STMicroelectronics ST95HF-VMD5T

Overview

ST95HF-VMD5T from STMicroelectronics is a fully integrated NFC/RFID transceiver IC supporting Reader/Writer and Card Emulation modes per ISO/IEC 14443-A/B, ISO/IEC 15693 (Reader only), and ISO/IEC 18092 (NFC Peer-to-Peer). It features a dedicated internal frame controller, highly integrated analog front end (AFE) for 13.56 MHz RF communication, and SPI slave interface up to 2 Mbps. Used in NFC-enabled Wi-Fi/Bluetooth pairing and secure data exchange in consumer electronics.

For engineers reviewing the ST95HF-VMD5T datasheet, ST95HF-VMD5T pinout, ST95HF-VMD5T application, or ST95HF-VMD5T equivalent, key selection considerations include its dual-mode operation (Reader + Card Emulation), MIFARE Classic compatibility, 528-byte FIFO buffer, VFQFPN32 5×5 mm package, and support for NFC Forum Types 1–4 across multiple protocols.

Technical Context

The ST95HF-VMD5T implements a hardware-accelerated frame controller that handles ISO/IEC 14443-A/B, 15693, and 18092 protocol framing, CRC generation/verification, and parity handling without host MCU intervention. Its AFE includes configurable modulation index (4–16%), receiver gain (−12 to +12 dB), and auto-detect filter tuning for robust tag detection under varying field conditions.

It supports three power domains: VPS_Main (2.7–3.3 V) for digital logic, VPS_TX (2.7–5.5 V) for RF drivers, and independent GND_TX/GND_RX/GND_Dig grounds to minimize coupling noise. The device enters low-power Tag Detection mode consuming only 12 µA typical while maintaining field presence awareness.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

The ST95HF-VMD5T is housed in a 32-pin VFQFPN (Very Thin Fine Pitch Quad Flat No-lead) package measuring 5 × 5 mm with 0.5 mm pitch and exposed thermal pad (to be connected to ground). This RoHS-compliant ECOPACK®2 package enables compact, high-density PCB layouts in space-constrained portable devices.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar NFC transceiver applications.

Compared with PN7150 and SLI52, the ST95HF-VMD5T uniquely combines full multi-protocol support (including ISO/IEC 15693 Reader and Card Emulation), hardware frame control, and flexible power domain separation-making it optimal for battery-powered, feature-rich NFC endpoints requiring both reader and emulator functionality in one IC.

Availability

ST95HF-VMD5T is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for NFC-enabled Wi-Fi pairing, secure access control terminals, and portable medical data loggers requiring stable component supply across long-lifecycle industrial and consumer programs.

Supply support for ST95HF-VMD5T 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, analog ICs, MEMS, and power management solutions for automotive, industrial, and consumer markets.

The ST95HF belongs to the ST25 NFC/RFID product line, engineered specifically for seamless integration of contactless communication into resource-constrained edge devices-emphasizing low-power operation, protocol flexibility, and hardware-accelerated RF processing.

FAQ

What antenna topologies does the ST95HF-VMD5T support?

The ST95HF-VMD5T supports both differential (TX1/TX2-driven) and single-ended (TX1-driven with TX2 grounded) antenna configurations. Its AFE is optimized for series-tuned 13.56 MHz antennas with typical impedance of 50 Ω, and includes register-based tuning for capacitor matching networks. External matching components must be selected per antenna inductance and target read range.

Does the ST95HF-VMD5T require an external crystal?

Yes-the ST95HF-VMD5T requires a 27.12 MHz fundamental-mode crystal connected between XIN and XOUT pins to generate the precise 13.56 MHz RF carrier. The internal oscillator cannot operate without this crystal; no internal RC option is available. Load capacitance must match crystal specification (typically 12 pF), and layout must follow strict RF grounding rules.

How is Card Emulation mode initialized and secured?

Card Emulation mode is enabled via ProtocolSelect command (0x02) with parameter 0x01 (ISO/IEC 14443-A) or 0x04 (ISO/IEC 18092). Security relies on host-controlled cryptographic operations-ST95HF-VMD5T provides raw frame exchange but does not implement MIFARE Crypto1 or DESFire encryption internally. All authentication keys and NDEF message construction occur in the host MCU.

Can the ST95HF-VMD5T detect and read ISO/IEC 15693 tags in low-power mode?

No-ISO/IEC 15693 operation is only supported in active Reader mode, not in Tag Detection or Field Detection low-power states. To scan for 15693 tags, the device must be in Ready state and execute Pollfield followed by SendRecv commands. Tag Detection mode (12 µA) only identifies presence of ISO/IEC 14443-A/B and NFC Forum Type 2/4 tags.