STMicroelectronics Introduces Two New Near Field Wireless Point-to-Point Transceiver Chips

STMicroelectronics has launched two new short-range wireless point-to-point transceiver chips that allow easy-to-use electronic accessories and personal electronics such as digital cameras, wearable devices, mobile hard drives, handheld game consoles and other personal electronics interconnections no longer require cables and plug interfaces, while also solving the problem of transmitting data in industrial applications such as mechanical rotating equipment.

As a cost-effective cable replacement, the ST60A3H0 and ST60A3H1 transceivers allow designers to create slim, non-porous housings for products that are sleek, waterproof, and easy to wirelessly pair. Device auto-discovery and instant pairing features save pairing time, while low power consumption features protect battery life. The two new products operate at 60GHz V-band and offer direct connectivity with eUSB2, I2C, SPI, UART and GPIO signaling interfaces. At the same time, the low power consumption feature protects the battery life. The two new products operate at 60 GHz V-band and provide direct connectivity to eUSB2, I2C, SPI, UART and GPIO tunnel signaling interfaces.

Both products have low power consumption, 130mW in eUSB transceiver mode, 90mW in UART, GPIO and I2C modes, and standby power consumption of 23µW. Both chips have a transfer rate of 480Mbit/s, which is compliant with USB 2.0 High Speed specification, so wireless connections can achieve cable transfer speeds and low latency.

The ST60A3H1 has an integrated antenna on-chip to simplify end-system design, and is available in a 3 mm x 4 mm VFBGA miniature package. the ST60A3H0 requires the connection of an external antenna, providing flexibility for a wide range of applications, and is available in a smaller package than its predecessor, 2.2 mm x 2.6 mm.

In industrial environments, wirelessly connecting devices via these transceivers offers the advantages of safe current isolation and protection against dust and moisture. Both transceiver chips are also ideally suited for mechanically rotating devices and instruments such as radar and LIDAR, as well as mobile devices such as robotic arms. Because there is no mechanical wear and tear, the life of the chip is not limited by the number of revolutions, resulting in higher operational reliability than slip rings, especially in high data rate transmission, at a lower cost than fiber optic rotary joints (FORJ).

The ease of use of these two transceivers, without the need to install driver software or protocol stacks, not only enhances the end-user experience, but also supports fast and efficient non-contact product testing and debugging, including the wireless download of firmware on the production line and after-sales (FOTA).

The ST60A3H0 and ST60A3H1 are already in volume production and are included in ST's 10-year product life program, ensuring that customers have access to long-term technical support and products. Samples are available now. Detailed technical data, evaluation kits and production pricing are subject to confidentiality agreements.