Dev kit targets indoor and outdoor asset tracking

STMicroelectronics has introduced its STEVAL-ASTRA1B multi-connectivity evaluation platform for developing proof-of-concepts for indoor and outdoor asset tracking systems. The battery-powered development kit in a small form factor includes firmware to simplify development of targeted applications such as livestock monitoring, fleet management, and logistics.

(Source: STMicroelectronics)

The kit includes ST’s short- and long-range STM32 wireless system-on-chip (SoC) devices. The STM32WL55JC sub-GHz SoC for long-range connectivity (LPWAN) implements the LoRaWAN protocol and provides LoRa, (G)FSK, (G)MSK, and BPSK modulations. The STM32WB5MMG module supports 2.4-GHz Bluetooth Low Energy and Zigbee connectivity. Each device offers an Arm Cortex-M4 core for application processing with a dedicated Cortex-M0+ to manage the radio.

Other features include an ST25DV64K near-field communication (NFC) contactless chip for secure pairing and communication and an STSAFE-A110 secure element for privacy and protection against hacking. Also included is a Teseo-LIV3F miniature GNSS module for outdoor positioning.

The dev kit also includes a variety of ST sensors that are integrated for monitoring asset condition and environment. These include an STTS22H low-voltage, ultra-low-power temperature sensor with ±0.5°C accuracy, an HTS221 digital humidity and temperature sensor, a LPS22HH barometric pressure sensor, and a LIS2DTW12 ultra-low-power three-axis accelerometer. It also includes a LSM6DSO32X always-on inertial module, comprised of a 3D accelerometer and 3D gyroscope with machine-learning core.

The kit uses a smart power and battery-management architecture that helps developers maximize application runtime, said ST. These devices include the ST1PS02 nano-quiescent synchronous step-down converter, STBC03 Li-ion battery charging controller, and TCPP01-M12 USB-C port-protection IC.

FP-ATR-ASTRA1 STM32Cube software function pack (Source: STMicroelectronics)

ST offers software and tools for testing applications in development. They include the FP-ATR-ASTRA1 STM32Cube software function pack with firmware libraries and typical application examples. The platform also includes ST’s asset-tracking mobile app, available on Apple Store and Google Play, and the DSH-ASSETRACKING web-based cloud dashboard, which is free of charge for demonstration purposes, said ST. The STEVAL-ASTRA1B evaluation kit can be purchased at ST’s eStore for $144.55.