STMicroelectronics unveils its first STM32 wireless MCU module

STMicroelectronics has launched its first STM32 wireless microcontroller (MCU) module that accelerates the design of new Bluetooth LE and 802.15.4 based IoT devices without needing wireless-design skills. Housed in a 7 × 11.3 mm package, the miniature ready-to-use STM32 wireless MCU module integrates everything up to the antenna.

The module supports ST’s novel concurrent dual-protocol mode that lets any protocol based on IEEE 802.15.4 radio technology, including Zigbee 3.0 and OpenThread, connect the user directly to any Bluetooth Low Energy device, said the company. It also meets FCC, CE, JRF, KC, SRRC1 , GOST geographical certifications

The wireless MCU module integrates a miniature antenna matched to the receiver circuitry, built-in switched-mode power supply (SMPS) circuitry, and frequency-control components. It supports crystal-less USB Full-Speed connectivity for a simpler hardware design and lower bill-of-materials costs.

Including all of the features of ST’s STM32WB55 ultra-low power wireless microcontrollers, the module can be used in a variety of applications, including smart-home, smart-building, and smart-factory equipment. These features include the MCU’s dual-core architecture that separates radio and application-level processing, large memories for radio and application code and data storage, and cybersecurity.

Cybersecurity features include Over-The-Air (OTA) secure software updates for brand protection and device integrity, customer key storage and Proprietary Code Readout Protection (PCROP) to protect developers’ intellectual property, and Public Key Authentication (PKA) support for cryptographic protection of code and connections, said ST.

The module enables designers to develop a simple, low-cost PCB using the module’s optimized pin-out. Designers can speed up their product development by using the tools, design wizards, radio stacks, and turnkey software libraries of ST’s STM32Cube MCU development ecosystem, available free of charge. Available now, pricing for the STM32WB5MMG starts at $5.66 for 10,000-unit orders.