Date: 22/09/2009
New 32-bit MCU with embedded 2.4GHz IEEE 802.15.4 radio
STMicroelectronics has introduced the STM32W family that features an integrated IEEE 802.15.4 radio to deliver a System-on-Chip platform supporting embedded wireless sensor network design.
The IEEE 802.15.4 is an open standard for low-power, low-data-rate radio in the unlicensed 2.4GHz band, and used in communication, networking applications such as smart energy metering, home automation, security and monitoring equipment, and remote controls.
The STM32W family implements the IEEE 802.15.4 PHY layer and the Media Access Control (MAC) layer, to target ZigBee-compliant specifications or to build any network wireless protocol that interfaces with the standardized IEEE802.15.4 MAC. The other protocols include ZigBee RF4CE for radio-frequency remote controls, 6LoWPAN for wireless embedded Internet solutions, and the STM32W family software support includes libraries for the ZigBee PRO specification, ZigBee RF4CE, and the IEEE 802.15.4 MAC.
The STM32W devices combine the benefits of a radio platform with the better performance, flexibility and scalability of the STM32 microcontroller architecture. The STM32 portfolio featuring the 32-bit ARM Cortex-M3 processor, and eliminates all the obstacles to broad 32-bit usage in embedded applications. And the advantages of the STM32 are a high processing performance, advanced power management and high integration, and real-time behavior.
The STM32W family benefits from compatibility with other STM32 variants and also leverages the STM32 development ecosystem, better code density than other architectures thanks to the efficiency of the Cortex-M3 core.
The STM32W is a SoC combining the IEEE 802.15.4 RF performance and 32-bit processing. The devices can transmit up to 7dBm output power and support up to 107dB link budget, achieve up to -100dBm receiver sensitivity, and allow coexistence with nearby Wi-Fi and Bluetooth networks, which also operate in the 2.4GHz frequency band.
The STM32W family include low power consumption of 27mA in receive mode and 31mA in transmit mode, implementing a 1ľA Deep-Sleep mode to aid power management. The special features supporting wireless applications include 8Kbyte SRAM, 128Kbyte Flash for code storage, and embedded AES encryption with hardware acceleration, and the general-purpose resources include a ADC, SPI/UART/TWI serial interface, multiple timers, and 24 GPIOs with schmitt-trigger inputs. Single-voltage operation from 2.1V to 3.6V simplifies design, while high integration also saves external components. Only a single 24MHz crystal is required, or an optional 32.768kHz crystal for increased timer accuracy and supports for an external power amplifier.
Package: 6 x 6mm 40-pin QFN package pin-to-pin compatible with the SN260,
7 x 7mm 48-pin QFN compatible with the SN250
Price: Starts at $2.90 for 100k pieces with ZigBee PRO feature-set
Availability: Now
For more details visit www.st.com