STMicroelectronics STM32WB wireless system-on-chip

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Powering the next generation of smart connected objects like digital-home products, wearable electronics, smart lighting and smart sensors, STMicroelectronics has released a dual-processor wireless chip that is said to support more features and enhanced performance with extended battery life to deliver an improved end-user experience.

The STM32WB wireless system-on-chip (SoC) devices combine a fully featured Arm Cortex-M4-based microcontroller to run the main application as well as an Arm Cortex-M0+ core to offload the main processor and offer real-time operation on the Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) 5 and IEEE 802.15.4 radio. The radio can also run other wireless protocols concurrently, including OpenThread, ZigBee or proprietary protocols, giving more options for connecting devices to the Internet of Things (IoT).

According to ST, only a few manufacturers offer similar dual-processor wireless chips capable of managing the user application and the radio separately for optimum performance, and with such large memory size. Alternatives typically utilise entry-level Arm Cortex-M industry-standard cores, which are said to introduce architecture limitations.

Combining the high-performing Cortex-M4 with a Cortex-M0+ for network processing, the product utilises ST’s ultralow-power MCU (microcontroller) technologies to offer good RF performance and long battery life. The SoC also includes essential circuitry (balun) for connecting to the antenna, which engineers must usually design themselves, as well as generous user and system memory, hardware encryption and customer-key storage for brand and IP protection.

The series delivers the integration and dual-core performance that developers need to meet end-user demands for smart connected objects. Compatibility with the STM32 development ecosystem brings design advantages that are said to reduce time to market for products like lights, fitness trackers, medical monitors, beacons, tags, security devices and many others.

For more information: www.st.com/stm32wb.