STMicroelectronics launches first wireless microcontroller module

STMicroelectronics, a global semiconductor provider serving customers across the spectrum of electronics applications, now offers a solution to accelerate the market introduction of new Bluetooth LE and 802.15.4-based IoT devices with a miniature, ready-to-use-STM32 wireless microcontroller (MCU) module.

The 7mm x 11.3mm STM32WB5MMG module lets product teams build connected devices without needing wireless-design skills. Made to enable low-cost PCB technology requiring a minimal number of layers, it integrates everything up to the antenna.

Users can leverage the tools, design wizards, radio stacks, and turnkey software libraries of ST’s STM32Cube MCU development ecosystem — available free of charge, to complete the project quickly and efficiently.

Additionally, 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.

Benefitting from all features of ST’s STM32WB55 ultra-low power wireless microcontroller ICs, the module addresses a wide variety of opportunities for smart-home, smart-building, and smart-factory equipment. Users can also leverage the MCU’s dual-core architecture that separates radio and application-level processing for unimpeded performance, large memories for radio and application code and data storage, and state-of-the-art cybersecurity.

Technical insight
The STM32WB5MMG can address market opportunities at all levels, including cost-sensitive and highly miniaturized devices. Designers can create a simplified, low-cost PCB leveraging the module’s optimized pin-out and take advantage of existing STM32WB55 MCU firmware libraries and toolchain.

In addition, ST has created a dedicated application note as extra guidance for module users. The module integrates a miniature antenna properly matched to the receiver circuitry, built-in Switched-Mode Power Supply (SMPS) circuitry, and frequency-control components. With support for crystal-less USB Full-Speed connectivity, the module lets users minimize bill-of-materials costs as well as simplifying the hardware design.

Cyber protection includes secured software updates including Over-The-Air (OTA) 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.

By combining high RF performance with low power consumption, the module ensures reliable connectivity with extended battery life.