DSP, Micros & Memory


Dual-core, multi-protocol wireless MCUs

27 March 2019 DSP, Micros & Memory

Based on an Arm Cortex‐M4 core running at 64 MHz (application processor) and an Arm Cortex‐M0+ core at 32 MHz (network processor), STM32WB55 microcontrollers (MCUs) from STMicroelectronics support Bluetooth 5 and IEEE 802.15.4 wireless standards.

Thanks to these two totally independent cores, this architecture is optimised for real-time execution (radio related software processing) as well as flexible resource use and power management for a lower BOM cost and a better user experience.

Developed with the same technology as the ultra-low-power STM32L4 microcontrollers, the STM32WB series provides the same digital and analog peripherals suitable for applications requiring extended battery life and complex functionalities.

Bluetooth 5-certified, STM32WB55 microcontrollers can support Mesh 1.0 network, multiple profiles and flexibility to integrate proprietary BLE stacks. The generic IEEE 802.15.4 MAC layer ensures that the STM32WB55 can run proprietary protocols or stacks including ZigBee and Thread low-power mesh networking protocols, giving designers even more options for connecting devices to the Internet of Things (IoT). Moreover, these MCUs can run Bluetooth 5 and OpenThread wireless protocols concurrently.

The STM32WB55 series includes a wide variety of communication features including a practical crystal-less USB 2.0 FS interface, audio support, an LCD driver, up to 72 GPIOs, an integrated switch mode power supply for power consumption optimisation, and multiple low-power modes to maximise battery life.

The microcontrollers include embedded security hardware functions such as 256-bit AES hardware encryption, PCROP read/write protection, JTAG fuse, and public-key cryptography with an elliptic curve encryption engine. For further protection, a Root Secure Services (RSS) feature ensures secure wireless stack updates and encryption key management.

Developers can get started quickly and develop applications easily using the STM32WB55 Nucleo pack which consists of two boards, both with an STM32WB microcontroller. Built around the STM32Cube development ecosystem, it comes with the comprehensive STM32CubeWB MCU Package featuring HAL and LL peripheral drivers, a full set of middleware and connectivity stacks together with various packaged software examples.

In addition to an embedded debugger that helps the user develop and test their own applications from the existing examples, the STM32WB55 Nucleo board has many power supply options, either through the ST-LINK USB connector, a long-lasting battery cell or via external sources.

For more information contact Robin Scholes, Altron Arrow, +27 11 923 9600, [email protected], www.altronarrow.com



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