STMicroelectronics Unveils 18nm STM32V8 with 800MHz Cortex-M85 – Selected by SpaceX for Starlink Laser Inter-Satellite Links

STMicroelectronics has introduced the STM32V8, a high-performance microcontroller fabricated on 18nm FD-SOI technology with embedded phase-change memory (PCM). It is manufactured at ST’s 300mm fab in Crolles, France, and in partnership with Samsung Foundry.

The STM32V8 is based on the Arm Cortex-M85 core and operates at up to 800 MHz. It integrates up to 4 MB of embedded non-volatile PCM and supports a maximum junction temperature of 140 °C. The device includes accelerators for graphics, cryptography, and hash functions, 1 Gb Ethernet, FD-CAN, octo/hexa xSPI, USB, multiple analog peripherals, and timers. It operates at 3.3 V and supports bare-metal or RTOS development.

Security features are built on the STM32 Trust framework with PSA Certified Level 3 and SESIP targets to address the upcoming EU Cyber-Resilience Act.

SpaceX has selected the STM32V8 for the mini laser inter-satellite communication system deployed on its Starlink constellation in Low Earth Orbit. According to Michael Nicolls, Vice President of Starlink Engineering at SpaceX, the MCU meets real-time processing requirements while providing reliability in the LEO radiation environment due to the 18nm FD-SOI process.

The STM32V8 is currently in early-access phase for selected customers, with availability to key OEMs scheduled for Q1 2026 and broader market availability to foll...