STM32V8 pushes 18nm microcontroller tech into new performance territory
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STMicroelectronics has introduced the STM32V8, the first microcontroller built on an 18-nm process, marking a major step forward for high-performance industrial and edge-AI designs. According to STMicroelectronics, the new device combines ST’s most advanced FD-SOI technology with embedded phase-change memory (PCM), delivering speeds and robustness typically associated with application processors.
For eeNews Europe readers, the announcement highlights how MCU architectures are rapidly evolving to meet emerging requirements in industrial control, AI acceleration, and even NewSpace hardware. European engineering teams following silicon advances will find the STM32V8 significant for both its technical milestone — 18-nm MCU fabrication — and its role in enabling next-generation processing at the edge.
High-performance MCU for demanding environments
At the heart of the STM32V8 is an Arm Cortex-M85 core running at up to 800 MHz, making it the highest-performing STM32 device to date. ST says the combination of FD-SOI and embedded PCM enables high computing throughput, fast and dense memory integration, and strong radiation and temperature resilience.
“The STM32V8 is our fastest STM32 microcontroller to date, designed for high reliability in harsh operating environments, with the ability to replace much larger and power-hungry application processors. The STM32V8 represents the future of what a high performance MCU can do for demanding embedded and edge AI applications such as industrial control, sensor fusion, image processing, voice control, and others,” said Remi El-Ouazzane, President, Microcontrollers, Digital ICs and RF products Group at STMicroelectronics.
A notable early adopter is SpaceX, which selected the device for its Starlink satellite constellation. The MCU drives the company’s new mini laser communication system, which must operate reliably in the radiation-rich environment of Low Earth Orbit.
“The successful deployment of the Starlink mini laser system in space, which uses ST’s STM32V8 microcontroller, marks a significant milestone in advancing high-speed connectivity across the Starlink network. The STM32V8’s high computing performance and integration of large embedded memory and digital features were critical in meeting our demanding real-time processing requirements, while providing a higher level of reliability and robustness to Low Earth Orbit environment, thanks to the 18nm FD-SOI technology. We look forward to integrating the STM32V8 into other products and leveraging its capabilities for next-generation advanced applications,” said Michael Nicolls, Vice President, Starlink Engineering at SpaceX.
Memory, security, and connectivity for next-gen systems
The MCU integrates 4 MB of PCM-based nonvolatile memory with what ST claims is the smallest cell size currently available, enabling high-density storage with strong endurance and cost efficiency. The company notes that security has also been elevated, with the STM32V8 targeting PSA Certified Level 3 and SESIP, and aligning with requirements of the upcoming EU Cyber-Resilience Act. Additional features include 3.3-V operation, a suite of crypto/hash engines, graphic acceleration, and industrial-grade I/O, ranging from 1 Gb Ethernet to FD-CAN, xSPI, USB, and rich analog peripherals.
The device supports bare-metal or RTOS-based development and is fully integrated into the STM32Cube ecosystem, with Discovery and Nucleo boards planned. The STM32V8 is currently in early-access sampling, with broader OEM availability expected in Q1 2026.
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