STM32WLE5JC - 32-bit Arm Cortex-M4 LoRa SoC | STMicroelectronics
MPN: STM32WLE5JC β Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $8.5 | $8.50 |
| 10 | $7.8 | $78.00 |
| 100 | $6.9 | $690.00 |
| 500 | $6.2 | $3,100.00 |
| 1,000 | $5.6 | $5,600.00 |
STM32WLE5JC Overview
A System-on-Chip (SoC) integrates a microcontroller core with a radio transceiver on a single die, enabling compact and cost-effective designs for IoT and smart agriculture. The STM32WLE5JC combines an Arm Cortex-M4 core with a LoRa (Long Range) modem, providing sub-GHz wireless connectivity with excellent sensitivity and low power consumption. This integration reduces system complexity and bill of materials compared to discrete MCU + radio solutions.
Key features include a LoRa modem supporting frequencies from 150 MHz to 960 MHz, a transmit power of up to +22 dBm, and a receiver sensitivity of -123 dBm at 10.4 kbps. The device also includes an AES-256 hardware encryption engine, a true random number generator (TRNG), and multiple low-power modes including Sleep, Stop, and Standby. The integrated SMPS (switched-mode power supply) enhances efficiency, reducing current consumption to as low as 1.4 uA in Standby mode with RTC.
The STM32WLE5JC is built on ST's advanced 40nm process technology, balancing performance and power efficiency. The Arm Cortex-M4 core with FPU (floating-point unit) and DSP instructions enables complex signal processing, while the LoRa modem handles spread-spectrum modulation for robust long-range communication. The device supports both LoRa and (G)FSK modulation, offering flexibility for various wireless protocols.
Typical applications include smart agriculture (soil moisture monitoring, livestock tracking), smart metering (gas, water, electricity), asset tracking, and industrial IoT sensors. The long-range capability and low power consumption make it ideal for battery-powered devices requiring years of operation. The integrated radio eliminates the need for external RF components, simplifying PCB design and reducing time-to-market.
When designing with the STM32WLE5JC, pay attention to the RF matching network and antenna design to achieve optimal range. The device requires a 32 MHz crystal for the radio and a 32.768 kHz crystal for the RTC. Proper decoupling of the supply pins and a clean ground plane are essential for reliable RF performance. The SMPS can be configured to optimize efficiency versus noise trade-offs.
Drop-in alternatives for STM32WLE5JC β same package, pin-to-pin compatible. Different-package parts requiring PCB rework are excluded.
Quick Comparison Tool β Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
STM32WLE5J8
β Drop-Inπ Reference alternative (not in catalog)
STM32WLE5JB
β Drop-In β οΈ εζ°εΎ ιͺθ―π Reference alternative (not in catalog)
STM32WLE5JC Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Core | Arm Cortex-M4 with FPU |
| Maximum Clock Frequency | 48 MHz |
| Flash Memory | 256 KB |
| SRAM | 64 KB |
| Supply Voltage Range | 1.8 V to 3.6 V |
| Package | UFQFPN-48 (7x7 mm) |
| Radio Frequency Range | 150 MHz to 960 MHz |
| Modulation | LoRa, (G)FSK, (G)MSK, BPSK |
| Maximum Transmit Power | +22 dBm |
| Receiver Sensitivity | -123 dBm at 10.4 kbps |
| Standby Current | 1.4 uA with RTC |
| Hardware Encryption | AES-256 |
| True Random Number Generator | Yes |
| Low-Power Modes | Sleep, Stop, Standby |
| Operating Temperature Range | -40C to +85C |
| RoHS Status | Compliant |
STM32WLE5JC Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | VDD β Power supply |
| Pin 2 | VSS β Ground |
| Pin 3 | PA0 β GPIO / ADC |
| Pin 4 | PA1 β GPIO / ADC |
| Pin 5 | PA2 β GPIO / USART |
| Pin 6 | PA3 β GPIO / USART |
| Pin 7 | PA4 β GPIO / SPI |
| Pin 8 | PA5 β GPIO / SPI |
| Pin 9 | PA6 β GPIO / SPI |
| Pin 10 | PA7 β GPIO / SPI |
| Pin 11 | PB0 β GPIO / ADC |
| Pin 12 | PB1 β GPIO / ADC |
| Pin 13 | PB2 β GPIO / BOOT |
| Pin 14 | PB3 β GPIO / SWO |
| Pin 15 | PB4 β GPIO / NJTRST |
| Pin 16 | PB5 β GPIO / I2C |
| Pin 17 | PB6 β GPIO / I2C |
| Pin 18 | PB7 β GPIO / I2C |
| Pin 19 | PB8 β GPIO / I2C |
| Pin 20 | PB9 β GPIO / I2C |
| Pin 21 | PC13 β GPIO / RTC |
| Pin 22 | PC14 β GPIO / OSC32_IN |
| Pin 23 | PC15 β GPIO / OSC32_OUT |
| Pin 24 | PH0 β OSC_IN |
| Pin 25 | PH1 β OSC_OUT |
| Pin 26 | NRST β Reset |
| Pin 27 | VDDA β Analog power supply |
| Pin 28 | VSSA β Analog ground |
| Pin 29 | VREF+ β ADC reference |
| Pin 30 | VREF- β ADC reference |
| Pin 31 | PA8 β GPIO / TIM1 |
| Pin 32 | PA9 β GPIO / USART |
| Pin 33 | PA10 β GPIO / USART |
| Pin 34 | PA11 β GPIO / USB |
| Pin 35 | PA12 β GPIO / USB |
| Pin 36 | PA13 β GPIO / SWDIO |
| Pin 37 | PA14 β GPIO / SWCLK |
| Pin 38 | PA15 β GPIO / JTDI |
| Pin 39 | PB10 β GPIO / I2C |
| Pin 40 | PB11 β GPIO / I2C |
| Pin 41 | PB12 β GPIO / SPI |
| Pin 42 | PB13 β GPIO / SPI |
| Pin 43 | PB14 β GPIO / SPI |
| Pin 44 | PB15 β GPIO / SPI |
| Pin 45 | RF β RF input/output |
| Pin 46 | VDD_RF β RF power supply |
| Pin 47 | VSS_RF β RF ground |
| Pin 48 | SMPS β SMPS inductor connection |
Typical Applications
STM32WLE5JC is suitable for 6 applications: Smart Agriculture, Smart Metering, Asset Tracking, Industrial IoT Sensors, Smart City Infrastructure, Environmental Monitoring.
Smart Agriculture
The STM32WLE5JC is ideal for smart agriculture applications such as soil moisture monitoring and livestock tracking. Its long-range LoRa communication (up to +22 dBm transmit power and -123 dBm sensitivity) enables data transmission over several kilometers in rural environments. The ultra-low standby current of 1.4 uA ensures battery life of several years, critical for remote sensors. The integrated radio eliminates the need for external RF components, simplifying the design of solar-powered or battery-operated field devices. The device's wide supply voltage range (1.8V to 3.6V) allows direct connection to common battery chemistries like AA or lithium cells. The AES-256 encryption ensures secure data transmission, protecting agricultural data from unauthorized access. The Arm Cortex-M4 core with FPU enables local processing of sensor data, reducing the need for frequent transmissions and further saving power. The STM32WLE5JC's compliance with LoRaWAN v1.0 ensures interoperability with standard LoRaWAN networks, facilitating easy integration into existing IoT platforms.
Recommended
Smart Metering
The STM32WLE5JC is well-suited for smart metering applications, including gas, water, and electricity meters. Its long-range LoRa communication enables reliable data collection from meters located in basements or remote areas. The low power consumption (1.4 uA standby) allows battery-powered meters to operate for over 10 years without maintenance. The integrated radio supports multiple frequency bands (150 MHz to 960 MHz), making it adaptable to regional regulations. The AES-256 encryption ensures secure transmission of consumption data, preventing tampering. The Arm Cortex-M4 core can handle complex metering algorithms and communication protocols. The device's small UFQFPN-48 package fits into compact meter designs. The STM32WLE5JC's compliance with ETSI and FCC regulations ensures legal operation in various countries. The integrated SMPS improves efficiency, reducing power loss during transmission. The device's wide operating temperature range (-40C to +85C) ensures reliable operation in outdoor environments.
Recommended
Asset Tracking
The STM32WLE5JC is perfect for asset tracking applications, such as tracking shipping containers, vehicles, or high-value equipment. Its long-range LoRa communication allows tracking over vast distances, even in remote areas without cellular coverage. The low power consumption enables battery-powered trackers to operate for months or years. The device's small size and integrated radio reduce the overall footprint of the tracker. The Arm Cortex-M4 core can process GPS data and sensor inputs, while the LoRa modem transmits location updates periodically. The AES-256 encryption ensures that tracking data is secure and cannot be intercepted. The device's wide supply voltage range allows use with various battery types. The STM32WLE5JC's compliance with LoRaWAN v1.0 ensures compatibility with major LoRaWAN networks, enabling global tracking. The integrated SMPS enhances efficiency, extending battery life. The device's robust design and wide temperature range make it suitable for harsh environments.
Recommended
Industrial IoT Sensors
The STM32WLE5JC is ideal for industrial IoT sensors, such as vibration monitors, temperature sensors, and pressure sensors. Its long-range LoRa communication enables data collection from sensors spread across large industrial facilities. The low power consumption allows sensors to be powered by batteries or energy harvesting. The Arm Cortex-M4 core with FPU can perform on-device signal processing, reducing the amount of data transmitted. The integrated radio supports multiple modulation schemes, providing flexibility for different protocols. The AES-256 encryption ensures secure communication in industrial environments. The device's wide supply voltage range (1.8V to 3.6V) is compatible with industrial power supplies. The STM32WLE5JC's compliance with ETSI and FCC regulations ensures legal operation in industrial settings. The integrated SMPS improves efficiency, reducing heat generation. The device's robust design and wide temperature range make it suitable for factory floors and outdoor installations.
Recommended
Smart City Infrastructure
The STM32WLE5JC is well-suited for smart city applications, such as smart lighting, waste management, and parking sensors. Its long-range LoRa communication enables connectivity across entire cities without the need for dense gateway deployment. The low power consumption allows battery-powered devices to operate for years, reducing maintenance costs. The integrated radio supports multiple frequency bands, making it adaptable to different regions. The Arm Cortex-M4 core can handle complex control algorithms and communication protocols. The AES-256 encryption ensures secure communication in public infrastructure. The device's small package fits into compact enclosures. The STM32WLE5JC's compliance with LoRaWAN v1.0 ensures interoperability with city-wide LoRaWAN networks. The integrated SMPS improves efficiency, reducing power consumption. The device's wide operating temperature range ensures reliable operation in outdoor environments, from freezing winters to hot summers.
Recommended
Environmental Monitoring
The STM32WLE5JC is ideal for environmental monitoring, such as air quality monitoring, weather stations, and water quality monitoring. Its long-range LoRa communication enables data collection from remote locations. The low power consumption allows solar-powered or battery-operated devices to run for extended periods. The Arm Cortex-M4 core can process sensor data and perform calibration. The integrated radio supports multiple modulation schemes, providing flexibility for different protocols. The AES-256 encryption ensures secure transmission of environmental data. The device's wide supply voltage range allows use with various power sources. The STM32WLE5JC's compliance with LoRaWAN v1.0 ensures compatibility with environmental monitoring networks. The integrated SMPS improves efficiency, reducing power consumption. The device's wide operating temperature range (-40C to +85C) makes it suitable for harsh outdoor environments, from deserts to arctic regions.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for STM32WLE5JC β comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | STM32WLE5J8 | STM32WLE5JB | STM32WLE5JCI6 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Package | UFQFPN-48 (7x7 mm) | UFQFPN-48 (7x7 mm) - same | UFQFPN-48 (7x7 mm) - same | UFBGA-73 - different |
| Brand | STMicroelectronics | STMicroelectronics | STMicroelectronics | STMicroelectronics |
| Flash Memory | 256 KB | 64 KB | 128 KB | 256 KB |
| SRAM | 64 KB | 64 KB | 64 KB | 64 KB |
| Maximum Clock Frequency | 48 MHz | 48 MHz | 48 MHz | 48 MHz |
| Radio Frequency Range | 150 MHz to 960 MHz | 150 MHz to 960 MHz | 150 MHz to 960 MHz | 150 MHz to 960 MHz |
| Maximum Transmit Power | +22 dBm | +22 dBm | +22 dBm | +22 dBm |
| Receiver Sensitivity | -123 dBm at 10.4 kbps | -123 dBm at 10.4 kbps | -123 dBm at 10.4 kbps | -123 dBm at 10.4 kbps |
| Standby Current | 1.4 uA with RTC | 1.4 uA with RTC | 1.4 uA with RTC | 1.4 uA with RTC |
| Supply Voltage Range | 1.8V to 3.6V | 1.8V to 3.6V | 1.8V to 3.6V | 1.8V to 3.6V |
Key Differentiators
- Integrated LoRa transceiver (vs STM32WLE5J8)
- Higher flash memory (vs STM32WLE5J8)
- Same package and pinout as lower-memory variants (vs STM32WLE5JCI6)
Design Notes
For optimal RF performance, place the antenna matching network as close to the RF pin as possible. Use a 50-ohm impedance-controlled trace from the RF pin to the antenna connector. The STM32WLE5JC requires a 32 MHz crystal for the radio and a 32.768 kHz crystal for the RTC. Ensure the crystal load capacitors are matched to the crystal's specified load capacitance. According to ST application notes, a clean ground plane under the RF section is essential to minimize parasitic inductance and improve sensitivity.
The STM32WLE5JC has an integrated SMPS that can be configured to improve efficiency. When using the SMPS, place the inductor close to the SMPS pin and ensure it has a low DC resistance. Decouple all supply pins with 100 nF ceramic capacitors, and use a 4.7 uF capacitor on the main VDD rail. According to the ST datasheet, the SMPS can reduce current consumption by up to 20% in active mode. Ensure the input voltage is within the specified range to avoid damaging the device.
The STM32WLE5JC is available in a 48-pin UFQFPN package with an exposed pad. Solder the exposed pad to the PCB ground plane for thermal management and mechanical stability. Use a thermal via array under the pad to improve heat dissipation. According to ST application notes, the exposed pad should be connected to VSS. Ensure the PCB layout follows the recommended footprint in the datasheet to avoid solder bridging.
Compliance Information
RoHS compliant per ST product page. Not AEC-Q100 qualified. Lead-free per ST datasheet.
