STMicroelectronics has extended its STM32 microcontroller portfolio by introducing the STM32W family, which features an integrated IEEE 802.15.4 radio to deliver a true system-on-chip platform supporting embedded wireless sensor network design.
IEEE 802.15.4 is an open standard for low-power, low-data-rate radio in the unlicensed 2,4 GHz band, and is widely used in communication and networking applications such as smart energy metering, home automation, security and monitoring equipment, and remote controls. The ZigBee Alliance has specified IEEE 802.15.4 as the radio platform for the ZigBee protocol, which is popular in applications such as sensor networking and automatic meter reading.
The new STM32W family implements the IEEE 802.15.4 physical (PHY) layer as well as the media access control (MAC) layer, giving developers the flexibility to target ZigBee-compliant specifications or to build any network wireless protocol which interfaces with the standardised IEEE802.15.4 MAC. Other well known protocols include ZigBee RF4CE for radio-frequency remote controls or 6LoWPAN for wireless embedded Internet solutions. Software support for the STM32W family includes libraries for the latest ZigBee PRO specification, as well as ZigBee RF4CE, and the IEEE 802.15.4 MAC.
The new devices combine the benefits of a radio platform with the added performance, flexibility and scalability of the STM32 microcontroller architecture. The STM32 portfolio features the advanced 32-bit ARM Cortex-M3 processor, and features characteristics such as high processing performance, advanced power management and high integration, as well as realtime behaviour.
The STM32W devices can transmit up to 7 dBm output power and support up to 107 dB link budget, achieve up to –100 dBm receiver sensitivity, and allow co-existence with nearby Wi-Fi and Bluetooth networks, which also operate in the 2,4 GHz frequency band. Performance highlights include low power consumption, drawing as little as 27 mA in receive mode and 31 mA in transmit mode, and implementing a 1 μA deep-sleep mode to aid power management.
Special features supporting wireless applications include 8 KB SRAM, 128 KB Flash for code storage, and embedded AES encryption with hardware acceleration. General-purpose resources include a flexible ADC, an SPI/UART/TWI serial interface, multiple timers, and 24 GPIOs with Schmitt-trigger inputs. Single-voltage operation from 2,1 V to 3,6 V simplifies design, while high integration also saves external components. Only a single 24 MHz crystal is required, or an optional 32,768 kHz crystal for increased timer accuracy. There is also support for an external power amplifier.
For more information contact Steve Santamarina, Arrow Altech Distribution, +27 (0)11 923 9600, ssantamarina@arrow.altech.co.za, www.arrow.altech.co.za, Avnet Kopp, +27 (0)11 809 6100, sales@avnet.co.za, www.avnet.co.za
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