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STMicroelectronics ST25R3912-AQWT
- Part No.:
- ST25R3912-AQWT
- Manufacturer:
- STMicroelectronics
- Category:
- RFID, RF Access, Monitoring ICs
- Package:
- 32-VFQFN Exposed Pad
- Datasheet:
-
ST25R3912-AQWT.pdf
- Description:
- NFC / HF RFID READER IC
- Quantity:
- Payment:
- Shipping:
Inventory:4,920
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Product details
Overview
ST25R3912-AQWT from STMicroelectronics is a high-performance HF NFC initiator and ISO 14443/15693/FeliCa™ reader IC with integrated 1 W differential antenna drivers, dual AM/PM demodulation channels, and support for 848 kbit/s high-bit-rate (HBR) P2P communication. It operates across 2.4–5.5 V supply and -40 °C to 125 °C, targeting secure payment terminals and industrial access readers requiring robust RF performance and low-power wake-up sensing.
For engineers reviewing the ST25R3912-AQWT datasheet, ST25R3912-AQWT pinout, ST25R3912-AQWT application, or ST25R3912-AQWT equivalent, key selection considerations include its dual 1 Ω low-impedance antenna drivers, automatic modulation index adjustment, inductive wake-up capability, and SPI interface with 96-byte FIFO - all critical for NFC infrastructure designs demanding field stability, multi-protocol interoperability, and power-constrained operation.
Technical Context
The ST25R3912 integrates a fully programmable analog front end (AFE) with two independent differential transmitter paths capable of up to 1 W output into 50 Ω loads, plus parallel AM and I/Q demodulator channels enabling simultaneous signal analysis for phase/amplitude-based tag detection. Its digital baseband supports ISO 18092 NFCIP-1 active/passive modes, ISO 14443A/B, ISO 15693, and FeliCa™ framing - all configurable via SPI register access.
It features an on-chip RC oscillator with wake-up timer and external field detector for ultra-low-power card presence sensing, alongside a 13.56/27.12 MHz crystal oscillator with fast start-up. The device implements automatic gain control, transparent/stream protocol modes for MIFARE™ Classic compatibility, and dual-antenna single-ended drive capability - enabling flexible antenna topologies without external switching.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| RF Frequency | 13.56 MHz carrier - enables full compliance with ISO/IEC 14443, 15693, NFCIP-1, and FeliCa™ standards. |
| Max Output Power | 1 W differential - delivers extended read range and reliable coupling with passive tags in noisy environments. |
| Data Rate Support | Up to 848 kbit/s HBR (PICC↔PCD) - meets EMVCo and NFC Forum requirements for fast P2P exchange. |
| Supply Voltage | 2.4 V to 5.5 V - allows direct integration with 3.3 V or 5 V host systems without LDO overhead. |
| Operating Temp | -40 °C to +125 °C - qualified for industrial-grade payment terminals and outdoor access controllers. |
| SPI Interface | 6 Mbit/s with 96-byte FIFO - reduces MCU interrupt load and enables real-time framing control during high-throughput transactions. |
| Antenna Drivers | Dual 1 Ω low-impedance differential outputs - eliminates need for external matching networks and supports split-antenna configurations. |
Pinout & Package
VFQFPN32 package (5 mm × 5 mm, wettable flanks) with 0.5 mm pitch; thermally enhanced for high-power RF operation and compatible with automated optical inspection (AOI).
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| VDD | Primary power supply input | Accepts 2.4–5.5 V; powers analog/digital blocks and antenna drivers. |
| GND | Ground reference | Low-impedance return path for RF and digital currents; multiple pins for thermal and EMI control. |
| ANT1P / ANT1N | Differential antenna output 1 | 1 Ω low-Z driver pair supporting up to 1 W into 50 Ω balanced load; configurable for single-ended use. |
| ANT2P / ANT2N | Differential antenna output 2 | Independent second 1 Ω driver - enables dual-antenna systems or redundancy without external switches. |
| SCLK / MOSI / MISO / NSS | SPI interface signals | Full-duplex 6 Mbit/s interface with hardware flow control; supports daisy-chaining in multi-reader systems. |
| IRQ | Interrupt request output | Open-drain, level-sensitive signal indicating frame completion, error, or wake-up event to host MCU. |
| XTAL_IN / XTAL_OUT | Clock oscillator interface | Supports 13.56 MHz or 27.12 MHz crystals; fast start-up (< 100 µs) enables rapid polling cycles. |
| WUP | Wake-up trigger input | Enables external initiation of low-power field detection sequence using amplitude/phase sensing. |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Dual 1 Ω antenna drivers | Enables 1 W differential output per channel and eliminates external power amplifiers or matching components. |
| AM + I/Q demodulation | Simultaneous amplitude and phase detection allows robust card presence sensing and anti-collision in dense RF environments. |
| Inductive wake-up sensing | Performs amplitude/phase measurement on LC tank without active field - extends battery life in portable readers. |
| Stream & Transparent modes | Offloads framing logic to external MCU while retaining full AFE control - supports MIFARE™ Classic and custom protocols. |
| Auto modulation index adjustment | Maintains optimal signal integrity across varying antenna Q-factor and environmental loading conditions. |
Applications
| Payment Terminal Reader | Industrial Access Control |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Embedded in countertop or kiosk-based EMVCo-certified payment terminals processing contactless cards and mobile wallets. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Acts as primary NFC initiator handling ISO 14443A/B, FeliCa™, and NFCIP-1 active communication with precise timing control for TR1/TR2 response windows. Use Value: 1 W output ensures >10 cm read range on low-sensitivity cards; dual antenna drivers enable spatial diversity to mitigate misalignment issues. | Use Scenario: Integrated into ruggedized door controllers operating in factory or warehouse settings with wide temperature swings. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Serves as secure credential reader interfacing with legacy MIFARE™ DESFire or ISO 15693 tokens via Stream mode framing. Use Value: -40 °C to +125 °C rating guarantees reliability in unconditioned enclosures; inductive wake-up reduces standby current to <10 µA. |
| Public Transit Validator | Medical Device Authentication |
Use Scenario: Mounted inside handheld or fixed validators used for fare collection on buses and metro systems. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Functions as high-speed FeliCa™ and NFCIP-1 initiator supporting sub-100 ms transaction times under battery power. Use Value: 848 kbit/s HBR mode cuts transaction latency by 4× vs. standard 106 kbit/s; 6 Mbit/s SPI minimizes host MCU overhead. | Use Scenario: Embedded in infusion pumps or diagnostic equipment requiring secure pairing with disposable NFC-tagged consumables. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Performs authenticated read of encrypted NDEF records from medical tags using ISO 14443A framing and AES offload support. Use Value: Wide 2.4–5.5 V supply accommodates aging battery packs; wettable flank QFN ensures solder joint reliability in vibration-prone environments. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar NFC initiator applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| NXP PN7160 | Integrated secure element and lower max output (0.5 W); no dual antenna drivers or HBR support. | Targeted at consumer IoT and smartphone accessories - lacks industrial temp range and field strength for payment-grade readers. | Choose when system-level security and compact BOM outweigh raw RF performance needs. |
| Infineon SLI13 | Single 0.7 W antenna driver; supports only ISO 14443A/B and NFCIP-1 - no FeliCa™ or ISO 15693. | Designed for cost-sensitive access control; lacks inductive wake-up and stream mode flexibility. | Prefer for basic proximity readers where multi-standard support and ultra-low-power sensing are non-critical. |
Compared with PN7160 and SLI13, the ST25R3912-AQWT uniquely delivers 1 W dual-driver RF performance, full multi-standard coverage including FeliCa™, and hardware-accelerated wake-up sensing - making it the only choice for high-reliability, high-range NFC infrastructure where field stability and protocol agility are mandatory.
Availability
ST25R3912-AQWT is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for payment terminal design, industrial access control systems, public transit validators, and medical device authentication requiring stable component supply and long-term manufacturability.
Supply support for ST25R3912-AQWT includes scheduled delivery planning, volume procurement assistance, BOM continuity management, traceable sourcing, and lifecycle availability coordination for OEM customers, industrial embedded developers, connected-device designers, and electronics production programs.
Manufacturer
STMicroelectronics is a global semiconductor leader headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland, specializing in microcontrollers, power management, sensors, and connectivity solutions for industrial, automotive, and consumer markets.
The ST25R series targets high-performance NFC infrastructure applications, emphasizing RF robustness, multi-standard interoperability, and ultra-low-power operation - specifically engineered for payment-grade readers and mission-critical access systems.
FAQ
What antenna topologies does the ST25R3912-AQWT support?
The ST25R3912-AQWT supports differential (balanced), single-ended, and dual-antenna configurations. Its two independent 1 Ω drivers allow simultaneous or time-multiplexed driving of separate antennas without external switches. Single-ended operation uses one driver with DC blocking capacitor; differential mode achieves maximum 1 W output into 50 Ω balanced loads. Antenna tuning is simplified by internal automatic modulation index adjustment.
How does the inductive wake-up feature reduce system power consumption?
The inductive wake-up feature measures amplitude or phase shift on the antenna LC tank using the internal phase/amplitude detector - without activating the main RF field. Combined with the low-power RC oscillator and wake-up timer, it enables periodic tag presence checks at <10 µA average current. This eliminates continuous polling, extending battery life in portable readers while maintaining sub-100 ms wake-up latency.
Can the ST25R3912-AQWT emulate NFC tags or operate as a target?
Yes - the ST25R3912-AQWT supports ISO 18092 NFCIP-1 active target mode, enabling peer-to-peer communication where it acts as a responsive NFC target. However, it does not support passive target (card emulation) mode like ISO 14443A/B PICC emulation. Target functionality requires external MCU coordination for data framing and is limited to active P2P use cases such as secure device pairing or firmware update handshaking.
Is the ST25R3912-AQWT qualified for automotive applications?
No - while the ST25R3912-AQWT operates from -40 °C to +125 °C and meets AEC-Q200 stress test recommendations for passive components, it is not officially AEC-Q100 qualified as an integrated circuit. It is designed and tested for industrial and payment infrastructure applications. For automotive infotainment or telematics, ST offers the ST25R3914 variant with full AEC-Q100 Grade 2 qualification and enhanced ESD protection.
ST25R3912-AQWT Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- STMicroelectronics
- Series:
- ST25R
- Package/Case:
- 32-VFQFN Exposed Pad
- Packaging:
- Tape & Reel (TR)
- Product Status:
- Active
- Type:
- RFID Reader
- Frequency:
- 13.56MHz
- Standards:
- FeliCa, ISO 14443, ISO 15693, ISO 18092, MIFARE, NFC
- Interface:
- SPI
- Voltage - Supply:
- 2.4V ~ 5.5V
- Operating Temperature:
- -40°C ~ 125°C (TJ)
- Grade:
- -
- Qualification:
- -
- Mounting Type:
- Surface Mount
- Supplier Device Package:
- 32-QFN (5x5)
ST25R3912-AQWT FAQ
1.How can I place an order for ST25R3912-AQWT through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for ST25R3912-AQWT on Aetrix. Our sales agent will provide a competitive quotation and guide you through the order confirmation once you accept the terms.
2.Are the price and stock information for ST25R3912-AQWT reliable?
The price and inventory of ST25R3912-AQWT are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for ST25R3912-AQWT is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for ST25R3912-AQWT?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for ST25R3912-AQWT transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for ST25R3912-AQWT?
ST25R3912-AQWT orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your ST25R3912-AQWT order is processed, you will receive an email with the shipment details and tracking number.
Note: Tracking information may take up to 24 hours to appear. Express delivery typically takes 3–5 business days.
5.How can I obtain technical support or documentation for ST25R3912-AQWT?
For technical support, including ST25R3912-AQWT datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your ST25R3912-AQWT requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that ST25R3912-AQWT is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All ST25R3912-AQWT products on Aetrix are procured from qualified distributors and authorized channels. Our dedicated quality assurance team conducts strict verification, including traceability checks and, if necessary, third-party testing. This ensures that ST25R3912-AQWT meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of ST25R3912-AQWT?
All ST25R3912-AQWT units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with ST25R3912-AQWT, returns or replacements are accepted under the following conditions:
1.Quantity discrepancies, incorrect items, or visible external defects (such as breakage or corrosion), acknowledged by Aetrix.
2.The issue is reported within 90 days of delivery.
3.The ST25R3912-AQWT part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for ST25R3912-AQWT:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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