STMicroelectronics’ STM32WB wireless System-on-Chip (SoC) devices combine an Arm Cortex-M4-based microcontroller to run the main application with an Arm Cortex-M0+ core to offload the main processor and offer real time operation on a Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) 5 and IEEE 802.15.4 radio. The radio can also run other wireless protocols concurrently, including OpenThread, ZigBee®, or proprietary protocols, giving even more options for connecting devices to the Internet of Things (IoT).
The SoC also includes essential circuitry (balun) for connecting to the antenna, which engineers must usually design themselves, as well as user and system memory, hardware encryption, and customer-key storage for brand and IP protection. The STM32WB platform’s 2.4-GHz radio consumes 5.5 mA in transmit mode, and as little as 3.8 mA when receiving. The platform offers a RF link budget of -102 dBm and is capable of +6 dBm output power. The integrated balun saves up to nine additional external components.
To assist development, the STM32WB platform is served by a dedicated connectivity tool, STM32CubeMonitor-RF (order code: STM32CubeMonRF), which simplifies radio testing. Users can also take advantage of the STM32CubeMX pinout/clock configurator and code generator, as well as peripheral drivers, middleware, code examples, and a dedicated STM32 Nucleo board to accelerate time to market.
STM32WB devices will be available in a choice of 48-pin UQFN, 68-pin VQFN, or 100-pin WLCSP with up to 72 general-purpose I/Os (GPIO). Each can be specified with any of three memory configurations, giving a choice of 256KB Flash and 128-KB RAM, 512-KB-Flash/256-KB-RAM, or 1-MB Flash/256-KB RAM. Engineering samples of the STM32WB in packages up to 100--pin WLCSP will begin sampling to lead customers in Q1 2018, priced from $1.56 each for high-volume orders. More data and specs are readily available for your convenience.