STMicroelectronics' new STM32 Bluetooth wireless module allows designers to access the advantages of ST's STM32WB dual-core microcontrollers (MCUs) , especially in designs targeting low to medium production volumes.
The module simplifies development and accelerates time to market by combining Bluetooth Low Energy 5.3 certification and worldwide radio equipment approvals with support from the STM32Cube ecosystem.
The STM32WB1MMC multifunction module alleviates supply chain headaches and lead-time issues and helps avoid costs and certification delays. Offering a complete reference design in an LGA package, the STM32WB1MMC brings together the complete list of materials required for a functional wireless product in cost-effective PCB technology.
There is an internal antenna and optimized matching network, as well as convenient pins for connecting an external antenna instead of the internal one if necessary. RF performance of up to +6dBm output power and -96dBm sensitivity, with optimized signal routing, ensures reliable communication over long distances with data rates of up to 2Mbit/s.
A switching power supply for the subsystem is also integrated. The entire module is manufactured in-house, which simplifies customer supply and support, and ST's 10-year rolling longevity plan ensures long-term availability.
The module is built around the STM32WB15 MCU with 320KB flash and 48KB RAM. The MCU's dual-core architecture, comprised of Arm Cortex-M0+ and Cortex-M4 cores, ensures real-time performance of both the radio subsystem, the M0+, and the user application, running on the M4. The supplied Bluetooth 5.3 stack and profiles support the latest features, including advertising extensions.
Designed to minimize power demand, the MCU offers flexible power management modes, including standby and stop2, that allow self-powered devices to operate without intervention for extended periods. The module allows easy access to all features of the STM32WB15, which include a 12-bit analog-to-digital converter (ADC), multiple digital interfaces, and an interface.
Just like the existing STM32WB5MMG module, which contains larger flash and SRAM, the STM32WB1MMC module and its supporting evaluation board B-WB1M-WPAN1 are fully integrated into the STM32Cube environment. Software development is therefore as convenient as working with any of the STM32WB MCUs.
The STM32CubeWB MCU package provides features including hardware abstraction layer (HAL) firmware, low-layer APIs, file system, and RTOS. Sharing this package with other STM32WB MCUs allows direct transfer of existing designs to the module, which maximizes flexibility and helps speed project completion.
