STMicroelectronics ST60A3H0 transceiver IC

The STMicroelectronics ST60A3H0 short-range wireless point-to-point transceiver IC removes the need for cables and connectors in accessories and personal electronics like digital cameras, wearables, portable hard drives and small gaming terminals. The IC also addresses data-transfer challenges in industrial applications such as rotating machinery.

As a cable replacement, ST60A3H0 transceiver enables designers to create products with slim, aperture-free cases that can be water-resistant while allowing wireless docking. Self-discovery with instant mating saves pairing, while low power consumption preserves battery runtime. The IC operates in the 60 GHz V-band and provides eUSB2, I2C, SPI, UART and GPIO tunnelling.

The IC also requires minimal energy consumption, as it is designed to consume 130 mW in eUSB rx/tx mode and 90 mW for UART, GPIO and I2C modes, with a 23 µW shutdown mode. As the device can handle exchanges at up to 480 Mbps, wireless connections can deliver cable-like speed and low latency. The transceiver IC is designed for connecting an external antenna, giving flexibility to address diverse applications. It has a small, 2.2 x 2.6 mm footprint.

In industrial environments, wireless connections with this transceiver provide a range of benefits including safe galvanic isolation and protection from environmental hazards such as dust and humidity. The device is also suitable for mobile equipment like robotic arms. Being free from mechanical wear, the transceiver’s lifetime is not limited by the number of rotations.

The transceiver is easy to use without installing software drivers or a protocol stack. In addition to enhancing end-user experiences, it also enables efficient contactless product testing and debugging, including loading firmware over the air (FOTA), during manufacture and after sales.

The ST60A3H0 is in full production and is covered by ST’s 10-year product-longevity program.