How far can a high-performance automotive microcontroller go? This question inspired a collaborative project between Ideas & Motion and RENESAS®, aimed at demonstrating the full potential of the RH850/U2B microcontroller in advanced control applications requiring significant computational power and real-time performance.
To achieve this goal, Ideas & Motion developed a fully in-house proof-of-concept Demo Box, designed as a portable platform for evaluating advanced motor control strategies and AI-enabled applications. The system combines an Ideas & Motion inverter with a PMSM motor, creating a versatile testbed for next-generation automotive control technologies.
Pushing the Boundaries of Real-Time Control
The Demo Box showcases the execution of sophisticated control algorithms and AI functionalities that place demanding requirements on embedded computing platforms, including:
– Model Predictive Control (MPC) for advanced predictive motor control strategies
– Field-Oriented Control (FOC) for highly efficient and precise motor operation
– Neural network-based virtual temperature sensing for intelligent estimation of critical thermal parameters
These applications highlight the capabilities of the RH850/U2B, leveraging its integrated AI/ML Hardware Accelerator to efficiently process complex real-time computations while maintaining the performance and reliability required by automotive applications.
A Platform for Evaluation, Training and Demonstration
Entirely designed and developed by Ideas & Motion, the Demo Box demonstrates how the RH850/U2B can support demanding automotive control applications that combine advanced algorithms with embedded artificial intelligence. Beyond its role as a proof of concept, the platform serves as a practical and interactive tool for: technology evaluation, customer demonstrations, engineering training.
International showcase
The Demo Box was presented by RENESAS® at its booth during Bosch® Tech Day Shanghai, held on September 16-17, 2026, providing industry professionals with a hands-on demonstration of the performance and capabilities enabled by the RH850/U2B platform.
Strengthening Innovation Through Partnership
This successful collaboration with RENESAS® further demonstrates Ideas & Motion’s expertise in advanced motor control, embedded systems, real-time software development and AI-driven automotive applications. By combining cutting-edge control algorithms with state-of-the-art embedded hardware, the project showcases how innovation, engineering excellence and strong technology partnerships can accelerate the development of the next generation of intelligent automotive systems.
