Swiss firm ST Microelectronics has introduced two NB-IoT wireless modules and revealed an enhanced development ecosystem to facilitate the creation of smart IoT products with narrowband cellular connectivity.

Typical applications for the ST87M01 modules include smart logistics, environmental monitoring, smart lighting, smart parking, industrial condition monitoring, livestock and pet tracking, alarms, and remote healthcare.

Existing modules in the family are already installed in smart meters deployed throughout Europe, helping utilities capture real-time granular data to meet environmental and operational goals.

“We are now taking the next step to make our module technology and fully owned, resilient supply chain accessible across a wider variety of markets and environments,” said Domenico Arrigo, general manager at STMicroelectronics (www.st.com). “This all-in-one solution combines industry-leading compactness and ultra-low power consumption with reliability and security, enabling scalable and secure IoT deployments.”

The two modules are the ST87M01-1001, supporting NB-IoT cellular data connectivity, and the ST87M01-1301 which adds GNSS and wifi positioning capabilities for outdoor and indoor geolocation. The EVKitST87M01-2 (www.st.com/en/evaluation-tools/evkitst87m01-2.html) evaluation kit is a development platform with a ready-to use Conexa IoT SIM card and two SMA antennas, for prototyping and testing NB-IoT connectivity in real-world applications. STM’s expanded ecosystem also includes the Easy-Connect software library and design examples.

The Easy-Connect library helps developers quickly communicate with the module, configure and exercise the NB-IoT, GNSS and wifi functionalities, and exchange data with the cellular network, over a C-like, totally hardware agnostic and OS-independent platform. The IoT SIM card provides 50Mbyte of data, valid for six months after user activation, through the Conexa network. Operated by STM partner Wireless Logic, Conexa supports NB-IoT connectivity across many international markets, with this SIM configured for use in Europe, Middle East and Africa.

“Wireless Logic’s cellular connectivity, included free of charge with STM’s latest NB-loT module evaluation kits, provides the easiest and fastest way to connect and develop prototypes,” said John Dillon from Wireless Logic (wirelesslogic.com). “Our Conexa IoT network and management platforms provide extensive geographical coverage and ensure resilient and future-proof NB-loT connectivity.”

To accelerate completion of deployment-ready products, customers can optionally leverage support from specialised STM partners such as Ignion (ignion.io) and Daos (www.daosgroup.it).

The Virtual Antenna technology from Ignion, alongside its seven different antenna components and Oxion AI-powered integration platform of RF projects, helps users select and design-in the right Virtual Antenna chip to meet size, performance and cost constraints. Using Oxion’s antenna integration platform, ST87M01 (www.st.com/en/wireless-connectivity/st87m01.html) developers can trial shortlisted antennas, apply best practices and quickly iterate their designs to fine-tune performance.

“Our Virtual Antenna and Oxion AI-powered platforms make RF design simpler, faster and more predictable, giving engineers confidence and control throughout development,” said Jaap Groot, CEO of Ignion. “Working closely with STM, we’ve brought this capability to the new ST87M01 modules, reflecting our shared commitment to deliver integrated, ready-to-scale wireless options that help customers save time and focus on what matters most: innovation.”

Daos can optionally support STM customers throughout system development, from hardware and software design to production, accelerating time to market and unlocking the potential of the ST87M01 module in IoT projects. Its knowhow streamlines integration and optimises performance, enabling faster delivery of reliable products across a broad range of applications.

“We have been collaborating with STM for several years, developing innovations in metering and asset tracking,” said Andrea Lombardo, CEO of Daos. “We are proud to support STM’s customers with our in-depth expertise and commitment to deliver reliable IoT technologies.”

STM presented the ST87M01-1001 and ST87M01-1301 at this week’s Enlit Europe in Bilbao, Spain.