Nov 18, 2025 Geneva, Switzerland
- STM32WL3R MCUs add flexible features to low-power radio for superior user experiences in consumer electronics and home automation
- Integrated in new RF remotes from building-automation leader Somfy
STMicroelectronics has introduced the STM32WL3R, a wireless microcontroller (MCU) optimized for remote control units in consumer products and home automation. Evolved from the proven STM32WL3 sub-GHz wireless MCU, the STM32WL3R contains a low-power RF transceiver, flexible power-saving states, and six individual wake-up pins that facilitate creating energy-efficient remotes.
ST co-developed the STM32WL3R with France-based building-automation innovator Somfy group, which produces smart systems including wirelessly controlled electric roller shutters, garage openers and connected solutions for home and commercial applications. Engineers at Somfy labs worked with ST to design the new MCU for their next-generation RF remotes and sensors, resulting in a compact and cost-efficient unit that offers flexibility and extended battery life for a great user experience. “This single-chip wireless MCU, optimized for use in remote-control units, lets us continue setting the pace in systems for smarter, more comfortable, and environmentally friendly buildings,” said Serge Robin, RF Development Manager at Somfy.
With its specially engineered RF transceiver, the STM32WL3R is the world’s first Cortex-M0+ multiband wireless MCU to operate in the 315MHz band allocated for remote controls in North America, while the support of the 850MHz and 950MHz ISM bands qualifies its use in products approved for sale worldwide.
“Leveraging our power-saving radio expertise that has made the STM32WL3 product line successful in applications such as metering and asset tracking, the emitter draws only 10mA at 10dBm output power. Its efficiency is unparalleled in the market today,” said Patrick Aidoune, Group Vice President and General Purpose and Automotive Microcontrollers Division General Manager, STMicroelectronics.
Specially adapted for the STM32WL3R, the MCU’s extra power-saving states give greater control to deactivate unused circuitry while also optimizing the system wake-up time. In these states, battery life is extended while RAM retention preserves the application context to ensure fast wake-up and thus provide the best possible user experience. Among the states available, ultra-deep stop draws just 450nA while retaining 16KB of RAM data and there is also an incredibly frugal 14nA shutdown mode with up to six wakeup pins.
By providing six wake-up pins, instead of one, the STM32WL3R allows richly featured remotes while simplifying circuit layout and facilitating reuse of the PCB design in multiple product variants.
The STM32WL3R is in production now, in a 5mm x 5mm QFN32 package, and available from the eSTore and distributors from $1.2654$ for orders of 10,000 pieces.
Please visit www.st.com/stm32wl3 for more information.
