main unit and the target MCU board while maintaining signal integrity for debug clock frequencies up to 10 MHz.

The adapter features gold-plated contacts, molded thermoplastic housing, and mechanical keying to prevent misalignment with QB-64FB-EA-01T or QB-64FA-EA-01T emulation adapters. It is intended for use with QB-RL78G13-ZZZ and QB-RL78G14-ZZZ IECUBE main units and requires matching socket sets such as YQSOCKET064SDN or NQPACK064SD-ND.

Key Specifications

Availability

QB-64GK-NQ-01T is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial control development, sensor node prototyping, and automotive body electronics requiring stable component supply for Renesas RL78-based toolchain integration.

Supply support for QB-64GK-NQ-01T 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 manufacturer headquartered in Tokyo, Japan, specializing in microcontrollers, analog, power management, and embedded solutions for automotive, industrial, and IoT applications.

QB-64GK-NQ-01T belongs to the IECUBE ecosystem for RL78 family MCUs and was designed to standardize physical debug interface interoperability across Renesas' 8-bit embedded development platforms.

FAQ

What is the primary function of QB-64GK-NQ-01T in an RL78 development setup?

QB-64GK-NQ-01T serves as a target-side NQ-series connector that bridges the Renesas IECUBE emulator to 64-pin LQFP-packaged RL78/G13 and RL78/G14 microcontrollers. It enables reliable SWD-based debugging and flash programming by providing mechanically keyed, gold-plated signal routing for SWDIO, SWCLK, RESET, VDD, and GND - ensuring repeatable connection without soldering or custom cabling. QB-64GK-NQ-01T is not active circuitry; it is a precision passive interface.

Which RL78 MCU packages and variants are compatible with QB-64GK-NQ-01T?

QB-64GK-NQ-01T is explicitly designated for RL78/G13 and RL78/G14 microcontrollers in 64-pin LQFP (10×10 mm) packages. It is not compatible with WQFN, FBGA, or SSOP variants. The "GK" in QB-64GK-NQ-01T refers to the RL78/G13/G14 product line designation, and the "NQ" suffix confirms its mechanical and electrical interface alignment with the NQ-series socket family (e.g., NQPACK064SD-ND). QB-64GK-NQ-01T does not support RL78/F1x or RL78/L1x families.

How does QB-64GK-NQ-01T differ from QB-64GB-NQ-01T or QB-64FA-NQ-01T?

QB-64GK-NQ-01T is functionally identical to QB-64GB-NQ-01T - both are NQ-series target connectors for 64-pin LQFP RL78 devices, and the datasheet notes "Product names in parentheses (QB-xxxxx) are previous codes… no differences in the product itself." QB-64FA-NQ-01T is also functionally equivalent but associated with RL78/G1A and RL78/G1F families; all three share the same mechanical interface, pinout, and signal mapping. QB-64GK-NQ-01T is the current marketing code for this NQ-64 LQFP interface.

Is QB-64GK-NQ-01T supplied with a socket or cable?

No, QB-64GK-NQ-01T is sold as a standalone target connector adapter. It must be used with a compatible socket set such as NQPACK064SD-ND (manufactured by Tokyo Eletech Corporation) or YQSOCKET064SDN. Renesas discontinued bundled IECUBE sets in May 2015, so users must procure QB-64GK-NQ-01T, the main IECUBE unit (e.g., QB-RL78G13-ZZZ), and socket separately. QB-64GK-NQ-01T does not include cables, mounting hardware, or power adapters.

Can QB-64GK-NQ-01T be used with non-Renesas debug tools like J-Link or ST-Link?

No - QB-64GK-NQ-01T is mechanically and electrically optimized for Renesas IECUBE systems and follows Renesas-specific pin assignments and keying. While it breaks out SWD signals, its physical layout, pin numbering, and housing geometry do not conform to ARM-standard 10-pin or 20-pin SWD headers. Using QB-64GK-NQ-01T with third-party debug probes would require custom adapter wiring and risk misalignment or signal damage due to incompatible keying and pitch tolerance.