Renesas Electronics announced the availability of the R8C/3NT group of microcontrollers (MCUs) that feature a small package, built-in flash memory and touch key functions. The MCUs are suitable for products such as smartphones, mobile phones, e-book readers, digital cameras, and handheld game consoles. The R8C/3NT group integrates on a single chip a capacitive touch sensor circuit and a flash MCU.

It features a wafer process package (WPP) that is formed on the wafer before it is cut into individual chips, resulting in a package size of 3mm × 3mm, which is approximately 64 percent smaller than that of Renesas Electronics’ R8C/3JT Group; and improved communication functions that enable connection of the multiple sensors required in devices with advanced functionality. The MCU used to control the touch key is typically separate from the system’s main control MCU, and is paired with an external touch sensor IC chip.

However, the need to reduce space and cost has led to a demand for flash MCU products with on-chip touch sensor circuits. Renesas Electronics already mass-produces flash MCUs with on-chip capacitive touch sensor circuits for use in applications including electric household appliances such as white goods, AV equipment, office equipment, and mobile devices.