STMicroelectronics announces the next generation of electronic Key NFC Reader ics for vehicles

     STMicroelectronics has expanded its ST25R NFC reader IC portfolio with the introduction of a new product, the ST25R3920, to its popular line of electronic car keys. The new product enables enhanced technology, better data reading performance, fast response to the key and longer sensing distance.

     The electronic car key allows the driver to open and lock the door easily with a smartphone, and supports a number of value-added features, including easily assigning and managing permissions for other users such as friends and valets to unlock the door, as well as new vehicle ownership models, including monthly car rental services. The Internet of Vehicles Alliance (CCC) Digital Key Standard version 2.0 is based on NFC near field communication technology, which allows users to continue to use the key function when the phone battery is too low and the normal function is turned off.

     ST has been a pioneer in NFC communication technology for car door locks for the past few years and is now a supplier of NFC chips to well-known automotive brands in the United States, Europe and Asia. As a leader in automotive digital key technology, ST has added the ST25R3920 product to its state-of-the-art portfolio. By integrating its unique dynamic Power output (DPO) and noise suppression receiver (NSR) technologies, the new product increases RF output power and improves input circuit design for fast key response and superior user convenience.

     With the DPO feature, the new product has a continuous RF output power of up to 1.6W and a transient input power of up to 2.5W, ensuring reliable NFC connections over long distances when using small antennas. St's NSR technology enhances the noise resistance of chips, thus simplifying the electromagnetic immunity design and certification process for applications. In addition, automatic antenna tuning compensates for changes in the RF environment, allowing the reader to maintain optimal connection performance with the user's smartphone, and low-power key signal detection has an inductive wake-up function to minimize battery load when the key is idle.

     In general, a space-constrained mounting location limits the maximum size of the antenna, but the ST25R3920 is ideal for mounting in tight Spaces and can be placed in the door handle, B-pillar or center console. The ST25R3920 supports CCC Digital Key Standard version 2.0, an architecture supported by the world's leading automotive manufacturers, mobile phone manufacturers and electronic component suppliers. St is a CCC member, participates in various working groups of the NFC Forum Committee, as well as the ISO 14443 and ISO 15693 working groups, and plays a key role in the development of NFC standards.

     The new chip is also NFC Forum certified for use as an NFC reader or NFC universal device. Compliant with the NFC Forum pairing application standard as well as the EMVCo 3.0 standard, it can be used as an in-vehicle non-connected payment terminal to pay for services such as electric vehicle charging. In addition, the new unique Qi wireless charging NFC card protection algorithm enables safe wireless charging of portable devices.