The H8SX/1544F is the latest addition to the H8SX family of microcontrollers incorporating an H8SX 32-bit CISC CPU core that uses a proprietary Renesas Technology architecture. The high-performance CISC CPU core provides 40 MIPS processing performance at a maximum operating frequency of 40 MHz, which is sufficient for multiple high-performance control systems such as meter panel, airbag and chassis control. The CPU core instruction set is upward-compatible with that of Renesas Technology’s current H8S Family 16-bit microcontrollers, enabling programs of systems developed for the H8S family to be used while improving ROM code efficiency by approximately 20%. This not only allows H8S core product software resources to be used, but also enables programs to be made more compact thanks to the improved ROM code efficiency.

The H8SX/1544F also offers a number of on-chip peripheral functions, including an enhanced two-channel controller with filtering function, compatible with the CAN in-vehicle LAN standard, a SCI (Serial Communication Interface), SSU (Synchronous Serial Communication Unit) and 16-bit general-purpose timer. An external bus extension function allows high speed access to external devices, a DMAC (Direct Memory Access Controller) enables high-speed data transfer and an integrated stepping motor timer and driver capable of driving up to six meters, such as a tachometer or speedometer, simultaneously, are also featured.

The H8SX/1544F model is being released together with the H8SX/1543F, differing only in on-chip memory capacity as it features 384 Kbytes of flash memory and 16 Kbytes of RAM. This allows the user to choose the most suitable model for a particular system. The operating ambient temperature range is -40ºC to +105ºC, and the package used is a 144-pin LQFP. This provides a line up of 100-pin and 144-pin H8SX family products for in-vehicle control system use.  Sample shipments of the H8SX/1544F will begin on 29 July 2005.