STMicroelectronics has released a new microcontroller with power-saving features that extend battery life beyond 15 years, designed for use in smart building applications.

The new MCU, based on the STM32 architecture, is designed for remotely deployed applications including metering and monitoring devices and data from alarm systems, actuators, and sensors in smart buildings.

The STM32WL3 contains a power-efficient multi-protocol radio for long-range communication using license-free frequency bands reserved globally for industrial, scientific, and medical (ISM) applications. In addition to the main radio, ST has integrated an ultra-low-power radio the system can power-down to save energy while listening continuously for a wake-up signal.

Lierda Internet of Things Technology, is using the STM32WL33 to reduce power and add long range wireless connectivity to existing networking products. Leveraging the MCU’s wake-up radio to minimize power consumption, the Lierda module monitors and maintains network equipment across a point-to-point or point-to-multipoint wireless connection.

Silent Smart Technology has created a family of modules based on STM32WL3 wireless MCUs that operate in various sub-1GHz frequency bands. The modules support multiple transmission modes, channel monitoring, wireless relay, and other functions. The MCU’s wakeup feature allows the modules to operate in deep-sleep mode, consuming only about 1µA overall current while remaining ready to return to full operation.

“ST’s new highly featured, long-range STM32WL3 wireless microcontrollers help customers like Lierda and Silent Smart create innovative and flexible products, achieving very low power and fast time to market,” said Benoit Rodriguez, Wireless Business Line General Manager, STMicroelectronics. “Special features such as the wake-up radio and our flow-metering LC sensor controller enable energy-saving designs in smart metering, smart agriculture, and asset tracking that run for up to 15 years from a small battery.”