STMicroelectronics announces highly adaptable easy-to-connect dual wireless IoT modules for metering and asset tracking applications

     ST has introduced an enhanced mobile data communication module that simplifies the connection and management of large-scale iot devices and accelerates the adoption of sustainable smart grids and smart industries. The ST87M01 module platform is NB-IoT certified and can be equipped with an advanced ST4SIM embedded SIM (eSIM) card for access to mobile network services. In addition, the modules are now pre-installed with the Vodafone network profile, so customers can quickly and easily access Vodafone's extensive global mobile network.

     In addition, ST has added wireless M-Bus (wM-Bus) connectivity to the same module, providing an additional standardized backup channel for collecting data on the use of residential water, electricity and gas. In the event of a mobile communication network interruption, the wireless M-Bus can be used as a backup network connection. The wireless M-Bus improves the flexibility of meter reading, and the meter reader can choose to drive the meter to the door or read the meter remotely in the office as needed.

     Maddalena S.p.A., the market leading smart water meter innovator, has selected the ST87M01 design for its latest high-end water meter product line to accelerate the development cycle of cutting-edge water meter solutions. Filippo Fontanelli, chief technology officer at Maddalena S.p.A., said: "By working with ST, we are able to integrate advanced NB-IoT IoT technology and select one of the few industrial grade modules available in this market that are out of the box in compact size with NB-IoT-certified mobile connectivity." By adopting this solution, our new meters are able to accelerate our customers' smart grid deployment. This collaboration highlights the growing importance of partnerships in technology to enable us to deliver reliable, high-performance solutions that meet the changing needs of the market."

     Domenico Arrigo, General Manager of ST's Application-Specific Products (ASP) division, said: "A solution that integrates both eSIM and NB-IoT connectivity technologies in the same module simplifies system management, reduces system costs, protects data security and adds a layer of security compared to a solution that integrates one connectivity technology." The ST87M01 provides customers with the easy option to load Vodafone's mobile network profile, providing a clear advantage for customers looking to deploy a total package iot solution at scale."

     The main flexibility of the module is the software-defined RF transceiver specially designed by ST for the module, which is capable of dynamically switching between cellular NB-IoT and sub-GHz wM Bus communication modes, so the module is suitable for a variety of application scenarios and can meet certain specific requirements, including the use of WM-BUS as backup communication. We will further strengthen the resilience of communications. Additional flexibility is the ability to embed user code directly into the module when developing simple applications, and to connect the module to a separate master microcontroller when developing more complex applications.

     In addition, the Vodafone profile appears in the ST87M01 family of product models that integrate NB-IoT with multi-constellation GNSS satellite receivers to enable location services applications, such as security monitoring of remote workers, asset tracking and general intelligent logistics. To save power, the embedded GNSS receiver operates within the NB-IoT sleep gap. The ST87M01 modules are all industrial-grade certified and come in a 10.6mm x 12.8mm package, enabling designers to design reliable, cost-effective, ultra-compact products.

     By integrating positioning and multi-connection optional configurations on the same module, the ST87M01 platform can be used for industrial condition monitoring, factory automation, smart agriculture, environmental monitoring, as well as smart buildings, smart cities and smart infrastructure. The new module itself and all internal components are entirely conceived, designed and manufactured by ST, a model that ensures the company has complete control over material costs and the supply chain. This shows that the product is a unique presence in terms of product quality, safety and life cycle.