> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://dev.solid-run.com/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://dev.solid-run.com/renesas/rz-g2l-v2l/sbc-platform/rz-g2-other-articles/renesas-rz-g2ul-vs-nxp-imx6-ul-ull-ulz.md).

# Renesas RZ/G2UL vs NXP i.MX6 UL/ULL/ULZ

## Background

The purpose of the article is to provide an in-depth overview and comparison between the [NXP i.MX6 UL](https://www.nxp.com/products/processors-and-microcontrollers/arm-processors/i-mx-applications-processors/i-mx-6-processors/i-mx-6ultralite-processor-low-power-secure-arm-cortex-a7-core:i.MX6UL?tid=vani.MX6UL)/[ULL](https://www.nxp.com/products/processors-and-microcontrollers/arm-processors/i-mx-applications-processors/i-mx-6-processors/i-mx-6ull-single-core-processor-with-arm-cortex-a7-core:i.MX6ULL?tid=vanIMX6ULL)/[ULZ](https://www.nxp.com/products/processors-and-microcontrollers/arm-processors/i-mx-applications-processors/i-mx-6-processors/ultra-low-cost-linux-processor-with-arm-cortex-a7-core:i.MX-6ULZ?tid=vaniMX6ULZ) and [Renesas RZ/G2UL](https://www.renesas.com/kr/en/products/microcontrollers-microprocessors/rz-mpus/rzg2ul-general-purpose-microprocessors-single-core-arm-cortex-a55-10-ghz-cpu-and-single-core-arm-cortex-m33) SOCs for industrial, IoT and embedded type applications. The article should provide a good reference for design considerations while planning your next gen application or project and will provide an overview about multiple areas such as key technology, interfaces, power consumption, longevity and more.

The NXP i.MX6 UL and Renesas RZG2UL are both microcontrollers (MCUs) that are designed for use in a variety of embedded systems. They are both microprocessors that are used to control and coordinate the operation of other devices and systems.

The NXP i.MX6 UL is a 32-bit microcontroller that is based on the Cortex-A7 processor core. It is designed for use in low-power applications, and is optimized for low power consumption. It is available in a range of configurations, with options for different numbers of processor cores, memory sizes, and other features.

The Renesas RZG2UL is a 64-bit microcontroller that is based on the Cortex-A55 processor core. It is designed for use in low to mid-performance applications, and is capable of handling more complex tasks and workloads. It is available in a range of configurations such as memory sizes, and other features.

In terms of performance, the Renesas RZG2UL is generally considered to be faster and more powerful than the NXP i.MX6 UL, due to its use of the Cortex-A55 processor core. However, the NXP i.MX6 UL may be a better choice for low-power applications due to its lower power consumption.

Both the NXP i.MX6 UL and Renesas RZG2UL are widely used in a variety of embedded systems, including industrial automation systems, medical devices, and consumer electronics. They are both capable of handling a range of tasks and workloads, and are suitable for use in a variety of applications.

## Cortex A7 vs Cortex A55

The Cortex-A7 and Cortex-A55 are both processors designed by ARM Holdings for use in a variety of devices, including smartphones, tablets, and other embedded systems. They are part of ARM's Cortex-A series of processors, which are designed for use in high-performance applications that require fast processing and low power consumption.

The Cortex-A7 is an older processor designed for use in entry-level devices. It is a relatively small processor, with a die size of only 0.5 mm², and is optimized for low power consumption. It is a 32-bit processor, meaning it can process data in 32-bit chunks, and is capable of running at clock speeds of up to 1GHz.

The Cortex-A55 is a more recent processor that is designed for use in a low to mid-range devices. It is a 64-bit processor, meaning it can process data in 64-bit chunks, and is capable of running at clock speeds of up to 2.0 GHz. It is a more powerful processor than the Cortex-A7, and is able to perform more complex tasks and handle more demanding workloads.

In terms of performance, the Cortex-A55 is generally considered to be significantly faster and more powerful than the Cortex-A7. It is able to handle more complex tasks and workloads, and is better suited for use in devices that require more processing power, such as industrial devices and GUI applications.

Here is a summary table with key differences between the technologies;

| Feature                | Cortex-A7             | Cortex-A9             | Cortex-A55            |
| ---------------------- | --------------------- | --------------------- | --------------------- |
| Processor architecture | 32-bit                | 32-bit                | 64-bit                |
| Instruction set        | ARMv7-A               | ARMv7-A               | ARMv8-A               |
| Multithreading         | No                    | Yes                   | Yes                   |
| Manufacturing process  | 40nm                  | 40nm                  | 28nm                  |
| Performance            | Entry-level           | Mid-range             | High-performance      |
| Power consumption      | Low                   | Moderate              | Higher                |
| Suitable applications  | Low-power             | Mid-range             | High-performance      |
| Cache size             | L1: 32 KB, L2: 256 KB | L1: 32 KB, L2: 256 KB | L1: 32 KB, L2: 512 KB |
| Pipeline depth         | 7-stage               | 9-stage               | 13-stage              |
| SIMD instructions      | NEON                  | NEON                  | NEON                  |
| Floating point unit    | VFPv4                 | VFPv4                 | VFPv4                 |
| Security features      | TrustZone             | TrustZone             | TrustZone             |

## High Level Overview

Below is a summary table of the key features and differences between the platforms.

| **Feature**                 | **Renesas RZG2UL**                                                           | **NXP i.MX6 Solo**                                                                 | **NXP i.MX6 ULL**                                                               | **NXP i.MX6 UL**                                                                 | **NXP i.MX6 ULZ**                                                                  |
| --------------------------- | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| Processor architecture      | 64-bit                                                                       | 32-bit                                                                             | 32-bit                                                                          | 32-bit                                                                           | 32-bit                                                                             |
| Block Diagram               | [Click Here](https://www.renesas.com/sites/default/files/rzg2ul-block_2.png) | [Click Here](https://www.nxp.com/assets/images/en/block-diagrams/IMX6S_BD_IMG.jpg) | [Click Here](https://www.nxp.com/assets/images/en/block-diagrams/IMX6UL-BD.jpg) | [Click Here](https://www.nxp.com/assets/images/en/block-diagrams/IMX6ULL-BD.png) | [Click Here](https://www.nxp.com/assets/images/en/block-diagrams/i.MX_6ULZ_BD.jpg) |
| Maximum clock speed         | up to 2.0 GHz                                                                | up to 1.0 GHz                                                                      | up to 1.0 GHz                                                                   | up to 1.0 GHz                                                                    | up to 1.0 GHz                                                                      |
| Performance                 | High-performance                                                             | Entry-level                                                                        | Entry-level                                                                     | Entry-level                                                                      | Entry-level                                                                        |
| Power consumption           | Higher                                                                       | Low                                                                                | Low                                                                             | Low                                                                              | Low                                                                                |
| Suitable applications       | High-performance                                                             | Low-power                                                                          | Low-power                                                                       | Low-power                                                                        | Low-power                                                                          |
| Processor core              | Cortex-A55                                                                   | Cortex A9                                                                          | Cortex-A7                                                                       | Cortex-A7                                                                        | Cortex-A7                                                                          |
| Instruction set             | ARMv8-A                                                                      | ARMv7-A                                                                            | ARMv7-A                                                                         | ARMv7-A                                                                          | ARMv7-A                                                                            |
| Multithreading              | Yes                                                                          | No                                                                                 | No                                                                              | No                                                                               | No                                                                                 |
| Security features           | TrustZone, CryptoCell-310                                                    | TrustZone                                                                          | TrustZone                                                                       | TrustZone                                                                        | TrustZone                                                                          |
| Manufacturing process       | 28nm                                                                         | 40nm                                                                               | 40nm                                                                            | 40nm                                                                             | 40nm                                                                               |
| Transistor count            | Approximately 3.3 billion                                                    | Approximately 1 billion                                                            | Approximately 1 billion                                                         | Approximately 1 billion                                                          | Approximately 1 billion                                                            |
| Memory options              | DDR3/DDR4 SDRAM, QSPI Flash                                                  | DDR3/DDR3L SDRAM, NAND Flash                                                       | DDR3/DDR3L SDRAM, NAND Flash                                                    | DDR3/DDR3L SDRAM, NAND Flash                                                     | DDR3/DDR3L SDRAM, NAND Flash                                                       |
| Peripherals                 | Ethernet, USB, CAN, UART, I2C, SPI                                           | Ethernet, USB, CAN, UART, I2C, SPI                                                 | Ethernet, USB, CAN, UART, I2C, SPI                                              | Ethernet, USB, CAN, UART, I2C, SPI                                               | Ethernet, USB, CAN, UART, I2C, SPI                                                 |
| Operating temperature       | -40°C to 105°C                                                               | -40°C to 85°C                                                                      | -40°C to 85°C                                                                   | -40°C to 85°C                                                                    | -40°C to 85°C                                                                      |
| Package options             | LQFP, LFBGA                                                                  | LQFP, BGA                                                                          | LQFP, BGA                                                                       | LQFP, BGA                                                                        | LQFP, BGA                                                                          |
| Supported operating systems | ThreadX, Linux                                                               | Linux, Android, QNX                                                                | Linux, Android, QNX                                                             | Linux, Android, QNX                                                              | Linux, Android, QNX                                                                |
| Year Launched               | 2022                                                                         | 2012                                                                               | 2015                                                                            | 2016                                                                             | 2018                                                                               |
| Longevity                   | 2032                                                                         | 2035                                                                               | 2035                                                                            | 2031                                                                             | 2028                                                                               |
| **Pricing**                 | From $25                                                                     | From $45                                                                           | From $25                                                                        | From $25                                                                         | From $25                                                                           |

{% hint style="success" %}
SolidRun offers Renesas RZ/G2LC and RZ/G2UL based SOMs with more information available [here.](https://www.solid-run.com/embedded-industrial-iot/renesas-rz-family/rz-g2lc-som/) A detailed hardware user guide is available [here](#section-7d3b2386-6e99-4b5d-b628-f5f35a07e90f).
{% endhint %}


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