The RA8M1 MCU is the industry's first 32-bit general-purpose microcontroller (MCU) based on the Arm Cortex-M85 (CM85) core. Here we introduce 2 solutions based on RA8M1: Smart Glasses and Smart Floor Sweeper.
RA8M1 Main Features
- 480MHz Arm Cortex-M85 over 3000 CoreMark scores
- Equipped with Helium MVE, 4x DSP/ML performance & 30% scalar performance increase compared to Cortex-M7
- 1MB ~ 2MB Flash and 1MB SRAM including TCM
- 8/16/32-bit external memory interface (CS/SDRAM)
- 16-bit CEU Camera I/F
- Rich connectivity, excellent analog functionality and information security feature support
- Scalable from 100-pin to 224-pin packages
RA8M1 Block Diagram
Solution 1: Smart Glasses
Smart glasses are an extension of the IoT system that can realize a variety of IoT functions directly on the glasses themselves. The system utilizes the machine learning capabilities of the Arm Cortex-M85 in the RA8M1 for efficient audio and image processing at the edge. A range of functions are available, including taking photos, playing music, making phone calls, voice commands and hazard alerts, which can quickly identify potential hazards and trigger alerts through the speaker.
System block diagram:
System Benefits
- Edge machine learning capabilities
- Arm Trust Zone protection with secure OTA support
- Active noise-canceling audio system with two microphone beamforming to ensure clear audio in noisy environments
- Low-power wireless communications
- Low quiescent current power system for extended battery life
- Waterproof system with no external connectors
- Wireless charging
- OTA support
Option 2: Intelligent Sweeping Robot
Smart Sweeper Robot is an intelligent and autonomous cleaning device designed to clean floors and carpets without human intervention. It is equipped with smart connectivity features such as environment mapping, fall prevention, obstacle detection, climbing and automatic charging. Synchronized Localization and Mapping (SLAM) using a Laser Distance Sensor (LDS) located on top of its body. Additionally, its bumper and infrared sensors help detect and avoid obstacles in its path. Assisted control can be achieved through mobile apps or voice assistants.
System block diagram
System Benefits
- Powerful Arm Cortex-M85 core with AI/ML capabilities
- Multi-axis motor drive support via HVPAK SLG47105
- Object detection and time-of-flight (ToF) for distance detection
- Visual Simultaneous Localization and Mapping (VSLAM) or LiDAR technology for building virtual maps of rooms
- General-purpose motor control IC for three-phase DC brushless motor applications
- Certified modules for smartphone/Wi-Fi connectivity
RA8D1
The Renesas RA8 MCU family is the industry's first 32-bit general-purpose microcontroller (MCU) based on the Arm Cortex-M85 (CM85) core.
Suitable for graphics and HMI applications, the RA8D1 product group integrates a high-performance CM85 core and high-capacity memory, as well as a rich set of peripherals including a high-resolution TFT-LCD controller with parallel RGB and MIPI-DSI interfaces, a 2D graphics engine, a 16-bit camera interface, and multiple external memory interfaces to meet the needs of graphics and vision AI applications. Successful solutions for off-road GPS guidance system and high efficiency 7kW+ smart heat pump system are as follows:
RA8D1 Key Features:
- 480MHz Arm Cortex-M85 over 3000 CoreMark scores
- Equipped with Helium MVE, 4X DSP/ML performance & 30% scalar performance increase compared to Cortex-M7
- 1MB ~ 2MB Flash and 1MB SRAM including TCM
- 8/16/32-bit external bus with external SDRAM and FPGA support
- Graphics LCD controller with RGB and MIPI-DSI I/F, supports WXGA (1280X800)
- 2D graphics engine, support graphics creation, rotation, stacking, color conversion, texturing and rendering, etc.
- 16-bit CEU camera I/F, up to 500M pixels
- Rich connectivity, excellent analog functionality and information security feature support
- Scalable from 176-pin package to 224-pin package
RA8D1 Block Diagram
Solution 1: Off-road GPS Guidance System
High precision GPS/GNSS systems provide accurate navigation and automation for moving industrial machinery in off-road environments. This off-road GPS guidance system ensures accurate tracking of off-road vehicles and supports efficient rescue and recovery operations. The system utilizes the high computing power of the Arm Cortex-M85 in the RA8D1, the 16-bit CEU camera I/F on board to connect to the camera, the TFT-LCD interface to connect to the display, as well as a wealth of peripheral interfaces, and the excellent analog performance to meet the data transmission and signal acquisition requirements.
System Block Diagram
System Advantages
- Accurate tracking
- Personal authentication function to ensure equipment security
- Carbon monoxide, temperature and humidity sensors for in-vehicle safety monitoring and comfort
- Ability to report unauthorized mobile NB-IoT Cells
Option 2: High Efficiency 7kW + Smart Heat Pumps
Heat pumps represent the most energy-efficient and environmentally friendly heating and cooling design for many applications. A heat pump can achieve energy efficiency levels of up to 400% through a Carnot process that facilitates energy transfer.
The system incorporates a comprehensive range of high-power synchronous/BLDC motors to drive the air-to-water heat pump fan and compressor motors. In addition, it includs a powerful and versatile energy management control unit (RA8D1) with embedded AI processing power, multiple wireless connectivity options, HMI and environmental sensors. These features enable intelligent control and predictive maintenance functions, making our heat pumps an efficient and intelligent design for both heating and cooling needs.
System Block Diagram
System Benefits:
- Complete heat pump outdoor unit
- Fully integrated, high-performance and cost-optimized dual motor control system for precise RPM/torque control of compressor and fan with optional AI/ML enhancements
- Pressure sensors in the heating/cooling refrigerant to optimize the process and shut down in case of low pressures
- Various optional value-added features such as air quality sensors for O3/NO2, temperature and humidity
- Rich connectivity:
• Wi-Fi, BT and optional LTE-M/NB-IoT for IoT communication
• External control unit that can exchange parameters with the heat pump or via digital I/O, CAN bus, USB2.0 I/F, Bluetooth
• Ethernet I/F, Wi-Fi and LTE-M/NB-IoT I/F for cloud connectivity.
• High-end GUI with MIPI DSI interface
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