Renesas Electronics Launches RX Microcontroller Design Contest

As a leading worldwide semiconductor supplier, Renesas Electronics understands that design influence and support - on a global scale - are pivotal factors for success, particularly in the embedded world, and the Renesas RX Design Contest is one example of how we are embracing this challenge with our commitment to global innovation and excellence, said Bernd Westhoff, Product Manager RX Platform, Industrial Business Group, Renesas Electronics Europe. The RX family of MCUs combines a unique architecture, superior performance/power balance and a comprehensive support ecosystem via our alliance partners, providing an ideal platform for designers to use as a launch pad for their Renesas RX Design Contest activities.

Starting in October, 2010, to March 4, 2011, 1,000 RX62N Renesas Demonstration Kits (RDKs) will be available for contestants. The use of the RDK is encouraged but not required. The contest will be coordinated across the North American, European and Asian regions. To join the competition, contestants can visit http://www.renesasrulz.com/community/rx-contest to register.

The design entries will be available on the Renesas RX Design Contest website for audience comments and voting. In addition to recognition for the overall best designs, the Renesas RX Design Contest will offer weekly challenges and prizes. Renesas Electronics will award the top three winners: $5,000 (first place); $3,000 (second place); and $1,000 (third place); and five honourable mentions receiving $500 each. Selections will be based on a scoring of technical merit, design originality, usefulness, cost effectiveness, documentation and public voting. Participating Alliance Partners will also present their own prize awards, based on criteria for their respective prizes. Final judging and the winner selections will be announced during a special ceremony at Embedded Systems Conference Silicon Valley 2011 headed by Renesas Electronics America.