STMicroelectronics has unveiled a secure NFC chip designed to streamline the installation and scaling of home networks by leveraging the latest Matter smart-home standard. The ST25DA-C chip allows users to add IoT devices—such as lighting, access control, and security cameras—to a home network in a single step by tapping a smartphone. This represents the first commercial solution to fulfill enhancements in Matter 1.5, an open-source standard focused on making smart-home devices secure and reliable.
The new NFC Forum Type 4 chip improves user experience by utilizing the NFC technology found in most modern smartphones. This method of commissioning is designed to be faster and more secure than traditional pairing methods like Bluetooth or QR codes, which may not always be feasible. Notably, the ST25DA-C can perform the cryptographic operations required for Matter commissioning using energy harvesting from the RF field. This capability allows users to add unpowered devices to a network and simplifies the parallel installation of multiple accessories.
“The integration of NFC-based onboarding in Matter 1.5 is a timely enhancement to the smart home experience. Our market-first ST25DA-C chip leverages this capability to simplify device commissioning through tap-to-pair functionality. This reduces setup complexity, especially for installations that are difficult to access, thanks to NFC-enabled battery-less connectivity. This aligns well with the broader momentum in the smart home market to serve consumers who increasingly prioritize ease of use, interoperability, and security. NFC-enabled Matter devices are positioned to play a key role in driving even greater adoption,” said David Richetto, Group VP, Division General Manager, Connected Security at STMicroelectronics.
Regarding the impact on the industry, Shobhit Srivastava, Senior Principal Analyst at Omdia, said: “Matter is an important standard for the smart-home industry, enabling seamless communication across devices, mobile apps, and cloud services. Its primary benefit is simplifying technology for non-expert consumers, which could help accelerate adoption of connected devices. The new STMicroelectronics’ ST25DA-C secure NFC chip is one example of next generation chipset that supports this standard, providing device makers with tools to develop the next generation of smart-home products.”
Security remains a central focus of the hardware. The ST25DA-C utilizes STMicroelectronics’ expertise in embedded secure elements to provide device authentication and secure storage for cryptographic keys, certificates, and network credentials. The hardware is based on Common Criteria-certified technology and is targeting certification to the GlobalPlatform Security Evaluation Standard for IoT Platforms (SESIP level 3).
The ST25DA-C is currently available for evaluation and sampling in a DFN8 package. Mass production is scheduled to begin in 2026.
