Renesas Electronics Corporation has introduced the RA8P1 microcontroller (MCU) group, setting a new benchmark for AI and machine learning (ML) applications, as well as real-time analytics. Combining a 1GHz Arm Cortex-M85 core, an optional 250MHz Cortex-M33 core, and an Arm Ethos-U55 Neural Processing Unit (NPU), the RA8P1 delivers exceptional performance for edge and endpoint AI applications in automotive, industrial, and IoT sectors.
RA8P1 MCU achieves over 7300 CoreMarks and 256 GOPS at 500 MHz for AI tasks.
Arm Ethos-U55 NPU supports up to 35x faster neural network inferences.
Built on TSMC’s 22nm ULL process with MRAM for low power and high endurance.
Supports vision and voice AI with dedicated camera and audio interfaces.
RUHMI framework simplifies AI model deployment with TensorFlow, PyTorch, ONNX.
Advanced security features ensure data privacy for critical applications.
The RA8P1 MCU group is optimized for edge AI, leveraging the Arm Ethos-U55 NPU to offload compute-intensive tasks in Convolutional and Recurrent Neural Networks (CNNs and RNNs). With up to 256 MACs per cycle, it delivers 256 GOPS at 500 MHz, enabling up to 35x faster inferences compared to the Cortex-M85 alone. Supported networks include DS-CNN, ResNet, Mobilenet, and TinyYolo, making it ideal for vision, voice, and real-time analytics applications. Daryl Khoo, Vice President of Embedded Processing Marketing Division at Renesas, says: “There is explosive growth in demand for high-performance edge AIoT applications. We are thrilled to introduce what we believe are the best MCUs to address this trend. The RA8P1 devices showcase our technology and market expertise and highlight the strong partnerships we have built across the industry.”
Manufactured on TSMC’s 22nm ultra-low leakage (ULL) process, the RA8P1 combines high performance with low power consumption. It features embedded Magnetoresistive RAM (MRAM) with 1MB or 512KB capacity, offering faster write speeds and higher endurance than traditional Flash. Additional memory includes 2MB SRAM with ECC protection and optional 4MB or 8MB external Flash in SIP packages. Chien-Hsin Lee, Senior Director at TSMC, says: “It is gratifying to see Renesas harness the performance and reliability of TSMC 22ULL embedded MRAM technology to deliver outstanding results for its RA8P1 devices.” The MCU supports peripherals like a 16-bit camera interface (CEU) for up to 5MP sensors, MIPI CSI-2, and audio interfaces (I2S, PDM), tailored for vision and voice AI applications.
Renesas introduces the Renesas Unified Heterogeneous Model Integration (RUHMI) framework, streamlining AI deployment across MCUs and MPUs. RUHMI supports TensorFlow Lite, PyTorch, and ONNX, enabling model optimization, quantization, and efficient code generation. Integrated with Renesas’ e2 Studio IDE, it includes pre-trained models and application examples for RA8P1, accelerating development for applications like driver monitoring and surveillance cameras. Paul Williamson, Senior Vice President at Arm, says: “By building on the advanced AI capabilities of the Arm compute platform, Renesas’ RA8P1 MCUs meet the demands of next generation voice and vision applications, helping to scale intelligent, context-aware AI experiences.”
The RA8P1 features advanced security through the RSIP-E50D cryptographic engine, supporting CHACHA20, Ed25519, NIST ECC, and RSA up to 4K. Combined with Arm TrustZone, secure boot, and decryption-on-the-fly (DOTF), it ensures data privacy for critical applications. Renesas supports the RA8P1 with the Flexible Software Package (FSP), FreeRTOS, Azure RTOS, Zephyr, and the EK-RA8P1 evaluation kit, which includes a 7-inch LCD and 5MP camera module. Partnerships with Nota.AI for driver monitoring and Irida Labs for pedestrian monitoring further enhance its ecosystem.
The RA8P1 MCU group empowers developers to build high-performance, energy-efficient AI solutions, positioning Renesas as a leader in the AIoT market with robust tools and unmatched capabilities.
Renesas Electronics Corporation empowers a safer, smarter and more sustainable future where technology helps make our lives easier. A leading global provider of microcontrollers, Renesas combines our expertise in embedded processing, analog, power and connectivity to deliver complete semiconductor solutions. These Winning Combinations accelerate time to market for automotive, industrial, infrastructure and IoT applications, enabling billions of connected, intelligent devices that enhance the way people work and live.
TechIntelPro empowers B2B technology decision-makers with the latest industry trends, deep insights, leadership perspectives and actionable intelligence to drive both organizational and professional milestones—and thrive on the tech pulse.