STMicroelectronics Launches First 18nm High-Performance MCU

According to reports, STMicroelectronics (ST) has introduced what it claims to be the industry's first 18nm microcontroller (MCU) for high-performance applications: the STM32V8, which SpaceX has chosen for its Starlink satellite constellation.

Built on next-generation 18nm FD-SOI technology, the STM32V8 also features advanced embedded phase-change memory (PCM). The MCU integrates 4MB of non-volatile PCM with one of the smallest cell sizes on the market, offering high density and cost efficiency.

Powered by an Arm Cortex-M885 core with clock speeds up to 800MHz, the STM32V8 is currently the most powerful STM32 MCU ever shipped. Manufacturing is carried out at ST's 300mm fabrication plant in Crolles, France, with additional production in partnership with Samsung.

The STM32V8 is in early evaluation for select customers, with main manufacturing partners expected to access it in Q1 2026.

Jack Gold, President and Chief Analyst at J.GoldAssociates, notes that the combination of the new Arm architecture and 18nm process delivers higher performance while significantly reducing power consumption.