STMicroelectronics Launched Ultra-Wideband IC Family
The new ST64UWB series uses 18nm processing to expand ranging performance for secure access and radar sensing.
Updated on Sept. 30, 2026 in Semiconductors
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STMicroelectronics has announced the ST64UWB integrated circuit family, designed for secure ranging, hands-free access, and radar sensing applications. The new series, which includes the ST64UWB-A100, ST64UWB-A500, and ST64UWB-C100 devices, is currently in the announcement stage.
Why it matters
By incorporating narrowband-assisted radio technology, these chips provide significantly longer ranging distances than standard UWB implementations. This development targets automotive and secure access markets where reliability and range are primary constraints.
The family utilizes an 18 nm FD-SOI (fully depleted silicon-on-insulator) manufacturing process to integrate an Arm Cortex-M85 processor and a secure enclave. The A500 model features an enhanced 256 MHz clock speed, while the A100 and C100 operate at 100 MHz.
The players
STMicroelectronics
A global semiconductor manufacturer specializing in automotive, industrial, and personal electronics, known for its extensive portfolio of microcontrollers and proprietary process technologies.
Arm
A designer of power-efficient processor architectures that power the vast majority of mobile and embedded devices globally.
The details
The devices function using a narrowband-assisted multi-millisecond ranging technique, which helps the system maintain signal integrity across greater distances. These ICs incorporate a radio capable of supporting UWB channels 5, 6, 8, 9, 10, and 12, alongside operations in the UNII-3 and UNII-5 bands. Physical integration is managed via a 6 x 6 mm HWQFN40 (heat-sink very-thin quad flat no-lead) package featuring wettable flanks for reliable soldering in automotive environments.
Timeline
September 30, 2026: The ST64UWB family was formally introduced.
The Tech Race
This launch follows a pattern set by the AEC-Q100 Grade 2 automotive quality standard, which defines the reliability requirements for silicon deployed in modern vehicle platforms. It represents a direct competitive move to capture market share in secure vehicle access and radar-based interior monitoring.
These ICs will initially reach automotive manufacturers and secure-access developers who require higher ranging precision than current UWB solutions offer. Consumers will eventually experience this technology through faster and more reliable hands-free vehicle entry and advanced cabin sensing systems.
The takeaway
The ST64UWB family represents a shift toward more capable, range-extended UWB radio architectures designed specifically for the automotive supply chain. Watch for system integration announcements from Tier 1 automotive suppliers as they move toward the first design-ins for 2027 and 2028 vehicle model years.
Further reading
For more on the latest advancements in chip architecture, see Semiconductors.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Everythingrf.
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