STMicroelectronics STEVAL-IKR002V7D

Overview

STEVAL-IKR002V7D from STMicroelectronics is an SPIRIT1-based 169 MHz sub-GHz RF evaluation daughterboard with integrated Skyworks SKY66100-11 front-end, delivering +27 dBm output power and −123 dBm receiver sensitivity. It supports 2-FSK/GFSK/MSK/GMSK/OOK/ASK modulation, programmable data rates from 1–500 kbps, and AES-128 encryption - designed for wireless M-Bus metering endpoints.

For engineers reviewing the STEVAL-IKR002V7D datasheet, STEVAL-IKR002V7D pinout, STEVAL-IKR002V7D application, or STEVAL-IKR002V7D equivalent, key selection factors include its 169 MHz narrowband compliance, low-duty-cycle RX/TX operation mode, embedded protocol engine (ACK/retransmission/timeout), and SPI interface compatibility with host microcontrollers in utility infrastructure deployments.

Technical Context

The board implements a complete 169 MHz ISM-band transceiver system using the SPIRIT1 IC as baseband controller and RF front-end manager, paired with the SKY66100-11 high-efficiency power amplifier and LNA. Its architecture enables narrow-band spectral occupancy per EN 300 220 and supports mandatory wireless M-Bus mode T1/T2.

On-board protocol acceleration includes automatic packet acknowledgment, configurable retransmission attempts (up to 3), and timeout handling - all managed independently of the host MCU via dedicated SPI registers. The AES-128 co-processor operates in hardware with zero software overhead for encrypted payload processing.

Key Specifications

Availability

STEVAL-IKR002V7D is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for wireless M-Bus metering, smart utility infrastructure, and industrial telemetry applications requiring stable component supply and long-lifecycle design support.

Supply support for STEVAL-IKR002V7D 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, analog ICs, power devices, and sensors for industrial, automotive, and IoT markets.

This board belongs to ST's STEVAL evaluation platform family, engineered to accelerate development of certified sub-GHz wireless systems - specifically targeting EN 13757-4-compliant utility metering and smart grid edge nodes.

FAQ

What is the primary RF band and regulatory compliance scope of the STEVAL-IKR002V7D?

The board operates exclusively at 169 MHz and is designed to meet EN 300 220-1/2 for narrowband short-range devices and EN 13757-4 for wireless M-Bus in Europe. It supports mandatory T1/T2 physical layer modes and complies with spectral emission limits for utility metering deployments without additional filtering or calibration.

Does the STEVAL-IKR002V7D require an external host microcontroller to function?

Yes - it is a daughterboard intended for connection to a host MCU via SPI. The SPIRIT1 IC handles RF baseband and protocol functions, but all application-layer logic, network stack execution, and sensor data acquisition must be implemented externally. No standalone operation capability is provided.

Can the SKY66100-11 front-end module be bypassed or reconfigured for other frequencies?

No - the SKY66100-11 is fixed-tuned for 169 MHz and integrated into a matched RF path with discrete baluns and filters. Its matching network is not user-accessible, and the board lacks provisions for frequency re-tuning or front-end substitution without PCB redesign and RF validation.

Is AES-128 encryption applied to all packet types or only specific frames?

AES-128 encryption is selectively applied to payload data only - headers, synchronization words, and CRC remain unencrypted to preserve frame detection and integrity verification. The hardware engine encrypts/decrypts payloads on-the-fly during SPI write/read operations, supporting both ECB and CTR modes per configuration register settings.