Project Description
Introduction
SMH Technologies offers comprehensive support for the STMicroelectronics Stellar family, a new generation of high-performance automotive microcontrollers based on Arm® Cortex®-R52 cores. Designed specifically for automotive real-time domain control, Stellar devices are optimized for functional safety (up to ASIL-D), real-time determinism, and advanced communication features. These microcontrollers are ideal for applications such as powertrain electrification, autonomous driving, and zonal architectures.
The FlashRunner 2.0 series — including FlashRunner 2.0, NXG, and HS models — is engineered to meet the rigorous demands of production-level in-system programming (ISP). With full support for SWD protocol, FlashRunner provides a fast, secure, and highly configurable programming solution for Stellar devices in modern manufacturing environments.
Protocol and interface compatibility
STMicroelectronics Stellar microcontrollers are programmed using SWD, a streamlined 2-wire protocol from Arm’s Debug Access Port architecture. FlashRunner 2.0 offers complete support for SWD, ensuring efficient, reliable in-system programming via minimal pin count — an ideal match for automotive-grade constraints on board layout and pin availability.
FlashRunner automates the entire SWD session, including device detection, memory mapping, handshake initiation. This allows seamless communication with internal flash and configuration memory areas without requiring additional tools or host-side intervention.
FlashRunner automates the protocol initialization, handshake, and device identification process, ensuring reliable access to memory regions — including Flash, DataFlash, UTEST OTP and Boot Code Sector OTP.
Benefits in production programming
FlashRunner’s hardware and software architecture deliver significant advantages when programming ST Stellar devices on the production line:
- Optimized flashing performance via direct SWD integration and device-specific programming algorithms
- Flexible setup compatibility, supporting both standalone and multi-channel programming in complex production scenarios
- Full automation of the flashing cycle — including connect, erase, program, verify — with no need for host-side interaction
These features contribute to reduced production cycle times, greater programming consistency.
Conclusions
As the demand for advanced automotive microcontrollers grows, STMicroelectronics Stellar devices are becoming central to next-generation vehicle electronics. SMH Technologies remains closely aligned with ST to ensure that FlashRunner 2.0 continues to deliver optimized support for current and future members of the Stellar family.
Through continuous updates to our flashing algorithms and support for evolving debug and security architectures, FlashRunner ensures your programming process remains efficient, reliable, and scalable. SMH is committed not only to delivering powerful flashing solutions, but also to building a full programming ecosystem that simplifies integration, accelerates validation, and supports complex workflows across the entire production lifecycle.
As vehicles evolve to support new features, electrification, and autonomous systems, programming tools must also evolve. FlashRunner 2.0 is built with this future in mind, offering performance, flexibility, and dependability to support the most advanced embedded platforms in the industry.
In summary, adopting FlashRunner for Stellar microcontrollers means investing in a forward-compatible, industry-proven platform — backed by continuous innovation, trusted support, and a shared vision for the future of automotive embedded systems.