STMicroelectronics introduces industry’s first 18nm microcontroller for high-performance applications

STMicroelectronics, a global semiconductor leader serving customers across the spectrum of electronics applications, has unveiled the STM32V8, a new generation of high-performance microcontrollers (MCUs) for demanding industrial applications. The STM32V8 is designed with ST’s most advanced 18nm process technology with best-in-class embedded phase-change memory (PCM). It is manufactured in ST’s 300mm fab in Crolles, France, and also in collaboration with Samsung Foundry. MCUs are foundational chips, with the broad portfolio of STM32 devices powering billions of devices on the planet across consumer devices, home appliances, industrial applications, medical devices and communication nodes.

Thanks to its Arm^® Cortex^®-M85 core and the 18nm process, the STM32V8 achieves clock speeds of up to 800 MHz, making it the most powerful STM32 MCU ever shipped. High levels of faster and larger embedded memory are a key enabler of a broad range of secure and connected applications. The FD-SOI process technology with embedded PCM provides strong robustness and reliability in harsh operating environments.

One such demanding environment is the high-radiation conditions encountered in Low Earth Orbit (LEO). SpaceX has selected the STM32V8 for its Starlink constellation, using it in a mini laser system that connects the satellites traveling at extremely high speeds in LEO.

The STM32V8 is in early-stage access for selected customers with key OEMs availability as of the first quarter 2026 and with broader availability to follow.