RL78/G15 Fast Prototyping Board User's Manual

1. Overview

This product is an evaluation tool for a Renesas MCU. This manual details the hardware specifications, switch settings, and basic setup procedures.

1.1 Purpose

To provide users with an understanding of the basic specifications and correct usage of this product.

1.2 Features

• Programming of the Renesas MCU
• Debugging of user code
• User circuits for switches and LEDs
• Pmod™ connector*
• Arduino™ connector*

Note: Connection to all types of these connectors is not guaranteed. Refer to the document for connector specifications.

1.3 Preparation

• Watch the video "Getting Started with Fast Prototyping Board for RL78 Family" at: https://www.renesas.com/video/getting-started-fast-prototyping-board-rl78-family
• Install the integrated development environment (IDE) and required software on the host PC: https://www.renesas.com/development-tools
• Prepare a micro-USB cable for data transfer.
• Refer to the following Web page and prepare the E2 emulator if required: https://www.renesas.com/e2
• Refer to the following Web page and prepare the E2 emulator Lite if required: https://www.renesas.com/e2lite

1.3.1 Installing the e² studio IDE

For installation details, watch the "e2 studio Quick Start Guide Video for RL78 Family - Installation".

Download the installer from: https://www.renesas.com/software-tool/e-studio

Follow the on-screen instructions for installation, including accepting software agreements and selecting "RL78" for device families.

1.3.2 Installing the CS+ IDE

Download the installer from: https://www.renesas.com/software-tool/cs

Follow the on-screen instructions for installation, including starting CS+ and selecting "Tools for RL78 family".

1.4 Board Specification Table

Table 1-1 lists the board specifications.

Notes: 1. This part is not mounted. 2. The default power source is VBUS (5 V). A jumper is required for other sources.

1.5 Block Diagram

Figure 1-1 illustrates the product's block diagram. It shows interconnected components including the USB connector, power LED, power supply circuit, USB-to-serial converter, main clock, reset switch, user switch, user LEDs, Evaluation MCU (RL78/G15), MCU headers, Arduino™ connector, Pmod™ connector, and emulator connector. Gray shaded blocks indicate parts not mounted on the board.

2. Board Layout

Figure 2-1 displays the external appearance of the top side of the product, labeling key components and connectors such as User LEDs, User switch, Micro-USB connector, Power LED, Power-supply selection header, Reset switch, External power-supply pin, Arduino™ digital and analog pins, MCU headers, and the Pmod™ connector.

3. Parts Layout

Figure 3-1 shows the parts layout of the product. Figure 3-2 displays the external dimensions of the product, providing measurements for its physical size.

4. Operating Environment

Figure 4-1 illustrates the operating environment, depicting a Host PC connected via a USB cable to the RL78/G15 Fast Prototyping Board. It is recommended to install the IDE on the host PC.

5. User Circuits

5.1 Evaluation MCU

The RL78/G15 MCU specifications at shipment are:

• Power supply: 5 V (VBUS) from USB (includes analog power supply)
• System clock: Operates with an on-chip oscillator
• Reset: Controlled by the reset switch or IDE

5.2 USB Connector

A micro-USB Type-B connector serves as the power supply input and communication interface for the RL78 COM port debug tool. Connect it to the host PC with a USB cable. Power is supplied when the cable is connected and the host power is on. A USB cable is not included. Do not connect a USB cable while the emulator is supplying power.

5.3 Power LED

The green Power LED indicates that VDD power is being supplied.

5.4 User LEDs

Two user LEDs (LED1 and LED2) are provided for user-defined purposes. LED1 is connected to port P20 (Pin 2), and LED2 is connected to port P21 (Pin 1). Both LEDs are green.

5.5 Arduino™ Connectors

The Arduino™ connectors are designed for compatibility with Arduino™ shields. Connection to all shield types is not guaranteed; confirm specifications. Figure 5-1 and Table 5-1 detail the pin assignments for these connectors, showing connections to various MCU ports and functions like PWM, Serial, and Analog.

5.6 MCU Headers

Two 10-pin MCU headers (J1 and J2) with a 2.54 mm pitch are provided for MCU connections. Table 5-2 lists the pin assignments, mapping MCU pins to peripheral modules and other functions.

5.7 Pmod™ Connector

The Pmod™ connector is designed for Pmod™ modules, typically connecting to a Type 6A module. Wiring can be adjusted for Type 2A or 3A modules using short-circuit pads. Connection to all Pmod™ module types is not guaranteed. Figure 5-2 and Table 5-3 show the pin assignments for the Pmod™ connector, detailing signal names and their corresponding RL78/G15 pins.

5.8 Clock

Clock circuits handle clock sources for the MCU. OSC1 is a surface-mount crystal oscillator, and OSC2 is a crystal oscillator or ceramic resonator. Both are not mounted by default. Usage requires cutting specific patterns and short-circuiting pads as described in the notes.

5.9 Reset Switch

Pressing the reset switch applies a hardware reset to the MCU.

5.10 User Switch

A user switch (SW) is connected to MCU pin 6 (P137), which also supports the INTP0 interrupt.

5.11 USB-to-Serial Converter

An FTDI FT232RQ USB-to-serial converter is mounted for communication with the RL78 COM port debug tool. It is compatible with Windows 10 drivers. For other OS, drivers can be downloaded from FTDI's website (http://www.ftdichip.com/Drivers). The converter is recognized as a COM port when connected via USB. It occupies MCU pins P40, P01, and P00 for debugging functions. Using the P125/RESET pin as a port pin is prohibited when the debug tool is in use. If not used for debugging, pins P01 (RxD0) and P00 (TxD0) can be used for UART communication with host PC software like TeraTerm.

5.12 USB-to-Serial Converter Reset Header

The reset header (J14) for the USB-to-serial converter can be short-circuited to place the converter in a forced reset state. This allows pins P01 (RxD0) and P00 (TxD0) to be used for other purposes, such as port pins, when the evaluation MCU operates independently of the debug tool. Figure 5-3 shows the location of this header.

5.13 Power-Supply Selection Header

The operating power (VDD) can be set to 5 V, 3.3 V, or supplied from an emulator/external power using header J15. Settings must be changed when power is off:

• J15 pins 1-2 short-circuited: 5 V power supply (default).
• J15 pins 2-3 short-circuited: 3.3 V power supply.
• J15 open-circuit: Supply from emulator or external power.

Figures 5-4, 5-5, and 5-6 illustrate these header settings.

5.14 External Power Supply

An external power supply can be used for desired voltage or higher current needs. VDD connects to pin J16-1 and GND to pin J16-2 on the external power-supply header. Figure 5-7 shows these connection points. Ensure I/O voltages are correct for connected Arduino™ shields or Pmod™ modules.

5.15 Current Measurement Header

Header J7 (components not mounted) allows current measurement by connecting an ammeter. Cutting pattern SS30 is required for use. Figure 5-8 shows the header and cutting pattern locations. Figure 5-9 provides a block diagram related to current measurement, and Figure 5-10 shows a pattern for cutting (VCCIO).

5.16 Pattern for Cutting the I/O Power Supply for the USB-to-Serial Converter

If the USB connector is not used, cut pattern SS27 as shown in Figure 5-10.

5.17 Emulator Connector

A 14-pin connector (J9) connects to Renesas E2 emulators for programming and debugging. For emulator connection, J9 must be mounted, and J10, J11, J12 pins 2-3 should be short-circuited. Specific cutting patterns (SS31, SS32, SS33) may need to be cut. Figures 5-11 and 5-12 detail settings for emulator use and COM port debugging, including jumper configurations.

6. Handling Precautions

6.1 Power to be Supplied

The total current for VDD, 5 V, and 3.3 V should not exceed 200 mA when powered via USB or emulator.

6.2 Remodeling the Board

Modifications, including cutting patterns, are at the user's responsibility. Default jumper settings are J14: open-circuit, J15: pins 1-2 short-circuited. "Short-circuit pads" are for soldering connections, and "Pattern for cutting" is a narrow pattern between pads to be cut without damaging the surrounding frame.

6.3 Power Supplies and Usage Conditions

Table 6-1 details power supply sources (USB, External, Emulator) and their usage conditions, including compatibility with Arduino™ shields and Pmod™ modules, IDE usage, and required jumper settings. Figure 6-2 shows the power-supply circuit block diagram.

6.4 Precautions when using P00/TxD0

When a user program initiates UART transmission on P00/TxD0 at power-on, the USB-to-serial converter might become unstable before the host PC recognizes it as a COM port. To resolve this, hold the reset switch, power on, wait for COM port recognition (approx. 3 seconds), then release the reset switch. Alternatively, hold reset, reset the USB-to-serial converter (short J14 then open), wait for COM port recognition, release reset, and then erase the user program.

7. Developing Code

Development can be done using e² studio or CS+, which support the RL78/G15 MCU.

7.1 Using the e² studio

Figure 7-1 shows e² studio settings for connecting to the board: select "COM port (RL78)" for Debug hardware, "R5F12068ASP" for Target Device, specify the COM port, and select "DTR" for the Reset control pin.

7.2 Using CS+

Figures 7-2 and 7-3 illustrate CS+ settings. Select "RL78 COM Port" under "Using Debug Tool". For "Connection with Target Board", select the appropriate communication port and "DTR" for the Reset control pin. Refer to the application note "RL78 Debugging Functions Using the Serial Port (R20AN0632)" for details.

8. Additional Information

Technical Support

Refer to the IDE's help menu for IDE usage. For RL78/G15 MCU details, consult the RL78/G15 User's Manual: Hardware. For RL78 assembly language, refer to the RL78 Family User's Manual: Software.

Technical Contact Details

• America: techsupport.america@renesas.com
• Europe: https://www.renesas.com/en-eu/support/contact.html
• Global & Japan: https://www.renesas.com/support/contact.html

General information on Renesas microcontrollers is available at: https://www.renesas.com/

Note

Do not install the RL78/G15 Fast Prototyping Board or sample code into your product. Operation of sample code is not guaranteed; confirm operation at your own responsibility.

Copyright

This document is subject to change without notice. All rights reserved. Duplication is prohibited without written permission from Renesas Electronics Europe Limited. © 2022 Renesas Electronics Corporation. All rights reserved.