Renesas RZ/T2H: The Latest Innovation for Industrial Automation

Jakarta, INTI - Renesas Electronics Corporation, a global leader in semiconductor solutions, has introduced its latest innovation, the RZ/T2H microprocessor (MPU). This high-performance MPU is designed to deliver robust application processing and fast real-time control, offering groundbreaking capabilities for industrial applications, particularly in the precise and high-speed control of industrial robot motors across up to nine axes.

The launch of the RZ/T2H marks a significant milestone in addressing the growing demand for advanced automation technologies in the industrial sector. As manufacturers increasingly adopt automation solutions, such as articulated robots and industrial control equipment, to cope with a shrinking workforce, the RZ/T2H emerges as a pivotal tool for streamlining these processes.

Key Features of the RZ/T2H

The RZ/T2H MPU integrates a range of advanced functionalities and performance capabilities, traditionally requiring multiple hardware components or a combination of field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs). By consolidating these features into a single chip, the RZ/T2H offers significant savings in development time, costs, and component requirements.

1. Superior Processing Performance

At the heart of the RZ/T2H are four application CPUs based on the Arm Cortex-A55 architecture, operating at a maximum frequency of 1.2 GHz. These cores provide exceptional computational power for handling complex industrial tasks. The MPU also supports external memory, including LPDDR4-3200-bit SDRAM, ensuring seamless data processing for demanding applications.

For real-time tasks, the MPU incorporates dual Cortex-R52 CPUs operating at up to 1 GHz, each equipped with 576 KB of tightly coupled memory (TCM). This configuration allows for the execution of Linux applications, robot trajectory generation, and programmable logic controller (PLC) sequencing on a single chip, without compromising on speed or accuracy.

2. Multi-Axis Motor Control

The RZ/T2H’s standout feature is its ability to control up to nine motor axes simultaneously. Equipped with advanced technologies such as three-phase PWM timers, delta-sigma interfaces for current measurement, and support for encoder interfaces like A-format, EnDat, BiSS, and Hyperface DSL, the MPU ensures unparalleled precision in motion control.

This capability makes it ideal for applications requiring high-speed, high-accuracy motor control, such as robotic arms in manufacturing or assembly lines.

3. Industrial Ethernet Support

The MPU includes four Ethernet ports, three Gigabit Ethernet MACs (GMACs), and an integrated Ethernet switch. It supports a wide range of industrial communication protocols, including EtherCAT, PROFINET, OPC UA, and next-generation Time-Sensitive Networking (TSN) standards.

This extensive networking support enables the RZ/T2H to accommodate various industrial Ethernet controllers and devices, enhancing its adaptability to diverse control system requirements.

Renesas' Statement on the RZ/T2H

Daryl Khoo, Vice President of the 1st Embedded Processing Business Division at Renesas, emphasized the significance of the RZ/T2H in advancing industrial automation:
"Building on the success of our RZ/T2M and RZ/T2L processors, the RZ/T2H offers our industrial customers a seamless way to leverage their existing design assets while addressing more innovative and demanding industrial motor control and Linux-based applications. The ability to implement nine-axis motor control on a single chip has been particularly impressive to our customers."

Comprehensive Hardware and Software Solutions

Renesas complements the RZ/T2H with a suite of hardware and software tools, making it easier for developers to design and implement advanced industrial systems.

• Flexible Software Package (FSP): Like all Renesas MPUs, the RZ/T2H comes with FSP and a Linux package with long-term support for enhanced system stability and security.
• Multi-Axis Evaluation Systems: Developers can utilize ready-to-use tools, including inverter boards for nine-axis motor control, multi-axis motor control software packages, and the Motion Utility Tool.
• Industrial Ethernet Protocols: Renesas provides sample Ethernet industrial protocols and PLC software packages to kickstart system development.

Integrated Solutions for Faster Time-to-Market

Renesas also offers a complete solution called “Nine-Axis Industrial Motor Control with Ethernet,” combining the RZ/T2H with compatible devices such as the RV1S9231A IGBT Drive Photocoupler and the RV1S9353A Delta-Sigma Modulator. This comprehensive approach ensures optimized, low-risk designs that can be brought to market more rapidly.

Long-Term Support for Industrial Applications

Understanding the extended lifecycle requirements of industrial equipment, Renesas has incorporated the RZ/T2H into its Product Longevity Program (PLP). This program ensures long-term availability and support, making it an ideal choice for mission-critical applications.

Looking ahead, Renesas plans to release a smaller version of the RZ/T2H, known as the RZ/N2H, in the first quarter of 2025. This new model will deliver the same high performance in a more compact package, targeting industrial controllers such as PLCs and motion controllers.

Applications and Market Impact

The RZ/T2H is poised to revolutionize automation in various sectors:

1. Manufacturing: Enables precise control of robotic systems in assembly lines, improving efficiency and reducing downtime.
2. Energy and Utilities: Facilitates advanced control in distributed control systems (DCS) for power grids.
3. Automotive: Supports high-speed data processing in autonomous vehicle manufacturing.
4. IoT and Infrastructure: Enhances connectivity and real-time processing for smart city and industrial IoT applications.

The Renesas RZ/T2H represents a game-changing advancement in industrial automation, combining robust performance, multi-axis motor control, and extensive network support into a single, efficient chip. With its comprehensive ecosystem of hardware and software, the RZ/T2H simplifies system design, reduces costs, and accelerates time-to-market for manufacturers.

By addressing the increasing demand for automation in manufacturing and beyond, Renesas solidifies its position as a leader in semiconductor innovation, paving the way for smarter, more efficient industrial systems.