Electronic Toy (Small Radio-Controlled)

Overview

Small remote-controlled toys are a part of the electronic toy market that is expected to continue to show growth in the years ahead due to its simplicity and low cost. The age range of purchasers has broadened to include adults as well as children. Also, though in the past cars were the main product type, other types such as helicopters have appeared recently.

Small remote-controlled toys do not use radio waves like conventional radio-controlled toys. Instead, the remote-controlled toy and the controller are linked by infrared communication, so less peripheral circuitry is required. In addition, charging control for the rechargeable battery in the remote-controlled toy can be handled using only the MCU in the controller, providing an advantage in terms of lower production costs.

Renesas' product lineup includes the 78K0S Series, the 78K0 Series and the R8C/3x Series with multiple multifunction timers and support for low-voltage operation. These MCUs are suitable for such small remote-controlled toys. By using one MCU in the remote-controlled toy and another in the controller, all necessary functions, including infrared communication and charging control, can be implemented.