Overview
Description
The EK-RA6M4 evaluation kit enables users to effortlessly evaluate the features of the RA6M4 MCU Group and develop embedded systems applications using the Flexible Software Package (FSP) and e2 studio IDE. Utilize rich on-board features along with your choice of popular ecosystem add-ons to bring your big ideas to life.
Getting Started
Running the Quick Start Example Project
- The EK-RA6M4 comes pre-programmed with a quick start example project (source code provided in the EK-RA6M4 Example Project Bundle (ZIP)).
- Power up the EK-RA6M4 board through the debug USB port (J10) using the micro USB device cable connected to a 5V power source. The white power LED will light up.
- The quick start example project will begin to execute blinking the blue user LED.
- Refer to the EK-RA6M4 – Quick Start Guide (PDF | English, 日本語) to explore additional functionality of the quick start example project.
Developing Embedded Applications
- Modifying the quick start example project – refer to the EK-RA6M4 Quick Start Guide for instructions on importing, modifying, and building the quick start example project
- Start with one of the many other example projects – choose from many example projects provided in the EK-RA6M4 Example Project Bundle to learn about different peripherals of the RA6M4 MCU Group. These example projects can serve as excellent starting points for you to develop your custom applications.
Building a Custom Hardware
- Start by building a functional prototype – utilize the EK-RA6M4 board with your choice of hundreds of popular ecosystem add-ons.
- Build custom hardware – develop custom hardware by referring to the design and manufacturing information provided in the EK-RA6M4 v1 - Design Package (ZIP | English, 日本語).
Features
- Ecosystem & System Control Access:
- USB full speed host and device
- Multiple 5V input sources
- USB (debug, full speed)
- External power supply
- SEGGER J-LinkTM on-board programmer and debugger
- Debug modes:
- Debug on-board (SWD) – via J-Link
- Debug out (SWD) – via J-Link
- Debug in (ETM, SWD & JTAG) – via J-Link, Arm® Keil® ULINKTM, IAR I-jetTM, Renesas E2/E2 Lite, etc.
- User LEDs and buttons:
- Three user LEDs (red, blue, green)
- Power LED (white) indicating availability of regulated power
- Debug LED (yellow) indicating the debug connection
- Two user buttons
- One reset button
- Five most popular ecosystem expansions:
- MikroElektronikaTMmikroBUS connector
- SparkFun®Qwiic®connector
- Two SeeedGrove®system(I2C and Analog) connectors
- Two Digilent PmodTM(SPI and UART) connectors
- ArduinoTM(UNO R3) connector
- MCU boot configuration jumper
- Special Feature Access:
- Ethernet (RMII and PHY)
- 64MB External Octo-SPI Flash
- 32MB External Quad-SPI Flash
- MCU Native Pin Access:
- R7FA6M4AF3CFB MCU
- 200MHz, Arm Cortex®-M33 core
- 1MB Code Flash, 256kB SRAM
- 144 pins, LQFP package, 20mm x 20mm x 1.70mm, 0.5mm pitch
- Native pin access through 4x 40-pin male headers
- MCU and USB current measurement points
Applications
Documentation
Featured Documentation
Log in required to subscribe
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| Type | Title | Date |
| Quick Start Guide | PDF 2.50 MB 日本語 | |
| Manual - Development Tools | PDF 2.42 MB 日本語 | |
| PCB Design Files | EK-RA6M4 v1 - Design Package
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| Application Note |
PDF
3.01 MB
简体中文
Learn how to define the RA Family MCU debug capability and serial programming capability by the device lifecycle states. Device Lifecycle Management (DLM) is the management of the process by which a product goes from inception to development to production and then eventually end-of-life.
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| Application Note |
PDF
3.85 MB
Learn how Renesas MCU security is built around integrated security engines. The RA family includes various types, which can be identified in each MCU’s hardware manual. These engines operate in two modes: Compatibility and Protected. This application note defines both and outlines their use cases.
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| Quick Start Guide |
PDF
5.58 MB
日本語
The Modbus protocol stack operates on RA evaluation boards to enable efficient development of Modbus TCP applications. This quick start guide provides an overview of the protocol stack features and introduces a Modbus sample application to assist with the development and implementation of applications using the stack.
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| Application Note |
PDF
785 KB
The EK-RA6M4 example project shows how to write code for various Renesas Flexible Software Package (FSP) modules supported by the EK-RA6M4 kit. The Flexible Software Package provides an optimized, easy-to-use, scalable, and high-quality software solution for embedded system design.
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| Application Note |
PDF
3.49 MB
This application project then walks the user through the updates to the bootloader to add encryption for the QSPI based secondary image storage. The application examples implemented image downloading to the QSPI secondary slot over USB PCDC. MCUboot with encryption also supports internal flash encryption.
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| Tool News - Release | PDF 182 KB 日本語 | |
| Application Note |
PDF
2.35 MB
Learn how to inject plaintext keys into RA MCUs using various security engines operating in Compatibility Mode. This application note details the protection of the Root of Trust, emphasizing secure key storage through hardware unique keys (HUK) and isolated cryptographic operations within the security engine. The security engines support multiple cryptographic algorithms and key handling methods, enabling secure and efficient key management.
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| Application Note |
PDF
4.61 MB
Renesas RA Family MCUs implement boot mode, which provides access to built-in firmware that allows the system configuration to be interrogated and updated. Boot mode can be entered through a serial port, USB virtual COM port or SWD/JTAG interface. The ability to connect to boot mode via SWD/JTAG enhances convenience, whilst serial/USB connections retain compatibility with existing production programming tools.
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| Application Note |
PDF
402 KB
AI-generated Summary:
The document explains the two operational modes, highlighting their advantages and disadvantages, and provides practical guidance for selecting and using each mode. It also includes reference links to Renesas RA Family Application Projects that demonstrate these modes with detailed examples of the related FSP module usage.
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| Application Note |
PDF
2.55 MB
Users can follow the provided steps in this application note to recreate the bootloader and link the application projects to work with the bootloader by using the FSP Solution. This application note also includes procedures for mastering an application to work with the bootloader, and for downloading and updating a new application.
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| Application Note |
PDF
1.51 MB
AI-generated Summary:
The document explains how to establish and protect unique device identities in IoT environments using RA Family MCUs with Arm TrustZone and Secure Crypto Engine 9 (SCE9). It details generating ECC key pairs, storing private keys securely, and creating device certificates to enable trusted authentication. The RA Family MCUs provide hardware security features such as TrustZone memory protection, flash block locking, and cryptographic support. The example implementation uses the EK-RA6M4 board and software tools like e2 studio IDE, RA Flexible Software Package, and SEGGER J-Link. The guide targets developers familiar with Renesas tools and cryptography, enabling secure device identity management in IoT applications.
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| Application Note |
PDF
3.52 MB
日本語
MCUboot is a secure bootloader for 32-bit MCUs. It defines a common infrastructure for the bootloader, defines system flash layout on microcontroller systems, and provides a secure bootloader that enables easy software updates. MCUboot combines an independent operating system and hardware, relying on hardware porting layers from the operating system it works with. The Flexible Software Package (FSP) integrates an MCUboot port starting from FSP v3.0.0.
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| Tool News - Release | PDF 170 KB 日本語 | |
| Application Note |
PDF
2.85 MB
AI-generated Summary:
MCUboot provides a secure bootloader infrastructure for 32-bit MCUs, enabling secure booting and fail-safe application updates. It supports multiple update strategies—Overwrite, Swap, and Direct Execute-In-Place (DXIP)—each with distinct advantages and memory requirements. The bootloader authenticates firmware images using RSA or ECDSA signatures and SHA-256 hashing. Integration with Renesas Flexible Software Package (FSP) allows easy MCUboot deployment across RA Family MCUs, supporting TrustZone-based security. Example projects demonstrate multi-image and single-image configurations on EK-RA6M4 and EK-RA6M3 kits. The document guides hardware setup, software configuration, project creation, signing, and debugging to implement secure bootloader solutions.
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| Application Note |
PDF
4.35 MB
AI-generated Summary:
The document explains how to operate the External Memory Bus Interface (ECBIU) on RA6M4 MCUs to drive external LCD controllers. It covers designing graphical applications using GUIX Studio and integrating them with e2 studio projects. The guide includes configuring the external memory bus, managing bus signals, and improving graphics performance with DMA controller rotation. It targets RA6 and RA8 devices, providing hardware and software requirements, detailed bus operation, and a practical Hello World example demonstrating communication with an external LCD. The document also details pin configurations, timing, and middleware integration for efficient LCD control.
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| Application Note | PDF 4.52 MB 简体中文 | |
| Application Note |
PDF
1.66 MB
AI-generated Summary:
ARM CMSIS-DSP example projects demonstrate the use of digital signal processing functions on Renesas Arm Cortex-M33, M85, and M23 MCUs with DSP extensions and FPUs. The examples cover importing, configuring, building, executing, and performance measurement. Enhanced performance is shown on RA8 MCUs with Cortex-M85 core using Arm Helium technology. The CMSIS-DSP library includes various math, filtering, transform, motor control, statistical, and machine learning functions, supporting multiple data types. Integration into projects is streamlined via the Renesas Flexible Software Package (FSP) configurator.
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| Application Note |
PDF
2.44 MB
AI-generated Summary:
The document explains how to quickly establish HTTP connectivity using the FSP DA16XXX HTTP On-chip Client driver with the EK-RA6M4 evaluation kit. It demonstrates sending temperature data from the MCU to a custom Flask server and remotely controlling the user LED via HTTP commands. The setup involves attaching a Wi-Fi Pmod module, connecting the evaluation kit to a PC, and running a Flask server. The architecture supports two-way communication, enabling periodic data transmission and remote control. Detailed steps cover hardware setup, software installation, project configuration, debugging, and testing using SEGGER J-Link RTT Viewer.
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| Application Note | PDF 797 KB | |
| Flyer | PDF 412 KB | |
| Presentation | PDF 7.02 MB | |
| Presentation | PPS 16.29 MB | |
| Application Note |
PDF
1.93 MB
日本語
AI-generated Summary:
The document details a self-test library designed for Renesas RA Family MCUs with Arm Cortex-M33 cores, supporting IEC60730 Class-C safety standards. It covers software routines for CPU instruction decoding, CPU registers, internal memory (ROM and RAM), system clock, and watchdog timer tests. The library operates within Arm TrustZone's secure area to ensure reliable and safe operation by performing tests at startup and periodically during runtime. It includes APIs for anomaly monitoring and separates secure and non-secure code areas. The package includes sample code and a VDE certification certificate, facilitating compliance with household appliance safety requirements.
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| Flyer | PDF 442 KB 日本語 | |
| Manual - Development Tools | PDF 350 KB | |
| Application Note |
PDF
1.64 MB
AI-generated Summary:
Trusted Firmware-M (TF-M) integrates with Renesas Flexible Software Package (FSP) v2.0.3 to implement Arm Platform Security Architecture (PSA) specifications on Renesas RA Family MCUs. It supports PSA Certified Level 2 security, providing a secure execution environment using Arm TrustZone technology for Cortex-M33 devices. The package includes tools and hardware requirements for development and demonstrates secure firmware updates. TF-M offers a reference implementation of PSA Functional APIs, enabling secure IoT device design, reducing development complexity, and increasing security confidence through certification.
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| Application Note |
PDF
1.11 MB
AI-generated Summary:
Arm® TrustZone® technology divides RA Family microcontrollers into Secure and Non-Secure partitions, enabling secure application development by isolating memory and resources. Secure code accesses both partitions, while Non-Secure code accesses Secure resources only through Non-Secure Callable (NSC) gateways. Development involves creating separate Secure and Non-Secure projects or a Flat project without TrustZone. The RA Project Generator simplifies project setup, managing security attributes, peripheral access, and debugging configurations. Secure code initializes critical functions and controls access, while Non-Secure code interacts via guarded NSC drivers. The document details workflows, memory partitioning, calling conventions, and tooling support for efficient TrustZone implementation.
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| Report | PDF 187 KB 日本語 | |
31 items
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Design & Development
Software & Tools
Software & Tools
| Software title
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Software type
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Company
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| RA Flexible Software Package (FSP) FSP is an enhanced software package designed to provide easy-to-use, scalable, high-quality software for embedded system designs using Renesas RA Family of Arm Microcontrollers.
Note: FSP with e² studio Installer (Platform Installer) will install the e² studio tool, FSP packs, GCC toolchain, and Segger J-Link drivers required to use this software. No additional installations are required.
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Software Package | Renesas |
| Renesas Flash Programmer (Programming GUI) Flash memory programming software [Support MCU/MPU and devices: RA, RE, RX, RL78, RH850, RISC-V MCU, Renesas Synergy, DA1453x, DA1459x, DA1469x, DA1470x, DA148xx, Power Management, Renesas USB Power Delivery Family, ICs for Motor Driver/Actuator Driver, V850, 78K0R, 78K0]
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Programmer (Unit/SW) | Renesas |
| SEGGER™ J-Link™ Software and Documentation Package Software utilities, firmware updates, and supporting documentation for the J-Link on-board programmer and debugger on the RA MCU kits.
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Software Package | Segger Microcontroller GmbH |
| QuickConnect Platform QuickConnect platform enables fast prototyping by providing compatible hardware and software building blocks.
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Software and Hardware Development Tools | Renesas |
4 items
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Sample Code
Sample Code
Filters
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| Type | Title | Date Date |
| Sample Code | Renesas RA Family Device Lifecycle Management for Cortex-M33
Learn how to define the RA Family MCU debug capability and serial programming capability by the device lifecycle states. Device Lifecycle Management (DLM) is the management of the process by which a product goes from inception to development to production and then eventually end-of-life.
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| Sample Code | Injecting and Updating Secure User Keys - Sample Code
Learn how Renesas MCU security revolves around integrated security engines. There are different types of security engines across the RA MCU. Users can find the specific engine used in a particular MCU from its hardware user’s manual. The security engines can operate in two different modes, called Compatibility Mode and Protected Mode. The application note “Renesas Security Engine Operational Modes” explains the definition of the two modes and their use cases.
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| Sample Code | RA Family Modbus Sample Program Package
Use the following sample program to operate on the RA evaluation board. This sample program package supports the Ethernet-based Modbus TCP protocol.
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| Sample Code | EK-RA6M4 Example Project Bundle
[Software=RA FSP],[Board=EK-RA6M4]
ZIP
52.36 MB
IDE:
e2 studio/GCC/AC6, IAR, Keil MDK
Demonstrates some of the capabilities of the EK and FSP by using multiple peripherals. The example project initializes the Ethernet, USB, ADC, and GPIO modules to create a simple web server and a web client with control via a USB Comm Device class Terminal. Once programmed, the user can control the board by simulating button presses on a web browser and see a regularly updated board configuration on the screen.
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| Sample Code | RA6 Booting Encrypted Image using MCUboot and QSPI
This application project then walks the user through the updates to the bootloader to add encryption for the QSPI based secondary image storage. The application examples implemented image downloading to the QSPI secondary slot over USB PCDC. MCUboot with encryption also supports internal flash encryption.
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| Sample Code | Injecting Plaintext User Keys
Learn how to inject plaintext keys into RA MCUs using security engines operating in Compatibility Mode. Example projects for various MCUs and security engines demonstrate plaintext key injection with Renesas Flexible Software Package (FSP) APIs and PSA Certified Crypto APIs.
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| Sample Code | Implementing Production Programming Tools for RA Cortex-M33 with Device Lifecycle Management
The accompanying demo code, provided in Python, demonstrates how to access and interact with the boot mode on RA4 and RA6 MCU Family devices that are based on Cortex-M33 and implement Device Lifecycle Management (DLM) capabilities. It serves as a practical example for developers to see the boot mode interface in action, showing step-by-step procedures for communication and control.
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| Sample Code | RA6 Secure Bootloader Using MCUboot with Protected mode and Internal Code Flash
Learn how to create an application project using the MCUboot Module in Protected Mode on the Renesas EK-RA6M4 board with FSP v6.1.0. The intended audience includes product developers, product manufacturers, product support, and end users who are involved in designing application systems involving the use of a secure bootloader.
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| Sample Code | Establishing and Protecting Device Identity using SCE9 and Arm® TrustZone® - Sample Code
The application example provided in this package uses the Secure Crypto Engine 9 (SCE9) module based on RA6M4 to generate a pair of ECC keys and uses a local CA to generate the device certificate based on the ECC public key.
ZIP
9.17 MB
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| Sample Code | RA6 MCU Advanced Secure Bootloader Design using MCUboot and Code Flash Dualbank Mode
[Software=RA FSP]
ZIP
5.46 MB
Compiler:
GNUARM-NONE
IDE:
e2 studio
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| Sample Code | RA6 Basic Secure Bootloader Using MCUboot and Internal Code Flash
MCUboot is a secure bootloader for 32-bit MCUs. It defines a common infrastructure for the bootloader, defines system flash layout on microcontroller systems, and provides a secure bootloader that enables easy software update.
ZIP
4.13 MB
Compiler:
GNU Arm Embedded
IDE:
e2 studio
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| Sample Code | Driving an LCD Using the External Memory Bus on the RA6M4 - Sample Code
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| Sample Code | Security Design with Arm® TrustZone® using Cortex-M33
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| Sample Code | Getting Started with HTTP Connectivity on the FSP DA16XXX HTTP On-chip Client
[Software=Renesas Synergy Software Package|v5.3.0],[Toolchains=GNU Arm Embedded|13.2.1.arm-13-7]
ZIP
2.46 MB
Application:
Communications Infrastructure
Compiler:
ARMCC, GNU ARM Embedded
Function:
Other
IDE:
e2 studio
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| Sample Code | Renesas RA Securing Data at Rest Using the Arm® TrustZone® - Sample Code
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| Sample Code | IEC 60730/60335 Self Test Library for RA MCU (CM33 Class-C)
[Software=FSP|v3.5.0],[Toolchains=GNU Arm Embedded|10.3.1.20210824]
ZIP
5.84 MB
日本語
Application:
Consumer Electronics
IDE:
e2 studio
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| Sample Code | ZIP 2.01 MB | |
17 items
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Related Boards & Kits
Boards & Kits
Evaluation
EK-RA6M3
Active
Evaluation Kit for RA6M3 MCU Group
The EK-RA6M3 evaluation kit enables users to seamlessly evaluate the features of the RA6M3 MCU Group and develop embedded systems applications using the Flexible Software Package (FSP) and e2studio IDE. Utilize rich on-board features along with your choice of popular ecosystem add-ons to bring... Read More
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EK-RA6M5
Active
Evaluation Kit for RA6M5 MCU Group
The EK-RA6M5 evaluation kit enables users to effortlessly evaluate the features of the RA6M5 MCU Group and develop embedded systems applications using the Flexible Software Package (FSP) and e2 studio IDE. Utilize rich on-board features along with your choice of popular ecosystem add-ons to... Read More
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Evaluation
EK-RA6M2
Active
Evaluation Kit for RA6M2 MCU Group
The EK-RA6M2 evaluation kit enables users to effortlessly evaluate the features of the RA6M2 MCU Group and develop embedded systems applications using the Flexible Software Package (FSP) and various IDEs.
Getting Started
Running the Quick Start Example Project
- The EK-RA6M2 board comes... Read More
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Evaluation
EK-RA6M1
Active
Evaluation Kit for RA6M1 MCU Group
The EK-RA6M1 evaluation kit enables users to effortlessly evaluate the features of the RA6M1 MCU Group and develop embedded systems applications using Renesas' Flexible Software Package (FSP) and various IDEs.
Getting Started
Running the Quick Start Example Project
- The EK-RA6M1 board comes... Read More
Recommended Documents:
Development
IoT Targeted SPI Camera – ArduCam Mega
The QCIoT-Arducam-Mega is an adaptation of ArduCam Mega SPI cameras to Renesas' EK-RA6M4 200MHz Arm® Cortex®-M33 TrustZone® microcontroller evaluation board. This camera solution helps you quickly and easily connect one or more cameras to any microcontroller. This solution targets... Read More
Lab on the Cloud
Lab on the Cloud
Use our PC-based GUI to instantly start configuring and testing designs in our virtual lab, no physical board needed.
Product Options
| Part Number | Status | Stock | Budgetary Price (USD) | Sampleable |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| RTK7EKA6M4S00001BE | Active | In Stock | 1u | $94.12 | Available |
Videos & Training
Kickstart IoT and embedded systems development using Renesas EK-RA6M4, Evaluation Kit for RA6M4 MCU Group. Familiarize yourself with the kit architecture, key features, quick start example project, and many useful resources to begin innovating quickly.
Additional Videos
News & Blog Posts
Blog Post Apr 5, 2022 |
Blog Post Jan 28, 2022 |
Blog Post Nov 18, 2021 |
Blog Post Nov 11, 2021 |
Certifications
The EK-RA6M4 meets the following certifications/standards. Refer to the EK-RA6M4 user manual for the disclaimer, precautions, and more details on the certifications.
EMC/EMI Standards
- FCC Notice (Class A) – Part 15
- Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada ICES-003 Compliance: CAN ICES-3 (A)/NMB-3(A)
- CE Class A (EMC Directive 2004/108/EEC)
- Taiwan Chinese National Standard 13438, C6357 compliance, Class A limits
- Australia/New Zealand AS/NZS CISPR 32:2015, Class A
Material Selection, Waste, Recycling, and Disposal Standards
- EU RoHS
- China SJ/T 113642014, 10-year environmental protection use period.
Safety Standards
- UL 94V-0
Partners
Zephyr Project
The Zephyr Project is an open-source, scalable real‑time operating system (RTOS) designed for resource-constrained embedded systems and supports a wide range of hardware architectures and development boards. For the Renesas RA6M4 Evaluation Kit, Zephyr provides focused documentation covering board features, supported peripherals, and basic build, flashing, and debugging workflows to help developers quickly get started.
Support
Support Communities
- I-003 Introduction to FSP FreeRTOS FSP (4.5.0) (EK-RA6M4)
Course materials for FSP 4.5.0 and EK-RA6M4
- EK-RA6M4
Hi there, Ok so i just took delivery of EK-RA6M4 and am totally confused and here's why: The Jlink is working fine on windows 10 as its easily detected. However, the other micro USB port isnt active, its not detected by the PC either. How do i get ...
Aug 20, 2023 - EK-RA6M4: how to see the print-outs from the sample project?
Hello, I have an EK-RA6M4 evaluation board. I was trying to check the sample project "\ra-fsp-examples-master\ra-fsp-examples-master\example_projects\ek_ra6m4\sci_uart\sci_uart_ek_ra6m4_ep\e2studio". How can I see those print-outs from "APP_PRINT()"? I connected the J11 ...
Apr 29, 2022
Knowledge Base
- RA Family: How to use the Debug Out function of J-Link OB on EK (Evaluation Kit)
... MCUs, such as EK-RA2E1, EK-RA2E2, EK-RA2L1, EK-RA2A1, etcEK-RA4M1、EK-RA4M2、EK-RA4M3、EK-RA4W1、EK-RA6M1、EK-RA6M2, EK-RA6M3, EK-RA6M4, EK-RA6M5, etc., all EKs come with J-Link OB (On-Board Debugger), which means that the user can evaluate, debug, and test ...
Dec 14, 2023 - RA6M4, RA6M5: CPU Performance Difference when C-/S-caches are on/off
... environment initialization (SystemInit) is based on FSPv5.0.0 Compiler: GCC10.3.1 Compiler Optimization Level: O2 (Optimize More) System Clock configuration: ICLK=200MHz Board: EK-RA6M4The first method of CPU performance measurement: A simple For loop with accumulation operation Toggling GPIO before and after the calculation The CPU ...
Dec 18, 2023 - Secure Key Installation limitation on RA4M2, RA4M3, RA6M4 and RA6M5 in FSP 300
Secure Key installation via the factory bootloader in FSP 3.0.0 is not supported for RSA 3K, RSA 4K, and ECC secp256k1 on the following devices:Certain EK-RA6M4 and EK-RA4M3 Evaluation Kits may contain the affected silicon. If your application requires secure key installation of RSA 3K ...
Apr 29, 2021
Support Communities
Get quick technical support online from Renesas Engineering Community technical staff.
Knowledge Base
Browse our knowledge base for helpful articles, FAQs, and other useful resources.
