STMicroelectronics STM1404ARNIQ6F

Overview

STM1404ARNIQ6F from STMicroelectronics is a FIPS-140 Level 4 security supervisor IC designed for cryptographic module protection in POS terminals and secure embedded systems. It provides four high-impedance physical tamper inputs (TP1–TP4), over/under voltage detection (2.0 V / 4.2 V thresholds), factory-programmable over/under temperature monitoring (–25°C to +95°C range), automatic battery switchover with Vccsw status indicator, and open-drain SAL/RST/PFO/BLD outputs.

For engineers reviewing the STM1404ARNIQ6F datasheet, STM1404ARNIQ6F pinout, STM1404ARNIQ6F application, or STM1404ARNIQ6F equivalent, this device serves as a tamper-responsive power supervision and backup control solution for systems requiring certified physical and environmental intrusion detection per FIPS-140, EMVCo, and ISO standards.

Technical Context

The STM1404ARNIQ6F implements independent analog comparators for voltage (VINT vs. VHV/VLV), temperature (TA vs. TH/TL), and physical tamper state (TP1–TP4 logic transitions), all feeding into a centralized security alarm (SAL) generator. Its battery switchover circuitry uses a precision threshold (~2.4 V) to switch VOUT between VCC and VBAT, with Vccsw reflecting the active supply source.

All critical outputs - SAL, RST, PFO, and BLD - are open-drain with internal pull-down or external pull-up requirements. The device operates across 2.4 V to 3.6 V VCC, draws only 5.3 µA typical supply current, and maintains tamper detection functionality during both VCC-powered and VBAT-backed operation.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

STM1404ARNIQ6F is housed in a secure, low-profile 16-pin QFN package (3 mm × 3 mm, 0.5 mm pitch) with exposed thermal pad. Pin numbering follows standard QFN convention (pin 1 marked by dot, counterclockwise).

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar security supervisor applications.

Compared with MAX1365 and DS1832, STM1404ARNIQ6F uniquely integrates four programmable tamper inputs, factory-set temperature thresholds, and battery switchover with status indication - enabling single-chip FIPS-140 Level 4 compliance without external components or firmware intervention.

Availability

STM1404ARNIQ6F is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for POS terminal manufacturing, EMVCo-certified payment device development, and ZKA-compliant banking hardware requiring stable component supply and long-term lifecycle assurance.

Supply support for STM1404ARNIQ6F 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, specializing in secure microcontrollers, power management, and automotive-grade ICs with strong emphasis on industrial and financial security solutions.

The STM1404 product line was developed specifically to address FIPS-140 Level 4 and EMVCo environmental monitoring requirements in cryptographic modules - delivering integrated tamper, voltage, and temperature supervision in a compact, certified-ready package.

FAQ

What is the function of the Vccsw pin?

Vccsw indicates the active supply source for VOUT: it is low when VOUT is sourced from VCC and high when VOUT is sourced from VBAT. This signal serves as a "BATTERY ON" status flag and can drive external p-channel MOSFETs for higher-current backup power paths. Its state remains valid during SAL assertion per device variant behavior (A: normal mode; B/C: forced high).

How are temperature thresholds programmed?

Temperature thresholds (TL and TH) are factory-programmed during wafer sort and cannot be modified in the field. Available options are TL = –25°C or –35°C and TH = +80°C, +85°C, or +95°C. These values are permanently stored in on-chip nonvolatile memory and used by internal comparators to generate SAL on thermal intrusion.

Can TP1–TP4 be left unconnected?

No - unused tamper pins must be properly terminated: TP1 and TP3 (normally high) should be tied to VOUT (STM1404A) or VTPU (STM1404B/C); TP2 and TP4 (normally low) must be tied to VSS. Floating these pins risks false alarms due to noise coupling or undefined logic states.

Does STM1404ARNIQ6F support battery reverse-charge protection?

Yes - the recommended hardware hookup (Figure 4) specifies a BAT54J Schottky diode between VBAT and VOUT to prevent reverse current flow from VCC into the backup battery. This diode is mandatory for reliable long-term battery operation and is explicitly called out in the official application circuit.