The industry solution to democratize digital car keys

DATE: Fri, Aug 15, 2025
PUBLICATION: The ST Blog

ST released its newest NFC Forum Certification Release (CR) 13 device for automotive, the ST25R3920B. In a nutshell, CR13 ensures that carmakers offer interoperable key systems using NFC. Consumers are at the mercy of proprietary systems. One car model could work with one generation of phones, but a newer automotive could have different requirements. As a result, the lack of industry cooperation can leave customers frustrated and unwilling to adopt this new technology. NFC Forum CR13, and subsequent version, aim to make contactless car keys more practical. For instance, it ensures smartphones can still deliver a key even when in reduced power mode. When the smartphone is off and an icon asks the user to charge it, phone makers must maintain a minimum charge for NFC operation. Hence, customers no longer need to worry about battery life when using a phone as a car key..