Further complementing the STM32 RF connectivity portfolio, STMicroelectronics have now released the STM32WL System-On-Chip that integrates both a general purpose microcontroller and a sub-GHz radio on the same chip, the world’s first LoRa® SoC. The STM32WL series microcontrollers are built on Arm® Cortex®‐M4 and Cortex®-M0+ cores (single- and dual-core architectures available), and support multiple modulations– LoRa®, (G)FSK, (G)MSK, BPSK – to ensure flexibility in wireless applications with LoRaWAN®, Sigfox, W-MBUS, mioty® or any other suitable protocol in a fully open way.
Basic System Architecture
The STM32WL microcontrollers feature a sub-GHz radio based on Semtech SX126x to meet the requirements of a wide range of Low-Power Wide Area Network (LPWAN) wireless applications in industrial and consumer Internet-of-Things (IoT). Utilising deep integration, the innovative and open architecture has been optimized for LoRaWAN® legacy, Sigfox, proprietary protocols, flexible resource use, power management and helps lower BOM cost while offering an improved user experience. LoRaWAN® and Sigfox stacks are also available in the STM32CubeWL MCU package software.
The STM32WL has been developed using the same technology as the one implemented in STMicroelectronics ultra-low-power STM32L4 microcontrollers, the STM32WL series provides similar comprehensive digital and analog peripherals allowing use in basic or complex applications where there is also a requirement for extended battery life and a long RF range through its sub-GHz transceiver. The STM32WL MCUs are available in the STM32WLEx (M4 single-core) and STM32WL5x (M4 and M0+ dual-core) lines which include a wide variety of communication features including up to 43 GPIOs, an integrated SMPS for power consumption optimization and multiple low-power modes to maximize battery life.
In addition to their wireless and ultra-low-power features, both STM32WLEx and STM32WL5x microcontroller lines include embedded security hardware functions such as 128- / 256-bit AES hardware encryption, PCROP read / write protection, and public-key accelerator with an elliptic curve cryptographic engine. The dual-core STM32WL5x line also includes advanced security features such as: Secure Key Management Services (SKMS), secure areas hardware isolation, secure boot and secure firmware update.
To ensure worldwide compatibility, the STM32WL MCUs feature a dual power output and a wide linear frequency range fitting any unlicensed RF spectrum need. Overall, the STM32WL series is the STM32 family’s pioneer in sub-GHz wireless connectivity, offering ease-of-use and reliability, while being perfectly tailored for a wide range of industrial and consumer applications.
The STM32WLEx single core MCUs are available with the option of 64, 128 or 256 Kbytes of Flash and 20, 48 or 64 Kbytes of RAM, the STM32WL5x dual core MCUs are available with 256 Kbytes of Flash and 64 Kbytes of RAM.
STM32WLEx Block Diagram
STM32WL5x Block Diagram
The STM32WL microcontrollers comply with the physical layer requirements of the LoRaWAN® specification released by the LoRa Alliance®. Available LoRa®, (G)FSK, (G)MSK and BPSK modulations can also be used in legacy and proprietary protocols, such as Sigfox or W-MBUS for example. The radio is suitable for systems targeting compliance with radio regulations including, but not limited to, ETSI EN 300 220, FCC CFR 47 Part 15, China regulatory requirements and the Japanese ARIB T-108. Continuous frequency coverage from 150 to 960 MHz enables the support of all major sub-GHz ISM bands around the world.
Long Term support for Industrial applications
The STM32WL MCU’s are included in STMicroelectronics product longevity program which guarantees the products will remain in mass production for 10 years from the product introduction date. This gives industrial product designers the confidence to integrate them into their applications knowing the parts will not be discontinued in a short space of time.
Click below for a detailed overview of the STM32WL MCU series
Development ecosystem
The STM32WL55 Nucleo board and STM32Cube Ecosystem form a consistent set of hardware and software development tools to enable designers to immediately get started while enabling a wide range of wireless applications. Fully integrated in the market-proven STM32Cube ecosystem, the STM32WL55 Nucleo comes with a comprehensive set of embedded software resources and development tools.
The STM32CubeWL MCU Package is a one-stop-shop solution for embedded software resources and includes HAL and LL peripheral drivers, a full set of middleware and radio stacks (LoRaWAN® and Sigfox) together with various preconfigured software examples for several popular IDEs such as Keil MDK-ARM, STM32CubeIDE and IAR. The STM32WL series is also compatible with the STM32CubeMX MCU initialization, configuration and code generation tool, and with STM32CubeMonitor software to allow users to test and validate RF performance.
In addition to an on-board debugger that helps develop and test applications based on existing examples, the STM32WL55 Nucleo board also offers many internal power-supply options, including the ST-LINK USB connector.
Anglia are offering customers a FREE development kit and samples of the STM32WL Long-range wireless microcontrollers from STMicroelectronics, please fill in the form below to register for evaluation kit and samples now.
Free samples are subject to availability.
The 570 series Easy Locking Connector (ELC) from Binder features an intuitive locking system which provides protection against intrusion of liquids, water splash and touching of the contacts on the female panel connector...
Sensata Crydom’s Solid State Relays offer silent, fast, and maintenance‑free switching for demanding DC applications.
The STM32C5 series establishes a new performance benchmark for cost‑sensitive embedded designs, redefining the capabilities expected from entry‑level microcontrollers.
STMicroelectronics has unveiled the ST1VAFE3BX, the first dual-function biosensor combining a vertical analog front-end (vAFE) for detecting biopotential signals and a 3-axis ultralow-power accelerometer for motion tracking.
Industry 5.0 represents the next evolution of industrial transformation, emphasising human–machine collaboration, environmental sustainability, and resilient manufacturing. Within this paradigm, sensors play a critical role by optimising equipment efficiency, enhancing machine–operator interaction, improving operational performance, and maintaining workforce safety.
For more than 50 years, MARL International has been a benchmark for high reliability LED indication and lighting solutions designed and manufactured in the UK. Founded in 1973 and based in Ulverston, Cumbria, MARL has evolved into a world class engineering and manufacturing organisation delivering rugged, precision built LED technologies for some of the most demanding markets in the world. The experience of their team of specialists ensures that every product standard or bespoke is backed by unrivalled optical, mechanical, electronic, and production expertise.
The STM32N6x7 family is STMicroelectronics newest and most powerful STM32 MCU to date and the first to come with their Neural-ART Accelerator.