The STEVAL-ASTRA1B multi-connectivity evaluation platform from STMicroelectronics provides a complete ecosystem for building complete proof-of-concept for asset tracking systems. Battery-powered, and with a small form factor, the evaluation kit also includes firmware to simplify development targeted applications such as livestock monitoring, fleet management, and logistics.
The kit helps users evaluate ST’s industry-first short- and long-range STM32 wireless System-on-Chip (SoC) devices. The STM32WL55JC sub-GHz SoC for long-range connectivity (LPWAN) implements the LoRaWAN protocol and provides LoRa, (G)FSK, (G)MSK, and BPSK modulations. The other wireless SoC is the STM32WB5MMG module for 2.4GHz Bluetooth®Low Energy and Zigbee connectivity. Each device has an Arm® Cortex®-M4 core for application processing with a dedicated Cortex-M0+ to manage the radio.
The development kit also includes an ST25DV64K near-field communication (NFC) contactless chip for secure pairing and communication and an STSAFE-A110 secure element that ensures privacy and guards against hacking.
In addition, a Teseo-LIV3F miniature GNSS module provides accurate and reliable outdoor positioning. Numerous ST sensors are integrated for monitoring asset condition and environment. These include an STTS22H low-voltage, ultra-low-power temperature sensor with ±0.5°C accuracy, HTS221 digital humidity and temperature sensor; LPS22HH barometric pressure sensor, and LIS2DTW12 ultra-low-power 3-axis accelerometer. There is also an LSM6DSO32X always-on inertial module, which contains a3D accelerometer and 3D gyroscope with machine-learning core.
The STEVAL-ASTRA1B has a smart power and battery-management architecture that helps developers maximize application runtime. It includes the ST1PS02 nano-quiescent synchronous step-down converter, STBC03 Li-ion battery charging controller, and TCPP01-M12 USB-C port-protection IC.
Users can take advantage of a comprehensive ecosystem including software and tools for “road testing” applications in development. They include the FP-ATR-ASTRA1 STM32Cube software function pack with firmware libraries and typical application examples. There is also ST’s asset-tracking mobile app, available on Apple Store and Google Play. In addition, the DSH-ASSETRACKING web-based cloud dashboard simplifies the creation of an end-to-end proof of concept and is free of charge for demonstration purposes.
The STEVAL-ASTRA1B evaluation kit is available to order now through ST’s eStore for $144.55. For more information please go here.
