STMicroelectronics, a leading global semiconductor supplier serving diverse electronics applications, has introduced Stellar with xMemory , an innovative embedded memory solution designed to revolutionize the development of next-generation automotive platforms. This cutting-edge technology is tailored for software-defined vehicles (SDVs) and supports evolving trends in vehicle electrification.
Traditionally, automotive developers have faced significant challenges managing multiple microcontrollers (MCUs) with varying memory capacities, which often leads to increased costs related to development, qualification, and supply chain complexity. With Stellar with xMemory , STMicroelectronics offers a single, scalable MCU platform that features extensible memory capabilities—empowering automakers to simplify their hardware strategies from the outset and future-proof their designs.
The first product to integrate this groundbreaking memory architecture will be the Stellar P6 MCU family , specifically engineered for emerging electric vehicle (EV) drivetrain systems. Production is expected to begin in late 2025.
Enhancing Flexibility and Future-Proofing Automotive Designs
Luca Rodeschini, Group Vice President and General Manager of the General Purpose and Automotive Microcontrollers Division at STMicroelectronics, stated:
“With Stellar with xMemory, we’ve created the most advanced memory solution for the automotive industry, featuring the smallest bit cell ever developed. Our goal is to help automakers streamline tomorrow’s vehicle architectures, reduce development costs, and accelerate time to market.”
By enabling seamless memory scalability during both the development phase and post-deployment via over-the-air (OTA) updates, xMemory eliminates the need for costly hardware redesigns . This extensibility allows carmakers to continuously innovate without being constrained by initial memory limitations.
Axel Aue, Vice President at Bosch, added:
“The integration of Phase Change Memory (PCM) in ST’s Stellar MCUs delivers superior performance and flexibility compared to alternative memory technologies like RRAM and MRAM. It represents a major leap forward in automotive-grade memory innovation.”
Why xMemory Matters for Software-Defined Vehicles
As SDVs become increasingly reliant on sophisticated software stacks—from AI-driven functions to real-time data processing—memory demand continues to rise. Traditional MCUs often struggle to keep pace due to static memory configurations. The result? Increased risks of underperformance or over-engineering at the design stage.
Stellar with xMemory addresses these issues head-on by allowing engineers to scale memory capacity as needed—during both development and in-field operation. This approach helps avoid:
- Over-designing early in the development cycle
- Costly requalification efforts if a new part becomes necessary
- Delays caused by supply chain adjustments
Anshel Sag, Principal Analyst at Moor Insights & Strategy, noted:
“Choosing an extensible MCU like Stellar with xMemory can significantly cut long-term maintenance costs and shorten time-to-market by reducing the need for hardware changes. It also streamlines logistics and improves bill-of-materials efficiency.”
How It Works: Embedded PCM at Its Core
At the heart of xMemory is ST’s proprietary embedded Phase-Change Memory (ePCM) technology, fabricated using advanced 18nm and 28nm processes. ePCM outperforms other non-volatile memory (NVM) solutions such as Flash, RRAM, and MRAM in terms of power efficiency, speed, and chip area utilization (PPA index).
Key advantages of ePCM include:
- Smallest memory cell size in the industry
- Double the memory density compared to competing technologies
- High durability and reliability for automotive environments
This robust foundation enables high-performance MCUs capable of handling the rigorous demands of modern vehicles, including domain control, centralized computing, and EV powertrain management.
Looking Ahead: Expanding the Stellar Ecosystem
The latest generation of ePCM-based xMemory will be integrated across all upcoming Arm®-based Stellar P and G series MCUs. These are designed for:
- Zone and domain controllers
- Body control modules
- Vehicle networking and gateway systems
Additionally, the Stellar E series focuses on EV traction and power conversion control, supporting the growing shift toward electrified mobility.
Conclusion
With Stellar with xMemory , STMicroelectronics is setting a new benchmark in automotive microcontroller design. By combining flexible, scalable memory with high-performance processing and automotive-grade reliability, the company empowers OEMs to build smarter, more adaptable vehicles that evolve over time.
For more information on Stellar MCUs with xMemory , visit www.st.com/stellar
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