Project Description

Flashing NXP MCX Devices with FlashRunner

Introduction

SMH Technologies provides advanced support for the NXP MCX family — a new generation of microcontrollers built on Arm® Cortex®-M cores. Designed for industrial, consumer, and IoT applications, the MCX family offers an excellent balance of performance, power efficiency, and scalability, covering a wide range of embedded designs.

The FlashRunner 2.0 series — including the FlashRunner 2.0, NXG, and HS models — is engineered to provide fast and reliable in-system programming (ISP) for MCX devices. These systems are ideal for automated production environments, where speed, accuracy, and integration flexibility are essential.

Protocol and Interface Compatibility

Programming NXP MCX devices is based on the SWD (Serial Wire Debug) interface, ensuring efficient communication and full compatibility with standard production tools.

FlashRunner 2.0 fully supports this interface, providing:

  • Automatic device recognition and initialization
  • Efficient access to internal flash and configuration memory
  • Complete handling of NXP-specific programming sequences

This ensures consistent and optimized performance across all MCX subfamilies, including A, W, E, N, C, and L:

  • MCX A – Mainstream
    • Wide performance range
    • Autonomous peripherals
    • Industrial interfaces
  • MCX W – Wireless
    • Multi-protocol connectivity
    • Designed for IoT and connected applications
  • MCX E – Safe
    • Functional safety features
    • Extended industrial-grade memory and packages
    • Robust 5.5V supply support
  • MCX N – Advanced
    • High-performance core options
    • AI and signal-processing capabilities
    • Rich peripheral integration
  • MCX C – Value
    • Low-power architecture
    • Precision analog functions
    • Cost-optimized design
  • MCX L – Ultra-Low Power
    • Extremely low active and standby power
    • Always-on operation modes

Benefits in Production Programming

FlashRunner’s advanced architecture offers several advantages for programming NXP MCX devices in manufacturing lines:

  • High-speed programming — optimized SWD communication and efficient flash management reduce total programming time.
  • Stable operation — reliable performance in both single-board and multi-site configurations.
  • Full automation — connection, erase, program, verify, and disconnect operations are managed automatically.

These capabilities increase throughput, improve process reliability, and simplify integration into automated systems.

Conclusion

SMH Technologies is committed to supporting the NXP MCX family within the FlashRunner 2.0 ecosystem, ensuring ongoing compatibility with current and future MCX devices.

By continually enhancing programming algorithms and communication efficiency, SMH Technologies provides a robust, high-performance solution for in-system programming in demanding production environments.

FlashRunner 2.0 is more than a programming tool — it’s a complete production platform designed to:

  • Speed up development and manufacturing cycles
  • Minimize downtime
  • Simplify integration within automated test and assembly setups

As embedded systems continue to evolve, FlashRunner 2.0 delivers the flexibility, speed, and reliability required for next-generation production.