STMicroelectronics SPC560B-DIS

Overview

SPC560B-DIS from STMicroelectronics is a Discovery evaluation board built around the SPC560B54L5 32-bit Power Architecture® e200z0h MCU (48 MHz, 768 kB Code Flash, LQFP144), featuring on-board USB-JTAG PLS debugger, dual 36-pin extension headers, 16 MHz crystal, seven LEDs, two push buttons, and user potentiometer for ADC input.

For engineers reviewing the SPC560B-DIS datasheet, SPC560B-DIS pinout, SPC560B-DIS application, or SPC560B-DIS equivalent, this board enables rapid validation of automotive body control firmware, real-time diagnostics, low-power wake-up behavior, and peripheral interface integration using SPC5Studio's visual code generation and free Hightec GNU C compiler trial.

Technical Context

The board implements full hardware access to all 144 pins of the SPC560B54L5 via two 36-pin 100-mil headers, supporting prototyping with external modules or test equipment. It integrates a dedicated PLS JTAG debugger with perpetual 256 kB programming license and supports both USB bus (5 V) and external +12 V DC power input.

Preloaded demonstration firmware enables stand-alone operation for evaluating reset behavior, GPIO toggling (PC2/PC3), ADC sampling via potentiometer, and LED-driven status feedback - all aligned with SPC56 B-line requirements for high-temperature automotive body applications and real-time load diagnostics.

Key Specifications

Availability

SPC560B-DIS is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive body control unit development, real-time diagnostic firmware validation, and low-power embedded MCU evaluation requiring stable component supply and long-term toolchain continuity.

Supply support for SPC560B-DIS includes scheduled delivery planning, volume procurement assistance, BOM continuity management, traceable sourcing, and lifecycle availability coordination for OEM customers, industrial embedded developers, connected-device designers, and electronics production programs.

Manufacturer

STMicroelectronics is a global semiconductor leader headquartered in Geneva, designing and manufacturing microcontrollers, analog ICs, power devices, and sensors for automotive, industrial, and consumer markets.

The SPC56 B-line - including the SPC560B54L5 on this board - targets automotive body electronics requiring extended temperature operation (–40 °C to 125 °C), fast wake-up from standby, and integrated real-time load monitoring capabilities.

FAQ

Does the SPC560B-DIS include a pre-flashed bootloader or only demonstration firmware?

The board ships with demonstration firmware preloaded in the SPC560B54L5 Flash memory, enabling immediate stand-alone operation for GPIO, ADC, and LED functionality. No separate bootloader is included; firmware updates are performed via the on-board PLS JTAG debugger or USB interface using SPC5Studio.

Can the SPC560B-DIS be used with third-party debuggers besides the on-board PLS unit?

Yes - the board provides a standard 2×7-pin 100-mil JTAG connector compatible with external JTAG debuggers. The HW selection mode jumper allows disabling the on-board PLS debugger to enable use of alternative tools while retaining full signal access to the MCU's JTAG interface.

What software tools are required to develop firmware for the SPC560B-DIS?

SPC5Studio is mandatory: it provides the visual configuration engine, BSP, startup code, interrupt handlers, and drivers. It bundles the HighTec GNU C compiler (30-day full trial) and supports free download. PLS UDE software is optional for advanced debugging beyond the included 256 kB license.

Is the 16 MHz crystal on the SPC560B-DIS used exclusively for the MCU, or does it support other peripherals?

The 16 MHz crystal serves as the primary clock source for the SPC560B54L5 MCU core and its internal PLL, enabling precise timing for real-time diagnostics, CAN communication (if enabled), and ADC sampling. It is not shared with external peripherals or headers - all clock domains originate from the MCU's internal clock tree.