STMicroelectronics announces remote wireless microcontroller

     STMicroelectronics has announced a new microcontroller (MCU) that combines wireless chip design expertise with a high-performance, energy-efficient STM32 system architecture. New energy-saving features extend the battery life of this wireless MCU to more than 15 years.

     In remote applications, including energy metering, monitoring devices, alarm systems, actuators, and sensors for smart buildings, smart factories, and smart cities, the STM32WL3 wireless MCUS are particularly useful to help control power consumption and prioritize work. These energy-efficient MCUS can improve the user experience, deliver services, and reduce the environmental footprint. By using ST's wireless MCUS, device and application designers can quickly develop new products for maximum economic benefit.

     The STM32WL3 is the latest innovation in ST's family of highly integrated wireless chips, featuring an advanced, energy-efficient, multi-protocol RF transceiver that uses the world's license-free industrial, scientific and medical (ISM) dedicated radio bands for long-distance communication. In addition to the main RF transceiver, the new microcontroller integrates an ultra-low power RF transceiver that is unique in the industry. During continuous monitoring of the wake signal, the system can turn off this sub-RF transceiver to save power.

     Prospective customers are using the STM32WL3 MCU to increase the product value of smart connected devices, for example, Lierda iot Technologies is using the STM32WL33 to reduce power consumption and add remote wireless connectivity to existing networking products. The Lierda module uses the MCU's wake up RF function to minimize system power consumption, monitor and maintain point-to-point or point-to-multipoint connected wireless network devices.

     Another customer, Silent Smart Technology, has developed a series of sub-1GHz wireless communication modules based on STM32WL3 wireless MCUS. These modules support a variety of transmission modes, channel monitoring, wireless relay and other functions. The MCU's wake up function allows the module to enter deep sleep mode with only about 1µA of operating current, while remaining ready to resume normal operation at any time.

     Benoit Rodriguez, General Manager of ST's wireless business line, said: "ST's new STM32WL3 multi-function remote wireless microcontroller enables customers such as Lierda and Silent Smart to develop innovative, flexible products that dramatically reduce power consumption and time to market. With special features such as wake up RF transceivers and flow metering LC sensor controllers, developers can design energy-efficient connectivity for smart metering, smart farming and asset tracking products that can last up to 15 years on a low-capacity battery."