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Flashing NXP MCX Devices with FlashRunner 2.0

SWD-based support across the whole MCX line — A, W, E, N, C and L — with automatic device recognition and a fully automated flashing cycle.

SMH Technologies provides advanced support for the NXP MCX family, a new generation of microcontrollers built on Arm® Cortex®-M cores. Designed for industrial, consumer and IoT applications, the MCX family offers a strong balance of performance, power efficiency and scalability across a wide range of embedded designs.

The FlashRunner 2.0 series — FlashRunner 2.0, NXG and HS — is engineered to provide fast, reliable in-system programming (ISP) for MCX devices. These systems suit automated production environments, where speed, accuracy and integration flexibility are essential.

Protocol and interface compatibility

Programming NXP MCX devices is based on the SWD (Serial Wire Debug) interface, which ensures efficient communication and full compatibility with standard production tools. FlashRunner 2.0 fully supports this interface, providing:

  • Automatic device recognition and initialisation
  • Efficient access to internal flash and configuration memory
  • Complete handling of NXP-specific programming sequences

This gives consistent, optimised performance across all MCX subfamilies:

  • MCX A — Mainstream: wide performance range, autonomous peripherals, industrial interfaces.
  • MCX W — Wireless: multi-protocol connectivity, designed for IoT and connected applications.
  • MCX E — Safe: functional safety features, extended industrial-grade memory and packages, robust 5.5 V supply support.
  • MCX N — Advanced: high-performance core options, AI and signal-processing capabilities, rich peripheral integration.
  • MCX C — Value: low-power architecture, precision analog functions, cost-optimised design.
  • MCX L — Ultra-Low Power: extremely low active and standby power, always-on operating modes.

Benefits in production programming

  • High-speed programming — optimised SWD communication and efficient flash management reduce total programming time.
  • Stable operation — reliable performance in both single-board and multi-site configurations.
  • Full automation — connect, erase, program, verify and disconnect are all managed automatically.

These capabilities increase throughput, improve process reliability and simplify integration into automated systems.

Conclusion

SMH Technologies is committed to supporting the NXP MCX family within the FlashRunner 2.0 ecosystem, ensuring ongoing compatibility with current and future MCX devices. By continually enhancing programming algorithms and communication efficiency, we provide a robust, high-performance solution for in-system programming in demanding production environments.

FlashRunner 2.0 is more than a programming tool. It is a complete production platform designed to speed up development and manufacturing cycles, minimise downtime, and simplify integration within automated test and assembly setups.