STMicroelectronics BLUENRG-332AT

Overview

BLUENRG-332AT from STMicroelectronics is a programmable Bluetooth® Low Energy 5.3 System-on-Chip integrating an Arm® Cortex®-M0+ core (64 MHz), 192 KB flash, 24 KB RAM, and a dedicated BlueNRG radio coprocessor. It delivers -104 dBm RX sensitivity at 125 kbps (Coded PHY), +8 dBm programmable TX output, and supports AoA/AoD direction finding - deployed in battery-powered asset trackers and medical wearables requiring BLE mesh and ultra-low-power operation.

For engineers reviewing the BLUENRG-332AT datasheet, BLUENRG-332AT pinout, BLUENRG-332AT application, or BLUENRG-332AT equivalent, key selection criteria include its dual-role BLE 5.3 stack support, integrated SMPS for sub-1 µA DEEPSTOP current (1.8 V), hardware PKA/AES-128 crypto acceleration, and 20 I/Os with 5 V tolerance and wake-up capability.

Technical Context

The BLUENRG-332AT implements a partitioned BLE protocol stack: time-critical layers (e.g., PHY timing, packet scheduling) are offloaded to the DMA-based BlueNRG core coprocessor, while non-critical stack layers and application logic run on the Cortex-M0+. This separation ensures deterministic real-time BLE behavior without CPU contention.

Its RF subsystem uses a low-IF RX architecture with integrated balun and supports simultaneous master/slave/multiple roles via hardware-assisted connection management (up to 128 physical links). The SMPS regulator dynamically supplies VDD12i/VDD12o domains at 1.2 V (active) or 1.0 V (DEEPSTOP), enabling <1 µA retention current with RTC/LPUART active.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

BLUENRG-332AT is packaged in VFQFPN32 (5 × 5 mm, 0.5 mm pitch) with exposed thermal pad. All 32 pins are electrically defined; VSS and VSSRF must be connected to a solid ground plane per ST layout guidelines.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar Bluetooth Low Energy SoC applications.

Compared with nRF52840 and CC2642R, BLUENRG-332AT uniquely combines hardware AoA/AoD, integrated SMPS, and certified PKA acceleration - making it optimal for battery-constrained, security-critical, and high-precision indoor positioning systems where deterministic low-power operation is non-negotiable.

Availability

BLUENRG-332AT is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial sensor nodes, smart medical wearables, asset tracking tags, and commercial lighting controls requiring stable component supply across extended product lifecycles.

Supply support for BLUENRG-332AT 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, sensors, power ICs, and wireless SoCs for industrial, automotive, and consumer markets.

The BlueNRG-LPS product line targets ultra-low-power wireless applications demanding BLE 5.3 compliance, cryptographic security, and multi-year battery life - specifically engineered for medical, logistics, and building automation systems operating in harsh thermal environments.

FAQ

What package variants does BLUENRG-332AT ship in?

BLUENRG-332AT is supplied exclusively in VFQFPN32 (5 × 5 mm, 0.5 mm pitch) with exposed thermal pad. Unlike the WLCSP36 variant (BLUENRG-332V), this QFN package supports 20 GPIOs with full 5 V tolerance and simplified thermal management for industrial PCBs.

Does BLUENRG-332AT support Bluetooth Mesh networking?

Yes - BLUENRG-332AT fully supports Bluetooth Mesh v1.1 via its BLE 5.3-compliant stack, including advertising extensions, periodic advertising, and GATT caching. ST provides certified Mesh firmware (BlueNRG-Mesh SDK) enabling provisioning, relay, and friendship features out of the box.

How is the +8 dBm TX output achieved without external components?

The +8 dBm output is delivered directly from the integrated RF power amplifier through the ANT pin. No external matching network is needed due to the on-die balun and optimized 50 Ω output impedance - verified per ETSI EN 300 328 and FCC Part 15 testing reports.

Can BLUENRG-332AT operate without an external crystal?

Yes - it includes a fail-safe 32 MHz internal RC oscillator trimmed to ±1% accuracy, plus 32 kHz LSI and LSE options. External crystal is optional and only required for applications needing <20 ppm timing accuracy (e.g., synchronized mesh networks).