STMicroelectronics SPC564A-DISP

Overview

SPC564A-DISP from STMicroelectronics is a Discovery+ evaluation board built around the SPC564A70L7 32-bit Power Architecture® microcontroller (e200z4 core, 150 MHz, 2 MB on-chip flash) in LQFP176, targeting automotive powertrain and transmission development. It provides full access to GPIOs, dual high-speed CAN, dual eSCI/SCI+K-LINE, two DSPI modules, JTAG, and Nexus debug interfaces.

For engineers reviewing the SPC564A-DISP datasheet, SPC564A-DISP pinout, SPC564A-DISP application, or SPC564A-DISP equivalent, this board supports rapid firmware prototyping for time-critical automotive control tasks using eTPU coprocessor offload, real-time interrupt handling, and pre-integrated SPC5Studio toolchain with free GNU C compiler trial.

Technical Context

The board hosts the SPC564A70L7 MCU featuring an e200z4 core operating at 150 MHz with 2 MB embedded flash and integrated eTPU for deterministic timing event generation. It implements dual CAN 2.0B controllers with DB9 connectors and optional third CAN via headers, plus dual eSCI interfaces configurable as SCI+K-LINE or two independent eSCI ports.

Hardware resources include a 12 MHz crystal oscillator, four user-accessible LEDs (power, reset, GPIO99, GPIO98), two potentiometers for ADC evaluation, and a 4×36 100-mil header grid enabling modular expansion with companion boards for domain-specific I/O or signal conditioning.

Key Specifications

Availability

SPC564A-DISP is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive ECU prototyping, powertrain control algorithm validation, and functional safety development requiring stable component supply and long-term toolchain continuity.

Supply support for SPC564A-DISP 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 applications.

The SPC56A product line targets high-complexity automotive powertrain and transmission systems, emphasizing deterministic timing via eTPU coprocessors, ASIL-B-capable peripherals, and integrated safety mechanisms for engine, gearbox, and hybrid control units.

FAQ

What software tools are required to use the SPC564A-DISP board?

SPC5Studio is the official IDE, bundled with HighTec GNU C compiler (30-day full trial), BSP, startup code, interrupt handlers, and optional free RTOS. Preloaded demonstration firmware runs stand-alone; no host PC is needed for basic operation. SPC5-UDESTK is also supported for advanced debugging.

Does the board support AUTOSAR or functional safety certification workflows?

The SPC564A70L7 MCU meets ASIL-B requirements per ISO 26262, and SPC5Studio includes safety-oriented drivers and memory protection unit (MPU) configuration templates. While the board itself is not certified, it provides the hardware foundation and toolchain integration needed for ASIL-B development and safety case evidence collection.

Can the SPC564A-DISP be used for LIN or K-LINE diagnostics?

Yes - one eSCI interface can be configured as K-LINE per ISO 9141-2, and the second eSCI supports standard SCI UART mode for LIN physical layer interfacing. Both are accessible via DB9 female connectors, enabling direct connection to vehicle diagnostic tools or LIN bus analyzers.

Is external programming hardware required to load firmware onto the SPC564A-DISP?

No - the board supports in-circuit programming via JTAG using standard adapters (e.g., ST-LINK/V2-1 or PE Micro Multilink). The MCU's internal bootloader also allows firmware updates over CAN or SCI, eliminating need for dedicated programmers during field updates or production flashing.