STMicroelectronics ST25R3916-AQET
- Part No.:
- ST25R3916-AQET
- Manufacturer:
- STMicroelectronics
- Category:
- RFID, RF Access, Monitoring ICs
- Package:
- 32-UFQFN Exposed Pad
- Datasheet:
-
ST25R3916-AQET.pdf
- Description:
- HIGH PERFORMANCE NFC UNIVERSAL D
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:3,737
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Product details
Overview
ST25R3916-AQET from STMicroelectronics is a high-performance NFC universal reader IC supporting EMVCo 3.0-compliant contactless transactions, ISO14443A/B/F/V protocols up to 848 kbit/s, and dual-mode card emulation and peer-to-peer operation. It integrates dynamic power output (DPO), active wave shaping (AWS), noise suppression receiver (NSR), automatic antenna tuning (AAT), and on-chip regulators for robust field control in payment terminals and secure access systems.
For engineers reviewing the ST25R3916-AQET datasheet, ST25R3916-AQET pinout, ST25R3916-AQET application, or ST25R3916-AQET equivalent, key selection considerations include EMVCo 3.0 analog/digital compliance, dual-antenna drive capability, capacitive sensor integration, low-power listen mode support, and SPI/I²C interface flexibility for embedded host microcontrollers.
Technical Context
The ST25R3916-AQET implements a fully integrated RF front-end with AM/PM and I/Q demodulation, baseband channel summation or automatic channel selection, and a phase/amplitude detector enabling precise antenna voltage and phase measurement. Its transmitter supports adjustable ASK modulation depth (5–40%) and dynamic field strength control via DPO and AWS.
The receiver features noise suppression (NSR), automatic gain control, squelch, and RSSI monitoring - all optimized for reliable detection in electrically noisy environments. Integrated AAT uses a variable capacitor to maintain resonance across temperature and mechanical drift, while the 512-byte FIFO and dual-interface support (SPI up to 10 Mbit/s, I²C up to 3.4 Mbit/s) enable deterministic host communication.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| NFC Protocols | ISO14443A/B up to 848 kbit/s; NFC-F/FeliCa™ up to 424 kbit/s; NFC-V/ISO15693 up to 53 kbit/s; EMVCo 3.0 analog & digital compliant |
| Operating Voltage | 2.6–5.5 V (−40 °C to +105 °C); 2.4–5.5 V (−20 °C to +105 °C) - enables direct connection to diverse system rails without external LDOs |
| Interface Speed | SPI up to 10 Mbit/s; I²C Fast-mode Plus (1 Mbit/s) and High-speed mode (3.4 Mbit/s) - supports real-time command/response in fast transaction cycles |
| Modulation Depth | Adjustable ASK depth from 5% to 40% - allows fine-tuning of field robustness vs. EMI emission per regional regulatory requirements |
| Antenna Support | Drives two independent single-ended antennas - enables dual-interface readers (e.g., front/back card detection) without external switches |
| Capacitive Sensing | Integrated low-power capacitive sensor with calibration and measurement registers - supports proximity wake-up and touchless UI activation |
| Regulators | On-chip regulators boost PSRR and stabilize internal supplies - reduces need for external filtering and improves immunity to supply ripple |
Pinout & Package
ST25R3916-AQET is packaged in VFQFPN32 (5 × 5 mm, 0.5 mm pitch), a thermally enhanced, lead-free, surface-mount package with exposed thermal pad for efficient heat dissipation in compact payment and access modules.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| VDD | Main power supply input | Accepts 2.6–5.5 V; powers core, RF, and I/O domains with internal regulation |
| VDDIO | I/O supply input | Independent 1.65–5.5 V rail - enables level-shifting with 1.8 V or 3.3 V host MCUs |
| CLK | Crystal oscillator input | Supports 27.12 MHz crystal with fast start-up - provides precise timing reference for NFC carrier generation |
| IRQ | Interrupt request output | Active-low, open-drain signal indicating event completion or error - enables low-latency host response without polling |
| MOSI/MISO/SCK/CS | SPI interface signals | Full-duplex 4-wire SPI up to 10 Mbit/s - ensures deterministic firmware update and command execution |
| SDA/SCL | I²C interface signals | Supports Fast-mode Plus and High-speed mode - offers flexible host connectivity where SPI pins are constrained |
| ANT1P/ANT1N | Differential antenna port 1 | Drives single-ended antenna via external matching network - primary interface for standard NFC reader operation |
| ANT2P/ANT2N | Differential antenna port 2 | Enables second independent antenna - supports multi-zone detection or redundancy without external multiplexers |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Dynamic Power Output (DPO) | Real-time field strength regulation to stay within EMVCo and regional EMI limits - eliminates manual tuning during certification |
| Noise Suppression Receiver (NSR) | Enhanced SNR in presence of switching power supply noise or RF interference - enables reliable operation in battery-powered or industrial environments |
| Automatic Antenna Tuning (AAT) | On-the-fly capacitance adjustment to maintain 13.56 MHz resonance - compensates for PCB warpage, temperature drift, and component aging |
| Integrated Capacitive Sensor | Low-power proximity detection with programmable threshold - enables wake-on-approach and touchless UI activation without additional ICs |
| EMVCo 3.0 EMD Handling | Hardware-accelerated electromagnetic disturbance mitigation - satisfies strict payment terminal immunity requirements without host CPU overhead |
Applications
| Payment Terminal | Secure Access Control |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Contactless EMV chip-and-PIN or contactless-only transaction in countertop or portable POS terminals. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Primary NFC reader IC handling analog/digital layer compliance, field generation, protocol framing, and secure data exchange with host MCU. Use Value: Integrated EMVCo 3.0 EMD handling and DPO reduce certification effort; AAT maintains field stability across mechanical stress and temperature variation. | Use Scenario: Multi-factor physical access system using NFC cards, fobs, or smartphones at door readers or gate controllers. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Reader IC operating in ISO14443A/B card emulation and initiator modes to authenticate credentials and enforce access policies. Use Value: Dual-antenna support enables wide-read zone coverage; low-power listen mode extends battery life in wireless lock actuators. |
| Industrial Asset Tagging | Smart Healthcare Device |
Use Scenario: NFC-enabled maintenance tag on machinery, allowing technicians to read service history or write calibration data via handheld scanner. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Passive target and initiator in peer-to-peer mode for bidirectional data exchange between tag and reader. Use Value: Integrated capacitive sensor detects technician proximity to auto-wake; NSR ensures reliable reads near motor drives or inverters. | Use Scenario: Patient-worn medical device (e.g., glucose monitor) with NFC for quick configuration or data download by clinician tablet. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Card emulation mode presenting encrypted health data to external NFC reader; low-power passive target mode for extended standby. Use Value: Wide temperature range (−40 °C to +105 °C) supports body-worn reliability; on-chip regulators simplify power design in space-constrained wearable PCBs. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar NFC reader applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| PN5180A | Lacks integrated capacitive sensor and EMVCo 3.0 EMD hardware; supports only ISO14443A/B/F, no NFC-V | Targeted at cost-sensitive non-EMV applications like inventory or basic access; requires external EMD filtering | Select when EMVCo certification is not required and capacitive wake-up is unnecessary |
| ST25R3917 | Pin-compatible variant with identical RF performance but different register mapping for P2P target memory and FIFO behavior | Optimized for high-throughput P2P use cases (e.g., file transfer); minor firmware adaptation needed for legacy ST25R3916 code | Select when designing new P2P-centric systems and firmware can be updated for register differences |
Compared with PN5180A, ST25R3916-AQET delivers certified EMVCo 3.0 readiness and integrated proximity sensing; versus ST25R3917, it offers stable register compatibility for existing ST25R3916 firmware deployments while retaining full feature parity.
Availability
ST25R3916-AQET is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for payment terminals, secure access systems, industrial asset tagging, and smart healthcare devices requiring stable component supply, long-term lifecycle assurance, and EMVCo-certified NFC performance.
Supply support for ST25R3916-AQET 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, delivering intelligent power, sensing, and connectivity solutions for automotive, industrial, and consumer markets.
The ST25 family targets secure NFC and RFID system design, with the ST25R3916 series engineered specifically for high-reliability, EMVCo-certifiable contactless reader applications demanding analog/digital compliance, field resilience, and low-power operation.
FAQ
What is the maximum data rate supported by ST25R3916-AQET for ISO14443A communication?
The ST25R3916-AQET supports ISO14443A communication at up to 848 kbit/s in both reader/writer and card emulation modes. This high-speed capability is enabled by its dual-channel I/Q demodulator and baseband processing architecture, meeting the requirements for fast transaction throughput in modern payment terminals and access systems.
Does ST25R3916-AQET require an external crystal oscillator?
Yes, ST25R3916-AQET requires a 27.12 MHz crystal connected to the CLK pin. The integrated quartz oscillator circuit supports fast start-up and stable frequency generation essential for NFC carrier accuracy and EMVCo 3.0 compliance. No external oscillator IC is needed - only a 27.12 MHz fundamental-mode crystal with appropriate load capacitors.
Can ST25R3916-AQET operate in low-power listen mode for battery-powered applications?
Yes, ST25R3916-AQET supports low-power NFC active and passive target modes, including listen mode with capacitive wake-up. In this mode, current consumption drops below 100 µA while maintaining field detection sensitivity, enabling multi-week battery life in portable readers or wireless locks powered by coin cells or small Li-ion batteries.
How does Automatic Antenna Tuning (AAT) function in ST25R3916-AQET?
AAT in ST25R3916-AQET measures antenna voltage amplitude and phase in real time and adjusts an internal variable capacitor to maintain 13.56 MHz resonance. This closed-loop tuning compensates for environmental shifts, PCB flex, and component aging - eliminating manual calibration and ensuring consistent field strength across product lifetime and operating conditions.
ST25R3916-AQET Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- STMicroelectronics
- Series:
- ST25R
- Package/Case:
- 32-UFQFN Exposed Pad
- Packaging:
- Tape & Reel (TR)
- Product Status:
- Active
- Type:
- RFID Reader/Transponder
- Frequency:
- 13.56MHz
- Standards:
- FeliCa, ISO 14443, ISO 15693, MIFARE, NFC
- Interface:
- I2C, SPI
- Voltage - Supply:
- 2.6V ~ 5.5V
- Operating Temperature:
- -40°C ~ 105°C (TA)
- Grade:
- -
- Qualification:
- -
- Mounting Type:
- Surface Mount
- Supplier Device Package:
- 32-UFQFPN (5x5)
ST25R3916-AQET FAQ
1.How can I place an order for ST25R3916-AQET through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for ST25R3916-AQET 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 ST25R3916-AQET reliable?
The price and inventory of ST25R3916-AQET are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for ST25R3916-AQET is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for ST25R3916-AQET?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for ST25R3916-AQET transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for ST25R3916-AQET?
ST25R3916-AQET orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your ST25R3916-AQET 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 ST25R3916-AQET?
For technical support, including ST25R3916-AQET datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your ST25R3916-AQET requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that ST25R3916-AQET is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All ST25R3916-AQET 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 ST25R3916-AQET meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of ST25R3916-AQET?
All ST25R3916-AQET units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with ST25R3916-AQET, 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 ST25R3916-AQET part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for ST25R3916-AQET:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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