Suitable for small devices based on various types of batteries, such as lithium-ion and button cells.

STMicroelectronics (ST) has launched the SPBTLE-1S, a ready-to-use Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) module that integrates all the components necessary for implementing wireless subsystems.

This product integrates ST’s BlueNRG-1 application processor SoC (System-on-Chip), balun, high-frequency oscillator, and chip antenna, helping product developers streamline the development and prototyping of connected smart objects.

This module also helps bypass challenges encountered in hardware design and RF circuit layout tasks. Along with BQE certification, the SPBTLE-1S has obtained FCC, IC, and CE-RED (Radio Equipment Directive) certifications to streamline final product approval for the North American and European markets. Additionally, ST's Bluetooth 4.2 certified BLE protocol stack is provided, and the accompanying SDK (Software Development Kit) includes various Bluetooth profiles and sample application code.

The SPBTLE-1S module is very suitable for small battery-based devices powered by various types of sources, such as basic button cells or rechargeable lithium-ion batteries, while providing a space-efficient external size of 11.5mm x 13.5mm and a wide supply voltage range of 1.7V to 3.6V. In addition, high RF output power of +5dBm and excellent reception sensitivity help maximize communication range and reliability.

The BlueNRG-1 SoC, the core of the SPBTLE-1S, consists of a low-power ARM Cortex-M0 core, 160KB of flash memory, 24KB of RAM for data retention, and a security coprocessor, implementing a complete BLE physical layer (PHY), link layer, and network/application processing engine. Additionally, this SoC provides smart power management by utilizing a DC/DC converter capable of powering the SPBTLE-1S module for optimal energy efficiency.

Users can utilize a wide range of interfaces, including a UART, two I²C ports, an SPI port, a single-wire debug, and 14 GPIOs, as well as peripherals such as two multifunction timers, a 10-bit ADC, a watchdog timer, a real-time clock, a DMA controller, and a PDM stream processor interface ideal for developing voice-control applications.

Additionally, the STEVAL-IDB007V1M evaluation kit, which includes the SPBTLE-1S for the simple development of various types of smart objects, is also available for purchase. Since this module combines MEMS pressure and temperature sensors, LEDs, push buttons, and a programming interface, the provided demo software can be run immediately.

In addition, an Arduino-compatible connector is built into the board, allowing for the development of more complex applications by adding separate expansion boards. This evaluation board is compatible with the existing BlueNRG-1 SoC-based STEVAL-IDB007V1 platform in terms of firmware, software, and hardware.