Microcontrollers based on the open RISC-V architecture, developed by the Voronezh-based Scientific Research Institute of Electronics (NIIET, a member of the Element Group, MOEX: ELMT), have become the foundation for the Universal Electronic Module (UEM) created by Nilstar, a Russian developer of payment hardware.
The solution (Industrial Products Register No. 10887129) is designed for integration into cash registers, retail POS systems, and smart banking terminals.
As part of import substitution policies while ensuring technological sovereignty, domestic payment equipment manufacturers are transitioning to Russian-made electronic components. To provide the essential specifications of the end device, a 32-bit microcontroller K1921VG015 manufactured by NIIET was chosen as the key technological solution within the module. Its implementation allowed Nilstar to equip the UEM with core characteristics vital for payment hardware applications:
Security: A hardware cryptographic unit and a built-in True Random Number Generator (TRNG) enable secure data exchange, encryption key generation, and software update signing.
Energy Efficiency: A wide supply voltage range and low power consumption in standby modes allow the equipment to be operated under strict power limitations.
Temperature Resilience: An operating temperature ranges from –40 to +85 °C ensures reliable equipment performance in unheated facilities and outdoor environments.
Furthermore, the advantage of stable mass supply of K1921VG015 was another crucial factor for the payment equipment developer. The microcontrollers are manufactured at NIIET facilities, ensuring the continuous availability of the component base.
In September 2026, Nilstar plans to include its UEM-based terminal in the Register of Russian Industrial Products. This will enable the deployment of the equipment across retail commerce, gas stations, passenger transport, and other service industries.
Additionally, development is currently underway to integrate a certified Russian cryptographic protection module into the UEM.
About the Companies:
Element Group (MOEX: ELMT) is the leader in the manufacturing of Russian microelectronics and electronic components. The Group’s products are used in the key sectors of the Russian economy, including healthcare, energy, transportation, oil and gas, aviation, shipbuilding, and the aerospace industry. The Group comprises more than 30 design centers and manufacturing facilities, producing over 3,000 product types. In May 2024, Element Group successfully launched its IPO. In January 2026, Sberbank (Sber) joined the company’s shareholders.
JSC “NIIET” (Scientific Research Institute of Electronics) is one of the leading manufacturers of electronic components in Russia. Established in 1961, it stands as one of the oldest domestic engineering schools, backed by extensive manufacturing capabilities and highly qualified personnel. Today, NIIET is the only enterprise in Russia engaged in the mass production and supply of Gallium Nitride on Silicon (GaN-on-Si) transistors. NIIET carries out a comprehensive cycle of design and development for digital and analog integrated circuits (ICs), as well as power, RF transistors and transistor-based modules. The institute operates a modern manufacturing line for packaging ICs, power and RF transistors in all types of metal-ceramic packages.
