Stmicroelectronics launches multi-connection development suite aimed at indoor and outdoor asset tracking applications

     Stmicroelectronics' STEVAL-ASTRA1B multi-connection evaluation platform provides a complete ecosystem for asset tracking system designers to develop fully functional proof-of-concept prototypes. The battery powered, compact and compact evaluation kit also provides firmware to simplify the development process for targeted applications such as livestock monitoring, fleet management, and logistics.

     The suite enables users to evaluate STM32* wireless System chips (SOCs), both near and long range, that are innovative in the stmicroelectronics industry. The STM32WL55JC sub-GHz Long Distance Wireless Connection (LPWAN) system chip implements LoRaWAN protocol and provides LoRa, (G)FSK, (G)MSK and BPSK modulation methods. Another wireless system chip, the STM32WB5MMG, is a 2.4GHz Bluetooth Low Energy and Zigbee wireless connection module. Each has a dual-core processor, with the Arm Cortex-M4 core handling applications and the Cortex-M0+ core managing RF communications.

     The development kit also includes a ST25DV64K contactless Near Field communication (NFC) chip, which is responsible for secure pairing and communication, and a STSAFE-A110 security unit, which protects user privacy and prevents hackers from penetrating the system.

     In addition, the Teseo-LIV3F micro GNSS satellite positioning module provides developers with accurate and reliable outdoor positioning. To monitor asset conditions and the environment, the new development suite also integrates a variety of stmicroelectronics sensors, including the STTS22H low-voltage ultra-low power temperature sensor with an accuracy of ±0.5°C, HTS221 digital temperature and humidity sensor; LPS22HH pressure sensor and LIS2DTW12 ultra-low power triaxial accelerometer.

     The STEVAL-ASTRA1B evaluation board features an intelligent power supply and battery management architecture that helps developers maximize battery life. The architecture includes the ST1PS02 ultra low static current synchronous step-down converter, the STBC03 lithium charging controller and the TCPP01-M12 USB-C port protection chip.

     Users can use a resource-rich ecosystem to "test drive" applications under development. The development ecosystem includes software and tools, such as FP-ATR-ATRA1 STM32Cube software features firmware libraries and typical application code samples.