Swiss electronics company ST Microelectronics says it is making large-scale IoT deployments easier with its cellular data-communications module pre-loaded with a Vodafone profile.

The ST87M01 module platform is NB-IoT certified, with an optional ST4SIM embedded SIM (eSIM) for accessing connectivity services.

The aim is to make it easier connect and manage IoT deployments. The modules come pre-loaded with a Vodafone profile so users can have quick and easy access to Vodafone’s global connectivity footprint.

Also, STM has added wireless Meter-Bus (wM-Bus) connectivity in the same module. This provides an additional standardised channel, backing up the cellular connection, for collecting data such as household utility consumption. Using wM-Bus can provide cover in case of a cellular network outage and gives flexibility for drive-in and work-in meter readings.

Maddalena, an innovator in smart water metering, chose the ST87M01 to improve its water-meter product line.

“Collaborating with STM has allowed us to integrate state-of-the-art NB-IoT technology, selecting the only ultra-compact industrial module in the market that provides certified cellular NB-IoT connectivity out of the box,” said Filippo Fontanelli, CTO of Maddalena (www.maddalena.it). “This enables our new meters to provide unmatched speed in deployment to our customers. This collaboration underscores the growing importance of partnerships in the tech sector, allowing us to deliver reliable, high-performance solutions that meet the evolving demands of the market.”

Domenico Arrigo, general manager at ST Microelectronics, added: “Our combined eSIM and NB-IoT in the module simplifies management and reduces system costs compared with integrating separate options, while ensuring data protection and extra security. And with the convenient option to load Vodafone’s mobile network profile, the ST87M01 delivers significant advantages for customers looking to deploy turnkey IoT at scale.”

Central to the module’s flexibility is the software-defined radio that STM designed for this device, which enables dynamic switching between cellular NB-IoT and sub-GHz wM-Bus communication modes. This lets the module support a wide variety of use cases and adapt to specific needs including using wM-Bus as backup communication for extra resilience. Further flexibility comes from letting users embed their own code directly in the module for simple applications or connect to a separate host microcontroller in more sophisticated use cases.

In addition, the Vodafone (www.vodafone.com) profile is available in the ST87M01 variant that integrates NB-IoT with a multi-constellation GNSS receiver to enable location-based applications such as safety monitoring for remote workers, asset tracking and general intelligent logistics. The embedded GNSS receiver saves power by operating during NB-IoT sleep time slots. All the ST87M01 module variants are industrial-grade qualified and come in a 10.6 by 12.8mm package enabling designers to create reliable and cost-effective products with a compact overall form factor.

By combining location and multi-connectivity options on the same module, the ST87M01 can be used for industrial condition monitoring, factory automation, smart agriculture, environmental monitoring, and in smart buildings, smart cities and smart infrastructure.

The module itself and all the internal components are entirely conceived, designed and industrialised by STM (www.st.com), which ensures the complete control and management of the bill of materials and supply chain.

The ST87M01 platform (st.com/st87m01) is in production now and only available directly from STM.