ST plans integrated automotive microcontroller line

STMicroelectronics is planning to expand its line of automotive microcontrollers as it starts shipping its Stellar devices.

ST is planning automotive versions of its STM32 32bit ARM Cortex-M microcontrollers.  The STM32A will be suitable for ASIL-B functional safety designs such as motor controllers and smart sensors.

This comes as ST is aiming to start production of its Stellar P and G microcontrollers on 28nm FD-SOI low power process. The Stellar controllers, launched back in 2021, are based on the ARM R52+ microcontroller core with ST’s proprietary phase change memory technology for over the air (OTA) updates. The R52+ core includes hardware-supported software separation makes it easier for developers to ensure that software functions can’t interfere with each other. For safety-related tasks, this can mean that less code needs to be certified, saving time, cost and effort.

These virtualization features allow developers to consolidate applications using multiple operating systems within a single core, with additional functions such as an Ethernet switch alongside the core.

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“Going forward we will create a unified MCU roadmap that converges on a platform, which reduces complexity by simplifying design and scalability, while guaranteeing the highest levels of safety and security,” said Remi El-Ouazzane, President, Microcontrollers, Digital ICs and RF Product at ST.

“Electrification and digitalization are profoundly transforming the automotive industry. While some carmakers have recently scaled down their electrification plans, we envision a future where affordable hybrid and electric cars will be predominant in the market,” he said. ”These vehicles will be software-defined, using Ethernet as the primary vehicle bus protocol. Over-the-air (OTA) updates will be the linchpin of the end user’s car experience ensuring constant improvement and seamless integration of new features.”

The company is supplying the next generation platform from the world’s largest EV manufacturer, BYD in China.

“We have successfully introduced leading-edge Stellar P and G series, which have already reached qualification and we will shortly reach an important milestone with the start of volume production,” said El-Ouazzane. “These products are gaining momentum, particularly among our customers in Asia and Europe. BYD is substantially evolving its architecture for managing electrification systems in the next-generation cars through integration of multiple electronic units into one streamlined, efficient device.