STMicroelectronics STELLARLINK

Overview

STELLARLINK from STMicroelectronics is a passive USB-to-JTAG debugger and programmer dongle for automotive microcontrollers, supporting Stellar SR5/SR6 and legacy SPC5 families. It delivers IEEE 1149.1-compliant JTAG debugging, NVM erase/program/verify, virtual COM port UART bridging, and operates from 0 °C to 50 °C.

For engineers reviewing the STELLARLINK datasheet, STELLARLINK pinout, STELLARLINK application, or STELLARLINK equivalent, this tool enables rapid in-circuit debug and flash programming of ST's automotive MCUs within StellarStudio and SPC5-STUDIO IDEs - with dual JTAG headers (20-pin Arm®, 10-pin), dedicated UART (3-pin), and real-time status LEDs for IO voltage, connection, and run state.

Technical Context

STELLARLINK implements a passive JTAG boundary-scan interface compliant with IEEE 1149.1, requiring no target-side firmware or bootloader to initiate debug or programming. It integrates a USB-to-serial bridge enabling host PC communication via virtual COM port, directly mapping UART signals from the target MCU.

The device supports full NVM lifecycle operations - including sector erase, byte/page programming, and CRC-based verify - across Stellar and SPC5 flash architectures. Its multi-connector layout (20-pin Arm®, 10-pin, 14-pin, 3-pin) ensures mechanical compatibility with ST evaluation boards and custom automotive PCBs without adapter.

Key Specifications

Availability

STELLARLINK is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive ECU development, functional safety prototyping, and production firmware validation requiring stable component supply and IDE-integrated toolchain support.

Supply support for STELLARLINK 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 automotive-grade solutions.

STELLARLINK belongs to ST's automotive debug and programming tools product line, engineered specifically to accelerate development of ISO 26262-compliant ECUs using Stellar and SPC5 microcontrollers.

FAQ

Does STELLARLINK require proprietary drivers or software licenses?

No. STELLARLINK uses standard USB CDC ACM class drivers built into Windows, Linux, and macOS. Its firmware update and configuration utilities, plus full integration with StellarStudio and SPC5-STUDIO, are freely downloadable from st.com without registration or license fees.

Can STELLARLINK program MCUs in-system without removing them from the vehicle harness?

Yes - when the target board provides accessible JTAG and UART headers compliant with ST's pinout (e.g., 20-pin Arm® or 10-pin), STELLARLINK supports live in-circuit debug and flash programming without MCU removal, provided VDD_TARGET and SWD/JTAG lines are electrically reachable.

What is the maximum supported clock frequency for JTAG communication?

STELLARLINK supports adaptive JTAG clocking up to 10 MHz, dynamically adjusting to target MCU capabilities. This enables reliable high-speed debug and programming on Stellar SR6 devices with fast flash interfaces while maintaining stability on older SPC5 derivatives.

Is STELLARLINK compatible with third-party IDEs like IAR Embedded Workbench or Green Hills MULTI?

No - STELLARLINK is tightly integrated only with ST's official IDEs: StellarStudio (for Stellar MCUs) and SPC5-STUDIO (for SPC5). It does not expose generic CMSIS-DAP or OpenOCD-compatible interfaces, and lacks vendor-neutral debug probe firmware.