STMicroelectronics BLUENRG-355VC

Overview

BLUENRG-355VC 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 up to 128 simultaneous BLE connections. Used in battery-powered medical sensors and industrial edge nodes requiring long-range, low-latency wireless telemetry.

For engineers reviewing the BLUENRG-355VC datasheet, BLUENRG-355VC pinout, BLUENRG-355VC application, or BLUENRG-355VC equivalent, key selection criteria include its dual-role BLE 5.2 stack support (peripheral/central/mesh node), integrated SMPS for sub-1 µA DEEPSTOP current (1.8 V), hardware AES-128/PKA security accelerators, and WLCSP49 package with 30 I/Os (28 wake-capable, 31 5 V-tolerant).

Technical Context

The BLUENRG-355VC implements a partitioned BLE protocol stack: time-critical RF timing operations (advertising, connection event scheduling, packet handling) are offloaded to the DMA-based BlueNRG core coprocessor, while non-real-time stack layers (GATT, L2CAP, ATT) execute on the Cortex-M0+. This separation ensures deterministic latency under concurrent multi-connection loads.

Its RF subsystem uses a direct-modulation TX path and low-IF RX architecture with integrated balun, supporting Coded PHY (S=2/S=8), LE Power Control, and Periodic Advertising Sync Transfer. The 2.4 GHz transceiver complies with ETSI EN 300 328, FCC Part 15, and ARIB STD-T66 without external filtering when paired with the MLPF-NRG-01D3 IPD.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

BLUENRG-355VC is housed in a WLCSP49 (3.140 × 3.140 mm) package with 0.4 mm pitch, optimized for space-constrained wearables and implantables. The die includes integrated ESD protection (±2 kV HBM) and requires no external crystal load capacitors due to embedded trimming.

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-355VC offers superior RF sensitivity (-104 dBm), lower DEEPSTOP current (0.6 µA), and certified hardware security accelerators-making it optimal for long-life, regulated medical and industrial edge nodes where RF link budget and security compliance are non-negotiable.

Availability

BLUENRG-355VC is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for wireless medical sensors, industrial gateways, fitness wearables, and secure access badges requiring stable component supply across extended product lifecycles.

Supply support for BLUENRG-355VC 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, MEMS, and wireless SoCs for industrial, automotive, and consumer markets.

The BlueNRG-LP product line targets ultra-low-power Bluetooth 5.2 applications in medical, industrial, and smart home devices-emphasizing certified security, long-range RF performance, and 10+ year battery operation from coin cells.

FAQ

What is the maximum number of simultaneous BLE connections supported by BLUENRG-355VC?

BLUENRG-355VC supports up to 128 simultaneous physical connections in master/slave configurations. This is enabled by hardware-accelerated link layer scheduling in the BlueNRG coprocessor and 64 KB of configurable SRAM for connection context storage-allowing dense sensor networks without external memory expansion.

Does BLUENRG-355VC require external passive components for RF matching?

No-BLUENRG-355VC integrates a balun and supports direct connection to a 50 Ω antenna trace. However, ST recommends pairing it with the MLPF-NRG-01D3 integrated passive device (IPD) for harmonic filtering and ETSI/FCC compliance in production designs; the IPD replaces 12 discrete components including matching inductors and ESD protection diodes.

How does the SMPS regulator improve power efficiency compared to LDO-only operation?

The embedded SMPS reduces active-mode current consumption by 35% at 3.3 V input versus LDO operation, achieving 18 µA/MHz CPU efficiency. Its intelligent bypass mode automatically switches to LDO regulation below 2.1 V input, maintaining regulation stability across the full 1.7–3.6 V operating range without external control logic.

Can BLUENRG-355VC operate as both BLE central and peripheral simultaneously?

Yes-BLUENRG-355VC supports concurrent central and peripheral roles using separate connection instances managed by the BlueNRG coprocessor. This enables use cases like a smart lock that acts as peripheral for smartphone provisioning while scanning as central for nearby beacons, all within a single SoC without external host MCU coordination.