Are all STM32WL55 packages comes with RF Shield

[Prabakaran]

Hello ST Community,

   Looking for the below details. I am new to ST Micro family. I came across the STM32WL55 and STM32WLE5 Chip set. Currently I have ordered STM32WL55JC1 nucleo board and STM32WLE5 seed studio wi-e5 development board. I am planning to use the STM32WL integerated Lora modules for Lora multi hop technology for my project. that means all the device I am going to deploy have the STM32WL55or E5 based on the finalization. I would like to communciate all the lora modules to receive or forward the data to next available lora module to all the way to a NB-IOT based deviuce which would forward to our own cloud space. My questions are follow

1. Can I use the both STM32WL or E5 as a individual node to do point to point communication also an forwarder to forward it to form a multi hop network?

2. If I order the STM32WL55 or E5 chip will it come same as the one I found in the development board? because the one i found in a development board has a Rf shield with ibuilt components if I udnerstood correct? correct me if I am wrong. i need to understand what are the components I need to handle in addition to the individual package. need guidance to select correct part number 

3. Is the PCB antenna would be enough? or What would be the antenna you would suggest. I need the coverage range of 3-5km. ths devices will be deploy to agricultural fields(open area) for your information

4. I need technical support to design the RF circuit if additionaly required? 

5. We are looking for package where its not required any RF designs on our side. We would like to use the chip as plug and play and leverage all the configuration via software

6. The DFOTA would be possible for both STM32WL55 and E5 right? provided we would integerate a bluetooth module or wifi module to get the frimware to the board

Kindly share the design guidelines around it.

[STTwo-32 · Accepted solution]

Hello @Prabakaran 

1. For a P2P application the STM32WL5/E should work perfectly. For the Relais node, it is not yet implemented on our Stack, you may need to implement it on your own.
2. The STM32WL5/E is an MCU with a SUB-GHz integrated capability. So, the Ship does integrate the Radio module and not just an external component.
3. You will need to use an antenna with a very good capability. Maybe a RF designer can guide you.
4. You may can contact our Sales and Marketing offices or our online support OLS.
5. What does it mean no design, if you have an MCU, you have to make a design (for the peripheral including Radio to make it work). But you may need also to thank about our module STM32WLxM Module - STMicroelectronics
6. I'm not aware about the Difference between DFOTA and FUOTA. But i know that FUOTA is supported.

PS: For the seed studio wi-e5, I don't have any information on it. It is based on the STM32WL but I don't know how it is integrated. You should ask the manufacturer for that.

Best Regards.

STTwo-32

[Prabakaran]

Hi @STTwo-32 ,

     I have designed the schematic for STM32WL5MOC. Could you please kindly review it and let me know is there anything missing in this. I am planning to start design the PCB for prototype. So I want you to review once before I proceeding next with next step. I have designed with Kicad.

I have attached the pdf format as well. Kindly review and let me know is all the components are appropriate value. 

Questions:

1. SMA-J-P-H-ST-EM1 antenna connector being used in MB1779 board, I am using the same in my design as well. But I feel the connector itself more expensive, its pretty much 50% of total module cost. Is there any alternative option do you suggest to reduce the cost?

2. in the above schematic I didn't use the pi circuit between pin no17 and the  SMA connector. I assume its not required since referred in the expansion board manual UM3127. Kindly correct me if I am wrong.

3. I didn't captured the LDO circuit in this assume I have 3.3V output getting from LDO and connected here. Is there any extra isolation required between different 3.3V lines mentioned in this schematic.

4. Is my debugger port connection are looks good? Hopefully I can use STlink V3 debugger?

5. Is my I2C and UART port are looks good ? here I would connect a I2C sensor and using UART for serial communication with another Micro(STM32U599VJT6)

Looking for your Valuable Feedback,

Thanks,

Prabakaran