A Strategic Partnership Driving Innovation
In response to the increasing global health challenge of diabetes, Renesas Electronics and Xmoore Microelectronics have joined forces to deliver a breakthrough in continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) technology. The new CGM reference design offers a compact, affordable, and highly integrated solution that enhances patient comfort and accessibility—especially in underserved regions.
Xmoore Microelectronics is an integrated circuit design company specializing in the research, development, and sales of analog integrated circuit products. They are dedicated to creating high-performance, high-quality, and highly reliable analog integrated circuits, with a strong focus on sensors, signal processing, and power management. Through this expertise, they provide a comprehensive range of semiconductor products and solutions.
The Challenge: Rising Diabetes Rates and Cost Barriers
According to the International Diabetes Federation, diabetes affects one in nine people globally, with projections indicating a 45% increase by 2050. The Federation also reports that the economic burden exceeds $1 trillion USD, highlighting the urgent need for scalable, cost-effective solutions. CGM systems have proven transformative for managing Type 1 Diabetes and are now showing promise in treating Type 2 Diabetes and related metabolic conditions.
The Solution: A Compact, Efficient CGM Design Prioritizing Affordability and Patient Comfort
Renesas and Xmoore’s reference design integrates:
- XMOORE AFE XMB1000: Supports 2–4 terminal electrochemical sensors, includes a temperature sensor, and operates reliably from just 1V.
- Renesas DA14531 Bluetooth® LE SoC: Combines ultra-low power Bluetooth connectivity with an Arm® Cortex®-M0+ MCU, enabling seamless data transmission and extended battery life.
- External Flash Memory and a 1.5V Silver Oxide Battery: Eliminates bulky power circuitry, allowing the entire system to fit within an 18mm patch—just into size of a dime.
The reference design incorporates an Analog Front-End (AFE) developed by Xmoore and a Bluetooth® System-on-Chip (SoC) supplied by Renesas Electronics. This miniaturized design improves patient comfort and adherence while reducing manufacturing costs.
The Impact: Accelerated Development and Global Reach
To meet the growing demand for scalable CGM solutions, Xmoore Microelectronics prioritized speed and reliability in its development process. By partnering with Renesas Electronics, the company was able to streamline integration and accelerate delivery of its next-generation design.
“We selected Renesas as our strategic partner because their RF SoC solutions DA14531 uniquely combine high performance with exceptional power efficiency at as low power supply voltage as 1.5V – critical pillars for next-generation CGM designs. Renesas' deep expertise in mixed-signal integration and their robust ecosystem of development tools significantly accelerated our time-to-market, allowing us to deliver high-performance, highly reliable products that meet stringent global customers' standards. This synergy perfectly aligns with our mission to build a green, smart, healthy, and connected world with Xmoore's product," said Dr. Taotao Yan, CEO of Xmoore.
A Leap Toward Accessible Diabetes Care
By leveraging low-voltage commercial batteries and cost-effective components, Renesas and Xmoore have created a CGM solution that is not only technically advanced but also financially accessible. This innovation has the potential to empower millions—especially in regions with limited insurance coverage—to manage diabetes more effectively and reduce the risk of complications.