Introducing the Chip-Scale Package: A Wireless MCU for Bluetooth 5.3 LE

ST has recently unveiled a new wireless microcontroller featuring Bluetooth 5.3 LE software. The microcontroller, known as STM32WB09, comes in a compact 5 x 5mm QFN package and is expected to be available in an even smaller ~2.8 x 3mm chip-scale package.

The STM32WB09 is built around a single Arm Cortex-M0+ core and boasts several impressive features. It supports data transmission rates of up to 2Mbit/s and offers long-range capabilities, advertising extensions, angle-of-arrival, angle-of-departure, LE data packet length extension, and LE ping procedure, among other attributes. According to ST, "This core hosts the application while the radio manages the Bluetooth wireless connection."

ST claims that the STM32WB09 has a receiver sensitivity level of -97dBm for 1Mbit/s data transmission and -104dBm for 'long range' transmission at 125kbit/s. The microcontroller also allows users to adjust the output power in 1dBm steps, with a maximum power of +8dBm. These features make the STM32WB09 suitable for various applications, including real-time locating, indoor positioning, item finding, and asset tracking.

In addition to the STM32WB09, ST has also introduced the STM32WB1MMC, a 2.4GHz wireless module. This module is based on the earlier STM32WB15CCY wireless microcontroller and is designed to simplify the development process. According to ST, the STM32WB1MMC "requires no RF expertise" and is "Bluetooth Low Energy 5.4 certified with worldwide radio-equipment approvals." The module comes in an LGA package and offers a full reference design. It is also royalty-free in terms of protocol stack.

To facilitate evaluation and testing, ST has developed the B-WB1M-WPAN1 evaluation board. This board features the STM32WB1MMCH6 module, which includes movement, temperature, and barometric-pressure sensors. The board also has an industry-standard connector for attaching an external antenna. When used in conjunction with ST's STM32Cube ecosystem, the B-WB1M-WPAN1 board enables power-consumption and RF testing.

Overall, ST's new wireless microcontroller and module offerings provide developers with powerful tools for creating Bluetooth-enabled applications. With their compact sizes, impressive features, and ease of use, these products are set to accelerate the development of innovative wireless solutions.