STMicroelectronics Expands NB-IoT Modules, Updates Development Ecosystem
The release includes two new NB-IoT modules supporting cellular connectivity and geolocation, as well as an expanded development ecosystem to streamline IoT deployments.
STMicroelectronics has announced the expansion of its ST87M01 series of industrial-grade NB-IoT modules. The release introduces two new hardware variants, the ST87M01-1001 and the ST87M01-1301, alongside an enhanced “Easy-Connect” software development ecosystem.
These additions are designed to address specific challenges in the deployment of massive IoT networks, particularly regarding reliable asset localization in challenging RF environments and the logistical complexity of managing SIM profiles at scale.
STMicroelectronics has added the ST87M01-1001 and ST87M01-1301 to its ST87M01 family of NB-IoT wireless modules. Image used courtesy of STMicroelectronics
NB-IoT Wireless Modules
The core of the ST87M01 NB-IoT industrial module series involves two new module configurations that build upon the programmable LTE Cat NB2 architecture of the ST87M01 family. The first variant, the ST87M01-1001, is optimized for cellular data connectivity, targeting static applications where location data is unnecessary or fixed. The second variant, the ST87M01-1301, addresses the need for continuous tracking across diverse environments by integrating multiple positioning technologies.
While traditional GNSS solutions provide accurate outdoor tracking, their performance degrades significantly in urban canyons or indoor environments due to signal attenuation. To mitigate this, the ST87M01-1301 incorporates Wi-Fi positioning capabilities alongside its GNSS receiver. This “hybrid” approach enables the module to scan for Wi-Fi access points and utilize the detected BSSIDs and signal strengths to resolve location when satellite visibility is obstructed. This dual-mode capability ensures continuity of tracking data as assets move between outdoor transit routes and indoor warehousing facilities.
Both modules are housed in an ultra-compact LGA package and are qualified for the industrial temperature range of -40°C to 85°C. The fully programmable architecture allows developers to embed their own application code directly onto the module, potentially eliminating the need for an external host microcontroller in simpler edge nodes.
The ST87M01-1001 module supports NB-IoT connectivity, while the ST87M01-1301 includes features for indoor/outdoor geolocation. Image used courtesy of STMicroelectronics
Connectivity and Power Efficiency
The modules are compliant with 3GPP Release 15 LTE Cat NB2 standards, ensuring compatibility with modern cellular infrastructure designed for LPWANs. Power efficiency remains a critical parameter for these devices, which are often battery-powered and deployed in the field for years. The ST87M01 series features a low-power mode that consumes less than 1.2 µA, a specification essential for maximizing service intervals in utility metering or remote monitoring applications.
A significant integration feature in these new modules is the inclusion of the ST4SIM-300 embedded SIM (eSIM). This eSIM is compliant with the new GSMA SGP.32 specification for IoT remote SIM provisioning. Unlike consumer eSIM standards that rely on user interaction, SGP.32 is designed for headless IoT devices, simplifying the process of switching network operators or managing connectivity profiles across large fleets without physical intervention.
Development Ecosystem and Partner Integration
To support the integration of NB-IoT modules, STMicroelectronics has released the “Easy-Connect” developer ecosystem. This includes a software library designed to abstract the complexities of the cellular, GNSS, and Wi-Fi subsystems. The library provides a C-like, hardware-agnostic interface that allows developers to configure the module and manage network data exchange without deep expertise in cellular stacks or AT commands.
The EVKITST87M01-2 evaluation kit for prototyping NB-IoT modules. Image used courtesy of STMicroelectronics
For hardware evaluation, the EVKITST87M01-2 offers a complete prototyping platform. The kit includes a ready-to-use IoT SIM card provided by Wireless Logic, operating on the Conexa network. This pre-provisioned connectivity enables designers to immediately test NB-IoT data transmission across Europe, the Middle East, and Africa.
Further supporting the RF design process, STMicroelectronics has collaborated with Ignion to address antenna integration, a common stumbling block in compact IoT designs. The ecosystem leverages Ignion’s Virtual Antenna technology and Oxion AI-powered platform to assist users in selecting and tuning antenna components to meet size and performance constraints, thereby reducing the iterative cycles typically required for RF certification.
Advancing IoT Applications
The expansion of the ST87M01 family represents a focused effort to address the practical hurdles of massive IoT: reliable indoor/outdoor tracking and scalable connectivity management. By integrating hybrid GNSS/Wi-Fi positioning and SGP.32-compliant eSIMs into a single industrial-grade package, STMicroelectronics provides a robust solution for engineers designing next-generation connected devices.
Primary applications for these new modules include smart logistics and asset tracking, industrial condition monitoring, smart metering infrastructure, and environmental sensing networks where device longevity and autonomous operation are paramount.
