The kit, which includes a GSMA-certified embedded SIM (eSIM), is intended for embedded developers and IoT evangelists, and is affordable for both OEM and mass-market customers.
The kit features an ultra-small size 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. The eSIM is pre-programmed with a bootstrap connectivity profile from Truphone, an ST Authorized Partner.
The kit leverages out-of-the-box data connectivity and enables remote SIM provisioning and SIM Over-The-Air updates. The user 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 developing the application.
The B-L462E-CELL1 kit is designed to strongly resist cellular connectivity attacks thanks to the ST4SIM-200M eSIM solution based on the proven 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.
A set of on-board sensors simplifies development of motion- and environmental-monitoring solutions. They comprise 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 standardised 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 is easily imported and configured using the powerful, free STM32Cube software toolset.
With ST’s ultra-low-power technologies in the STM32L4, which draws about 2µA in STOP 2 mode, and a cellular chipset drawing less than 1.4µA in Power Saving Mode (PSM), the B-L462E-CELL1 Discovery kit provides a platform to develop equipment with battery life of up to 10-years for smart-city, smart-industry, smart-agriculture, smart-metering, and wearable applications.
The ST4SIM-200M is manufactured and personalised at ST’s GSMA-accredited sites and, with the programmed eSIM profile, eases connection to networks in more than 160 countries.
