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Leading chip programming provider Acroview Technology, upon releasing its new version of programming software, has officially announced a further expansion of its compatible chip model portfolio. The company's flagship product—the universal programming platform AP8000—has now achieved full adaptation with STMicroelectronics' high-performance microcontroller, the STM32H523ZET.

The STM32H523ZET is a member of the STM32H5 series of high-performance microcontrollers. It features an Arm® Cortex®-M33 32-bit RISC core operating at frequencies up to 250 MHz. The Cortex®-M33 core includes a single-precision Floating-Point Unit (FPU) supporting all Arm® single-precision data processing instructions and data types. It also features a comprehensive DSP (Digital Signal Processing) instruction set and an enhanced Memory Protection Unit (MPU) for application security.

The STM32H523ZET incorporates high-speed memory (512 KB of dual-bank Flash memory and 272 KB of SRAM), a Flexible Memory Controller (FMC) (for packages with 100 or more pins), an OCTOSPI memory interface (at least one quad-SPI interface available for all packages), and a wide range of enhanced I/Os and peripherals connected to three APB buses, three AHB buses, and one 32-bit multi-AHB bus matrix.

The STM32H523ZET provides a security foundation that complies with Arm® Trusted Base System Architecture (TBSA) requirements. Furthermore, the device integrates Secure Firmware Installation (SFI), facilitating code and configuration protection during production. A flexible lifecycle is managed through multi-level read protection and secure debug authentication. Secure firmware and hardware isolation is supported via secure peripherals, memory, I/O, and their respective access permission configurations.

The STM32H523ZET offers multiple protection mechanisms for its embedded Flash memory and SRAM: read protection, write protection, and secure hidden protection areas. It includes several peripherals dedicated to enhanced security: a HASH hardware accelerator and a True Random Number Generator (TRNG).

The STM32H523ZET features active tamper detection and protection, capable of erasing security data during short-duration environmental perturbation attacks through multiple internal monitoring functions, thereby defending against security threats. This helps meet PCI requirements for point-of-sale terminal applications.

The STM32H523ZET provides two fast 12-bit ADCs, two DAC channels, an internal voltage reference buffer, a low-power RTC, two 32-bit general-purpose timers, two 16-bit PWM timers dedicated to motor control, eight 16-bit general-purpose timers, two 16-bit basic timers, and six 16-bit low-power timers.

The STM32H523ZET also offers multiple standard and advanced communication interfaces: 3x I2C, 2x I3C, 4x SPI (three of which support full-duplex I2S multiplexing), 4x USART, 2x UART and 1x low-power UART, 1x SDMMC, 2x FDCAN, 1x USB Full Speed, and 1x USB Type-C®/USB PD controller.

The STM32H523ZET operates over a temperature range of -40°C to +85°C/105°C (junction temperature up to 130°C), supporting up to 125°C in low-power modes. Its operating voltage range is 1.71V to 3.6V. The STM32H523ZET offers a comprehensive set of power-saving modes, enabling easy design of low-power applications. Supported independent power supplies include: an independent analog supply input (for ADC and DAC), a 3.3V USB-dedicated supply input, and a GPIO and SDMMC-dedicated supply input. A VBAT input allows connection of a backup battery to maintain RTC functionality and back up 32x 32-bit registers and a 2KB SRAM.

The STM32H523ZET is available in 8 package options (from 39 to 144 pins).

All Features

• Core
  Arm® Cortex®-M33 CPU with TrustZone®, FPU, and MPU, up to 250 MHz, delivering 375 DMIPS (Dhrystone 2.1)

• ART Accelerator
  8 KB Instruction Cache enabling zero-wait-state execution from Flash and external memories
  4 KB Data Cache for external memory

• Performance Benchmarks
  1.5 DMIPS/MHz (Drystone 2.1)
  1023 CoreMark® (4.092 CoreMark®/MHz)

• Memories
  Up to 512 KB embedded Flash memory with ECC and dual-bank read/write operation
  Data Flash memory supporting up to 100k erase/write cycles (max. 48 KB per bank)
  2 KB OTP (One-Time Programmable) memory
  272 KB SRAM (including 80 KB SRAM2 with ECC)
  2 KB Backup SRAM usable in the lowest power modes
  Flexible External Memory Controller supporting up to 16-bit data bus: compatible with SRAM, PSRAM, FRAM, and NOR/NAND memories
  1x Octo-SPI memory interface (supports serial PSRAM/NAND/NOR and HyperRAM/HyperFlash memory frame formats)
  1x SD/SDIO/MMC interface

• Clock Management
  Internal oscillators: 64 MHz HSI, 48 MHz HSI48, 4 MHz CSI, 32 kHz LSI
  External oscillators: 4-50 MHz HSE and 32.768 kHz LSE

• General-Purpose Input/Output
  Up to 112 fast I/Os, most 5V-tolerant, with interrupt capability
  Up to 10 I/Os with independent power supply, down to 1.08V

• Low Power
  Supports Sleep, Stop, and Standby modes
  VBAT supply for RTC and 32x 32-bit backup registers

• Security
  Arm® TrustZone® for Armv8-M Mainline Security Extension
  Up to 8 configurable SAU regions
  TrustZone®-aware and secure peripherals
  Flexible lifecycle scheme with secure debug authentication
  Target certifications: SESIP3 and PSA Level 3
  Support for SFI (Secure Firmware Installation)
  Root of Trust from unique boot entry and secure Hidden Protection Area (HDP)
  Support for secure firmware update after installing TF-M
  Public Key Accelerator, ECDSA signature verification
  HASH hardware accelerator
  True Random Number Generator (TRNG), compliant with NIST SP800-90B
  96-bit unique ID
  Active Tamper Detection

• 2x DMA controllers to offload the CPU
  2x Dual-port DMA with FIFO

• Reset and Power Management
  1.71 V to 3.6 V application supply and I/Os
  Integrated POR, PDR, PVD, and BOR
  Embedded configurable voltage regulator for scalable digital supply output

• Up to 16 Timers
  10x 16-bit timers (including 2x low-power 16-bit timers available in Stop mode)
  2x 32-bit timers, each supporting up to 4x IC/OC/PWM channels or pulse counter, and quadrature (incremental) encoder input
  Two watchdogs
  2x SysTick timers

• Up to 21 Communication Interfaces
  Up to 3x I²C Fast-mode Plus (SMBus/PMBus®)
  2x I3C interfaces
  Up to 6x U(S)ART interfaces (ISO7816 interface, LIN, IrDA, modem control) and 1x LPUART interface
  Up to 4x SPI interfaces (including 3 with full-duplex I2S audio-grade precision, multiplexed via internal audio PLL or external clock); 4x USARTs can be configured as up to 4 additional SPI interfaces in synchronous mode (plus 1 more SPI when using OctoSPI)
  2x FDCAN controllers
  1x 8- to 14-bit Camera Interface
  1x 16-bit Parallel Synchronous Slave Interface
  1x HDMI-CEC interface
  1x USB 2.0 Full-Speed host/device (crystal-less)
  1x USB Type-C® / USB Power Delivery r3.1

• Analog
  2x 12-bit ADCs (up to 5 Msps at 12-bit)
  1x dual-channel 12-bit DAC
  Digital temperature sensor
  Voltage reference buffer

• Debug
  Certified debug and flexible device lifecycle
  Supports Serial Wire Debug (SWD), JTAG, and Embedded Trace Macrocell™ (ETM)

• Packages are ECOPACK2® compliant

Internal Block Diagram

Acroview's independently developed AP8000 universal programmer has become a benchmark professional programming solution in the industry. The device supports flexible and adjustable 1-to-1 and 1-to-8 configurations, and offers both online and offline operating modes. It features dedicated programming solutions developed specifically for memory chips such as eMMC and UFS, comprehensively covering offline bare-die and on-board programming requirements for the full STMicroelectronics chip series. The AP8000 employs an innovative modular design comprising three core modules—Host, Baseboard, and Adapter Socket—endowing the equipment with outstanding compatibility and expandability. As a universal programming platform, it not only adapts to various programmable chips on the market but also, with its stable and high-performance capabilities, serves as the core component of Acroview's automated batch programming system IPS5800S. This enables efficient handling of large-scale chip programming tasks to meet mass production demands.

The AP8000 Host unit offers flexible connectivity options, equipped with both USB and NET interfaces to enable convenient networking of multiple programmers. Through this networking capability, users can easily achieve synchronized control of multiple programmers for efficient parallel programming operations. In terms of safety, the host features built-in intelligent protection circuits that monitor chip placement and circuit connections in real-time. If anomalies such as reverse chip insertion or short circuits are detected, it immediately triggers a power-off protection mechanism, safeguarding both the chips and the programmer. The host integrates a high-speed FPGA chip, significantly enhancing data transfer and processing efficiency to ensure a smooth and fast programming process. To improve user convenience, an SD card slot is located on the back of the host. Users simply need to save the project file generated on the PC to an SD card, insert it into the slot, and then use the physical buttons on the programmer to select, load, and execute the programming file, achieving standalone operation independent of a PC. This design reduces dependency on computer hardware specifications, simplifies workspace setup, and significantly enhances operational flexibility.

Regarding expandability and compatibility, the AP8000 utilizes a modular combination of baseboards and adapter boards, effectively extending the host's functional boundaries. Currently, the device supports products from all major semiconductor manufacturers, covering well-known brands such as SK hynix, Micron, SANDISK, ASR, and Kingston. It supports a wide range of device types, including NAND, NOR, MCU, CPLD, FPGA, eMMC, etc., and is fully compatible with various industry-standard file formats such as Intel Hex, Motorola S, Binary, and POF, providing users with a one-stop, all-scenario chip programming solution.

Company Introduction

About STMicroelectronics: STMicroelectronics (ST) was established in 1987 following the merger of Italy's SGS Microelettronica and France's Thomson Semiconducteurs. It was renamed STMicroelectronics N.V. in May 1998. ST is one of the world's largest semiconductor companies and a leading provider of semiconductor solutions, delivering innovative solutions to electronics manufacturers across various application domains. Leveraging its vast technology portfolio, design capabilities, intellectual property, strategic partnerships, and manufacturing strength, ST is committed to becoming the undisputed industry leader in multimedia convergence and power applications.

About Acroview: Acroview is a National-Level Specialized, Refined, Distinctive, and Innovative "Little Giant" enterprise dedicated to the R&D, production, and sales of semiconductor chip testing and programming equipment. The company is committed to empowering customers across the entire industry chain—including Fabless, IDM, OSAT, Wafer Fabs, and end-equipment manufacturers—through innovative semiconductor testing technologies and solutions. Acroview's pioneering fully automatic burn-in (ABI) system significantly enhances customers' chip aging test efficiency and reduces per-DUT testing costs. Simultaneously, the company provides equipment products and solutions for all stages from PSV, CP, FT, ABI, SLT, to programming. We perfectly integrate our leading technological advantages, system-level expertise, and globally distributed R&D and sales service network to create value for customers, helping them gain a leading edge in market competition.