The new STM32WB dual-core wireless MCU delivers ultra-low power real-time performance

     STMicroelectronics' STM32WBx5 dual-core wireless microcontrollers (MCUS) are equipped with Bluetooth 5, OpenThread, and ZigBee3.0 connectivity technologies, as well as ultra-low power performance. The new products are available in a variety of packages from UFQFPN48 to UFBGA129 with the flexibility to meet cost, size and complexity requirements, and each package offers ample user I/O pins.

     By integrating the capabilities of STMicroelectronics' STM32L4 Arm® Cortex-M4 MCU with ST's in-house developed RF chip managed by a dedicated Cortex-M0 + core, the STM32WBx5 focuses on energy savings. Capable of simultaneously performing wireless protocols and real-time tasks, it is ideal for remote sensors, wearable trackers, building automation controllers, computer peripherals, drones and other iot devices.

     Data security features reinforce the reputation of the STM32WBx5's preferred microcontroller for the Internet of Things. Security features include customer key storage (CKS), Public Key Authorization (PKA), and encryption engines at the wireless MAC layer and top layer. Cortex-M0 + kernel managed security features, including OTA secure firmware updates for application and RF protocol stacks, protect device integrity and intellectual property, and make product management simple and reliable.

     Extensive functional integration allows product developers to minimize material costs and package area, and the STM32WBx5 MCU features up to 1MB of on-chip flash memory and a Quad-SPI port to efficiently connect external memory when needed. Additional features include a crystal-free Full-Speed USB, a 32MHz RF oscillator with adjustable capacitors, touch controllers, LCD controllers, analog peripherals, and multiple timers and watchdogs, as well as integrated Barron (balanced-unbalanced converter) for connecting antennas.

     Utilizing the STM32L4 series' ultra-low power technology, the STM32WBx5 MCU features a variety of power saving modes, including 13nA shutdown mode, adaptive voltage regulation and Adaptive Real-time ART Accelerator ™, to maximize energy efficiency and ensure power persistence for self-charging applications.

     The on-chip integrated RF transmitter is optimized for excellent RF performance and low power consumption to maximize battery life. The RF output power can be set up to + 6dBm with an increment of 1dB. At 0dB transmission, the MCU consumes only 5.2mA. When BLE communicates at a rate of 1mbps, the RF receive sensitivity is -96dBm. The RF module is designed with a 102dB link budget, ensuring stable and reliable long-distance communication connections and supporting external power amplifiers (PA).

     STMicroelectronics provides high-quality development support services for the STM32WBx5 product line through the rich STM32Cube ecosystem. Developers not only have free access to a variety of tools, but can also take advantage of the STM32CubeWB MCU package that contains peripheral drivers, middleware, and interface software libraries, as well as the STM32WB55 Nucleo toolkit (P-NUCLEO-WB55). The STM32CubeMon-RF connection tool dedicated to RF test and custom use case scripts is a new feature of the STM32Cube to further accelerate time to market.