Renesas Electronics announces strategic alliance with Alibaba to accelerate growth of IoT market in China

Renesas Electronics Corporation has announced a strategic alliance with Alibaba Cloud, which it hopes will empower IoT developers to accelerate the growth of China’s IoT market.

The close technology collaboration includes embedding AliOS Things IoT operating system (OS) in the Renesas RX65N/RX651 microcontroller (MCU) lineup, expanding online sales channels, and Renesas joining Alibaba’s IoT ecosystem.

Embedded AliOS Things in RX65N/RX651 MCU Lineup

Following the recent launch of the 16-bit RL78 MCU Familysupporting AliOS Things’ basic version, Renesas is now launching its 32-bit RX65N/RX651 MCU Group to support the AliOS Things’ advanced version. By embedding AliOS Things into RX65N/RX651 MCUs, developers will be able to connect IoT node devices and gateways to the Alibaba Cloud.

The RX65N/RX651 MCUs feature integrated Trusted Secure IP (TSIP), which can implement Root of Trust for IoT devices using encryption key data protected by TSIP and a flash memory-protected authentication program. The RX65N/RX651 security features enable customers to protect their IoT devices and firmware updates against external cyber threats. Renesas says it will continue to develop new products and development kits that support AliOS Things.

Renesas’ Flagship Store Officially Opens on Tmall

Renesas opened its flagship online store on Tmall.com, Chinese B2C retail shopping website. In addition to featuring general-purpose semiconductor products, the Renesas Tmall store includes an AliOS Things section that provides IoT users with Renesas MCUs and board kit solutions that support AliOS Things. With Tmall's powerful promotion channels, Renesas looks forward to providing products and services to a wider range of users.

Joint Development of an IoT Ecosystem

Renesas is joining Alibaba Cloud University and the IoT Connectivity Alliance (ICA) to help Alibaba build out a complete ecosystem. Renesas intends to offer online and offline Alibaba Cloud University training courses related to developing IoT devices. Renesas also plans to support ICA members build new alliance standards, as well as national and international IoT standards that spur IoT market growth.

China Tariffs

This news comes shortly after Alibaba’s launch of a semiconductor company, called Pingtouge, which will look to develop its own AI chip - AliNPU. It also follows an announcement by Jack Ma, the company’s soon to be retired CEO, who was reported saying that China needs to control core technology – including chips – to avoid over relying on US imports. Read the full story here.