STMicroelectronics Introduces Next-Generation Stellar Microcontrollers with xMemory to Address the Evolving Needs of Software-Defined and Electrified Vehicles
STMicroelectronics has launched its next-generation Stellar microcontrollers (MCUs) featuring xMemory, a scalable memory solution designed to simplify the development of software-defined vehicles (SDVs) and evolving electrification platforms. This innovation is set to streamline the complex process of developing future automotive technologies.
The xMemory technology integrated into the Stellar series eliminates the need for managing multiple devices with varying memory options, removing the associated development and certification costs. It provides a cost-effective and efficient solution with scalable memory in a single device, allowing automotive manufacturers to design future-proof vehicles. This approach simplifies the design process, providing more room for innovation during later stages of development, thus reducing costs and accelerating time to market through a more streamlined supply chain. The Stellar P6 MCU, which incorporates xMemory, is tailored for the new powertrain trends and architectures of electric vehicles (EVs) and is set for production in the second half of 2025.
Luca Rodeschini, Vice President and General Manager of General and Automotive Microcontrollers at STMicroelectronics, commented:
“STMicroelectronics has developed the ultimate memory technology for the automotive market, where the smallest memory unit meets the growing demand for larger memory sizes. The Stellar series with xMemory simplifies future automotive architectures, improves cost-effectiveness, and significantly shortens development times for automakers. This innovative solution uses the same hardware, ensuring manufacturers have the infrastructure and capacity to continuously innovate, enabling them to introduce new features in the digitalization and electrification areas and extend the lifespan of vehicles.”
Axel Aue, Vice President at Bosch, stated:
“With embedded Phase Change Memory (PCM) technology, Stellar provides a powerful and flexible memory concept for creating high-performance, adaptable automotive microcontrollers. Compared to other memory technologies like RRAM and MRAM, this technology offers several advantages for automotive applications.”
Anshel Sag, Chief Analyst at Moor Insights & Strategy, remarked:
“By choosing scalable MCUs like the Stellar with xMemory, engineers can avoid costly hardware redesigns for software features. As software evolves, the same platform can be upgraded on-site via OTA updates, significantly reducing time to market and lowering maintenance costs. Solutions like Stellar with xMemory simplify logistics and improve bill-of-materials efficiency.”
How It Works:
Automakers need to seamlessly integrate software and hardware to maximize platform reuse, extend vehicle lifespan, and enhance digital capabilities. With the rise of new functionalities, regulations, AI and machine learning applications, and wireless (OTA) updates, the complexity of software increases, creating a memory bottleneck. STMicroelectronics’ xMemory technology solves this challenge by offering scalable memory during the development phase or in real-world vehicle operations, providing limitless opportunities for application upgrades.
Selecting the right MCU at the early stage of the SDV lifecycle ensures ample on-chip memory for future software development. Opting for excessively high memory specs increases costs, while choosing too low of a memory spec may require subsequent requalification with larger memory MCUs, adding complexity, cost, and delays. The Stellar MCU with xMemory offers a cost-competitive option that brings additional savings, simplifies OEM supply chains, and accelerates product market launch by reducing certification times and extending product lifecycle.
PCM and Stellar Technical Overview:
STMicroelectronics has been at the forefront of the transition from flash memory to eNVM technology in automotive MCUs, launching the first 28nm eNVM solution meeting automotive requirements, which is at the core of xMemory. The embedded Phase Change Memory (ePCM) provides best-in-class power, performance, and area (PPA) metrics compared to RRAM, MRAM, and flash memory technologies.
PCM, manufactured at 18nm and 28nm nodes, offers the industry’s smallest eNVM unit sizes, delivering twice the memory density of other technologies.
All upcoming Arm®-based Stellar P and G automotive MCUs will feature the latest generation PCM technology. The Stellar series is designed for automotive applications, streamlining vehicle electrical architectures to enhance power, flexibility, and safety. This product family includes:
• Stellar Integration MCUs (Stellar P and G series) for centralized zone controllers, domain controllers, and body applications, integrating multiple independent communication and control ECUs.
• Stellar Electrification MCUs (Stellar E series) optimized for traction module power converter control in electric vehicles.