Powering the search for sustainability through smart infrastructure and logistics, smart industry and smart living, STMicroelectronics has revealed its initial LoRa system-on-chip (SoC) for connecting smart devices to the Internet of Things (IoT) using long-distance wireless connections.
The STM32WLE5 SoC lets product developers create devices such as remote environmental sensors, meters, trackers, and process controllers that help efficiently manage energy and resources
The SoC combines ST’s proven skills in ultra-low-power STM32 microcontroller design with a LoRa-compliant radio in one single-die and easy-to-use device. With multiple ST patents pending, namely for radio Power Management Architecture, the STM32WLE5 will ensure performance. ST’s LoRaWAN software for wireless network communications has passed all regional certifications for use worldwide.
Complementing the STM32 RF connectivity portfolio, the STM32WL System-On-Chip integrates both a general purpose microcontroller and a sub-GHz radio on the same chip.
Built on an Arm Cortex‐M4 core architecture, STM32WL microcontrollers also support multiple modulations– LoRa, (G)FSK, (G)MSK, BPSK – to ensure flexibility in wireless applications with LoRaWAN or any other suitable protocol in a fully open way.
STM32WL microcontrollers feature a sub-GHz radio based-on Semtech SX126x to meet the requirements of a range of low-power wide area network (LPWAN) wireless applications in industrial and consumer IoT.
The embedded sub-GHz transceiver comes with a LoRaWAN radio stack available on demand.
With its deep integration, the open architecture is optimized for LoRaWAN legacy / proprietary protocols, flexible resource use, power management and helps lower BOM cost, while offering a better user experience.
Developed using the same technology as the one implemented in our ultra-low-power STM32L4 microcontrollers, the STM32WL series provides a similar digital and analog peripherals for basic or complex application use cases requiring an extended battery life and a long RF range through its sub-GHz transceiver. To ensure worldwide compatibility, the STM32WL MCUs feature a dual power-output and a wide linear frequency range fitting any unlicensed RF spectrum need.
Overall, the STM32WL series is the STM32 family’s pioneer in sub-GHz wireless connectivity, offering ease-of-use and reliability, while being perfectly tailored for a wide range of industrial and consumer applications.
STM32WLE5 microcontrollers comply with the physical layer requirements of the LoRaWAN specification released by the LoRa Alliance. Available LoRa, (G)FSK, (G)MSK and BPSK modulations can also be used in legacy and proprietary protocols.
The radio is suitable for systems targeting compliance with radio regulations including, but not limited to, ETSI EN 300 220, FCC CFR 47 Part 15, China regulatory requirements and the Japanese ARIB T-108. Continuous frequency coverage from 150 to 960 MHz enables the support of all major sub-GHz ISM bands around the world.
“Our new wireless STM32 SoC extends the existing STM32W Wireless and simplifies new-product development while saving bill-of-materials costs and maximizing system reliability and energy efficiency,” said Ricardo De Sa Earp, Microcontroller Division General Manager, STMicroelectronics. “In addition, by leveraging the STM32 MCU architecture, we let developers easily introduce wireless connectivity in existing embedded designs by porting to the STM32WLE5.”
STM32WLE5 users are supported by ST’s rolling ten-year longevity commitment for industrial products. The STM32WLE5 is available in a 5mm x 5mm UFBGA73 package. It is fully integrated into the market-proven STM32 ecosystem, including STM32Cube software support, as well as a LoRaWAN stack certified for all regions and available in source-code format.
