STLaunches ST87M01 Module for IoT and Smart Grid Development

On November 4, 2024, STMicroelectronics officially unveiled its fully upgraded ST87M01 mobile data communication module, designed to streamline the connection and management processes for large-scale IoT devices. This module aims to foster the rapid development of sustainable smart grids and smart industries.

The ST87M01 module has successfully passed NB-IoT certification and supports the optional ST4SIM embedded SIM (eSIM) card for seamless mobile network access. Notably, this series of modules comes pre-configured with Vodafone network profiles, enabling customers to easily and quickly connect to Vodafone’s extensive global mobile network.

Additionally, STMicroelectronics has integrated wireless M-Bus (wM-Bus) connectivity into the ST87M01, providing an extra standardized backup communication channel for collecting residential utility data, such as water, electricity, and gas usage. In the event of a mobile network disruption, the wireless M-Bus serves as a backup network, ensuring continuous data transmission. The wireless M-Bus also enhances the flexibility of meter reading, allowing meter readers to choose between onsite or remote readings based on actual requirements.

Renowned smart water meter innovator Maddalena S.p.A. has adopted the ST87M01 to design its latest high-end water meter product line, accelerating the development of advanced water metering solutions. Filippo Fontanelli, Chief Technology Officer of Maddalena S.p.A., stated, “Through our partnership with STMicroelectronics, we have successfully integrated advanced NB-IoT technology and selected this compact, certified, industrial-grade module that offers out-of-the-box NB-IoT connectivity. This adoption enables our new meters to help our clients deploy smart grids faster. This collaboration highlights the importance of partnerships in the tech industry, allowing us to deliver reliable, high-performance solutions to meet the ever-evolving market demands.”

Domenico Arrigo, General Manager of STMicroelectronics' Specific Applications Products (ASP) division, emphasized, "Unlike solutions with a single connectivity technology, the ST87M01 integrates both eSIM and NB-IoT technologies within the same module, simplifying system management, reducing system costs, and enhancing data security. Moreover, the inclusion of a convenient Vodafone network configuration option provides significant advantages for clients looking to deploy large-scale IoT solutions."

The ST87M01 module offers outstanding flexibility, thanks to its custom-designed software-defined RF transceiver. This transceiver enables dynamic switching between cellular NB-IoT and sub-GHz wM-Bus communication modes, making the module suitable for various applications and specific requirements, such as using wM-Bus as a backup to strengthen communication resilience. Additionally, the module allows user code integration for simpler applications and can be connected to an independent main microcontroller for more complex applications.

It is important to note that the Vodafone network profile is included in the ST87M01 series models equipped with NB-IoT and multi-constellation GNSS satellite receivers, supporting location-based services such as remote worker safety monitoring, asset tracking, and smart logistics. To conserve energy, the embedded GNSS receiver operates during NB-IoT sleep intervals. The ST87M01 module is fully industrial-grade certified and features a 10.6mm x 12.8mm compact package, offering designers a reliable, cost-effective, and ultra-compact product option.

By integrating location and multi-connectivity options in the same module, the ST87M01 platform is now widely used in industrial condition monitoring, factory automation, smart agriculture, environmental monitoring, as well as smart buildings, smart cities, and smart infrastructure.

All components of the new module are conceived, designed, and manufactured by STMicroelectronics, ensuring full control over material costs and the supply chain. This in-house manufacturing model guarantees the exceptional quality, security, and lifecycle performance of the ST87M01, making it a unique product in the market.