STMicroelectronics STM1404CTMJQ6F

Overview

STM1404CTMJQ6F 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), automatic battery switchover with Vccsw status indicator, and open-drain SAL/RST/PFO/BLD outputs.

For engineers reviewing the STM1404CTMJQ6F datasheet, STM1404CTMJQ6F pinout, STM1404CTMJQ6F application, or STM1404CTMJQ6F equivalent, this device supports tamper-responsive power management, secure SRAM retention during intrusion, battery-backed reset supervision, and compliance-critical environmental monitoring in payment and cryptographic hardware.

Technical Context

The STM1404CTMJQ6F implements independent analog comparators for voltage (VINT vs. VLV/VHV), temperature (TA vs. TL/TH), and physical tamper state (TP1–TP4 logic transitions), all feeding into a dedicated security alarm (SAL) generator. Its VOUT switching logic automatically selects between VCC and VBAT based on VCC vs. VSW (~2.4 V) comparison, with Vccsw reflecting that state as low (VCC active) or high (VBAT active).

All critical outputs - SAL, RST, PFO, and BLD - are open-drain with internal pull-up capability, enabling wired-OR interfacing and flexible voltage-level translation. Tamper response is deterministic: SAL asserts within 1 µs of threshold violation, and remains asserted until cleared by power cycle or manual reset, with no software dependency.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

STM1404CTMJQ6F is housed in a 16-pin QFN package (3 mm × 3 mm, 0.5 mm pitch) with exposed thermal pad (EP). The package supports secure mounting and PCB-level tamper sensing via trace routing under the EP.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with MAX1376 and DS1233M, STM1404CTMJQ6F uniquely integrates four independent tamper inputs, programmable thermal thresholds, and battery-aware switchover with status feedback - making it the only option among the three qualified for FIPS-140 Level 4 cryptographic module certification.

Availability

STM1404CTMJQ6F is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for POS terminal manufacturing, EMVCo-certified payment device development, and secure embedded cryptographic module production requiring stable component supply and long-term lifecycle assurance.

Supply support for STM1404CTMJQ6F 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 analog ICs for industrial, automotive, and smart-card applications.

The STM1404 product line was developed specifically to address FIPS-140 Level 4 physical and environmental tamper detection requirements in cryptographic hardware - targeting payment terminals, HSMs, and banking peripherals.

FAQ

What is the function of the Vccsw pin on STM1404CTMJQ6F?

Vccsw is a status output indicating the current VOUT source: it is low when VOUT is supplied from VCC and high when VOUT is supplied from VBAT. This pin serves as a "BATTERY ON" indicator and can directly drive an external p-channel MOSFET gate for higher-current backup power paths, eliminating need for additional level-shifting circuitry.

How does STM1404CTMJQ6F handle tamper detection during battery backup mode?

The STM1404CTMJQ6F continues full tamper monitoring - including physical inputs (TP1–TP4), voltage (VINT), and temperature (TA) - even when operating solely from VBAT. SAL asserts identically in both VCC and VBAT modes, ensuring uninterrupted security supervision during primary supply loss without requiring host intervention or reconfiguration.

Can STM1404CTMJQ6F be used with lithium-thionyl chloride batteries?

Yes - the device supports VBAT input up to 3.68 V and includes selectable BLD thresholds (2.3 V, 2.5 V, or 3.2 V) optimized for common lithium chemistries. Its 5.3 µA typical supply current and wide VBAT operating range make it compatible with long-life lithium-thionyl chloride cells used in tamper-evident metering and secure logging applications.

Is the temperature monitoring on STM1404CTMJQ6F calibrated per unit?

No - temperature thresholds (TL and TH) are factory-programmed during final test using laser trimming and stored in on-chip nonvolatile memory. Each unit receives individual calibration at production, ensuring ±2°C accuracy across the –25°C to +95°C range without requiring end-user calibration or compensation routines.