Overview

Description

RL78/G1D Bluetooth LE Wireless Solution

Bluetooth Low Energy (LE) is a low energy mode of Bluetooth wireless technology that has an effect on power consumption especially for battery-operated applications. The attractive point of Bluetooth Low Energy lies in that it can operate while being connected to applications for smartphones and tablets. Renesas RL78/G1D Bluetooth LE Solutions provide smart connections with the lowest level of power consumption in the industry and can be used in applications such as healthcare and fitness devices, home electric appliances and RFID tags that use beacons to connect them with smartphones at low power consumption without wires.

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RL78/G1D Bluetooth LE Wireless Solution

Bluetooth LE Solution & Resource Quick Start Guide

This guide summarizes the Bluetooth LE MCU RL78/G1D Solution and related resources for each product development phase. Please download and use it.

Download: RL78/G1D Bluetooth LE Solution & Resource Quick Start Guide (PDF | English, 日本語

Devices

RL78 16-bit Bluetooth LE MCU: R5F11Axxxxx

Renesas' RL78/G1D low power 16-bit microcontrollers (MCUs) support Bluetooth Low Energy and enable reliable connections with current consumption levels among the lowest in the industry. The chip incorporates a balun element and a filter. It is only required to connect the chip to an antenna. Reduction in the number of external components leads to reduction in labor required for design and quality control. It also supports the long-term product supply program.

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RL78/G1D IC

RL78/G1D Module: RY7011A0000DZ00

The RL78/G1D module contains the RL78/G1D 16-bit MCU, a 32MHz crystal resonator for the RF chip and an antenna, all in a compact 8.95mm x 13.35mm x 1.7mm module. The module inherits the functional pins of the RL78/G1D, so not only can it be used for modem configuration, but the strengths of the microcontroller can also be leverage for embedded configuration. This Bluetooth Low Energy module offers a good balance between size and the number of functional pins.

RL78/G1D and RL78/G1D Module Product Page

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RL78/G1D Module

 

H/W & Kits

RL78/G1D Evaluation Board: RTK0EN0001D01001BZ

The RL78/G1D evaluation board can be used to evaluate and develop applications for Renesas' RL78/G1D Bluetooth Low Energy solution. The board consists of an RL78/G1D module which can be plugged on to the development board and connected to an IDE for development and debugging. The development board can also work with a PC GUI tool for application level evaluation.

This evaluation board is best suited for the following purposes.

  • For evaluation of the Renesas' RL78/G1D microcontroller device
  • For operation evaluation of Bluetooth Low Energy
  • For use as a principle prototype

The Renesas RY7011 module can be evaluated with the following configuration.

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RL78/G1D Module Evaluation Board

RL78/G1D Evaluation Board Product Page

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RL78/G1D Evaluation Board

RL78/G1D BLE Module Expansion Board: RTKYRLG1D0B00000BJ

The RL78/G1D BLE Module Expansion Board (RTKYRLG1D0B00000BJ) is an evaluation board with a Pmod™ interface that incorporates the RL78/G1D module (RY7011A0000DZ00).

Build IoT Devices Such as Sensors with the RL78/G1D Module and a Host MCU

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RL78/G14 Fast Prototyping Board

It can connect to the RL78/G14 Fast Prototyping Board (RTK5RLG140C00000BJ) and can be used to evaluate Bluetooth LE functions. Additionally, customers can use the RL78/G1D evaluation board to develop new Bluetooth LE applications with a Bluetooth LE system employing the RL78/G1D 16-bit microcontroller (MCU). Use the expansion board together with sensor devices to easily evaluate and develop IoT applications.

*Each board can be purchased from distributors.

RL78/G1D BLE Module Expansion Board Product Page

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RTKYRLG1D0B00000BJ RL78/G1D BLE Module Expansion Board

S/W & Tools

Bluetooth Low Energy Protocol Stack for RL78 Family

The Bluetooth Low Energy protocol stack is software required to operate the RL78/G1D IC. It supports modem configuration and embedded configuration. It can also adapt to custom profiles created by customers.

Renesas has prepared a dedicated "Beacon Stack" that reduces current consumption by 40% in beacon operation that constantly transmits radio waves. Renesas also provides sample programs as a reference for customers' program development.

Bluetooth Low Energy Protocol Stack Sample Program:

  • Virtual UART (custom Profile) application
    This is a sample program that realizes serial communication and wireless communication between embedded devices. It has a simple AT command execution function to control and set Bluetooth LE communication, thereby realizing virtual UART communication where characters are transmitted/received via Bluetooth LE communication. 
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Virtual UART Application
  • Embedded Configuration sample program
  • Host sample for (RL78/G14, RX113) sample program
  • Sensor application
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Bluetooth Low Energy Protocol Stack

Beacon Stack Sample Program:

A transmitter that transmits a small amount of data once every few milliseconds to several seconds within a radius of several tens of meters is called a beacon. This signal is used for watching terminals, indoor navigation, position detection, movement management of moving objects, coupon issuance, etc. Most beacon transmitters run on coin-type or small batteries. Since radio waves are always transmitted at regular intervals, it is required to consume as little power as possible.

The Bluetooth LE MCU RL78/G1D realizes low power consumption operation that is optimal for beacon terminals.

  • Basic operation sample program
  • Connecting and updating beacon data sample program

Multi-Hop Sample Program:

Multi-Hop uses a beacon stack for the advertising and scanning. Relay equipment executes both transmission and reception for Multi-Hop frame relay via the flooding method. It's possible to communicate data via more than one appliance. You can execute broadcasting a command (e.g. lighting control) and gathering data (e.g. sensor data) by using Multi-Hop. And, you can either select or not select security for prevention of eavesdropping and falsifying.

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Multi-Hop Operation

Renesas offers Bluetooth LE software solutions corresponding to a wide variety of application development. See the protocol stack product page for more information.

Bluetooth Low Energy Protocol Stack for RL78 Family Page

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Beacon Stack Sample Program

 

GUI Tool - Windows Application

Even if you are not familiar with Bluetooth Low Energy, you can easily conduct Bluetooth Low Energy communication using the GUI tool without writing a program. You can confirm the API execution procedure and the setting values for various parameters while actually conducting communication activities. Additionally, you can also develop a program smoothly while referring to the results (logs) of the operation check.

Download GUI Tool: Bluetooth® Low Energy Protocol Stack GUI Tool Rev.1.13 - Sample Code (ZIP | English, 日本語) (PDF + Windows application)

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Bluetooth Low Energy GUI Tools

 

GATTBrowser - Generic Data Communication Application

The GATTBrowser is a generic data communication application for checking the operation of Bluetooth LE. You can experience data communication with Bluetooth LE by scanning Bluetooth LE devices operating in the vicinity and connecting to those devices. It can be used not only for checking the operation of sample applications provided by Renesas Electronics, but also for debugging development products that implement the RL78/G1D device and module.

The GATTBrowser supports various operating systems (iOS, Android, Windows).
The GATTBrowser  for iOS and Android can be downloaded from the App Store and Google Play respectively.

Download GATTBrowser for iOS and Android :

Download GATTBrowser for Windows :

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GATTBrowser for Windows RL78G1D en
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GATTBrowser for iOS / Android RL78G1D en
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GATTBrowser QR code en

 

Windows 10 Bluetooth LE Application - Windows Application Example

The Windows 10 Bluetooth LE application can communicate with "Virtual UART application" running on the RL78/G1D evaluation board. This is an application example for Windows 10 that sends and receives character data to and from the terminal software on a PC connected to the evaluation board via USB.

In addition, a set of projects that can be launched and used in Visual Studio 2017 are provided, so you can use this application example as a base for developing Bluetooth LE communication apps that run on Windows in a Proof of Concept (PoC) phase.

Download Windows 10 Bluetooth LE Application: Bluetooth LE microcomputer / module Windows 10 Bluetooth LE Application Rev.1.00 - Sample Code (ZIP) (PDF + set of projects for Visual Studio 2017)

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Windows 10 Bluetooth LE Application - RL78

 

QE for BLE - Development Assistance Tool

The QE for BLE (for RL78 Family) is a dedicated tool for developing embedded software in systems which support the Bluetooth Low Energy protocol stack. This solution toolkit runs in the e² studio integrated development environment (IDE). The combination of the e² studio and QE for BLE makes it easy to test the communications features of Renesas' RL78/G1D Bluetooth LE MCU, thus reducing development periods for products being placed on the market. It can also design and generate the custom profile.

Please refer to the QE for BLE: Development Assistance Tool for Bluetooth Low Energy page for more information.

QE for BLE: Development Assistance Tool for Bluetooth Low Energy Page

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QE for BLE (RX)

 

Applied Solutions

RL78 Quick Solutions

The RL78 Quick Solutions demonstrate how RL78 low power MCUs combined with Renesas' analog and power products can create high-performance solutions for a wide variety of applications. Quick Solutions for the Industrial IoT, infrastructure, healthcare, and home and office are fully developed reference designs with a user’s manual, application details, schematic, bill-of-materials (BOM), and source code/project files that enable you to develop these solutions quickly.

Solution TitleOverview
Healthcare
Smart Medicine Box with BLEBuild a solution for managing personal medication with the Smart Medicine Box with Bluetooth LE reference design featuring the RL78/G13 and RL78/G1D MCUs.
Smart Blood Pressure MonitorBuild a solution for tracking blood pressure and other vitals with the Smart Blood Pressure Monitor reference design featuring the RL78/L1A and RL78/G1D MCUs.
Smart Body Fat ScaleBuild a solution for body composition management with the Smart Body Fat Scale reference design featuring the RL78/L1A and RL78/G1D MCUs.
Industrial IoT
Smart Moisture SensorBuild a solution for monitoring soil moisture with the Smart Moisture Sensor reference design featuring the RL78/G11 and RL78/G1D MCUs.
Home & Office
PowerPoint PresenterBuild a solution for presentation control with the PowerPoint Presenter reference design featuring the RL78/G1D MCU.
Smart LEDBuild a solution for LED lighting control with the Smart LED reference design featuring the RL78/G1D MCU.
Smart LockBuild a solution for home security with the Smart Lock reference design featuring the RL78/G1D MCU.

Winning Combinations

Renesas also offers many compelling analog + power + embedded processing + connectivity "Winning Combinations".

Solution TitleOverview
Healthcare
Personal Blood Glucose MonitorRenesas’ blood glucose monitor (BGM) design utilizes the high-performance RA2 MCU series. The high-performance ADC provides an optimal fit for BGM applications where precision is required. With the addition of the RL78/G1D module, the system can be easily extended to intelligent connections and control via mobile devices.
Diaper Odor DetectorThe combination of Renesas’ gas and humidity sensors, and RL78/G1D Bluetooth LE MCU, makes it easier to monitor diaper odors in real-time through any handy device. This design also includes the ISL9000A, a dual LDO with low noise, very high PSRR, and low IQ.
Biosensing with Wireless Charging and BluetoothThis solution enables the realization of a very compact system that supports wireless charging, collects data from multiple biosensors such as the very compact pulse oximeter sensor, and transfers it to a smartphone or cloud via Bluetooth LE wireless communication.
Building Automation
Air Quality Control for IoT Building AutomationThe ZMOD4410 gas sensor and HS300x humidity sensor family along with low power and high functionality RL78/G14 microcontroller and industry's lowest level current consumption RL78/G1D Bluetooth LE MCU enable users to sense the environment for gases, measure and improve air quality, and provide observations of goods during transport.
Voice/Face Recognition for Security SystemsThis solution utilizes a combination of voice and facial recognition to provide authorized entry. The solution is based on the powerful RZ/G2M MPU platform with 4K2K resolution and H.265 decode features to accelerate voice/face recognition speed.
Home Appliance
Refrigerator Odor DetectorThe combination of Renesas’ gas sensor, humidity sensor, and RL78/G14 MCU, enables users to detect gases in the refrigerator. The measured values of odor level, temperature and humidity can be monitored by handy device via Bluetooth LE wireless communication with the RL78/G1D module (RY7011).
Weather Station SolutionThis solution supports smart home systems, where a master unit (indoor unit) aggregates weather data (temperature, humidity, CO2 concentration) that is measured by a slave unit (outdoor unit). This data can then be sent wirelessly to the cloud, and accessed through a smartphone.

Bluetooth Low Energy Utilization Proposals

Renesas proposes the utilization of Bluetooth LE wireless communication in various scenes.

FAQ

Please refer to the Knowledge Base for FAQs on Bluetooth specifications, MCUs, modules, protocol stacks, development environments, qualification, and more.

Knowledge Base > Bluetooth Low Energy Page

Comparison

Applications

Software

Software & Tool Pages

Software title
Software type
Company
Bluetooth® Low Energy Protocol Stack for RL78 Family
Bluetooth v4.2 certified protocol stack (Target device: RL78/G1D)
Protocol Stack Renesas
QE for BLE: Development Assistance Tool for Bluetooth® Low Energy
Debugging support tool that specializes in Bluetooth® Low Energy system development [Plugin for Renesas IDE "e² studio"] [Support MCU/MPU: RA, RX, RL78]
Solution Toolkit Renesas
e² studio
Eclipse-based Renesas integrated development environment (IDE). [Support MCU/MPU: RA, RE, RX, RL78, RH850, Renesas Synergy, RZ]
IDE and Coding Tool 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, Power Management, Renesas USB Power Delivery Family, ICs for Motor Driver/Actuator Driver, V850, 78KR, 78K0]
Programmer (Unit/SW) Renesas
4 items
RL78 Family RF Control IC for Bluetooth Low Energy and Sub-GHz

Wireless communication IC for Bluetooth Low energy and Sub-GHz by using RL78 and pre-amplifier