STMicroelectronics BLUENRG-345VC

Overview

BLUENRG-345VC from STMicroelectronics is a programmable Bluetooth® Low Energy 5.2 System-on-Chip integrating an Arm® Cortex®-M0+ core (64 MHz), 256 KB flash, 64 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 128 concurrent BLE connections - deployed in ultra-low-power wearable medical sensors and industrial edge nodes.

For engineers reviewing the BLUENRG-345VC datasheet, BLUENRG-345VC pinout, BLUENRG-345VC application, or BLUENRG-345VC equivalent, key selection criteria include its WLCSP49 package footprint, DEEPSTOP mode current (0.9 µA with LSI), integrated SMPS regulator, and hardware-accelerated AES-128 + PKA for secure over-the-air firmware updates.

Technical Context

The BLUENRG-345VC implements a dual-core architecture: the Cortex-M0+ handles application logic and non-time-critical BLE stack layers, while the BlueNRG coprocessor (DMA-based) offloads timing-critical radio operations including packet scheduling, PHY layer processing, and advertising event management. This partitioning enables deterministic real-time response under 2 Mbps and Coded PHY long-range modes.

Its RF subsystem uses a low-IF receiver with AGC and direct-modulation transmitter with programmable LDO-controlled PA bias, achieving -97 dBm sensitivity at 1 Mbps and supporting ETSI EN 300 328/FCC Part 15 compliance without external matching components when paired with MLPF-NRG-01D3 IPD.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

BLUENRG-345VC is housed in a 3.140 × 3.140 mm WLCSP49 package with 0.4 mm pitch, optimized for space-constrained wearables and implantable-grade PCBs. The package includes dedicated VSSRF ground planes and supports 30 I/Os (28 with wake-up capability, 31 5 V tolerant).

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with nRF52840 DK and CC2642R1F, BLUENRG-345VC offers superior ultra-low-power operation (10 nA SHUTDOWN), tighter integration (SMPS + IPD-ready RF front-end), and dedicated security accelerators - making it optimal for certified, battery-limited, safety-critical edge nodes.

Availability

BLUENRG-345VC is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial wireless sensors, medical wearables, fitness trackers, and smart lighting nodes requiring stable component supply across extended product lifecycles.

Supply support for BLUENRG-345VC 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, designing and manufacturing microcontrollers, power management ICs, sensors, and wireless SoCs for industrial, automotive, and consumer markets.

The BlueNRG-LP product line targets ultra-low-power Bluetooth 5.2 applications where multi-year battery life, regulatory compliance, and hardware-enforced security are mandatory - especially in medical, industrial, and assisted-living devices.

FAQ

What is the maximum number of simultaneous BLE connections supported by BLUENRG-345VC?

The BLUENRG-345VC supports up to 128 physical BLE connections in concurrent master/slave roles. This is enabled by hardware-accelerated link layer scheduling in the BlueNRG coprocessor, allowing scalable mesh network formation without CPU intervention. Connection count is configurable via firmware stack parameters and depends on memory allocation for connection contexts.

Does BLUENRG-345VC require an external crystal for BLE operation?

Yes - a 32 MHz crystal oscillator is mandatory for BLE radio timing accuracy and certification compliance. The device integrates trimming capacitors, eliminating external load capacitors. A separate 32 kHz crystal is optional for RTC precision; the internal 32 kHz RO can be used for lower-accuracy wake-up timing in DEEPSTOP mode.

Can BLUENRG-345VC operate without the integrated SMPS regulator?

Yes - the SMPS can be disabled by wiring its output directly to VDDIO, enabling operation from 1.7–3.6 V using only the internal MLDO. This configuration is valid for low-voltage (e.g., 1.8 V) or low-power-sensitivity applications but increases active current by ~25% compared to SMPS-enabled operation at 3.3 V.

Is the WLCSP49 package of BLUENRG-345VC compatible with standard reflow profiles?

Yes - the WLCSP49 package is qualified for IPC/JEDEC J-STD-020D moisture sensitivity level 3 and supports standard lead-free reflow profiles (peak 260 °C, 20–40 sec above 217 °C). ST provides detailed PCB land pattern and stencil design guidelines in AN5217 to ensure solder joint reliability and avoid voiding in the exposed die pad.