STMicroelectronics STA680M
- Part No.:
- STA680M
- Manufacturer:
- STMicroelectronics
- Category:
- RF Receivers
- Package:
- 168-LFBGA
- Datasheet:
-
STA680M.pdf
- Description:
- HD-RADIO MRC BASE-BAND RECEIVER
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:4,368
Please send an inquiry. Send us your inquiry, and we will respond immediately.
Product details
Overview
STA680M from STMicroelectronics is an AEC-Q100-qualified automotive HD Radio™ baseband receiver IC supporting IBOC AM/FM hybrid and all-digital modes, dual-channel HD 1.5 processing with FM Maximum Ratio Combining (MRC) diversity, HD codec audio decompression, and metadata decoding for MPS/SPS/PAD services. It operates with 1.2 V core and 3.3 V I/O supplies and targets car-radio head units requiring CD-like FM audio quality and real-time traffic data.
For engineers reviewing the STA680M datasheet, STA680M pinout, STA680M application, or STA680M equivalent, key selection criteria include its dual-tuner baseband interface support, glueless SDRAM interfacing up to 512 Mbit (x16), programmable I²S sample-rate conversion, AAA algorithm firmware capability, and dual I²C/SPI host interfaces for automotive infotainment system integration.
Technical Context
The STA680M implements a dedicated HD Radio baseband processing architecture with two independent RF baseband input paths-one primary and one secondary-enabling background scanning, data service reception, or MRC diversity combining. Its internal HiFi Tensilica DSP core executes HD codec decompression, Viterbi decoding, and PAD parsing in real time.
It integrates two PLLs (system and audio), a 1.2 V core supply domain, separate 3.3 V I/O rails for SDRAM, Flash, and peripherals, and supports variable I²S-like baseband data rates of 650, 675, 744.1875, and 912 kS/s-aligned to HD Radio symbol timing requirements for AM and FM bands.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| Supply Voltage | 1.2 V core, 3.3 V I/O - enables low-power digital processing while maintaining robust interface signaling |
| Baseband Data Rate | 650 / 675 / 744.1875 / 912 kS/s - matches IBOC symbol rates for AM/FM hybrid and all-digital broadcast modes |
| SDRAM Interface | Glueless x16 interface supporting up to 512 Mbit - eliminates external logic for buffer memory expansion in HD audio/data pipelines |
| Audio Interface | I²S with programmable sample-rate converter - allows flexible clock domain bridging between HD baseband output and audio DACs |
| Host Interfaces | Dual I²C + dual SPI - provides redundant or parallel control paths for microcontroller host communication and firmware updates |
| Operating Temp | −40 °C to +85 °C ambient - meets automotive cabin environmental requirements per AEC-Q100 Grade 3 |
Pinout & Package
STA680M is offered in two ECOPACK®-compliant BGA packages: LFBGA168 (12×12×1.4 mm, 0.8 mm pitch) and TFBGA289 (15×15×1.2 mm, 0.8 mm pitch). The TFBGA289 variant provides ball-to-ball compatibility with STA660 DAB/DRM decoder.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| VDD_CORE | Core power supply | 1.2 V supply for DSP, decoder, and logic blocks; requires local decoupling near package corner balls |
| VDD_IO | I/O power supply | 3.3 V rail powering SDRAM, SPI/I²C, GPIO, and audio interface drivers |
| CLK_IN | External clock input | Accepts 24.576 MHz or 49.152 MHz crystal or oscillator for system clock generation |
| SDRAM_DQ[15:0] | SDRAM data bus | 16-bit bidirectional data path for glueless connection to x16 SDRAM (up to 512 Mbit) |
| I2S_SDIN / I2S_SDO | Baseband audio data | Primary I²S-like interface for receiving decoded HD baseband samples at programmable data rates |
| SPI_FLASH_CS / SPI_FLASH_CLK | Serial Flash interface | Optional SPI port for boot code or firmware storage; supports standard quad-SPI protocols |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| FM MRC Diversity Algorithm | Enables simultaneous dual-tuner signal combination to improve SNR and reduce multipath fading in moving vehicles |
| HD 1.5 Dual-Channel Processing | Supports concurrent main program service (MPS) playback and supplemental program service (SPS) or PAD data decoding |
| Automatic Audio Alignment (AAA) | Firmware-enabled synchronization of analog and digital audio paths to eliminate lip-sync delay in hybrid broadcasts |
| Metadata Engine | Hardware-accelerated parsing of EPG, Apple ID3 tags, multicasting descriptors, and real-time traffic messages |
| Internal Clock Generation | On-chip oscillator + dual PLLs eliminate need for multiple external clock sources in head-unit designs |
Applications
| Automotive HD Radio Head Unit | FM/AM Hybrid Broadcast Receiver |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Integrated infotainment system in passenger vehicles receiving HD Radio broadcasts across AM/FM bands. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Baseband processor handling IBOC demodulation, HD codec decompression, PAD parsing, and AAA alignment. Use Value: Delivers CD-quality FM audio and FM-like AM audio while enabling real-time traffic alerts and electronic program guide navigation. | Use Scenario: Aftermarket radio module supporting both legacy analog and HD digital broadcast standards. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Dual-channel baseband receiver executing background scanning and MRC diversity on primary/secondary RF inputs. Use Value: Maintains uninterrupted audio during signal fade by dynamically selecting optimal channel pair without user intervention. |
| HD Radio Data Services Terminal | Automotive Telematics Gateway |
Use Scenario: In-vehicle display unit extracting and rendering program-associated data (PAD) such as song titles, artist names, and album art. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Metadata engine decoding MPS/SPS streams and formatting ID3, EPG, and multicasting content for UI rendering. Use Value: Enables rich multimedia UI experiences using standardized HD Radio data services without host CPU overhead. | Use Scenario: Central gateway node aggregating HD Radio traffic data and forwarding via CAN or Ethernet to ADAS or navigation subsystems. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Real-time traffic message parser with SPI/I²C host interface for low-latency data handoff to vehicle network controllers. Use Value: Provides sub-100 ms latency from HD Radio traffic broadcast to actionable routing updates in navigation systems. |
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 | Supports DAB/DRM only; lacks HD Radio IBOC demodulation, MRC, and AAA firmware stack | Targeted at European digital radio markets; no AM/FM hybrid support or PAD metadata engine | Select when designing for DAB+ or DRM broadcast regions instead of North American HD Radio infrastructure |
| Si2168-A30 | Single-chip tuner + demodulator; no baseband processing, HD codec, or SDRAM interface | Requires external MCU/DSP for HD audio decompression and data services; limited to analog/digital FM/AM reception | Choose for cost-sensitive entry-level radios where full HD Radio baseband functionality is not required |
Compared with STA660 and Si2168-A30, the STA680M uniquely integrates full HD Radio baseband processing-including MRC diversity, AAA alignment, and PAD-aware metadata engine-making it the only solution qualified for automotive-grade HD Radio head units requiring seamless hybrid broadcast operation.
Availability
STA680M is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive infotainment systems, HD Radio head units, and telematics gateways requiring stable component supply across extended temperature ranges and long production lifecycles.
Supply support for STA680M 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 STA680M belongs to ST's automotive infotainment product line, engineered specifically to enable next-generation HD Radio reception in vehicles with integrated audio, data, and connectivity features.
FAQ
What is the function of the secondary RF baseband interface on the STA680M?
The secondary RF baseband interface enables dual-tuner configurations for background scanning, supplemental program service (SPS) reception, or FM Maximum Ratio Combining (MRC) diversity. It accepts a second I²S-like baseband stream synchronized to the primary input, allowing real-time signal comparison and optimal path selection without interrupting audio playback.
Does the STA680M require external SDRAM to operate?
Yes-the STA680M requires external SDRAM for HD audio buffering, metadata storage, and firmware execution. It supports glueless x16 SDRAM up to 512 Mbit; no external address latches or bus transceivers are needed. Minimum configuration uses 64 Mbit, but full HD 1.5 features (e.g., EPG caching, multicasting) benefit from ≥256 Mbit.
How does Automatic Audio Alignment (AAA) work in the STA680M?
AAA synchronizes analog and digital audio paths by measuring propagation delay differences and applying programmable sample-level offsets in the audio output pipeline. It operates in real time using firmware running on the internal Tensilica DSP core and requires no host intervention-critical for eliminating lip-sync issues during hybrid AM/FM broadcasts.
Is the STA680M pin-compatible with other ST HD Radio receivers?
No-STA680M is not pin-compatible with earlier ST HD Radio devices like STA670 or STA675. However, the TFBGA289 variant offers ball-to-ball compatibility with STA660 (DAB/DRM decoder), enabling shared PCB layout for multi-standard radio platforms where HD Radio and DAB/DRM coexist.
STA680M Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- STMicroelectronics
- Series:
- -
- Package/Case:
- 168-LFBGA
- Packaging:
- Tray
- Product Status:
- Active
- Frequency:
- -
- Sensitivity:
- -
- Data Rate (Max):
- -
- Modulation or Protocol:
- AM, FM
- Applications:
- -
- Current - Receiving:
- -
- Data Interface:
- PCB, Surface Mount
- Memory Size:
- 512Mb SDRAM
- Antenna Connector:
- -
- Features:
- -
- Voltage - Supply:
- 1.2V
- Operating Temperature:
- -40°C ~ 85°C (TA)
- Grade:
- Automotive
- Qualification:
- AEC-Q100
- Mounting Type:
- Surface Mount
- Supplier Device Package:
- 168-LFBGA (12x12)
STA680M FAQ
1.How can I place an order for STA680M through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for STA680M 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 STA680M reliable?
The price and inventory of STA680M are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for STA680M is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for STA680M?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for STA680M transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for STA680M?
STA680M orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your STA680M 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 STA680M?
For technical support, including STA680M datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your STA680M requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that STA680M is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All STA680M 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 STA680M meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of STA680M?
All STA680M units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with STA680M, 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 STA680M part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for STA680M:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
STA680M Tags

-
MICRF220AYQS-TR
Microchip Technology

-
SX1239IMLTRT
Semtech Corporation

-
SI4356-B1A-FMR
Silicon Labs

-
SI4362-C2A-GMR
Silicon Labs

-
MAX1473EUI+T
Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated

-
CMX992Q3
CML Micro

-
CMX994AQ4
CML Micro

-
MAX2112ETI+
Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated

-
MAX2112ETI+T
Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated

-
TESEO-LIV3R
STMicroelectronics
-
M20048-1
Antenova

-
CMX994EQ4
CML Micro
Tech Hub
Operational amplifier guide covering op amp basics, feedback, ideal vs real op amps, common configurations, buffer circuits, offset, bias current, gain-bandwidth, slew rate, rail-to-rail limits and sel…
Jumper cables guide covering safe connection order, red and black clamp placement, final ground connection, cable gauge, length, clamp quality, copper vs CCA cables, jump starter comparison and battery…
LDO regulator guide covering low dropout voltage, power dissipation, thermal design, PSRR, output noise, capacitor stability, adjustable LDO circuits, LDO vs buck converter and datasheet selection chec…
Conditional Access Module guide covering CAM meaning, CI/CI+ interface, smart card authorization, DVB security workflow, TV and set-top box compatibility, internal electronics, ESD protection, connecto…
Guide to electronic component obsolescence covering EOL risk, PCN/PDN notices, last-time buy planning, replacement options, form-fit-function validation, counterfeit risk and BOM lifecycle management.
18650 battery guide covering lithium-ion cell basics, 3.6V/3.7V voltage, 4.2V charging, mAh and Wh capacity, protected cells, chargers, BMS, series-parallel packs, holders, welding and sourcing checks.…
Hall effect sensor guide covering working principle, linear and digital sensors, Arduino circuits, current sensing, speed detection, automotive applications, A3144 examples, signal filtering and datash…
Product Change Notification guide for electronic components, covering PCN meaning, PCN vs PDN/EOL, common change types, risk levels, form-fit-function review, engineering validation, BOM control, LTB/L…
A practical guide to blend door actuators, covering HVAC function, symptoms, location, AC and heater issues, reset and calibration, replacement cost, electrical diagnosis, compatibility checks, and rep…
Engineering guide to Raspberry Pi alternatives, covering chip-level differences, Orange Pi, ROCK, Jetson, Banana Pi, NanoPi, Compute Module, Pico, GPIO, camera, HAT compatibility, and replacement risks…
