STMicroelectronics launches high-performance NFC reader

STMicroelectronics’ high-performance NFC reader offers extended range and outstanding robustness

STMicroelectronics has extended its industry-proven family of NFC readers with the addition of the ST25R300, a high-performance device that provides exceptional wakeup range and robustness for applications from e-payments to wireless charging.

The ST25R300 offers significantly higher power output (up to 2.2W) and extended range capabilities, allowing designers the freedom to use compact antenna components. The device’s high output power also provides outstanding receiver sensitivity and reliability in electrically noisy environments, such as payment or access-control applications when the reader’s antenna is located behind an LCD screen or metal casing.

The ST25R300 is the latest addition to ST’s industry-proven range of NFC Forum universal devices supporting NFC reader/writer, NFC passive P2P initiator and target, and NFC card emulation modes. It is fully compliant with EMVCo 3.x and NFC‑A/B (ISO14443A/B) specifications, including higher bit rates, as well as NFC-F (FeliCa™), NFC-V (ISO15693) up to 212 kbps.

To serve the broadest possible variety of applications, the device has a wide operating temperature range from -40°C to 105°C and a wide peripheral I/O voltage range from 1.65V to 5.5V.

In addition to outstanding performance and extended wakeup range, the ST25R300 offers all the advanced features that have made the ST25R series the preferred choice for designers of NFC applications including EMVCo® payments, access control, Qi protection, NFC charging and product traceability.

To minimise power consumption and increase the detection range of NFC-enabled devices, the ST25R300 implements low-power card detection (LPCD) by measuring the I and Q channels, representing the amplitude and phase of the antenna signal.

Active Wave Shaping (AWS) and Dynamic Power Output (DPO) technologies allow designers to stay within certification limits while optimizing efficiency and read range. Noise Suppression Receivers (NSR) are instrumental in ensuring robust communication in noisy environments such as when the reader is deployed in close proximity to an LCD display in a payment terminal.

With a comprehensive feature set, the ST25R300 ensures stable electromagnetic emissions developers need to accelerate EMVCo platform validation, certification, and time-to-market. The ST25R300 is compatible with the same software libraries and APIs available for all ST25R devices, including RF abstraction layer (RFAL) middleware, effectively reducing the effort needed for prototyping and migrating from one device to another. ST25 readers are also included in ST eDesignSuite tools, like the new PCB Thermal Simulator, which helps developers reduce design risk by simulating thermal maps of PCBs for NFC-enabled applications.

The ST25R300 is in production now, in a compact 5mm x 5mm 32-pin QFN package. Pricing starts from $3.53 for orders of 1,000 pieces.

The ST25R NFC reader portfolio lets designers select the most suitable features to meet their needs and budget. The ST25R200 is an entry-level reader optimized for Reader+Tag and consumer applications. The ST25R300 industrial-grade reader with higher RF capability provides robust connectivity for applications such as payments, access control, and NFC charging. An automotive-qualified reader for applications such as keyless door-entry and in-car NFC is planned for release in the coming months.

Please visit www.st.com/st25r300 for more information.