STMicroelectronics (NYSE: STM), a global leader in semiconductor technology catering to diverse electronics applications, has introduced a groundbreaking microcontroller (MCU) that integrates the company’s wireless-device expertise with the efficient STM32 architecture. These novel wireless MCUs promise an extended battery life of over 15 years, owing to advanced power-saving features.
Primarily beneficial for remote applications such as metering and monitoring devices, these STM32WL3 wireless MCUs facilitate data collection from alarm systems, sensors, and actuators in contemporary smart buildings, factories, and cities. Their deployment aids in curbing power consumption and prioritizing tasks, potentially enhancing user experiences, service delivery, and environmental sustainability. ST’s wireless MCUs offer an avenue for device and application designers to swiftly develop and deliver new products for maximum utility.
The latest addition to ST’s integrated wireless chip lineup, the STM32WL3, incorporates an advanced, power-efficient multi-protocol radio suitable for long-range communication within globally allocated license-free frequency bands reserved for industrial, scientific, and medical (ISM) applications. Notably, ST has integrated an ultra-low-power radio that can power down while consistently listening for a wake-up signal, setting it apart in the industry.
Several lead customers are already leveraging the STM32WL3 MCUs to enhance smart connected devices. For instance, Lierda Internet of Things Technology employs the STM32WL33 to introduce low-power and long-range wireless connectivity to their existing networking products. The MCU’s wake-up radio functionality minimizes power consumption, enabling the monitoring and maintenance of network equipment wirelessly across various connections.
Similarly, Silent Smart Technology has developed a range of modules based on the STM32WL3 wireless MCUs, operating in diverse sub-1GHz frequency bands. These modules offer support for multiple transmission modes, channel monitoring, wireless relay, and other functionalities. Leveraging the MCU’s wake-up feature, the modules operate in deep-sleep mode, consuming only around 1µA overall current while remaining prepared to resume full operation.
Benoit Rodriguez, Wireless Business Line General Manager at STMicroelectronics, highlighted the impact of the new STM32WL3 wireless microcontrollers on customers’ innovation and rapid market entry. Rodriguez emphasized the device’s unique features, such as the wake-up radio and the flow-metering LC sensor controller, enabling energy-efficient designs in various sectors like smart metering, agriculture, and asset tracking.
The STM32WL3 enriches ST’s lineup by amalgamating radio technology with the primary application controller, simplifying engineering complexities, reducing power consumption, minimizing size, and enhancing reliability.
Further technical details of the STM32WL3 MCUs include support for internationally designated license-free frequency bands, multi-protocol capabilities, and a variety of onboard peripherals, enabling a cost-optimized solution with rapid market entry. The lineup offers devices with different Flash densities and RAM options, covering an extended temperature range. ST ensures a 10-year longevity guarantee for all industrial products in this series, with sample quantities currently available.
Tailored for smart-metering applications, the STM32WL3 integrates an LCD controller and a specific peripheral — LC sensor controller — facilitating fluid flow measurement and easing the design of water meters and heat-cost allocators. Its multi-protocol support streamlines deployment across various long-range wireless technologies.
Prices for the STM32WL3 wireless MCUs begin at $2.04 for orders of 10,000 pieces, with evaluation kits slated for release shortly.
