STMicroelectronics STM32WL3 wireless microcontroller

STMicroelectronics has released the STM32WL3 wireless microcontroller (MCU) that fuses the company’s expertise in wireless-device design with its STM32 architecture. Novel power-saving features extend the battery life of the wireless MCUs beyond 15 years.

Suitable for remotely deployed applications including metering and monitoring devices and data from alarm systems, actuators and sensors in today’s smart buildings, smart factories and smart cities, the wireless MCUs can help limit power consumption and prioritise activities. Adoption and use of these MCUs can lead to improved user experience and service delivery, and reduced environmental footprint. Device and application designers can use the wireless MCUs to develop and deliver new products quickly.

The wireless microcontrollers contain an advanced, power-efficient multiprotocol radio suitable for long-range communication using licence-free frequency bands reserved globally for industrial, scientific and medical (ISM) applications. In addition to the main radio, ST has integrated an industry-unique ultra-low-power radio the system can power-down to save energy while listening continuously for a wake-up signal. The STM32WL3 joins ST’s growing family of devices that combine the radio with the main application controller to ease engineering challenges and reduce power and size.

The long-range radio on the wireless microcontroller operates in the internationally designated licence-free frequency bands, 413–479 MHz and 826–958 MHz, with the support for 169 MHz coming in 2024. The radio is multiprotocol and multi-modulation capable, supporting 4-(G)FSK up to 600 kbit/s, 2-(G)FSK, (G)MSK, DBPSK, DSSS, OOK, ASK modulation schemes to enhance versatility and ease deployment.

Onboard peripherals include an LCD driver, a 12-bit 1 MSa/s ADC, analog comparator, DAC and multiple timers. Together with an integrated balun, RF power amplifier and SMPS, the wireless microcontroller enhances external BoM for a cost-optimised solution with short time to market. There is also an extended temperature range option, from -40 to 105°C. All variants are covered with ST’s 10-year longevity guarantee for industrial products. Sample quantities are available now.