Renesas UPD78F0521AGB-GAG-AX

Overview

UPD78F0521AGB-GAG-AX from Renesas Electronics is an 8-bit single-chip microcontroller in the 78K0/KD2 family, featuring 64 KB on-chip flash memory, 4 KB RAM, and a 16-bit timer/counter with capture/compare functionality. It operates at up to 20 MHz CPU clock (with 1x or 2x system clock multiplier), supports 10-bit A/D conversion across 16 channels, and includes UART, I²C, and CSI serial interfaces. It is used in industrial control panels requiring deterministic real-time response and low-power operation.

For engineers reviewing the UPD78F0521AGB-GAG-AX datasheet, UPD78F0521AGB-GAG-AX pinout, UPD78F0521AGB-GAG-AX application, or UPD78F0521AGB-GAG-AX equivalent, key selection criteria include flash endurance (100,000 erase/write cycles), A/D conversion time (1.2 μs typical), operating voltage range (2.7–5.5 V), and support for on-chip debug via single-wire interface.

Technical Context

The UPD78F0521AGB-GAG-AX implements the 78K0 CPU core with 16-bit ALU, 8-bit instruction set, and Harvard architecture. It integrates a programmable watchdog timer, power-on reset circuit, and low-voltage detection (LVD) with interrupt capability. The device uses a 32-pin LQFP package with dedicated pins for external crystal (X1/X2), reset (RES), and voltage regulation (REGC).

Peripheral resources include four 16-bit timers (two with input capture/output compare), one 8-bit reload timer, and a 10-bit A/D converter with internal reference voltage (AVREF). Serial communication is handled by one UART channel, one I²C bus interface, and one CSI interface supporting master/slave modes.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

The UPD78F0521AGB-GAG-AX is housed in a 32-pin LQFP (7 mm × 7 mm, 0.8 mm pitch) package with exposed thermal pad. Pin functions are defined per Renesas Hardware User's Manual Rev.4.01 (Section 2.1.3 and 2.2).

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar 8-bit microcontroller applications.

Compared with UPD78F0521AGB-GAG-AX, R5F100LEAFB#30 offers superior low-power performance but sacrifices A/D channel count and on-chip regulator support, while UPD78F0522AGB-GAG-AX provides seamless scalability within the same footprint and toolchain.

Availability

UPD78F0521AGB-GAG-AX is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial motor control, smart sensor nodes, and PLC I/O modules requiring stable component supply, long-term lifecycle assurance, and traceable sourcing.

Supply support for UPD78F0521AGB-GAG-AX 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 infrastructure markets.

The 78K0/KD2 product line delivers cost-optimized 8-bit MCUs targeting industrial automation, home appliances, and building control systems with emphasis on real-time determinism, analog integration, and legacy ecosystem compatibility.

FAQ

What is the maximum operating frequency of the UPD78F0521AGB-GAG-AX?

The UPD78F0521AGB-GAG-AX supports a maximum CPU clock frequency of 20 MHz, achieved using either a 1x or 2x system clock multiplier with an external crystal (X1) ranging from 1 to 20 MHz. This yields up to 20 MIPS performance, verified in Renesas Hardware User's Manual Rev.4.01 Section 1.1.3. The device maintains full peripheral functionality-including UART baud rate generation and A/D timing-at this speed.

Does the UPD78F0521AGB-GAG-AX support in-system programming?

Yes, the UPD78F0521AGB-GAG-AX supports in-system programming via its on-chip flash memory and integrated self-programming library. Renesas provides the Flash Memory Self Programming User's Manual (U17516E) detailing how to execute erase/write operations from application code. The device guarantees 100,000 erase/write cycles and 20-year data retention under specified operating conditions.

What are the power supply requirements for the UPD78F0521AGB-GAG-AX?

The UPD78F0521AGB-GAG-AX requires two separate power domains: VDD/EVDD (2.7–5.5 V) for digital and analog circuitry, and corresponding VSS/EVSS grounds. A 1.0 μF capacitor must be connected to the REGC pin to stabilize the internal voltage regulator. The device draws 5.5 mA typical at 20 MHz/5 V and drops to 1.2 μA in STOP mode, as specified in the Electrical Characteristics section of the Hardware User's Manual.

How many A/D input channels does the UPD78F0521AGB-GAG-AX have?

The UPD78F0521AGB-GAG-AX features a 10-bit successive-approximation A/D converter with 16 selectable input channels. These channels are mapped across ports P0 through P4 and include dedicated analog inputs (AN0–AN15). Conversion time is 1.2 μs typical at 20 MHz system clock, enabling high-speed sampling for motor current sensing and sensor fusion applications.

Is the UPD78F0521AGB-GAG-AX pin-compatible with other 78K0/KD2 family members?

Yes, the UPD78F0521AGB-GAG-AX shares the same 32-pin LQFP package and pin assignment with other 78K0/KD2 variants including UPD78F0522AGB-GAG-AX and UPD78F0523AGB-GAG-AX. Pin functions for VDD, VSS, X1, X2, RESET, REGC, and all port pins are identical across this subgroup, enabling hardware reuse and migration paths within the family.