Renesas UPD78F0544AGK-GAK-AX

Overview

UPD78F0544AGK-GAK-AX from Renesas Electronics is an 8-bit single-chip microcontroller in the 78K0/KF2 family, featuring 64 KB on-chip flash memory, 4 KB RAM, and a 16-bit timer/counter with PWM output capability. It operates at up to 20 MHz using an external crystal (1–20 MHz) or internal high-speed oscillator (16 MHz), supports 5V operation, and integrates UART, I²C, and 10-bit ADC with 12 input channels. It is used in industrial control panels requiring deterministic real-time response and firmware-upgradable logic.

For engineers reviewing the UPD78F0544AGK-GAK-AX datasheet, UPD78F0544AGK-GAK-AX pinout, UPD78F0544AGK-GAK-AX application, or UPD78F0544AGK-GAK-AX equivalent, key selection criteria include flash endurance (100,000 write/erase cycles), ADC conversion time (1.2 μs typical), interrupt latency (2–4 cycles), and support for in-application programming via on-chip self-programming library.

Technical Context

The UPD78F0544AGK-GAK-AX implements the 78K0 CPU core with 16-bit ALU, 8-bit data bus, and Harvard architecture. It uses a 3-stage pipeline for instruction execution and supports both mask ROM and flash variants - this part is flash-based with boot swap functionality for safe firmware updates.

Its peripheral set includes three 16-bit timers (T0–T2), one watchdog timer, serial interface (UART/I²C), and a 10-bit successive-approximation ADC with sample-and-hold. The device supports multiple clock sources: X1 crystal (1–20 MHz), internal high-speed oscillator (16 MHz ±2%), and sub-clock (32.768 kHz) for RTC functions.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

This device is housed in a 80-pin LQFP package (12 mm × 12 mm, 0.5 mm pitch) with exposed thermal pad for enhanced heat dissipation in industrial ambient conditions.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with UPD78F0544AGK-GAK-AX, R5F104PJAFB#30 offers superior energy efficiency and LIN support but sacrifices 5V tolerance and I/O count; STM8S208MBT6 delivers higher flash density and ADC speed but lacks native EEPROM emulation and requires external circuitry for 5V interfacing.

Availability

UPD78F0544AGK-GAK-AX is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial HMI panels, smart power meters, and factory automation sensors requiring stable component supply across long-lifecycle production programs.

Supply support for UPD78F0544AGK-GAK-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, power, and SoC solutions for industrial, automotive, and infrastructure markets.

The 78K0/KF2 product line was designed for cost-sensitive, high-reliability 5V embedded control applications where deterministic real-time performance, field-upgradability, and long-term supply stability are critical.

FAQ

What is the maximum operating frequency of the UPD78F0544AGK-GAK-AX?

The UPD78F0544AGK-GAK-AX supports a maximum system clock frequency of 20 MHz when using an external crystal oscillator (X1) in the 1–20 MHz range. With the internal high-speed oscillator enabled, it runs at a fixed 16 MHz (±2% accuracy). Both clock sources are selectable via system control registers, and the device maintains full functionality-including ADC timing and timer resolution-at either frequency.

Does the UPD78F0544AGK-GAK-AX support in-system programming (ISP)?

Yes, the UPD78F0544AGK-GAK-AX supports in-application programming (IAP) through its on-chip self-programming library, enabling firmware updates while the device remains powered and operational. This capability is implemented without external hardware programmers and relies on the internal flash controller and protected memory regions. The UPD78F0544AGK-GAK-AX must be configured with appropriate security settings and boot swap partitioning to ensure safe, atomic updates.

How many analog input channels does the UPD78F0544AGK-GAK-AX ADC support?

The UPD78F0544AGK-GAK-AX integrates a 10-bit successive-approximation ADC with 12 dedicated analog input channels mapped across ports P2 and P12. These channels can be selected via the ADPC register, and the ADC supports both single-conversion and continuous-scan modes. Conversion time is typically 1.2 μs per sample at 20 MHz system clock, and the reference voltage is configurable between AVREF pin or internal 2.5 V source.

What debug interface does the UPD78F0544AGK-GAK-AX use?

The UPD78F0544AGK-GAK-AX uses a single-wire on-chip debug (SWD) interface compliant with Renesas' QB-MINI2 and QB-78K0KX2 emulators. This interface supports full breakpoint control, register inspection, memory read/write, and real-time trace via the on-chip debug module. No external debug header is required - only two pins (CLK and DATA) plus VDD and VSS are needed for connection, simplifying PCB layout and reducing BOM cost.

Is the UPD78F0544AGK-GAK-AX qualified for automotive applications?

No, the UPD78F0544AGK-GAK-AX is classified as a Standard-grade Renesas product intended for industrial, office, and consumer equipment - not automotive or safety-critical systems. Its quality grade does not meet AEC-Q100 requirements, and it lacks automotive-specific features such as extended temperature range (−40°C to +125°C), enhanced ESD immunity, or fault-tolerant peripherals. For automotive use, Renesas recommends RL78/F1x or RH850 families instead of the UPD78F0544AGK-GAK-AX.