November 21, 2023 /SemiMedia/ -- STMicroelectronics has released a new microcontroller 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 new wireless MCUs 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 MCUs can help limit power consumption and prioritize activities. Adoption and use of these efficient MCUs can lead to improved user experience, service delivery, and reduced environmental footprint. Device and application designers can leverage ST’s wireless MCUs to develop and deliver new products to the world quickly for maximum benefit.

The latest innovation in ST’s lineup of integrated wireless chips, the STM32WL3 contains an advanced, power-efficient multi-protocol radio suitable for long-range communication using license-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.

“ST’s new highly featured, long-range STM32WL3 wireless microcontrollers help customers like Lierda and Silent Smart create innovative and flexible products, achieving very low power and fast time to market,” said Benoit Rodriguez, Wireless Business Line General Manager, STMicroelectronics. “Special features such as the wake-up radio and our flow-metering LC sensor controller enable energy-saving designs in smart metering, smart agriculture, and asset tracking that run for up to 15 years from a small battery.”

The STM32WL3 joins ST’s growing family of devices that combine the radio with the main application controller to ease engineering challenges, reduce power and size, and enhance reliability.

The complete lineup contains devices with Flash density from 64KB to 256KB and 16KB or 32KB RAM, in a 32-pin or 48-pin VFQFPN package. There is also an extended temperature range option, from -40°C to 105°C. All variants are covered with ST’s 10-year longevity guarantee for industrial products. Sample quantities are available now.

Tailored to the specific needs of smart-metering applications, the STM32WL3 embeds an LCD controller and a specific peripheral — LC sensor controller – for fluid flow measurement that eases the design of water meters and heat-cost allocators. Multi-protocol support enables cost-efficient deployment of one single platform over different long-range wireless technologies, including Sigfox, KNX, mioty, M-Bus, and others.

Prices start from $2.04 for orders of 10,000 pieces. For more information, please visit https://www.st.com/en/microcontrollers-microprocessors/stm32wl3x.html.