Creator : STMicroelectronics

ST is launching right this moment the STM32WB09, thus inaugurating the STM32WB0 sequence and transitioning the most recent technology of BlueNRG-LP(S) gadgets to the STM32Cube ecosystem. Architecturally, the STM32WB09 is a BlueNRG-LPS with 512 KB of flash as a substitute of 192 KB to permit for extra complicated purposes and an up to date radio supporting all Bluetooth LE 5.2 {hardware} options.

Nonetheless, in sensible phrases, the brand new gadget is ushering in a brand new ecosystem that marries current options for STM32WBs and BlueNRGs to create a extra productive and cohesive platform. As an illustration, the STM32WB0s will use the identical Bluetooth stack because the BlueNRG-LP(S) whereas being a full member of the STM32Cube ecosystem. As of right this moment, OEMs have unique entry to the STM32WB09, and we already set public availability and assist for the top of Q2 2024.

Desk of Contents

STM32WB09: What is occurring?

The BlueNRG-LP(S) DNA

The STM32WB09 shares numerous its DNA with the BlueNRG-LPS and, as such, makes use of the identical Cortex-M0+ and Bluetooth stack. Integrator creating cost-effective and energy-sensitive options will thus inherit the BlueNRG modular software program stack geared towards reminiscence footprint optimizations and efficiency. The stack additionally stands out due to its interoperability and maturity. Equally, builders get pleasure from the identical promoting extensions, 2 Mbps high-speed, 1.3 km (0.8 miles) unobstructed long-range, and angle of arrival (AoA) or departure (AoD) calculations for place monitoring. Furthermore, even when engineers profit from new options, like Isochronous Channels (extra on that later), they’ll nonetheless reuse a few of the BlueNRG-LPS PCB reference designs.

ST is committing to bringing the present BlueNRG-LP and BlueNRG-LPS to the brand new STM32WB0 sequence. The selection to launch the STM32WB09 first stems from a need to succeed in companions which can be content material with the processing capabilities of the BlueNRG-LP(S) however want the reminiscence afforded by a few of the dual-core STM32WBs. They work on entry-level purposes or energy-sensitive programs that demand the decrease energy consumption of the BlueNRG-LPS. As an illustration, the standard present draw of the gadget in shutdown mode is just 8 nA or virtually half that of an STM32WB55. The brand new STM32WB09 thus offers integrators the power to get pleasure from large energy financial savings nonetheless whereas benefiting from vastly extra reminiscence.

Over time, ST can even deliver some software program instruments and software demos from the BlueNRG ecosystem to STM32Cube. Clients have shared that a few of these instruments have helped them optimize their workflow, and we need to make sure that the transition doesn’t rob them of the instruments they’ve been counting on. Put merely, we’re making a unified portfolio to make sure builders can transfer up and down the price-per-performance ladder extra simply, making this announcement a pivotal second for our neighborhood.

The STM32Cube ecosystem promised land

The initiative behind the STM32WB0 sequence partly stems from prospects requesting to make use of the STM32Cube ecosystem with their BlueNRG gadgets. Therefore, the STM32WB09 will benefit from the assist of instruments like STM32CubeMX and STM32CubeIDE that assist with the initialization course of. We’re additionally engaged on updating STM32CubeProgrammer to debug and flash the gadget and STM32CubeMonitor-RF to optimize RF performances. Consequently, in time, transferring from an STM32WBx to an STM32WB0 might be so simple as altering settings in STM32CubeMX and configuring a unique pin-out. Functions will thus achieve in portability, making Bluetooth programs extra accessible.

Whereas we’re engaged on a unified expertise, one of many challenges might be to create a cohesive ecosystem that allows builders to port their code from one gadget to a different seamlessly. Equally, such an enormous software program transition calls for cautious planning and intensive assist to keep away from breaking tasks. It’s why we’re first working with OEMs and ask that prospects contact their ST consultant. Working instantly with builders will guarantee a extra environment friendly transition and smoother expertise earlier than we make the STM32WB09 and its STM32Cube ecosystem assist obtainable to all.

Why is that this occurring?

The success of the STM32WB

The announcement of the primary STM32WB in 2018 was so vital that it disrupted high-end Bluetooth purposes. For the primary time, the radio and the Cortex-M0+ core driving the wi-fi stack sat proper subsequent to a Cortex-M4, thus permitting builders to create vastly extra highly effective purposes with out blowing up their invoice of supplies. As an illustration, the Jammy E guitar-shaped MIDI controller wouldn’t have been doable with out the STM32WB operating the Bluetooth MIDI profile. Actually, the thought of an all-in-one resolution grew to become so interesting that we launched the STM32WB5MMG quickly after. The module homes an STM32WB55, the antenna, baluns, and crystals, additional facilitating the creation of highly effective Bluetooth programs.

Making cost-effective Bluetooth purposes accessible to all

Early this yr, we launched the STM32WBA, the primary wi-fi Cortex-M33, thus displaying our need to supply highly effective and safe programs for the reason that STM32WBA opens the door to a SESIP Degree 3 certification. Nonetheless, groups seeking to create cheaper options considerably favored BlueNRG. The SoCs stay common, and ST simply up to date its portfolio to launch the smallest BlueNRG-LPS but at solely 6.9 mm² with out compromising options or its +8 dBm energy, making them among the best price-per-feature ratio within the business. At the moment’s STM32WB0 sequence is thus a testomony to the success of the BlueNRGs and the STM32WBs because it harmonizes our portfolio whereas maintaining our intensive value umbrella.

The truth that the STM32WB09 additionally showcases a Bluetooth LE 5.3-certified radio implies that engineers get to get pleasure from options like Isochronous Channels, a brand new PHY layer that allows extra complicated information streams by guaranteeing the transmission of time-sensitive and synchronized data. Nonetheless, greater than including to a listing of specs, the Bluetooth LE 5.2 radio is symbolic as a result of it reveals that apart from being cost-effective, just like the BlueNRG-LP(S) the STM32WB09 can be cost-competitive just like the STM32WBs. Therefore, greater than a rebranding, the STM32WB09 is a brand new starting for the engineers engaged on Bluetooth purposes.

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