STMicroelectronics STA680
- Part No.:
- STA680
- Manufacturer:
- STMicroelectronics
- Category:
- RF Receivers
- Package:
- 168-LFBGA, CSPBGA
- Datasheet:
-
STA680.pdf
- Description:
- RF RECEIVER AM/FM 168LFBGA
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:1,473
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Product details
Overview
STA680 from STMicroelectronics is an AEC-Q100 qualified automotive HD Radio™ baseband receiver IC for car-radio systems. It decodes IBOC AM/FM hybrid and all-digital signals, supports dual-channel HD 1.5 processing (background scanning + data services), integrates HDC audio decompression, and delivers CD-like FM and FM-like AM audio quality with AAA algorithm support. It operates with 1.2 V core and 3.3 V I/O supplies.
For engineers reviewing the STA680 datasheet, STA680 pinout, STA680 application, or STA680 equivalent, key selection considerations include HD Radio 1.5 dual-channel decoding capability, glueless SDRAM interface (up to 512 Mbit x16), variable-rate I²S-like baseband input (650–912 kS/s), dual RF tuner support via secondary BB interface, and automotive-grade reliability per AEC-Q100 Grade 2.
Technical Context
The STA680 implements a dual-core architecture: HiFi2 core for real-time HD Radio signal demodulation and Vectra core for metadata parsing (MPS/SPS/PAD), EPG, traffic, and ID3 tag handling. Its hardware VITERBI accelerator offloads convolutional decoding, while dedicated adjacent-channel filters suppress interference in dense RF environments.
It features two independent PLLs - one for system clock generation and another for audio sample rate conversion - plus internal 12 MHz oscillator and external clock input support. The device supports automatic audio alignment (AAA) across analog/digital paths using firmware-controlled timing compensation.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| AEC-Q100 Grade | Grade 2 (−40°C to +105°C ambient) |
| HD Radio Modes | IBOC AM/FM hybrid and all-digital; dual-channel HD 1.5 for background scanning + data services |
| Baseband Input Rate | 650 / 675 / 744.1875 / 912 kS/s - enables flexible tuner pairing and sampling optimization |
| SDRAM Interface | Glueless x16 interface supporting up to 512 Mbit - eliminates external logic for buffer memory expansion |
| Audio Output Interfaces | I²S-compatible serial audio output with programmable ASRC; supports 32/44.1/48/96 kHz sample rates |
| Host Communication | Dual SPI (SPI1 for host micro, SPI2 for flash) + dual I²C (IIC1 primary, IIC2 reserved) - enables concurrent firmware update and sensor control |
| Power Supplies | 1.2 V core (±5%), 3.3 V I/O (±5%) - separates noise-sensitive digital logic from interface drivers |
Pinout & Package
LFBGA168 (12×12×1.4 mm, 0.8 mm pitch) and TFBGA289 (15×15×1.2 mm, 0.8 mm pitch) packages. Both are ECOPACK® compliant. TFBGA289 offers ball-to-ball compatibility with STA660 DAB/DRM decoder.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| BB1_I / BB1_Q | Primary baseband I/Q input | Accepts multiplexed or separate I/Q data from HD Radio tuner; supports 650–912 kS/s rates |
| BB2_I / BB2_Q | Secondary baseband I/Q input | Enables dual-tuner architectures for simultaneous main channel decode + background scanning |
| SPI1_SS0_N / SPI1_SCK | Host micro SPI interface | Configurable as slave select/clock for firmware updates, register access, and real-time control |
| IIC1_SCL / IIC1_SDA | Primary I²C host interface | Connects to vehicle MCU for status reporting, mode switching, and metadata handoff |
| AWS / ABCK / ADAT | Digital audio output | I²S-formatted PCM output with word strobe, bit clock, and serial data - directly drives audio DACs |
| RESET_N | Active-low reset input | Synchronizes internal state machines and initiates boot sequence upon release |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Dual-channel HD 1.5 processing | Enables concurrent main-program decode and background scanning without performance trade-off |
| Hardware VITERBI decoder | Offloads convolutional decoding from CPU cores, reducing latency and power vs. software-only implementation |
| Glueless SDRAM interface | Supports up to 512 Mbit x16 SDRAM without address latches or bus transceivers - simplifies PCB layout |
| Programmable ASRC | Converts internal audio clock domains to match external DAC requirements (32–96 kHz) |
| Metadata engine | Real-time parsing of MPS, SPS, PAD, EPG, and Apple ID3 tags - enables dynamic display and user interaction |
Applications
| HD Radio Automotive Head Unit | Multi-Standard Digital Radio Platform |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Integrated infotainment head unit in passenger vehicles requiring HD Radio reception alongside analog AM/FM and Bluetooth audio. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Baseband processor handling IBOC signal demodulation, HDC audio decompression, AAA timing alignment, and metadata extraction. Use Value: Delivers CD-quality FM and FM-like AM audio while enabling real-time traffic alerts and electronic program guide via dual-channel HD 1.5 operation. | Use Scenario: Scalable radio platform supporting HD Radio, DAB, and DRM standards in global vehicle models. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: HD Radio baseband subsystem paired with STA660 (DAB/DRM) via shared SDRAM and common host interface. Use Value: TFBGA289 package provides ball-to-ball compatibility with STA660, minimizing board redesign when adding multi-standard capability. |
| HD Radio Tuner Module | Aftermarket HD Radio Receiver |
Use Scenario: Compact tuner module integrating RF front-end, STA680, and audio DAC for OEM Tier-1 suppliers. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Central baseband processor interfacing directly with tuner IC via BB1/BB2 I²S-like interfaces and driving DAC via AWS/ABCK/ADAT. Use Value: Variable baseband input rate (650–912 kS/s) accommodates multiple tuner vendors' output formats without FPGA or glue logic. | Use Scenario: Standalone HD Radio receiver for retrofit installation in legacy vehicles lacking factory digital radio support. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Full-featured HD Radio baseband solution with integrated metadata engine, EPG parser, and traffic decoder. Use Value: Supports Apple ID3 tag display and multicasting - enhances user experience beyond basic audio playback in aftermarket use cases. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar HD Radio baseband processing applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| STA660 | DAB/DRM-only baseband processor; no HD Radio decoding capability; shares TFBGA289 pinout with STA680 | Targeted at European/DAB+ markets; lacks IBOC support, AAA, and HD-specific metadata engines | Select when DAB/DRM compliance is required and HD Radio is not needed - leverages same PCB footprint |
| Si2168-B30 | Single-chip tuner + demodulator (not baseband processor); outputs MPEG-2 TS, not baseband I/Q; no HDC or AAA | Used in consumer radios and set-top boxes; requires external audio processor and metadata parser | Select for cost-sensitive non-automotive applications where full HD Radio baseband processing is unnecessary |
Compared with STA660, the STA680 adds HD Radio-specific signal processing, AAA, and metadata engines but sacrifices DAB/DRM support; compared with Si2168-B30, it provides complete baseband processing including HDC decompression and SDRAM-based buffering - eliminating need for external audio SoC.
Availability
STA680 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive infotainment systems, HD Radio tuner modules, and aftermarket digital radio receivers requiring stable component supply across extended temperature ranges and long production lifecycles.
Supply support for STA680 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, power management ICs, sensors, and automotive-grade processors.
The STA680 belongs to ST's automotive audio processor product line, engineered specifically for HD Radio™ reception in demanding vehicular environments - emphasizing AEC-Q100 compliance, low-latency signal processing, and robust metadata handling.
FAQ
What is the function of the BB2 interface on the STA680?
The BB2 interface is a secondary baseband I²S-like input supporting dual-tuner configurations. It allows concurrent reception of a second HD Radio channel for background scanning, data service acquisition (e.g., EPG, traffic), or supplemental program service (SPS) decoding - without interrupting primary audio playback on BB1.
Does the STA680 require external SDRAM to operate?
Yes, the STA680 requires external synchronous SDRAM for HD Radio signal buffering, metadata storage, and firmware execution. It supports up to 512 Mbit in x16 configuration via a glueless interface - no external address latches or bus buffers are needed, but SDRAM must be populated for functional operation.
How does Automatic Audio Alignment (AAA) work in the STA680?
AAA compensates for timing mismatches between analog and digital audio paths by measuring phase differences and applying real-time delay adjustments in the digital domain. It is implemented in firmware running on the Vectra core and requires calibration data from the host MCU - enabling seamless transitions between analog and HD Radio sources without audible artifacts.
Can the STA680 decode both AM and FM HD Radio signals simultaneously?
No - the STA680 processes one RF channel at a time via BB1. However, its dual-channel HD 1.5 capability allows it to decode one channel (e.g., FM main program) while scanning or receiving data services (e.g., AM SPS or traffic) on a second channel via BB2, provided a dual-tuner front-end is used.
STA680 Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- STMicroelectronics
- Series:
- -
- Package/Case:
- 168-LFBGA, CSPBGA
- Packaging:
- Tray
- Product Status:
- Active
- Frequency:
- -
- Sensitivity:
- -
- Data Rate (Max):
- -
- Modulation or Protocol:
- AM, FM
- Applications:
- Audio
- Current - Receiving:
- 90mA
- Data Interface:
- PCB, Surface Mount
- Memory Size:
- 512Mb
- Antenna Connector:
- -
- Features:
- -
- Voltage - Supply:
- 1.2V
- Operating Temperature:
- -
- Grade:
- Automotive
- Qualification:
- AEC-Q100
- Mounting Type:
- Surface Mount
- Supplier Device Package:
- -
STA680 FAQ
1.How can I place an order for STA680 through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for STA680 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 STA680 reliable?
The price and inventory of STA680 are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for STA680 is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for STA680?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for STA680 transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for STA680?
STA680 orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your STA680 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 STA680?
For technical support, including STA680 datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your STA680 requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that STA680 is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All STA680 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 STA680 meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of STA680?
All STA680 units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with STA680, 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 STA680 part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for STA680:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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MICRF220AYQS-TR
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