Renesas UPD78F0581GA-GAM-AX

Overview

UPD78F0581GA-GAM-AX from Renesas Electronics is an 8-bit single-chip microcontroller in the 78K0/KC2-L 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 internal high-speed oscillator or external crystal, supports I²C and UART interfaces, and targets embedded control in industrial sensors and motor drive modules.

For engineers reviewing the UPD78F0581GA-GAM-AX datasheet, UPD78F0581GA-GAM-AX pinout, UPD78F0581GA-GAM-AX application, or UPD78F0581GA-GAM-AX equivalent, key selection criteria include Flash endurance (100,000 write/erase cycles), operating voltage range (2.7–5.5 V), integrated voltage regulator (V_REG output), and support for low-power stop modes with wake-up via external interrupt or RTC alarm.

Technical Context

The UPD78F0581GA-GAM-AX implements the 78K0 CPU core with 16-bit address space and 8-bit data path, executing instructions in 1–4 clock cycles. It integrates a programmable 8-bit watchdog timer, 10-bit ADC with 16 input channels, and a 16-bit real-time clock (RTC) with calendar function and backup register retention.

Its clock system includes selectable oscillators: X1 (1–20 MHz crystal), XT1 (32.768 kHz tuning-fork crystal), and internal high-speed RC oscillator (8 MHz ±2%). Power management supports HALT, STOP, and SNOOZE modes with sub-μA current draw in STOP mode when V_REG is disabled.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

UPD78F0581GA-GAM-AX is housed in a 64-pin LQFP package (10 mm × 10 mm, 0.5 mm pitch) with exposed thermal pad. Pin assignments are defined per Renesas Hardware User's Manual Rev.4.00 Section 1.3.4 and validated for KC2-L series.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with UPD78F0581GA-GAM-AX, R5F104PJAFB#30 offers higher code density and LIN support but requires external RTC and voltage regulation, while UPD78F0533GA-GAM-AX shares identical packaging and peripheral compatibility but halves Flash/RAM capacity and omits the on-chip regulator-making it suitable only where memory and integrated power are not critical.

Availability

UPD78F0581GA-GAM-AX is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial sensor nodes, BLDC motor controllers, and smart meter interface modules requiring stable component supply, long-term lifecycle support, and RoHS-compliant packaging.

Supply support for UPD78F0581GA-GAM-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 global semiconductor manufacturer headquartered in Japan, specializing in microcontrollers, analog, power, and SoC solutions for industrial, automotive, and infrastructure markets.

The 78K0/KC2-L product line delivers cost-optimized 8-bit MCUs with enhanced analog integration and ultra-low-power operation for resource-constrained embedded control applications such as appliance subsystems and sensor edge nodes.

FAQ

What is the maximum operating frequency of the UPD78F0581GA-GAM-AX?

The UPD78F0581GA-GAM-AX supports a maximum system clock frequency of 20 MHz when using the X1 oscillator with an external crystal or ceramic resonator. The internal high-speed RC oscillator operates at 8 MHz (±2%) and can be used for less timing-critical applications or as a fail-safe clock source. Frequency selection is configured via the system clock control register (CKC), and all peripherals scale accordingly with the selected clock source.

Does the UPD78F0581GA-GAM-AX include a hardware real-time clock (RTC)?

Yes, the UPD78F0581GA-GAM-AX integrates a 16-bit real-time clock with full calendar functionality (year/month/day/hour/minute/second), programmable alarm, and dedicated backup registers. It operates independently using the XT1 32.768 kHz crystal input and retains timekeeping during STOP mode when powered by V_BACK, enabling precise timestamping without host MCU intervention.

Can the UPD78F0581GA-GAM-AX perform in-system programming of its Flash memory?

Yes, the UPD78F0581GA-GAM-AX supports full in-system programming (ISP) of its 64 KB Flash memory using the on-chip boot ROM and standard UART interface. Renesas provides the Flash development toolkit and self-programming library (Type 01) that enables secure firmware updates, sector erasure, and byte-level writes without removing the device from the target board.

What power supply configurations does the UPD78F0581GA-GAM-AX support?

The UPD78F0581GA-GAM-AX operates from a single 2.7–5.5 V supply applied to VDD pins. It includes an integrated voltage regulator (V_REG) that outputs a stable 3.3 V for external circuitry, configurable via software control. For low-power operation, V_REG can be disabled in STOP mode to reduce quiescent current to ≤0.35 μA while maintaining RTC and RAM retention via V_BACK.

Is the UPD78F0581GA-GAM-AX pin-compatible with other 78K0/KC2-L devices?

Yes, the UPD78F0581GA-GAM-AX shares the same 64-pin LQFP package and pin assignment with other members of the 78K0/KC2-L family, including UPD78F0582, UPD78F0583, and UPD78F0586. This enables direct substitution within the same footprint when memory size, peripheral enablement, or Flash configuration aligns with design requirements-subject to verification of individual variant specifications in the Renesas Hardware User's Manual.