STMicroelectronics has recently introduced the STM32WL33 wireless microcontrollers (MCUs), which are designed for IoT applications such as smart utility meters, alarm systems, smart-building equipment, asset-tracking, and proximity detection. These MCUs come with a range of features to simplify wireless design, reduce time-to-market, and extend battery life.
One of the key features of the STM32WL33 MCUs is the integrated analog flow-sensor controller, LCSC, which is specifically designed for water metering devices. The LCSC can operate alongside traditional coil-based mechanical meters to measure fluid flow without MCU intervention, providing an anti-tampering feature and enhancing battery lifetime to over 15 years.
In addition, the MCUs feature an ultra-low-power receive-only wideband radio that listens for a wake-up signal while the main communication radio is turned off to save power. This allows for applications like drive-by reading in metering devices or wake-on-service capability in battery-operated monitoring solutions.
The STM32WL33 MCUs also offer a comprehensive set of integrated programmable memories, peripherals, and security options, including 256Kbyte Flash, 32Kbyte SRAM, a 16-segment LCD driver, and 128-bit AES security. These features enable developers to build richly featured applications with minimal external circuitry.
Moreover, the STM32WL33 MCUs operate in either the 413-479 MHz or 826-958 MHz license-free bands, with a special variant operating in the 169MHz band. With dual programmable power amplifiers, these MCUs provide selectable RF output power options to optimize power efficiency based on regional regulations.
The MCUs also support multi-protocol and multi-modulation flexibility, making them suitable for various wireless communication standards. Additionally, the STM32WL33 series connects developers with the extensive STM32 ecosystem, including device-specific software, NUCLEO boards, matched filters, and reference designs to simplify RF design and accelerate time-to-market.
The pricing for the new devices starts from $2.03 for the STM32WL33K8V6 in a QFN32 package, with NUCLEO boards available for $50.00. For more information about the STM32WL33 MCUs and related ecosystem extensions, you can visit the STMicroelectronics website.
Overall, the STM32WL33 MCUs offer a range of features and capabilities to support IoT applications, making them a valuable addition to the STM32 ecosystem for developers looking to create innovative wireless solutions.
