STMicroelectronics has introduced the ST25DA-C, an NFC chip with built-in support for the Matter 1.5 protocol, designed to simplify smart home device installation through tap-to-pair functionality. The chip enables users to add Matter-compatible devices like lighting, security cameras, access control systems, and environmental sensors to their home networks by simply tapping an NFC tag with their smartphone, eliminating the need for Bluetooth LE commissioning or QR codes.
The ST25DA-C operates on either a 1.62V to 3.3V power supply or batteryless power from a 13.56 MHz contactless carrier. It features over 3KB of non-volatile memory for storing Matter certificates, keys, and attributes, along with an I2C interface running up to 400 kHz for firmware updates. The chip complies with ISO/IEC 14443 Type A and NFC Forum Type 4 Tag standards, supporting data rates from 106 kbps to 848 kbps. Security features include a secure MCU with active shield, NIST 800-90B compliant true random-number generator, ECDSA with SHA-256 for digital signatures, ECDH for key establishment, and AES-CCM/AES-CTR symmetric cryptography. The chip targets SESIP level 3 certification and operates from -25°C (-13°F) to +85°C (185°F).
The chip also supports Matter over-the-air firmware updates via I2C and includes equipment identification features that potentially allow multiple devices to be provisioned simultaneously with a single NFC tap. This approach offers manufacturers a cost advantage by replacing Bluetooth LE radios with a simpler NFC tag for device commissioning, though it requires smartphones with NFC support, which is standard on most newer models but not universal across all devices.
Samples of the ST25DA-C are available now in an 8-pin UFDFPN8 package measuring 3 x 2 mm, with mass production scheduled to begin in 2026. Additional technical details and evaluation kits are available through STMicroelectronics sales representatives.
