Renesas R5F21238DFP#U0

Overview

R5F21238DFP from Renesas Electronics is a 16-bit R8C/23 Group microcontroller with 64 KB flash program memory, 3 KB RAM, and dual 1 KB data flash blocks. It integrates a CAN 2.0B module (16-slot mailbox), 12-channel 10-bit ADC, hardware LIN interface, UARTs, I²C, and timers including 16-bit Timer RD (2 channels) and 8-bit Timer RA/RB/RE. It operates at up to 20 MHz (50 ns min instruction time) across -40°C to +85°C in a 48-pin LQFP package for automotive and industrial networking applications.

For engineers reviewing the R5F21238DFP datasheet, R5F21238DFP pinout, R5F21238DFP application, or R5F21238DFP equivalent, key selection criteria include CAN 2.0B compliance, embedded data flash endurance (10,000 write/erase cycles), 12-channel analog input capability, single-chip operation with on-chip oscillators, and support for LIN bus via Timer RA + UART0.

Technical Context

The R5F21238DFP implements the R8C CPU core with 89 fundamental instructions and a 1 Mbyte unified address space. Its peripheral set includes two independent UARTs (UART0 with LIN support, UART1), dual clock-synchronous serial interfaces, and an I²C bus interface-each configurable as master or slave. The CAN module supports full 2.0B functionality with message filtering, automatic retransmission, and error confinement.

Memory architecture separates 64 KB program flash (with 1,000-cycle endurance) from two 1 KB data flash blocks (10,000-cycle endurance), enabling reliable parameter storage without external EEPROM. Power management includes high-speed/low-speed on-chip oscillators with frequency adjustment, XIN/XOUT crystal support, oscillation stop detection, and on-chip voltage detection with power-on reset.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

Package: 48-pin plastic LQFP (PLQP0048KB-A), 7 mm × 7 mm body, 0.5 mm pin pitch, RoHS-compliant.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with R5F21238JFP (same spec, alternate suffix) and R5F21238KFP (extended temp), the R5F21238DFP delivers optimal cost-performance for interior automotive and industrial CAN nodes operating within standard commercial temperature limits.

Availability

R5F21238DFP is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive body electronics, industrial CAN gateways, and motor drive monitoring systems requiring stable component supply and long-term lifecycle support.

Supply support for R5F21238DFP 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 formed in 2010 through the merger of NEC Electronics and Renesas Technology, specializing in microcontrollers, analog, and power solutions.

The R8C/23 Group, including R5F21238DFP, was designed for cost-sensitive automotive and industrial networking applications requiring integrated CAN, LIN, and analog interfaces in compact LQFP packages.

FAQ

What is the maximum operating frequency and corresponding supply voltage range for R5F21238DFP?

The R5F21238DFP supports a maximum operating frequency of 20 MHz at a supply voltage of 3.0–5.5 V. At 10 MHz, it operates down to 2.7 V. This allows flexible power supply design across automotive battery (12 V nominal) and industrial 3.3 V/5 V rails while maintaining deterministic timing performance.

Does R5F21238DFP include on-chip debug support, and what interface is used?

Yes, the R5F21238DFP includes on-chip debug support via the Renesas E8/E8a emulator interface. Debug access uses the dedicated MODE, RESET, and XIN/XOUT pins - no additional debug port pins are required, preserving all 48 I/O for application use during development and field updates.

How many CAN message buffers does R5F21238DFP support, and are they configurable?

The R5F21238DFP CAN module supports 16 fixed-size message buffers (mailboxes) compliant with CAN 2.0B. Each buffer is individually configurable for ID masking, acceptance filtering, and transmit/receive direction, enabling efficient handling of mixed-standard (11-bit and 29-bit) messages in automotive networks.

What is the endurance rating of the data flash in R5F21238DFP, and how is it organized?

The R5F21238DFP contains two independent 1 KB data flash blocks, each rated for 10,000 write/erase cycles. These blocks are mapped to addresses 02400h–027FFh and 02800h–02BFFh, allowing wear-leveling across separate parameter sets such as calibration data and event logs without external EEPROM.

Can R5F21238DFP operate without an external crystal, and what clock sources are available?

Yes, the R5F21238DFP can operate without an external crystal using its on-chip high-speed oscillator (adjustable 1–20 MHz) or low-speed oscillator (typically 125 kHz). External crystal (XIN/XOUT) and externally driven clock input (XIN only) are also supported, giving designers flexibility for cost, size, and accuracy requirements in R5F21238DFP-based systems.