Low-power, multi-band design co-developed with Somfy offers extended battery life and flexible wake-up features.
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STMicroelectronics has launched the STM32WL3R, a wireless microcontroller (MCU) optimized for consumer and home automation remote control units. The STM32WL3R is based on the proven STM32WL3 sub-GHz wireless MCU, featuring a low-power RF transceiver, flexible energy-saving modes, and six independent wake-up pins, making it ideal for creating energy-efficient remote controls.ST collaborated with Somfy Group, a French leader in building automation innovation, to develop the STM32WL3R. Somfy produces smart systems including wireless control for electric roller shutters, garage door openers, and connected solutions for home and commercial applications. Engineers from Somfy Labs worked with ST to design a new generation of RF remote controls and sensors, resulting in a compact and cost-effective unit that combines flexibility with extended battery life, delivering an excellent user experience. Serge Robin, RF Development Manager at Somfy, stated: “This single-chip wireless MCU, optimized for remote control units, allows us to continue leading the system, creating smarter, more comfortable, and environmentally friendly buildings.”With its specially designed RF transceiver, the STM32WL3R is the world’s first Cortex-M0+ multi-band wireless MCU operating in the 315MHz band allocated for remote controls in North America, while also supporting the 850MHz and 950MHz ISM bands, making it suitable for products approved for sale globally.“Leveraging our low-power radio expertise, the STM32WL3 product line has achieved success in applications such as metering and asset tracking, with a transmit power of 10dBm consuming only 10mA. Its efficiency is unmatched in today’s market,” said Patrick Aidoune, Vice President of STMicroelectronics and General Manager of the General and Automotive Microcontrollers Division.The MCU is specifically tailored for the STM32WL3R, with additional energy-saving modes that better control unused circuits while optimizing system wake-up times. In these modes, battery life is extended, and memory retention preserves application context, ensuring quick wake-up for optimal user experience. In optional modes, the ultra-deep sleep consumes only 450nA while retaining 16KB of memory data, along with an extremely low 14nA shutdown mode, allowing for up to six wake-up pins.By providing six wake-up pins instead of one, the STM32WL3R enables feature-rich remote controls while simplifying circuit layout and facilitating PCB design for reuse across various product variants.The STM32WL3R is now in production, packaged in a 5mm x 5mm QFN32, available for order in quantities of 10,000 from eStore and distributors at a price of $1.2654.