Automotive MCU targets high-end, integrated-systems applications
This introduction aims to reduce design complexities involved in developing self-driving car and other driver assistance systems. The RH850/P1x-C Series, a high-end version of the RH850/P1x Series of 32-bit automotive microcontrollers (MCUs), is designed for sensor fusion, gateway, and advanced chassis system applications.
“The new RH850/P1x-C are automotive safety MCUs that combine on a single-chip functional safety technology, security technology, and vehicle control network technology… we anticipate that the new series will become a de-facto standard for the sophisticated driver assistance systems of the future,” said Ryuji Omura, Executive Vice President, Renesas Electronics Corporation.
Renesas believes that solutions are required in four areas – safety, security, sensors, and networks – and has built on its experience to develop the RH850/P1x-C Series, which incorporates all four requirements on a single chip to deliver an all-in-one solution for driver assistance systems.
Functional safety is essential to ensure the driver assistance system is operating safely and normally and, should a fault occur, to ensure that safety is not compromised. Renesas has designed the RH850/P1x-C Series with a full complement of functions to support functional safety and comply with ASIL D (Note 1), the highest safety level stipulated in the ISO 26262 functional safety standard for road vehicles. The RH850/P1x-C Series is equipped with fault diagnostic functions ideal for automotive applications. Two CPUs with identical configurations operate in a lockstep system. Error check and correct (ECC) functionality detects and corrects data errors affecting memory, such as flash memory, and the internal buses. Fault detection functions for system diagnostics are also included in the peripheral functions. The built-in self-test (BIST) function can detect faults in the various fault detection function themselves. The error control module (ECM) allows users to manage error signal inputs, based on the circumstances, from the various functions, thereby helping to maintain system safety and reliability.
Security: In-vehicle, vehicle-to-vehicle, and vehicle-to-infrastructure network connectivity allows systems to obtain information on road conditions and other factors that could impact the driving experience. It also requires robust security measures to ensure the systems are protected from unauthorized external access. The RH850/P1x-C Series integrates a hardware security module with a coprocessor supporting data encryption and random number generation to address these mission-critical security requirements, for example building anti-tampering measures into vehicle systems.
Sensors: Proliferation of sensors such as cameras and lasers demands much larger software programs and faster processing speeds. Renesas designed the RH850/P1x-C Series with up to 8MB Flash, up to 960 kB global RAM, and operating speeds as fast as 240 MHz.
Networks: The RH850/P1x-C Series features a full array of communication functions, including Ethernet, in addition to CAN, LIN, CSI, and FlexRay. This allows the implementation of sensor fusion or complex control of chassis systems, using data obtained from a variety of sensing systems via a gateway function or vehicle network.
One suitable application for the RH850/P1x-C Series, the company says, would be a driver assistance system. The RH850/P1x-C would be used in conjunction with a Renesas R-Car SoC (system-on-chip) to perform white line detection, parking assist system, or leading vehicle detection results. The R-Car SoCs would perform image recognition based on data from image sensors, and the connected RH850/P1x-C Series MCU would make judgements and apply control. Such a system could be built using only a small number of components.
Renesas; www.renesas.eu
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