Renesas R5F521A8BDFN#V0

Overview

R5F521A8BDFN#V0 from Renesas Electronics is a 50-MHz, 32-bit RX CPU-based microcontroller featuring integrated 24-bit ∆Σ A/D (7-channel, SNDR = 85 dB), 10-bit A/D (4-channel), dual 10-bit D/A, AES encryption (DEU), RTC with deep software standby wake-up, and IrDA support via SCI5. It targets precision industrial sensing and metering applications requiring high-resolution analog front-end performance and secure firmware execution.

For engineers reviewing the R5F521A8BDFN#V0 datasheet, R5F521A8BDFN#V0 pinout, R5F521A8BDFN#V0 application, or R5F521A8BDFN#V0 equivalent, this page delivers verified specifications, package mapping to PLQP0080KB-A (80-pin LQFP), validated pin functions, real-world use cases in energy metering and motor control, and two confirmed alternative parts with documented functional and packaging differences.

Technical Context

The R5F521A8BDFN#V0 implements the RXv1 core with CISC Harvard architecture, 5-stage pipeline, and 78 DMIPS at 50 MHz. Its memory protection unit (MPU), on-chip debugging (FINE interface), and IEC60730-compliant self-test features-including A/D disconnection detection and clock accuracy measurement (CAC)-support safety-critical embedded designs.

It integrates dual asynchronous communication stacks: five SCI channels (one shared with IrDA), two RIIC interfaces (400 kbps SMBus-compatible), and two RSPI controllers with 128-bit buffers. The ELC enables event-triggered peripheral operation without CPU intervention, while MPC allows flexible I/O pin assignment across 51 GPIOs.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

Package: PLQP0080KB-A - 80-pin LQFP, 12 × 12 mm body, 0.5-mm pitch, exposed pad not specified.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with R5F521A8BDFN#V0, R5F521A7BDFN#V0 reduces flash capacity without altering analog performance or package, while R5F521A8BDFP#V0 expands I/O and analog resources within the same functional family-enabling scalable hardware platforms across product tiers.

Availability

R5F521A8BDFN#V0 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial metering, motor control, smart grid monitoring, and medical diagnostics requiring stable component supply, long-term lifecycle assurance, and traceable sourcing.

Supply support for R5F521A8BDFN#V0 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 is a global semiconductor leader specializing in microcontrollers, analog, and power solutions for automotive, industrial, and IoT markets.

The RX21A Group is designed for high-precision industrial sensing and control, integrating metrology-grade ∆Σ A/D converters, security accelerators, and low-power RTC functionality into a single-chip solution for metering and diagnostic equipment.

FAQ

What is the maximum operating frequency and voltage range for the R5F521A8BDFN#V0?

The R5F521A8BDFN#V0 operates at up to 50 MHz when supplied with 2.7–3.6 V; at 1.8–2.6 V, max frequency is 25 MHz. Its 24-bit ∆Σ A/D converter requires ≥2.7 V for full specification compliance. This dual-voltage capability enables flexible power architecture design while maintaining metrology-grade analog performance.

Does the R5F521A8BDFN#V0 support hardware-based AES encryption?

Yes, the R5F521A8BDFN#V0 includes a dedicated Data Encryption Unit (DEU) supporting AES-128/192/256 in ECB and CBC modes. The DEU operates independently of the CPU, enabling secure firmware updates and encrypted sensor data logging in the 8-Kbyte data flash without exposing keys or plaintext in RAM.

How many analog input channels does the R5F521A8BDFN#V0 provide, and what are their types?

The R5F521A8BDFN#V0 provides seven 24-bit ∆Σ A/D channels (four differential + three single-ended) and four 10-bit SAR A/D channels. The ∆Σ channels support programmable gain (×1 to ×64) and factory-calibrated gain/impedance registers, while the 10-bit channels include self-diagnostic and disconnection detection for safety-critical monitoring.

What package type and pin count does the R5F521A8BDFN#V0 use?

The R5F521A8BDFN#V0 uses the PLQP0080KB-A package: an 80-pin LQFP with 12 × 12 mm body size and 0.5-mm pitch. This package supports 51 general-purpose I/O pins, including 47 with open-drain capability and 6 rated for 5-V tolerance - optimized for industrial board layouts with mixed-voltage interfaces.

Can the R5F521A8BDFN#V0 enter low-power modes while retaining RTC functionality?

Yes, the R5F521A8BDFN#V0 supports deep software standby mode where the CPU, flash, and most peripherals are disabled while the sub-clock-driven RTC remains fully operational. It can generate interrupts or initiate wake-up on alarm, periodic tick, or external event (RTCIC0–RTCIC2), with typical wake-up latency under 10 μs.