STMicroelectronics BLUENRGQTR

Overview

BLUENRGQTR from STMicroelectronics is a Bluetooth Low Energy v4.0-compliant single-mode network processor implementing the full BLE protocol stack (GAP, GATT, SM, L2CAP, LL, RF-PHY) on an ARM Cortex-M0 core. It operates from 2.0–3.6 V, delivers up to +8 dBm output power at the antenna connector, achieves 96 dB RF link budget, and consumes only 1.7 μA in active BLE stack sleep mode. It targets coin-cell-powered wearable and sensor applications requiring field-upgradable firmware via SPI.

For engineers reviewing the BLUENRGQTR datasheet, BLUENRGQTR pinout, BLUENRGQTR application, or BLUENRGQTR equivalent, key selection criteria include its SPI-based Application Controller Interface (ACI), dual-oscillator clock architecture (16/32 MHz crystal + 32 kHz crystal), integrated DC-DC converter enabling <15 mA peak current at +8 dBm, and Flash-resident upgradable BLE stack supporting peripheral/broadcaster roles.

Technical Context

The BLUENRGQTR implements a complete BLE slave network processor with hardware-accelerated AES-128 encryption, a dedicated RF transceiver compliant with ETSI EN 300 328, FCC Part 15, and ARIB STD-T66, and dual power management paths-integrated linear regulator or external DC-DC step-down converter. Its 64 KB Flash stores the production BLE stack and supports over-the-air upgrades.

It uses a 32-bit ARM Cortex-M0 core running the BLE stack natively, with two independent oscillator domains: high-speed (16/32 MHz crystal + 12 MHz ring oscillator for fast startup) and low-speed (32 kHz crystal or ring oscillator). The SPI-based ACI interface defines five mandatory signals (CS, CLK, MOSI, MISO, IRQ) and enables deterministic host communication with minimal latency.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

BLUENRGQTR is packaged in a 32-pin QFN (5 × 5 mm, 0.5 mm pitch) with exposed thermal pad. Pin functions are validated per ST's DocID025108 Rev 10, Figure 2 and Table 2.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar BLE network processor applications.

Compared with nRF52832-QFAA and CC2640R2F, BLUENRGQTR offers lower active-stack sleep current (1.7 μA vs. ≥2.5 μA), integrated DC-DC support for coin-cell optimization, and factory-certified BLE stack-making it optimal for ultra-low-power, cost-sensitive, time-to-market-critical BLE peripherals.

Availability

BLUENRGQTR is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for wearable fitness trackers, smart home sensor nodes, medical patch monitors, and industrial proximity tags requiring stable component supply and long-term lifecycle support.

Supply support for BLUENRGQTR 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 industrial, automotive, and consumer markets.

BLUENRGQTR belongs to ST's BlueNRG family of ultra-low-power BLE network processors, engineered specifically for battery-operated IoT edge nodes where multi-year operation, regulatory certification, and field-upgradable firmware are mandatory.

FAQ

Is BLUENRGQTR compatible with Bluetooth 5.0 features like LE Long Range or LE 2M PHY?

No. BLUENRGQTR implements Bluetooth specification v4.0 only and does not support Bluetooth 5.0 extensions. Its RF transceiver and protocol stack are fixed to v4.0 functionality-including GAP peripheral/broadcaster roles, GATT client/server, and SM security-but lack LE Coded PHY or 2M symbol rate modulation. For Bluetooth 5.0, ST recommends the BlueNRG-2 or BlueNRG-3 series.

Does BLUENRGQTR require external flash memory for BLE stack storage?

No. The BLE stack is pre-programmed into the device's 64 KB on-chip Flash memory and can be upgraded in-field via the SPI-based Application Controller Interface. No external memory is needed for stack operation or updates-only the host MCU requires sufficient RAM to buffer ACI packets during communication.

Can BLUENRGQTR operate without an external 32 kHz crystal?

Yes. BLUENRGQTR supports both 32 kHz crystal and internal 32 kHz ring oscillator modes. Using the ring oscillator eliminates external components but increases timing error to ±500 ppm, which may affect connection interval accuracy in long-duration connections. The crystal option is required for applications needing ±50 ppm precision, such as medical or industrial timing-critical use cases.

What is the function of the NO_SMPS pin on BLUENRGQTR?

NO_SMPS is a configuration pin that selects the internal power management path: logic-high disables the integrated DC-DC converter, forcing use of the internal LDO; logic-low enables the DC-DC converter. It must be tied to VDD or GND during power-up and cannot be changed dynamically. This pin determines whether external inductor/capacitor components are required in the design.