STMicroelectronics has launched an evaluation kit for cellular sensor nodes in the Internet of Things (IoT) with an embedded SIM (eSIM) for instant connection to a network.
The eSIM provides a connection to the Internet through LTE-Cat M and NB-IoT networks for embedded developers and IoT evangelists, and affordable for OEM and mass-market customers.
The kit uses an all-in-one cellular module from Murata which embeds ST’s ultra-low-power STM32L462 microcontroller, ST4SIM-200M GSMA-certified embedded SIM (eSIM), and an LTE-M/NB-IOT chipset along with a range of sensors.
The eSIM is pre-programmed with a bootstrap connectivity profile from Truphone, an ST Authorized Partner. The kit enables remote SIM provisioning and SIM Over-The-Air updates. Developers can immediately start the board by connecting to a power supply using a USB cable or inserting three AAA batteries in the connector provided before activating the eSIM to let the board connect to a cellular network to begin working on an application.
The B-L462E-CELL1 kit is designed to strongly resist cellular connectivity attacks thanks to the ST4SIM-200M eSIM solution based on the ST33 Arm SecurCore SC300 secure element, which is CC EAL5+ and GSMA SGP.02 v3.2 certified. The ST4SIM is ready to host a Root-of-Trust applet for enhanced protection against cyber-attacks.
The Murata 1SE module features an integrated LDO capable to deliver up 300mA at 1.8V and a µFL antenna connector which aids rapid development of cellular IoT device.
The on-board sensors include ST’s LSM303AGR accelerometer-magnetometer, HTS221 relative humidity and temperature sensor, and LPS22HH pressure sensor. There is also a 0.96-inch OLED display, indicator LEDs, and a USB connection.
The STM32Cube software expansion package, X-CUBE-CELLULAR drives the Discovery kit and supports the Berkeley (BSD) sockets application programming interface (API). BSD’s standardized function-calls for Internet communication let users connect their prototypes to the Internet without needing to develop an AT-command driver to control the modem. X-CUBE-CELLULAR includes a demonstration application and cellular framework in source code, and
