STMicroelectronics and Thales power secure, contactless convenience in Google Pixel 7

STMicroelectronics (NYSE: STM), a global semiconductor leader serving customers across the spectrum of electronics applications, has revealed that its ST54K IC is handling control and security for contactless NFC communication in the newly launched Google Pixel 7 smartphone.

Chosen by Google’s designers, ST’s device combines NFC control and a certified Secure Element in a single chip that saves space and simplifies handset design. Containing proprietary technologies that enhance NFC contactless sensitivity, the ST54K was selected to ensure the most reliable connectivity, deliver excellent contactless user experiences, and ensure the highest contactless transaction security.

For Google’s Pixel 7, ST has combined the ST54K with the mobile secure operating system (OS) by Thales. The OS meets the highest security industry standards and supports convergence of the embedded SIM (eSIM) with other secure NFC applications into the same ST54K secure element.

Marie-France Li-Saï Florentin, Microcontrollers & Digital ICs Group Vice President, Secure Microcontroller Division General Manager, STMicroelectronics, commented, “Google chose the ST54K for its excellent performance, low power, and robust security that meets the highest CC EAL5+ assurance. As a result, it ensures the best possible user experience and protection for contactless transactions.”

Emmanuel Unguran, SVP Mobile Connectivity Solutions, Thales, added, “The combination of ST’s ST54K with our secure OS and personalization capabilities provides a certified and evolutive solution for smartphones to support diverse digital services. These include embedded SIM for instant connectivity, and digital wallet services, such as transit ticketing and digital car keys. It is also the first in the Android ecosystem to support the eSIM Multiple Enabled Profiles.”

Google Pixel 7 arrived in the marketplace on October 7. ST’s ST54K single-chip NFC controller and secure element, combined with Thales’ secure OS, now represents a proven solution for reliable and high-performing contactless functionality in Android handsets and is available to all OEMs without restriction.

Technical Notes to Editors:
The solution jointly developed by ST and Thales lets the Google Pixel 7 support the Car Connectivity Consortium (CCC) Digital Car Key Phase 3 specification. The handset thus provides the functionality needed for users to safely digitalize their car key into the phone, protected by the ST54K Secure Element. In addition, ticketing standards such as FeliCa™ allow Pixel 7 users to access public transport with their phone.

Support for the eSIM Multiple Enabled Profiles allows convenient dual-network connectivity, relieving reliance on cumbersome physical SIMs. With this, users can simplify managing two mobile network operator subscriptions to separate billing for personal and work calls on the same handset, for example, or ease access to services while traveling.

Meeting the Android Ready SE (secure element) requirements, the combination of ST54K and Thales secure OS will also provide to Android phone designers a StrongBox-ready solution available from early 2023.

The ST54K meets all NFC standards, including ISO/IEC 18092 active and passive peer-to-peer mode, Reader/Writer mode in accordance with NFC Forum™ tag specifications and ISO/IEC 15693, and ISO/IEC 14443 Type A & Type B card emulation mode. For more information, please contact your local ST sales office.

For more information on thalesgroup.com, please go to:
eSE secure end-to-end solutions
SIM, eSIM and Secure Elements 2022 Portfolio

About STMicroelectronics
At ST, we are 48,000 creators and makers of semiconductor technologies mastering the semiconductor supply chain with state-of-the-art manufacturing facilities. An integrated device manufacturer, we work with more than 200,000 customers and thousands of partners to design and build products, solutions, and ecosystems that address their challenges and opportunities, and the need to support a more sustainable world. Our technologies enable smarter mobility, more efficient power and energy management, and the wide-scale deployment of the Internet of Things and connectivity. ST is committed to becoming carbon neutral by 2027. Further information can be found at www.st.com.

For Press Information Contact:

STMicroelectronics
Michael Markowitz
Director Technical Media Relations
Tel: +1 781 591 0354
Email: michael.markowitz@st.com