Swiss firm ST Microelectronics has completed certification of its ST87M01 NB-IoT modules in North America and Brazil.

This means IoT projects in both regions can leverage the modules’ 5G-ready connectivity, optional extra features and supply-chain advantages.

The approved modules for the USA and Canada markets, FCC, PTCRB and ISED certified, include NB-IoT Release 15 cellular connectivity and additional options of GNSS and wifi positioning for outdoor and indoor localisation and asset tracking.

STM is working with IoT network operator Onomondo to bring these certified modules to market with a ready-to-use connectivity layer, giving users an accelerated and fully managed path to deployment across North America.

“With FCC, PTCRB and ISED certification now in place, the ST87M01 is fully ready to power IoT deployments across the USA and Canada,” said Domenico Arrigo, general manager at ST Microelectronics. “Our collaboration with Onomondo adds a further dimension to this, giving customers a proven global connectivity platform to deploy, manage and scale their applications across North America with speed and confidence.

Wanig Le Pennec, director of global partnerships at Onomondo (onomondo.com), added: “Our work with STM brings energy-efficient, compact modules and global connectivity into one certified solution, giving teams across North America a faster route into these markets, with full visibility into every device and the control to optimise performance and manage costs as their fleet grows.”

The module platform has also achieved Anatel certification in Brazil, further expanding its global footprint. With NB-IoT connectivity and optional GNSS and wifi positioning, the ST87M01 unlocks the potential of Brazil’s fastest-growing IoT verticals of smart metering, smart street lighting, monitoring livestock and agriculture sensors, and asset tracking. Users can now bring to market compact, energy-efficient and scalable products that are aligned with the demands of Brazil’s evolving connected infrastructure.

“Brazil represents one of the most dynamic and fast-growing IoT markets in Latin America, driven by strong government initiatives and a thriving enterprise ecosystem,” said Arrigo. “With Anatel certification now secured, the ST87M01 brings its geolocation capabilities, outstanding energy efficiency and large-scale deployment simplicity to customers who are ready to realise those opportunities.”

The ST87M01 modules are already widely deployed in utility metering, smart city and industrial IoT applications including smart meters, asset trackers, remote monitoring, smart buildings and smart factories throughout Europe, Middle East and Africa. They comply with the European Radio Equipment Directive, including Section 3.3 cyber-security requirements. They are also certified by the GCF, including multiple GSM bands and 3GPP test specifications for NB-IoT, RSP, UICC and Etsi USIM.

Building IoT devices using the modules lets developers access STM’s ecosystem that includes development tools, hardware kits, reference designs, software libraries, application examples and antenna-design assistance. The resources available for developers include ST87M01 firmware, STM’s Easy Connect software library, and a Windows-PC graphical tool for configuring module settings and downloading firmware images.

The tools provide a console to send commands, as well as panels for monitoring network and radio connections, managing positioning services, and debugging. Developers can leverage these tools to integrate the ST87M01 with their host-system microcontroller or embed firmware directly in the ST87M01 for simple applications and use-cases. Dedicated evaluation kits are available for the region-specific modules.

Drawing less than 0.5µA in standby, and less than 1.2µA while operating in power-saving mode, the modules meet typical market demands for low power consumption and extended battery life in the field. They are in production now in a 10.6 by 12.8mm package, 2.4mm high.

Visit www.st.com/st87m01 for more information.