STMicroelectronics launches ST64UWB chips supporting IEEE 802.15.4ab Standard

STMicroelectronics has introduced the ST64UWB family, the first ultra-wideband (UWB) system-on-chip devices to support the IEEE 802.15.4ab wireless standard. The chips are now being sampled by major Tier 1 suppliers and original equipment manufacturers. The new series targets automotive, smart home, and smart building applications, enabling device localization and tracking over several hundred metres.

Key Highlights

• STMicroelectronics introduces ST64UWB chips supporting IEEE 802.15.4ab standard
• Chips extend range by about 50 percent over standard and improve non-line-of-sight performance
• Backward compatibility with IEEE 802.15.4z allows easy industry adoption
• Partners cite eightfold range increase and robust key fob performance

Key Features of ST64UWB Series

The ST64UWB family includes three system-on-chip (SoC) devices: ST64UWB-A100, ST64UWB-A500, and ST64UWB-C100. All three are built on ST’s 18 nm FD-SOI process. This process increases the link budget by nearly 3 dB compared to standard bulk technologies, extending range by about 50% beyond the IEEE 802.15.4ab standard alone.

The IEEE 802.15.4ab standard introduces multi-millisecond ranging (MMS) and narrowband assistance (NBA). These features extend operating range, improve non-line-of-sight performance for devices in bags or pockets, and enable close-range direction finding. The ST64UWB-A100 is designed for automotive digital keys and vehicle localization, featuring an Arm Cortex-M85 core and ASIL A(B) safety support.

The ST64UWB-A500 adds AI acceleration and digital signal processing for radar applications, such as child presence detection, kick sensing, and parking sensors. It uses the new Kaiser pulse shape and 1.3 GHz bandwidth of UWB channel 11, offering twice the accuracy of 500 MHz channels. The ST64UWB-C100 targets commercial and consumer applications and is fully compatible with the Aliro standard.

Industry Adoption and Compatibility

Industry experts expect IEEE 802.15.4ab to become the backbone of next-generation ultra-wideband technology. By 2030, most UWB-equipped vehicles are expected to use this standard, leveraging a growing base of compatible smartphones. The new chips remain backward compatible with IEEE 802.15.4z, allowing for quick industry adoption without disrupting existing deployments.

Partners such as Forvia Hella, LG Innotek, Marquardt, and Nuki Home Solutions endorse the platform for its extended range and backward compatibility. The new standard offers more than eight times the range of IEEE 802.15.4z and improved non-line-of-sight performance. This allows for reliable key fob operation from inside a bag or pocket. Backward compatibility enables a practical transition from legacy key fobs to modern UWB-based systems.

STMicroelectronics provides a development kit with a UWB stack, radar toolbox, development boards, antenna reference designs, and application examples for automotive and consumer markets. More information is available at the company's website.

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CarBike 360 Says

With the ST64UWB family, STMicroelectronics is pushing ultra-wideband technology into a more capable and versatile phase. By combining precise ranging, radar sensing, and support for the emerging IEEE 802.15.4ab standard, the chips are positioned to serve next-generation automotive, consumer, and industrial applications. This launch strengthens the company’s role in advanced connectivity and opens the door to smarter, safer, and more responsive wireless experiences.