Renesas UPD75P0016CU-A

Overview

UPD75P0016CU-A from Renesas Electronics is a 4-bit single-chip microcontroller with one-time PROM (16384 × 8 bits), 512 × 4-bit RAM, and 34 I/O lines including 18 software-configurable CMOS I/Os with direct LED drive capability. It operates from 2.2 V to 5.5 V and supports main system clock frequencies up to 6.0 MHz for embedded control in industrial appliances and small-lot production systems.

For engineers reviewing the UPD75P0016CU-A datasheet, UPD75P0016CU-A pinout, UPD75P0016CU-A application, or UPD75P0016CU-A equivalent, key selection considerations include its 42-pin shrink DIP package, Mk I/Mk II mode switching via SBS register, 4-channel timer subsystem, and QTOP™-supported PROM programming for prototype validation against µPD750008-based designs.

Technical Context

The UPD75P0016CU-A implements a 4-bit CPU core with dual-mode operation (Mk I and Mk II), selectable via Stack Bank Selection (SBS) register bit 3. Its memory architecture includes 16384-byte PROM with write/verify support and 512 × 4-bit RAM banked across two memory banks.

It integrates four independent timers - an 8-bit timer/event counter (PTO0), an 8-bit timer counter (PTO1), a basic interval/watchdog timer (INTBT), and a watch timer (INTW) - alongside a 3-wire/2-wire serial interface with bit-sequential buffer (BSB), programmable clock output (PCL), and buzzer output (BUZ) with multiple frequency options.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

Package: 42-pin plastic shrink DIP (600 mil, 1.778-mm pitch); lead-free variant denoted by "-A" suffix. Pin 1 is P72/KR6 (top-left corner when notch faces up).

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar 4-bit microcontroller applications.

Compared with µPD750008GC-3BS-A and UPD75P0016GB-3BS-MTX-A, the UPD75P0016CU-A uniquely combines DIP package usability, user-programmable PROM, and industrial temperature range - making it optimal for lab validation, low-volume industrial controllers, and legacy system upgrades where through-hole assembly and firmware flexibility are mandatory.

Availability

UPD75P0016CU-A is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for home appliance control, industrial panel interfaces, small-lot medical devices, and legacy equipment retrofit requiring stable component supply and long-term manufacturability.

Supply support for UPD75P0016CU-A 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 Japanese semiconductor manufacturer specializing in microcontrollers, analog, and power devices for industrial, automotive, and consumer applications.

The µPD75P0016CU-A belongs to Renesas' legacy 4-bit single-chip microcontroller family designed for cost-sensitive, low-complexity embedded control in appliances, instrumentation, and industrial equipment where reliability and long product life are essential.

FAQ

What is the primary purpose of the VPP pin on the UPD75P0016CU-A?

The VPP pin on the UPD75P0016CU-A supplies +12.5 V exclusively during PROM write and verify operations. In normal operation, it must be directly connected to VDD; failure to do so prevents proper CPU functionality. This dedicated programming voltage enables one-time firmware loading while isolating the core logic from high-voltage stress during development.

How does the Mk I / Mk II mode selection affect firmware compatibility for the UPD75P0016CU-A?

The Mk I / Mk II mode selection in the UPD75P0016CU-A determines program counter width and stack usage: Mk I uses 14-bit PC and 2-byte stack frames, matching µPD750008 behavior, while Mk II extends PC addressing and uses 3-byte stacks. Firmware compiled for µPD750008 must run in Mk I mode; Mk II mode enables larger code spaces but requires recompilation and impacts RAM utilization.

Can the UPD75P0016CU-A drive LEDs directly, and which pins support this function?

Yes, the UPD75P0016CU-A supports direct LED drive on 18 CMOS I/O pins (PORT0–PORT8) with software-configurable on-chip pull-up resistors, and on 8 N-ch open-drain pins (PORT4/PORT5) rated for 13 V. This allows sinking current from common-anode LED arrays or sourcing into common-cathode configurations without external drivers - simplifying front-panel indicator design.

What clock sources does the UPD75P0016CU-A support, and how are they configured?

The UPD75P0016CU-A supports two independent clock domains: a main system clock (X1/X2, up to 6.0 MHz ceramic/crystal) and a subsystem clock (XT1/XT2, 32.768 kHz crystal). The main clock drives CPU execution and timers; the subsystem clock powers the watch timer and STOP/HALT mode. XT1 can also serve as a test input when the subsystem oscillator is disabled.

Is the UPD75P0016CU-A RoHS compliant, and what does the "-A" suffix signify?

Yes, the UPD75P0016CU-A is RoHS compliant. The "-A" suffix explicitly denotes a lead-free product per EU RoHS Directive requirements, with solderability and thermal profile validated for standard reflow processes. This designation applies only to the CU-A variant; non-"-A" versions (e.g., UPD75P0016CU) contain leaded terminations.