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STMicroelectronics has announced its ST87M01 ultra-compact and low-power modules, which the company says provide reliable and robust narrowband Internet of Things (NB-IoT) data communication and accurate Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) geo-location capability for IoT devices and assets. The programmable, certified Long-Term Evolution (LTE) Cat NB2 NB-IoT industrial modules cover worldwide cellular frequency bands, the firm reports, and integrate various security features.
An integrated native GNSS receiver with multi-constellation access is intended to ensure accurate localization and power-savings features, STMicroelectronics explains, while operating during NB-IoT sleep-time slots. The company says it conceived, designed and industrialized the modules and internal ICs to allow complete control and management of bills of materials and supply chains. “This represents a unique market offer in terms of product quality, security and longevity,” the company indicated in a prepared statement.
The new ST87M01 modules
The ST87M01 cellular products, according to STMicroelectronics, are in accordance with the latest 3GPP Release 15 standard and provide extended multi-regional LTE coverage. The modules have an LGA footprint of 10.6 millimeters (0.4 inch) by 12.8 millimeters (0.5 inch), making them suitable for applications involving a small form factor. The devices can withstand an industrial temperature range of -40 degrees to +85 degrees Celsius (-40 degrees to +185 degrees Fahrenheit), with power consumption less than 2µA in low-power mode and transmit output power up to +23dBm.
The modules, STMicroelectronics reports, are designed for IoT applications requiring reliable low-power wide-area network (LPWAN) connectivity. Such applications include smart meters, smart grids, smart buildings, smart cities and smart infrastructure, as well as industrial condition monitoring, factory automation, smart agriculture and environmental monitoring. The solutions are also suitable for tracking applications, such as locating pets, children and elders; safety monitoring for remote workers; asset tracking for equipment, such as power tools; and general intelligent logistics.
The STM8701 modules offer flexibility for product developers, the company explains, with a programmable IoT platform that lets users embed their own code directly into the units for simple applications. Alternatively, the modules can be combined with a separate host microcontroller, permitting more sophisticated use cases. A variety of protocol stacks are available to handle IoT use cases, including IPv6, TCP/UDP, CoAP/LWM2M, MQTT, HTTP/HTTPS and TLS/DTLS. The modules are designed to support both standardized 3GPP AT commands and ST’s enhanced AT commands.
STMicroelectronics has integrated an ST4SIM embedded subscriber identity module, certified according to industry standards, such as the recent GSMA Security Assurance certification, to boost asset miniaturization and security. The devices come with an embedded secure element and can be combined with other technologies and products in the company’s portfolio, including microcontrollers, artificial intelligence solutions, sensors, actuators, converters, interfaces and more. The ST87M01 modules are being offered now in sample quantities to major customers worldwide.