STMicroelectronics STEVAL-IKR002V3D

Overview

STEVAL-IKR002V3D from STMicroelectronics is an SPIRIT1-based 433 MHz low-data-rate RF transceiver daughterboard supporting 2-FSK/GFSK/MSK/GMSK/OOK/ASK modulation, programmable air data rate (1–500 kbps), −120 dBm receiver sensitivity, and AES-128 encryption - designed for wireless M-Bus metering endpoints.

For engineers reviewing the STEVAL-IKR002V3D datasheet, STEVAL-IKR002V3D pinout, STEVAL-IKR002V3D application, or STEVAL-IKR002V3D equivalent, key selection factors include sub-GHz 433 MHz band tuning, SPI interface compatibility with host MCUs, low-duty-cycle RX/TX operation, integrated protocol engine for ACK/retransmission, and RoHS-compliant board-level integration.

Technical Context

The board implements the SPIRIT1 transceiver IC (ST's highly integrated sub-GHz RF SoC) in a fixed 433 MHz configuration using matched RF front-end components including balun, matching network, and crystal oscillator (NX3225GA series). It operates from a single 3.3 V supply and supports direct SPI control of all RF parameters including frequency deviation, filtering, and packet handling.

Its embedded protocol engine handles automatic acknowledgment, retransmission, and timeout without MCU intervention, while the AES-128 co-processor enables secure over-the-air payload encryption - critical for utility metering compliance with EN 13757-4 and Wireless M-Bus Mode N/T.

Key Specifications

Availability

STEVAL-IKR002V3D is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for wireless M-Bus metering, smart utility endpoint development, and sub-GHz IoT sensor node prototyping requiring stable component supply and regulatory-ready RF design.

Supply support for STEVAL-IKR002V3D 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, delivering microcontrollers, analog ICs, power devices, and sensors for industrial, automotive, and consumer applications.

This evaluation board belongs to ST's STEVAL (ST Evaluation) product line - purpose-built to accelerate RF system validation, Wireless M-Bus certification, and rapid integration of SPIRIT1 transceivers into battery-operated utility infrastructure.

FAQ

What is the primary RF band supported by the STEVAL-IKR002V3D?

The board is factory-tuned exclusively for the 433 MHz ISM band using a matched 433 MHz crystal (NX3225GA-433.000MHz) and optimized RF front-end components. It does not support multi-band switching or user-reconfiguration to 315/868/915 MHz bands - those require separate daughterboards (e.g., STEVAL-IKR002V3B/C).

Does the STEVAL-IKR002V3D include a microcontroller or require external host control?

No internal MCU is included. The board functions as a SPI-controlled RF peripheral and requires connection to an external host microcontroller via its 4-wire SPI interface (CSn, SCLK, SDI, SDO) and GPIO lines (GPIO0–GPIO3). All packet handling, encryption key management, and protocol timing are managed by the host.

Can the STEVAL-IKR002V3D be used for Wireless M-Bus Mode N and Mode T compliance testing?

Yes - it supports both modes via software-configurable air data rates (2.4 kbps for Mode N, up to 100 kbps for Mode T), modulation schemes (2-FSK/GFSK), and packet structure per EN 13757-4. Its −120 dBm sensitivity and +11 dBm TX output meet field-deployment requirements for certified M-Bus endpoints.

Is the AES-128 encryption engine accessible directly through SPI registers?

Yes - the SPIRIT1 IC exposes dedicated AES control registers (e.g., AES_KEYx, AES_CTRL, AES_STATUS) mapped into its 8-bit register space. Host firmware writes keys and plaintext to designated RAM locations, then triggers encryption via AES_CTRL register bit, with completion signaled by interrupt or status flag.