ST67W611M1: Qualcomm-Based Wi-Fi 6 and BLE IoT Module for STM32

ST67W611M1 IoT module

In alliance with Qualcomm Technologies, STMicroelectronics unveiled the ST67W611M1 series IoT module, which combines ST’s adaptable STM32 microcontroller ecosystem with Qualcomm’s QCC743 multiprotocol connectivity system-on-chip (SoC). The modules add wireless connectivity to STM32-based systems and simplify support for new IoT standards like Matter and Thread. They are intended for a variety of IoT applications, such as wearables, smart homes, and industrial sensors.

The ST67W611M1 IoT module, the first to combine Wi-Fi 6 (802.11 b/g/n/ax) and Bluetooth Low Energy 5.4 with support for the Matter and Thread protocols, has been optimized for seamless communication with STM32 microcontrollers (both MCU and MPU). They function as external wireless coprocessors, with the ST67W611M1 handling radio functions and the STM32 MCU controlling the primary application. Up to 20 dBm output power, a 40 MHz crystal, 4 MB embedded flash with OTA updates, hardware cryptographic acceleration, and advanced security features consisting of secure boot and cryptographic accelerators that comply with PSA Certified Level 1 protection standards are some of the key features. ST provides three versions that adhere to the same 32 pin LGA footprint and are fully integrated with the STM32Cube ecosystem. An onboard PCB antenna is part of the B model. An RF connector for an external antenna is included with the U model.

ST67W611M1 block diagram

STMicroelectronics ST67W611M1 Module Specifications:

• SoC: Qualcomm QCC743 microcontroller
• Storage: Embedded 4MB NOR flash memory with OTA update capability
• Wireless Connectivity:
  • Wi-Fi 6 (IEEE 802.11b/g/n/ax) with up to 20 dBm output power
  • Wi-Fi 20/40 MHz bandwidth, 1T1R, 2.4 GHz RF transceiver
  • Bluetooth Low Energy 5.4 with up to 2 Mbps
  • Tx output power:
    • Up to +21 dBm (Wi-Fi)
    • +10 dBm (Bluetooth LE)
  • Rx sensitivity:
    • -70/-67 dBm (MCS9, HE20/HE40)
    • -99/-96.5 dBm (Bluetooth LE 1M/2M)
  • Application throughput up to 17 Mbps (TCP)
  • Thread combo with Matter protocol support
• Hardware: Embedded 40 MHz high-precision quartz for optimal RF performance
• Antenna: Integrated antenna/external antenna option
• Interfaces:
  • SPI
  • UART
• Security:
  • Integrated hardware cryptographic acceleration
  • secure boot and secure debug
• Power Options: Supports low-power operation for battery-powered IoT devices
• Voltage:
  • Input voltage: 3.3 V
  • I/O voltage: 1.8 V/3.3 V
• Environmental specifications:
  • Temperature:
    • Operating: -40°C ~ +85°C
    • Storage: -40°C ~ +125°C
  • Humidity:
    • Relative: < 90% noncondensing
    • Storage: < 90% noncondensing
• Certification:
  • PSA Certified Level One
  • Wi-Fi and Bluetooth Low Energy certification targeted
  • Regulatory certifications: CE/RED, UKCA, FCC, IC, JRF/ARIB, ACMA/RSM, RCM, BIS/WPC, NBTC, RoHS, REACH
• Dimensions: Compact module design (specific dimensions not mentioned)
• Longevity: Included in a 10-year longevity program

STM32 + ST67W611M1 IoT Module

Software support includes the X-CUBE-ST67W61 package with Wi-Fi and Bluetooth drivers and examples, STM32CubeIDE for development and debugging, and STM32CubeMX for code generation. SPI is used in host communication. An STM32Cube extension package called X-CUBE-ST67W61 allows STM32 microcontrollers to interact with the ST67W611M1 network co-processor. The STM32 serves as the application host and the ST67W611M1 implements the network stack in this package’s NCP (Network Co-Processor) mode. For quick prototyping using the STM32 Nucleo and Discovery platforms, ST provides an expansion board based on the ST67W611M1. The module is integrated into the 32-pin LGA form factor of the X-NUCLEO-67W61M1, which also has connectors for the Arduino Uno V3 and Raspberry Pi 40 pin headers, a PCB antenna, a user button, and an LED. 

X-NUCLEO-67W61M1

Pricing for the ST67W611M1A6BTR  variant starts at $8.22 for quantities of 1 to 9 units, dropping to $7.34 at 10 units, $6.81 at 25 units, and $6.21 at 100 units. The X-NUCLEO-67W61M1 expansion board is listed at $38.18 on the ST website. The STMicroelectronics website has more information.

Images used courtesy of STMicroelectronics.