STMicroelectronics Introduces NUCLEO-WL33CC1 and NUCLEO-WL33CC2: Featuring STM32WL33 Cortex-M0+ Wireless MCUs with Sub-GHz Capabilities”

TMicroelectronics has expanded its portfolio with the launch of the NUCLEO-WL33CC1 and NUCLEO-WL33CC2 development boards. These boards integrate the STM32WL33 microcontroller, a cutting-edge Cortex-M0+ device with built-in Sub-GHz wireless communication capabilities. Designed to streamline IoT and industrial connectivity applications, these development tools offer developers an efficient platform to prototype and evaluate wireless solutions.

Key features of the STM32WL33 include its highly integrated design, support for multiple modulation schemes, and low-power operation, making it ideal for long-range, low-bandwidth communications. The NUCLEO-WL33CC1 and NUCLEO-WL33CC2 boards ensure developers have access to essential hardware interfaces and a robust development environment to accelerate their project timelines.

STMicro NUCLEO-WL33CC1/2 specifications:

• SoC – STMicro STM32WL33CCV6
  • MCU Core – Arm Cortex-M0+ up to 64 MHz
  • Memory – 32KB SRAM with full retention
  • Storage
    • 256KB flash
    • 1 KB OTP flash (user data)
  • Sub-GHz Wireless
    • 413-479 MHz or 826-958 MHz frequency bands with OOK, ASK, 2(G)FSK, 4(G)FSK, DBPSK, and DSSS modulations
    • Compatible with proprietary and standardized wireless protocols such as WM-Bus, Sigfox, Mioty, KNX-RF, and IEEE 802.15.4g
    • Low-power autonomous wake-up receiver
  • Package – VFQFPN48
• Antenna – SMA antenna
• USB – 1x USB Type-C port
• Expansion
  • ARDUINO Uno V3 expansion connector
  • ST morpho extension pin headers for full access to all MCU I/Os
• Debugging – STLINK-V3EC debugger/programmer with USB re-enumeration capability: mass storage, Virtual COM port, and debug port
• Misc
  • 3x  user LEDs
  • 3x user and 1x Reset push-buttons
• Power Supply – ST-LINK USB V_BUS or external sources

STMicroelectronics introduced the STM32WL3 family of sub-GHz wireless microcontrollers last year and has now made the STM32WL33 Arm Cortex-M0+ MCU widely available. Alongside this launch, the company has released two new development boards: the NUCLEO-WL33CC1 and NUCLEO-WL33CC2. These boards are tailored for battery-powered applications such as smart meters, smart building systems, and industrial monitoring. They support a range of low-power wireless protocols, including wireless M-Bus, Sigfox, Wi-SUN, LoWPAN, and Mioty LPWAN.

While the NUCLEO-WL33CC1 and NUCLEO-WL33CC2 appear identical in design, they cater to different frequency bands. The NUCLEO-WL33CC1 is optimized for high-band frequencies (826-958 MHz), whereas the NUCLEO-WL33CC2 is designed for low-band frequencies (413-479 MHz).

Comprehensive Development Ecosystem for STM32WL3: Exploring Software, Tools, and IDE Compatibility

1. Introduction to STM32WL3 MCU and Development Boards

The STM32WL3 MCU family from STMicroelectronics represents a significant advancement in the realm of low-power wireless communication. Equipped with the Cortex-M0+ core and sub-GHz transceiver, these microcontrollers are tailored for IoT, industrial, and consumer applications requiring robust, energy-efficient wireless communication. To maximize developer productivity, STMicroelectronics offers a range of software tools, libraries, and examples, as well as compatibility with popular Integrated Development Environments (IDEs).

The NUCLEO-WL33CC1 and NUCLEO-WL33CC2 boards are designed to streamline prototyping and deployment. Their compatibility with STMicro’s STM32CubeWL3 software package ensures a rich ecosystem of resources for rapid development and testing.

2. STM32CubeWL3 MCU Package: A Complete Software Suite

The STM32CubeWL3 MCU package serves as a cornerstone for development. It provides developers with a comprehensive set of resources, including:

2.1. Free Software Libraries

• Wireless Protocol Stacks: Includes support for LPWAN protocols like LoRaWAN, Sigfox, and Mioty, alongside generic sub-GHz communication protocols.
• Power Management Libraries: Ensures energy-efficient operation, critical for battery-powered devices.
• Sensor Integration Libraries: Enables seamless integration of various sensors commonly used in IoT applications.
• Security Libraries: Provides encryption and secure communication protocols for data integrity.

2.2. Example Applications

The STM32CubeWL3 package comes with numerous example applications designed to:

• Demonstrate wireless communication scenarios, such as node-to-node communication or communication with a gateway.
• Showcase low-power configurations for battery optimization.
• Highlight integration with external components like sensors, displays, and actuators.

2.3. Middleware Support

Middleware integration simplifies complex tasks:

• RTOS Support: Compatible with popular real-time operating systems such as FreeRTOS.
• Network Stacks: Provides robust IP stack implementations for extended functionality.

3. Software Tools for Radio Transceiver Testing

A distinguishing feature of the STM32WL3 ecosystem is the suite of dedicated software tools for controlling and testing the radio transceiver. These tools are essential for developers aiming to fine-tune the performance of their wireless communication systems.

3.1. Radio Control Interface

• Provides a graphical interface to configure and test radio parameters, including frequency, modulation, and power.
• Allows developers to monitor communication signals in real-time.

3.2. Signal Analysis and Debugging Tools

• Includes utilities for spectrum analysis and debugging radio communication.
• Supports logging and visual representation of signal performance metrics.

3.3. Certification Support

STMicro’s tools assist developers in preparing for regulatory certifications, such as ETSI or FCC compliance, by ensuring adherence to transmission power and frequency regulations.

4. Integrated Development Environments (IDEs): Seamless Compatibility

The STM32WL3 MCU and its development boards are compatible with multiple industry-standard IDEs, allowing developers to choose their preferred environment:

4.1. STM32CubeIDE

• Integrated Solution: Combines STM32CubeMX and Eclipse-based development tools.
• Key Features: Offers advanced debugging, code editing, and peripheral configuration tools tailored for STM32 devices.
• Ease of Use: Intuitive interface with extensive documentation and community support.

4.2. IAR Embedded Workbench

• Renowned for its powerful optimization tools, IAR Embedded Workbench ensures maximum performance and minimal code size.
• Advanced debugging capabilities make it ideal for high-performance applications.

4.3. MDK-ARM

• Offers extensive support for ARM-based microcontrollers, with features like RTOS awareness and system analysis.
• Its integration with STM32CubeMX simplifies project setup and management.

5. Board-Level Software Features

The NUCLEO-WL33CC1 and NUCLEO-WL33CC2 boards include pre-flashed firmware that supports out-of-the-box testing. Developers can immediately interact with the board’s capabilities using STMicro’s tools.

5.1. Plug-and-Play Development

• No additional hardware configuration is required for basic operations.
• Firmware libraries handle initializations, peripheral drivers, and communication protocols.

5.2. Customization Options

• Developers can modify the firmware to suit specific application requirements.
• Examples are provided to assist in rapid customization.

6. Practical Applications of the Ecosystem

The STM32WL3 MCU family, combined with the STM32CubeWL3 software and compatible tools, is designed for a wide array of use cases:

6.1. IoT Applications

• Long-range communication for smart agriculture and asset tracking.
• Low-power operation for battery-powered IoT nodes.

6.2. Smart Metering

• Wireless M-Bus stack enables efficient energy and water metering solutions.
• Low latency and high reliability ensure robust communication with centralized systems.

6.3. Industrial Monitoring

• Real-time data collection and transmission for predictive maintenance.
• Integration with industrial automation systems.

6.4. Smart Buildings

• Secure, low-power communication for lighting, HVAC, and access control.
• Compatibility with standard IoT protocols ensures interoperability.

7. Development Workflow: From Concept to Deployment

The STM32WL3 ecosystem simplifies the entire development cycle:

1. Conceptualization: Define system requirements and select appropriate protocols.
2. Prototyping: Use the development boards to create proof-of-concept models.
3. Testing: Utilize software tools for signal analysis and performance optimization.
4. Deployment: Prepare for mass production with pre-certified designs and optimized firmware.

8. Advantages of Using STMicro’s Ecosystem

• Developer Productivity: The intuitive tools and extensive examples reduce development time.
• Cost Efficiency: Free software libraries eliminate the need for third-party solutions.
• Community Support: A robust community and official forums provide continuous assistance.
• Scalability: The ecosystem supports projects of all scales, from prototypes to mass production.

9. Conclusion

The STM32WL3 MCU family, complemented by STMicro’s extensive software libraries, tools, and IDE compatibility, offers a comprehensive solution for developers. Whether you’re designing smart meters, IoT devices, or industrial monitoring systems, the STM32WL3 ecosystem provides everything you need to streamline development and bring your ideas to life.