STMicroelectronics STM32WL3 long-range wireless microcontroller

STMicroelectronics has released a microcontroller (MCU) that fuses the company’s expertise in wireless-device design with its high-performing and efficient STM32 architecture. Novel power-saving features enable the extension of battery life in the wireless MCU beyond 15 years.

Especially valuable in 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 STM32WL3 wireless MCU can help limit power consumption and prioritise activities. Adoption and use of the efficient MCU can lead to improved user experience, service delivery and reduced environmental footprint, the company says. Device and application designers can leverage the wireless MCU to develop and deliver new products to the world quickly.

The product contains a 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 ultralow-power radio that the system can power-down to save energy while listening continuously for a wake-up signal.

Tailored to the specific needs of smart-metering applications, the device embeds an LCD controller and a specific peripheral — an LC sensor controller — for fluid flow measurement that eases the design of water meters and heat-cost allocators. Multiprotocol support enables deployment of one single platform over different long-range wireless technologies, including Sigfox, KNX, mioty, M-Bus and others.