STMicroelectronics ST25TV512-AP6G3

Overview

ST25TV512-AP6G3 from STMicroelectronics is an NFC Forum Type 5 contactless RFID tag IC compliant with ISO/IEC 15693, featuring 2-Kbit EEPROM, tamper-detect capability, TruST25 digital signature, and dual-mode privacy protection (Kill and Untraceable modes). It operates at 13.56 MHz, supports fast read up to 53 Kbit/s, and delivers 60-year data retention with 100 k write cycles - deployed in secure product authentication and anti-counterfeiting systems.

For engineers reviewing the ST25TV512-AP6G3 datasheet, ST25TV512-AP6G3 pinout, ST25TV512-AP6G3 application, or ST25TV512-AP6G3 equivalent, key selection considerations include RF interface security architecture (encrypted 32-/64-bit passwords), tamper-detect loop implementation (TD0/TD1), EAS integration, and compatibility with NFC-enabled smartphones and ISO 15693 readers in high-integrity tagging environments.

Technical Context

The ST25TV512-AP6G3 implements a fully autonomous RF-powered architecture with no external power supply required. Its ISO/IEC 15693-compliant transceiver supports all subcarrier modes (1-of-4, 1-of-256), coding schemes (Manchester, BPSK), and data rates (26.48 kbit/s, 53 kbit/s Fast Read), enabling interoperability with industrial RFID readers and consumer NFC devices.

Memory management is partitioned into three configurable user areas (Area 0–2) plus a protected system configuration area. Security enforcement relies on dedicated password-present and password-write commands (B3h/B1h), with independent 32-bit encrypted passwords for Area 1/2 and a 32-bit configuration password - all stored in nonvolatile EEPROM and enforced via hardware-level session control logic.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

ST25TV512-AP6G3 uses a 5-pin DFN package (ECOPACK2, RoHS-compliant), optimized for direct antenna coil integration and tamper-loop routing on compact PCBs or embedded substrates.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar NFC/RFID tag IC applications.

Compared with NT3H2211W0FHKH and N24RF04, ST25TV512-AP6G3 uniquely combines ISO 15693/NFC Type 5 interoperability, hardware-enforced tamper detection, and cryptographic origin verification - making it the only choice for applications demanding both contactless operation and physical-digital trust binding.

Availability

ST25TV512-AP6G3 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for medical device authentication, luxury goods anti-counterfeiting, industrial calibration tracking, and retail inventory management requiring stable component supply across multi-year production programs.

Supply support for ST25TV512-AP6G3 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, designing and manufacturing microcontrollers, sensors, power ICs, and secure connectivity solutions for industrial, automotive, and consumer markets.

ST25TV512 belongs to the ST25TV family of secure NFC/RFID tag ICs engineered specifically for product authentication, anti-counterfeiting, and privacy-aware identification in regulated and high-value physical goods ecosystems.

FAQ

What antenna design guidelines apply to ST25TV512-AP6G3?

The IC integrates internal tuning capacitance (23 pF and 99.7 pF selectable via configuration), eliminating external capacitors. Antenna inductance must be tuned to resonate at 13.56 MHz with total impedance ~15–25 Ω at the AC0/AC1 terminals. ST recommends using ST's AN4912 reference design for DFN-mounted planar antennas and verifying Q-factor >15 via network analyzer sweep.

How is the tamper-detect loop implemented electrically?

TD0 and TD1 form a bidirectional current-sense loop: the IC applies a low-current bias and monitors voltage differential. An open circuit (cut wire) or short (bridged pins) changes the sensed impedance beyond threshold, triggering permanent lock of user memory and disabling all RF commands except Kill. Loop resistance must stay within 10 Ω–10 kΩ for reliable detection.

Can ST25TV512-AP6G3 be used without passwords enabled?

Yes - all password protections (Area 1/2, configuration, Kill) are disabled by default with factory-set 0x00000000 values. However, ST strongly recommends programming unique encrypted passwords and locking them via Lock Kill (B2h) and LOCK_CFG (A1h @06h) before field deployment to prevent unauthorized memory modification or tag deactivation.

What distinguishes TruST25 digital signature from standard UID-based authentication?

TruST25 is a hardware-generated 256-bit ECDSA signature bound to the chip's unique UID and internal secret key - verifiable off-device using ST's public root certificate. Unlike static UID, it proves cryptographic possession of the original silicon, preventing UID cloning or replay attacks. The signature resides in read-only system configuration memory and cannot be overwritten.