Geneva --- The latest radio chip for the Internet-of-Things (IoT) from STMicroelectronics delivers extremely high energy efficiency for smart connected objects to operate for up to 10 years without replacing batteries. ST’s new S2-LP transceiver is ideal for networked devices, such as alarm systems, surveillance equipment and smart energy-metering solutions, as well as long-range radio links used to connect devices like remote sensors directly to the Cloud without a local gateway. Other applications include building automation, industrial monitoring and control, and systems for managing lighting, traffic, or parking in smart cities.
The device operates in unlicensed sub-1GHz frequency bands, which are available globally. Ultra-narrowband operation allows highly efficient use of radio spectrum and reliable data exchange up to long distances using low-power signals.
In addition, the transceiver enables connectivity to the Sigfox global network, which is being rolled out worldwide to provide a reliable cost- and energy-efficient communication solution for billions of sensors and smart things.
Technical Notes
The S2-LP transceiver is a highly integrated device made possible by ST’s wide-ranging competencies including low-power RF analog design and integration with digital blocks comprising the radio baseband. It:
• Supports point-to-point, star, as well as mesh networking topologies thus resulting in a very flexible wireless transceiver for connected objects.
• Delivers extremely low power consumption, drawing only 6.7mA in receive mode, and 10mA when transmitting at 10dBm. Sleep and standby modes reduce the current to just 600nA and 350nA, respectively.
• Receiver sensitivity of -130dBm enables operation over distances up to several hundred kilometers, depending on the environment, thus enabling wide-area coverage.
• Is a flexible solution that can be programmed for operation in multiple worldwide sub-1GHz ISM frequency band: support for Sigfox, Wireless M-Bus and 6LowPAN, as well as IEEE 802.15.4g, which is suitable for home energy-management systems.
• Leverages a full-featured Software Development Kit (SDK) compatible with the STM32 microcontroller family that has proven credentials in the energy-conscious IoT space, and with the extensive STM32 development ecosystem including prototype boards and rich software tools and resources.
• Is Sigfox-ready and comes with a pre-certified Development Kit enabling immediate connectivity to the Sigfox network for evaluation and easy prototyping purposes.
The S2-LP transceiver is in production now in a 4mm x 4mm QFN24 package, priced $1.15 for orders of 1000 pieces. Further information can be found at http://www.st.com