Renesas Electronics Corp. has recently introduced the RZ/T2H, a high-performance microprocessor designed specifically for industrial applications. This launch marks the company's efforts to address the growing demand for automation in manufacturing, particularly as businesses face challenges related to labour shortages. The RZ/T2H boasts capabilities that facilitate high-speed and high-precision control of industrial robot motors across multiple axes—up to nine, as claimed by Renesas.
The development of the RZ/T2H comes in the context of an industry trend where manufacturers are increasingly turning to automation solutions such as vertically articulated robots and advanced industrial controllers. Traditionally, such systems required multiple microprocessors or combinations of field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs) to manage operations. However, Renesas asserts that the RZ/T2H consolidates these functionalities into a single chip, potentially streamlining component usage and reducing both time and costs associated with developing FPGA programs.
This microprocessor supports a variety of network communications, including Industrial Ethernet, making it suitable for a range of industrial controller equipment such as programmable logic controllers (PLCs), motion controllers, distributed control systems (DCSs), and computerized numerical controls (CNCs).
"The RZ/T2H builds on that momentum, allowing our industrial customers to leverage their existing design assets while addressing even more innovative, demanding industrial motor control and Linux applications,” stated Daryl Khoo, Vice President of the Embedded Processing 1st Business Division at Renesas, in comments to The Robot Report. He further emphasized the microprocessor's ability to perform comprehensive motor control on a single chip.
The architecture of the RZ/T2H includes four Arm Cortex-A55 application CPUs, each operating at a maximum frequency of 1.2 GHz, which support high-frequency, memory-intensive tasks. Additionally, it features two Cortex-R52 CPUs functioning at a maximum frequency of 1 GHz, dedicated to real-time processing. This combination allows the microprocessor to run complex applications, such as Linux-based programs and robot trajectory generation, while also executing critical real-time controls.
In terms of technical capabilities, the RZ/T2H can manage motor control for a maximum of nine axes, integrating features such as three-phase PWM timers, delta-sigma interfaces for current measurement, and various encoder interfaces, including A-format, EnDat, and BiSS. Enhanced access to peripheral functions through a low-latency peripheral port has also been incorporated, which enables faster communication from the CPU.
Further enhancing its appeal, the RZ/T2H includes provisions for multiple Ethernet ports and supports several protocols such as EtherCAT and PROFINET. This functionality allows for compatibility with a broad array of industrial Ethernet controllers and devices, catering to various controller requirements.
Renesas offers additional resources to support the use of the RZ/T2H, including the Renesas Flexible Software Package (FSP) and a Linux package with long-term support. An evaluation system for multi-axis motor control is also available, featuring inverter boards and specific software tools designed for motor management. Furthermore, the company has created a “9-axis Industrial Motor Control with Ethernet” solution, providing a comprehensive set of compatible devices to facilitate seamless integration.
The RZ/T2H is available for market deployment, and Renesas has announced plans to release the RZ/N2H device in early 2025, which will replicate the performance of the RZ/T2H in a more compact form. This upcoming model is aimed at further supporting industrial controller applications, including PLCs and motion controllers.
The RZ/T2H is part of Renesas’ Product Longevity Program (PLP), a strategic initiative focused on supplying industrial equipment that necessitates extensive life cycles. With its latest offering, Renesas continues to solidify its position as a significant player in the domain of industrial automation and microprocessing technologies.
Source: Noah Wire Services