By Alex Pluemer, contributing writer
STMicroelectronics recently released the STEVAL-FK1001V1 dual-radio development kit to help users design, build, and connect IoT devices, such as smart sensors, finders, and trackers, which can be configured, updated, remotely monitored, and tracked using different network topologies, protocols, and services, said ST. The kit integrates the company’s BlueNRG-1 Bluetooth system-on-chip (SoC) with its S2-LP sub-1-GHz transceiver to enable simultaneous operation on a range of radio-frequency bands and protocols, including Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) or proprietary 2.4-GHz, sub-1-GHz wireless and Sigfox.
The STEVAL-FKI001V1 is based on a ready-to-use, pre-certified WS2118 RF dual-radio module from Jorjin Technologies. The ultra-low-power programmable power radio module provides flexible power management and wake-on-event capability to deliver multi-year life from a small primary battery, according to the company.
ST’s BlueNRG-1 Bluetooth 5.0 SoC enables the simple setup, configuration, and modification of connected devices and allows for the monitoring of networked node sensors through an app available for Android and iOS devices. The kit can be used to develop a variety of applications in smart homes, smart buildings, asset tracking, energy management, smart farming, and industrial monitoring and control applications.
The sub-1-GHz S2-LP transceiver provides users with local networking capabilities and enables LPWAN functionality including global Sigfox connectivity, enabling real-time notifications and the tracking of networked devices.
The dual-radio architecture enables users to create smart devices that can connect to one another locally through mesh or point-to-point connections and connect to the cloud via a local gateway or directly through a Sigfox link.
An ultra-low-power Arm Cortex-M0 core with 256 KB of embedded program memory along with the BlueNRG-1’s interfaces enable users to connect a variety of external sensors and process collected data in real time. An SDK is also included to simplify development and decrease time to market.
Extensive networking on a large-scale installation can be achieved by incorporating the ST Blue-NRG-Mesh software package. OTA firmware updates are available through the BLE connection.
The STEVAL-FKI001V1 development kit can be augmented by using its Arduino Uno V3 connectors, including expansion boards with MEMS sensors, motor control, GNSS receivers or industrial input/output, and power drivers. The kit is also compatible with ST’s recently announced BlueNRG-Tile board to enhance the user’s ability to develop end-to-end smart sensor solutions, including sensor nodes, local gateways, and cloud connectivity.
The STEVAL-FKI001V1 development kit is priced at $56.00 and is available through ST distributors or at www.st.com.
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