Long range wireless microcontroller looks to 169MHz
STMicroelectronics has launched a long range sub-GHz wireless microcontroller with low power for over a decade of battery life, including the coming 169MHz band.
The STM32WL3 is based around an ARM Cortex-M0+ core alongside a power efficient multi-protocol radio suitable for long-range communication using the license-free frequency bands below 1GHz, including the proposed 169MHz band. A separate, unique, ultra-low-power radio that saves energy while listening continuously for a wake-up signal.
This enables the extension of battery life beyond 15 years for remotely deployed applications including metering and monitoring devices and data from alarm systems, actuators, and sensors in today’s smart buildings, smart factories, and smart cities.
The long-range radio on the STM32WL3 MCUs operates in the ISM license-free frequency bands at 413MHz – 479MHz and 826MHz – 958MHz, with the support for 169MHz coming in 2024. The lower frequency bands enable longer range with lower power consumption but lower data rates. The 450MHz band, previously used for analog TV, is now being adopted for applications in the Internet of Things (IoT) and smart sensing.
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The radio is multi-protocol and multi-modulation capable, supporting 4-(G)FSK up to 600kbit/s, 2-(G)FSK, (G)MSK, DBPSK, DSSS, OOK, ASK modulation schemes to maximize versatility and ease deployment. The multi-protocol support enables cost-efficient deployment of one single platform over different long-range wireless technologies, including Sigfox, KNX, mioty, M-Bus, and others.
On-board peripherals include an LCD driver, a 12-bit 1Msample/s ADC, analog comparator, DAC, and multiple timers. Together with an integrated balun, RF power amplifier, and SMPS, they minimize external BoM for a cost-optimized solution with short time-to-market.
A specific peripheral, an LC sensor controller for fluid flow measurement that eases the design of water meters and heat-cost allocators.
The range has devices with Flash density from 64KB to 256KB and 16KB or 32KB RAM, in a 32-pin or 48-pin VFQFPN package. There is also an extended temperature range option, from -40°C to 105°C. All variants are covered with ST’s 10-year longevity guarantee for industrial products.
Lierda Internet of Things Technology is using the STM32WL33 to reduce power and add long range wireless connectivity to existing networking products. The wake-up radio to minimize power consumption, the Lierda module monitors and maintains network equipment across a point-to-point or point-to-multipoint wireless connection.
Silent Smart Technology has used the wireless microcontroller for a family of modules based on STM32WL3 wireless MCUs that operate in various sub-1GHz frequency bands. The modules support multiple transmission modes, channel monitoring, wireless relay, and other functions. The MCU’s wakeup feature allows the modules to operate in deep-sleep mode, consuming only about 1µA overall current while remaining ready to return to full operation.
“ST’s new highly featured, long-range STM32WL3 wireless microcontrollers help customers like Lierda and Silent Smart create innovative and flexible products, achieving very low power and fast time to market,” said Benoit Rodriguez, Wireless Business Line General Manager at STMicroelectronics.
“Special features such as the wake-up radio and our flow-metering LC sensor controller enable energy-saving designs in smart metering, smart agriculture, and asset tracking that run for up to 15 years from a small battery,” he said.
Sample quantities are available now with prices starting from $2.04 for orders of 10,000 pieces. Evaluation kits will be available shortly.
www.st.com/en/microcontrollers-microprocessors/stm32wl3x.html.
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