September 2013

Doc ID 16196 Rev 2

1/20

AN3044

Application note

ECU level diagnostic with SPC563Mx and SPC564Ax

Introduction

The continuous need for quality improvements in automotive is creating focus on ECU

(Engine Control Unit) level diagnostic tools as the analysis of traceability information and

first level diagnostic should be done as early as possible to improve analysis cycle time.

This application note is intended to clarify the different tools possible with SPC56x

microcontrollers, the different possibilities offered when the flash is protected and how to

read the traceability information that is stored inside SPC56x flash. This will then allow

OEMs (Original Equipment Manufacturer) to define and implement the right strategy for their

ECUs.

As IP protection and engine tuning is of high importance, the application note is focused on

identifying configurations (software, tools) that do not require to have access to the flash

password.

This application note is only valid for powertrain devices: SPC563Mx and SPC564Ax.

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