STMicroelectronics BALFHB-WL-04D3
- Part No.:
- BALFHB-WL-04D3
- Manufacturer:
- STMicroelectronics
- Category:
- Balun
- Package:
- 8-WFBGA, CSPBGA
- Datasheet:
-
BALFHB-WL-04D3.pdf
- Description:
- INTEGRATED FILTER MATCHED BALUN
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:1,736
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Product details
Overview
BALFHB-WL-04D3 from STMicroelectronics is an ultra-miniature integrated balun, matching network, and Tx harmonic filter optimized for BGA-packaged STM32WL sub-GHz wireless microcontrollers. It provides 50 Ω nominal input impedance conjugately matched to the STM32WL RFO_LP and RFI_x_out pins, delivers ≤1.5 dB Rx insertion loss and ≤1.0 dB Tx insertion loss at 868 MHz, and achieves ≥31 dB harmonic attenuation at 2fo within the 862–928 MHz band.
For engineers reviewing the BALFHB-WL-04D3 datasheet, BALFHB-WL-04D3 pinout, BALFHB-WL-04D3 application, or BALFHB-WL-04D3 equivalent, this component enables LPWAN radio solutions supporting LoRa®, (G)FSK, (G)MSK, and BPSK modulations on 4-layer PCBs with strict RF layout constraints and low-power operation requirements.
Technical Context
This device implements ST's IPD (Integrated Passive Device) technology on a nonconductive glass substrate to deliver high RF performance in a CSPG 8-bump flip-chip package. It integrates three functional blocks: a differential Rx balun (ZRX matched to STM32WL), a single-ended Tx filter (ZTX matched to STM32WL), and a deep-rejection harmonic filter targeting 2fo–10fo.
The balun supports differential Rx signal conversion with ≤1.0 dB amplitude imbalance and ≤1.8° phase imbalance across 862–928 MHz, while the Tx filter maintains ≥14 dB return loss on antenna and ≥31 dB attenuation at second harmonic - critical for ETSI/FCC-compliant sub-GHz transceivers operating in LPWAN infrastructure.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| Frequency range | 862–928 MHz - Covers EU 868 MHz and US 915 MHz ISM bands for global LPWAN deployment. |
| Rx insertion loss (ILRX) | 1.30–1.50 dB typ. at 868 MHz - Minimizes receiver sensitivity degradation in battery-powered nodes. |
| Tx insertion loss (ILTX) | 0.75–1.00 dB typ. at 868 MHz - Preserves output power efficiency for extended range without PA compensation. |
| Harmonic rejection (2fo) | 31–34 dB - Meets ETSI EN 300 220 spectral mask requirements for fundamental-to-harmonic suppression. |
| Amplitude imbalance | ±1.0 dB - Ensures <0.5 dB EVM impact on differential Rx path in LoRa®/BPSK demodulation. |
| Phase imbalance | ±1.8° - Maintains quadrature integrity for (G)FSK/(G)MSK symbol timing recovery. |
| Package height | ≤630 µm after reflow - Enables ultra-thin IoT sensor node designs with tight Z-axis clearance. |
Pinout & Package
CSPG (Chip Scale Package Glass) 8-bump flip-chip package with solder bumps on bottom side; dimensions: 2.15 mm × 1.85 mm × 0.63 mm (typ.), ECOPACK2 compliant.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| A1 | RFO_in | Tx filter input - connects directly to STM32WL RFO_LP pin in low-power transmit mode. |
| A2 | RFI_N_out | Differential-N Rx balun output - routes to STM32WL RFI_N pin with 64 Ω odd-mode impedance trace. |
| A3 | RFI_P_out | Differential-P Rx balun output - routes to STM32WL RFI_P pin; forms balanced 50 Ω differential pair with A2. |
| B1, B2, C2 | GND2, GND3, GND1 | Three dedicated ground terminals - ensure low-inductance RF return path and minimize common-mode noise coupling. |
| C1 | RFO_out | Tx filter output - connects to 50 Ω single-ended antenna feedline per ETSI/FCC antenna port definition. |
| C3 | RFI_in | Rx balun input - accepts single-ended RF signal from antenna; converted to differential by internal balun. |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Integrated Rx balun + Tx filter + harmonic rejection | Single-component replacement for discrete matching networks, reducing RF BOM count by ≥4 passive parts. |
| Conjugate impedance match to STM32WL BGA | Eliminates need for external tuning capacitors or inductors in reference design layouts. |
| Optimized for 4-layer PCB with defined stack-up | Validated land pattern and via density guidelines ensure repeatable RF performance across production batches. |
| ECOPACK2 compliance | Halogen-free, RoHS-compliant materials and assembly process aligned with industrial environmental mandates. |
Applications
| Smart Utility Metering | Asset Tracking Node |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Battery-powered gas/water meter transmitting hourly consumption data over 5–10 km rural LoRa® link. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: RF front-end balun/filter enabling STM32WL to meet ETSI Class 1 radiated emission limits without external filtering. Use Value: 34 dB 2fo attenuation prevents out-of-band interference with adjacent GSM/ LTE base stations, ensuring regulatory certification. | Use Scenario: GPS-enabled logistics tag reporting location every 6 hours using adaptive (G)FSK modulation in mixed indoor/outdoor environments. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Differential Rx balun providing ±1.0 dB amplitude balance to maintain <3% EVM under multipath fading conditions. Use Value: ≤1.5 dB ILRX preserves 102 dBm receiver sensitivity, extending operational range by ≥18% vs. discrete matching solutions. |
| Industrial Sensor Gateway | Smart Agriculture Node |
Use Scenario: Field gateway aggregating data from 50+ sub-GHz soil moisture sensors using BPSK synchronization bursts. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Tx harmonic filter suppressing 1.7–1.8 GHz emissions to avoid desensitization of co-located 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi/BLE radios. Use Value: ≥49 dB 3fo attenuation eliminates need for separate band-stop filter, saving 2.5 mm² PCB area per channel. | Use Scenario: Solar-powered weather station transmitting temperature/humidity/pressure via LoRa® to regional concentrator with 15-year battery life target. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Ultra-low-profile CSPG package enabling conformal coating over RF section without air gap or delamination risk. Use Value: 630 µm max height allows integration into IP67-rated enclosures with ≤1.2 mm PCB-to-housing clearance. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar RF front-end balun and harmonic filter applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| SKY66420-396LF | Discrete SAW-based Tx filter + external balun; 2.0× larger footprint; no integrated Rx balun. | Requires separate matching components and layout tuning; higher assembly cost. | Select when legacy 2-layer PCB design prohibits CSPG rework or when >100 MHz bandwidth beyond 928 MHz is required. |
| Qorvo QPF4551 | Front-end module with PA/LNA/Switch; 3.2 mm × 3.2 mm QFN; includes 50 Ω input/output but no differential Rx support. | Designed for active transceivers; lacks STM32WL-specific conjugate matching and LPWAN harmonic filtering. | Select when system requires integrated PA gain (>20 dB) and full-duplex operation, not ultra-low-power receive-only sensing. |
Compared with SKY66420-396LF and QPF4551, BALFHB-WL-04D3 uniquely combines STM32WL-specific conjugate matching, differential Rx conversion, and ETSI-compliant harmonic rejection in a 2.15 mm × 1.85 mm CSPG package - delivering lowest BOM count and smallest footprint for certified LPWAN node designs.
Availability
BALFHB-WL-04D3 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for smart utility metering, asset tracking, industrial sensor gateways, and smart agriculture nodes requiring stable component supply and guaranteed long-term availability for IoT deployments.
Supply support for BALFHB-WL-04D3 includes scheduled delivery planning, volume procurement assistance, BOM continuity management, traceable sourcing, and lifecycle availability coordination for OEM customers, industrial embedded developers, connected-device designers, and electronics production programs.
Manufacturer
STMicroelectronics is a global semiconductor leader headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland, designing and manufacturing microcontrollers, analog ICs, MEMS, and power devices for automotive, industrial, and consumer markets.
BALFHB-WL-04D3 belongs to ST's IPD RF front-end portfolio, engineered specifically to simplify and miniaturize sub-GHz wireless connectivity for STM32WL-based LPWAN endpoints with zero-compromise RF performance.
FAQ
What is the recommended PCB stack-up for optimal BALFHB-WL-04D3 RF performance?
The validated 4-layer stack-up specifies 80–140 µm dielectric thickness between layer 1 (signal) and layer 2 (solid ground plane), with controlled-impedance traces: 50 Ω for RFO_out and RFI_in antenna lines, 53 Ω for RFO_LP, and 64 Ω odd-mode for RFI_P/N differential pair. Deviations beyond ±30% require impedance recalibration.
Can BALFHB-WL-04D3 be used with non-BGA STM32WL variants?
No - its conjugate matching network is calibrated exclusively for the BGA-4L package's parasitic capacitance and pin capacitance. Using it with QFN-packaged STM32WL would cause ≥3 dB mismatch loss and violate harmonic rejection specs due to unmodeled package resonance.
What is the maximum RF input power the device can handle during continuous Tx operation?
The absolute maximum rated input power is +27 dBm (500 mW) at 25 °C ambient. For sustained operation above +20 dBm, thermal derating is required: maximum power drops to +24 dBm at 85 °C case temperature per Figure 16 in DS14100 Rev 3.
Does BALFHB-WL-04D3 require external DC blocking capacitors?
No - the internal IPD structure is fully AC-coupled; all ports (RFO_in, RFO_out, RFI_in, RFI_P_out, RFI_N_out) are DC-isolated. External DC blocks are unnecessary and would degrade insertion loss and return loss performance.
BALFHB-WL-04D3 Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- STMicroelectronics
- Series:
- -
- Package/Case:
- 8-WFBGA, CSPBGA
- Packaging:
- Tape & Reel (TR)
- Product Status:
- Active
- Frequency Range:
- 862MHz ~ 928MHz
- Impedance - Unbalanced/Balanced:
- -
- Phase Difference:
- 0°
- Insertion Loss (Max):
- 1.5dB
- Return Loss (Min):
- 15dB
- Mounting Type:
- Surface Mount
BALFHB-WL-04D3 FAQ
1.How can I place an order for BALFHB-WL-04D3 through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for BALFHB-WL-04D3 on Aetrix. Our sales agent will provide a competitive quotation and guide you through the order confirmation once you accept the terms.
2.Are the price and stock information for BALFHB-WL-04D3 reliable?
The price and inventory of BALFHB-WL-04D3 are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for BALFHB-WL-04D3 is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for BALFHB-WL-04D3?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for BALFHB-WL-04D3 transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for BALFHB-WL-04D3?
BALFHB-WL-04D3 orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your BALFHB-WL-04D3 order is processed, you will receive an email with the shipment details and tracking number.
Note: Tracking information may take up to 24 hours to appear. Express delivery typically takes 3–5 business days.
5.How can I obtain technical support or documentation for BALFHB-WL-04D3?
For technical support, including BALFHB-WL-04D3 datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your BALFHB-WL-04D3 requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that BALFHB-WL-04D3 is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All BALFHB-WL-04D3 products on Aetrix are procured from qualified distributors and authorized channels. Our dedicated quality assurance team conducts strict verification, including traceability checks and, if necessary, third-party testing. This ensures that BALFHB-WL-04D3 meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of BALFHB-WL-04D3?
All BALFHB-WL-04D3 units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with BALFHB-WL-04D3, returns or replacements are accepted under the following conditions:
1.Quantity discrepancies, incorrect items, or visible external defects (such as breakage or corrosion), acknowledged by Aetrix.
2.The issue is reported within 90 days of delivery.
3.The BALFHB-WL-04D3 part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for BALFHB-WL-04D3:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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