Issue link: https://resources.mouser.com/i/1520713
S2-LP Ultra-Low Power, Sub-1GHz Transceivers Learn More STMicroelectronics 2024 21 modes at known, specific time intervals, thus minimizing power consumption from a battery-operated system. Additionally, they establish a mechanism by which layer 2 messaging may be facilitated between hubs and nodes. This allows for broadcast and control messages that enable hubs to facilitate initial discovery and connection with the nodes. Layer 2 messaging also enables the hubs to adjust modulation schemes and node transmit power based on signal quality indicators as reported by the nodes, thereby optimizing throughput versus power as appropriate for a given RF environment. This power and modulation scheme control allows the network architecture to maintain low-power operation while still facilitating higher bandwidth than what LoRaWAN can provide. The higher bandwidth is delivered through a larger payload capacity as well as through control of the modulation schemes and the ability of the hub to direct the node to transmit at higher power levels as necessary. The typical baud rate for a node can range from 25kbps to 250kbps per time slot connection, depending upon the channel characteristics. Clearly, it is not meant to do what cellular communications can do with gigabit speeds; but the faster throughput, as well as two-way communications, expands the STM32WL's addressable applications and can be used to complement standard LoRaWAN network implementations. Dedicated, faster monitoring methods are easily integrated into an existing LoRa network as an option for long range backhaul. While generally applicable for ultra-low-power, long-range wireless applications, the STM32WL has the elements " While generally applicable for ultra- low-power, long-range wireless applications, the STM32WL has the elements needed to be modified for more. needed to be modified for more. The project in this article is just one example of how the STM32WL's inherent capabilities, along with its customizability, can be leveraged to deliver a solution that expands the applicability of the already capable SoC. While an extremely experienced principal engineer customized the STM32WL to deliver the expanded network architecture for the project in this article, the robust development ecosystem supporting the SoC—from the preconfigured software stacks and embedded software resources to development tools and the highly engaged developer community—enables engineers of various levels to try creating their own transformative solutions.