STMicroelectronics has added a QFN48 package to its STM32WLE5 wireless SoCs.

STM32WLEx

Called STM32WLE5Cx “the new 7mm x 7mm package option makes it suited to a simplified two-layer board design that eases manufacturing”, according to the company – ‘x’ decides how much flash is available.

These chips combine an ARM Cortex-M4 STM32L4 microcontroller with Semtech’s SX126x sub-GHz radio IP.

They support multiple RF modulation schemes including LoRa spread-spectrum, as well as (G)FSK, (G)MSK and BPSK for various sub-GHz long-range protocols including some proprietary. “Users have flexibility to apply their desired protocol stack, whether created in-house, sourced externally or chosen off-the-shelf software such as the LoRaWAN or wM-Bus stacks that are available from ST and authorised partners,” said the company.

Features include dual (14dBm low-power and 22dBm high-power) transmit modes from 150MHz to 960MHz. Sensitivity down to -148dBm helps to with RF range. Only a single crystal is needed to synchronize the high-speed external (HSE) clock and the radio.

Other STM32WLE5 parts are 5mm x 5mm BGA73 (STM32WLE5J), and there are 64, 128 or 256kbyte flash options. Al include dynamic voltage scaling and the company’s ‘ART Accelerator’ for, it claims, zero-wait execution from flash.

Applications are expected in connected devices for metering, city management, agriculture, retail, logistics, smart buildings and environmental management. “Long-term availability is assured through ST’s rolling 10-year longevity commitment for industrial products,” said the company.