Renesas UPD78F1153GK-GAK-AX

Overview

UPD78F1153GK-GAK-AX from NEC Electronics (now Renesas) is a 16-bit single-chip microcontroller in the 78K0R/KF3 family, featuring on-chip Flash memory (128 KB), 8 KB RAM, and integrated peripherals including Timer Array Unit, UART, I²C, and 10-bit ADC. It operates at up to 20 MHz with 3.0–5.5 V supply and targets industrial control and embedded instrumentation.

For engineers reviewing the UPD78F1153GK-GAK-AX datasheet, UPD78F1153GK-GAK-AX pinout, UPD78F1153GK-GAK-AX application, or UPD78F1153GK-GAK-AX equivalent, key selection criteria include Flash endurance limitations after debug use, 100-pin LQFP package mapping, LIN-bus support on TAUn channel 7, and voltage tolerance for mixed-signal I/O interfacing.

Technical Context

The UPD78F1153GK-GAK-AX implements the 78K0R CPU core with 16-bit architecture, supporting 131 instructions and 4 addressing modes. Its clock system integrates four oscillators: X1 (1–20 MHz crystal), XT1 (32.768 kHz), internal high-speed (20 MHz ±2%), and internal low-speed (15 kHz), with programmable prescaler and dynamic switching between sources.

Peripherals include a 16-channel Timer Array Unit with LIN-bus waveform generation capability (channel 7 only), 8-channel 10-bit ADC with sample-and-hold, dual UARTs with LIN support, and I²C-compatible serial interface. All I/O ports are CMOS-compliant with configurable pull-up/pull-down and noise immunity design requirements per input threshold specs (VIL max = 0.3×VDD, VIH min = 0.7×VDD).

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

UPD78F1153GK-GAK-AX is housed in a 100-pin LQFP (14 mm × 14 mm, 0.5 mm pitch) package with exposed thermal pad. Pin functions include 88 general-purpose I/O lines across 15 ports (P0–P14), dedicated analog inputs (AVREF0/1, AVSS), reset (RESET), clock inputs (X1, XT1), power (VDD/EVDD, VSS/EVSS), and debug interface pins (FLMD0, REGC).

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar 16-bit microcontroller applications.

Compared with UPD78F1153GK-GAK-AX, R5F100PLAFP#30 offers higher ESD robustness and automotive qualification but requires new debug infrastructure, while UPD78F1144GA-GAM-AX provides identical pinout and toolchain compatibility at lower memory capacity-ideal for firmware-reduced variants of existing designs.

Availability

UPD78F1153GK-GAK-AX is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial motor control, automotive body electronics, medical diagnostic equipment, and energy metering systems requiring stable component supply and long-lifecycle support.

Supply support for UPD78F1153GK-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

NEC Electronics Corporation (now part of Renesas Electronics) was a leading Japanese semiconductor manufacturer specializing in microcontrollers, analog ICs, and display drivers before its 2010 merger.

The 78K0R/KF3 product line was designed for cost-effective, low-power embedded control in industrial and automotive subsystems, emphasizing on-chip debug capability and mixed-signal integration for sensor-rich applications.

FAQ

What is the maximum operating frequency of the UPD78F1153GK-GAK-AX?

The UPD78F1153GK-GAK-AX supports a maximum system clock frequency of 20 MHz. This can be achieved using the internal high-speed oscillator (20 MHz ±2%) or an external crystal connected to the X1/X2 pins. The CPU clock may be divided using the on-chip prescaler, and dynamic switching between clock sources is supported for power optimization. Actual performance depends on supply voltage (3.0–5.5 V) and ambient temperature range (−40°C to +85°C).

Does the UPD78F1153GK-GAK-AX support LIN bus communication?

Yes, the UPD78F1153GK-GAK-AX supports LIN bus physical layer communication through dedicated hardware in the Timer Array Unit-specifically channel 7. This channel generates compliant LIN 2.0/2.1 waveforms including sync field, PID, and checksum fields without CPU intervention. The feature requires proper configuration of TAUn registers and is independent of UART functionality, enabling concurrent LIN and serial communication.

What are the Flash memory limitations after using the on-chip debug function on the UPD78F1153GK-GAK-AX?

NEC explicitly warns that reliability of the UPD78F1153GK-GAK-AX cannot be guaranteed after on-chip debug use due to finite Flash rewrite endurance. The SuperFlash® technology used has a specified erase/write cycle limit, and debug operations consume these cycles. NEC does not accept liability for failures occurring post-debug use. For mass production, firmware should be finalized and debug disabled before deployment to preserve Flash longevity.

Which development tools are compatible with the UPD78F1153GK-GAK-AX?

The UPD78F1153GK-GAK-AX is supported by NEC's legacy toolchain: RA78K0R assembler, CC78K0R C compiler, ID78K0R-QB integrated debugger, and QB-MINI2 on-chip debug emulator. Hardware debugging requires connection to FLMD0 and REGC pins. While Renesas no longer actively develops tools for this generation, archived versions remain functional for maintenance of legacy systems using the UPD78F1153GK-GAK-AX.

What is the purpose of the REGC pin on the UPD78F1153GK-GAK-AX?

The REGC pin on the UPD78F1153GK-GAK-AX enables the internal voltage regulator for the on-chip debug circuitry. It must be driven high during debug sessions to power the debug logic and interface with emulators like QB-MINI2. In normal operation (no debug), REGC is left unconnected or pulled low. Failure to assert REGC during debug setup prevents emulator recognition and halts program download or breakpoint execution on the UPD78F1153GK-GAK-AX.