Overview
The BlueNRG-MS, specifically the BLUENRG-MSCSP model from STMicroelectronics, is a very low power Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) single-mode network processor. It is compliant with the Bluetooth specification v4.2 and supports multiple roles simultaneously, acting as both a Bluetooth smart sensor and a hub device. The device integrates a 2.4 GHz RF transceiver and a powerful ARM Cortex-M0 microcontroller, on which a complete power-optimized stack for Bluetooth single-mode protocol runs. The Bluetooth Low Energy stack is stored on the on-chip non-volatile Flash memory and can be easily upgraded via SPI. This allows for flexible and up-to-date functionality without the need for hardware changes.
Key Specifications
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Bluetooth Specification | v4.2 |
| Operating Supply Voltage | 1.7 to 3.6 V |
| Maximum TX Current | 8.2 mA (@0 dBm, 3.0 V) |
| Current Consumption | Down to 1.7 μA with active BLE stack |
| Output Power | Up to +8 dBm |
| RF Link Budget | Up to 96 dB |
| Package Options | QFN32 (5x5 mm) and WLCSP34 (2.66x2.56 mm) |
| Operating Temperature Range | -40 °C to 85 °C |
| Crystal Oscillators | 16 or 32 MHz, 12 MHz ring oscillator, 32 kHz crystal oscillator, 32 kHz ring oscillator |
| Battery Voltage Monitor | Yes |
| Compliance | ETSI EN 300 328, EN 300 440, FCC CFR47 Part 15, ARIB STD-T66 |
Key Features
- Bluetooth specification v4.2 compliant master and slave single-mode Bluetooth Low Energy network processor
- Embedded Bluetooth Low Energy protocol stack: GAP, GATT, SM, L2CAP, LL, RF-PHY
- Bluetooth Low Energy profiles provided separately
- Integrated linear regulator and DC-DC step-down converter
- Accurate RSSI to allow power control
- Proprietary application controller interface (ACI), SPI based, allows interfacing with an external host application microcontroller
- Full link controller and host security
- High performance, ultra-low power Cortex-M0 32-bit based architecture core
- Upgradable BLE stack (stored in embedded Flash memory, via SPI)
- AES security co-processor
- Low power modes
- Battery voltage monitor
Applications
- Watches
- Fitness, wellness, and sports
- Consumer medical devices
- Security/proximity applications
- Remote control devices
- Home and industrial automation
- Assisted living devices
- Mobile phone peripherals
- PC peripherals
Q & A
- What is the Bluetooth specification version supported by the BlueNRG-MS?
The BlueNRG-MS is compliant with Bluetooth specification v4.2.
- What are the operating supply voltage ranges for the BlueNRG-MS?
The operating supply voltage ranges from 1.7 to 3.6 V.
- What is the maximum TX current of the BlueNRG-MS?
The maximum TX current is 8.2 mA at 0 dBm output power and 3.0 V supply voltage.
- How low can the current consumption of the BlueNRG-MS go?
The current consumption can go down to 1.7 μA with the active BLE stack.
- What is the maximum output power of the BlueNRG-MS?
The maximum output power is up to +8 dBm.
- What is the RF link budget of the BlueNRG-MS?
The RF link budget is up to 96 dB.
- In what packages is the BlueNRG-MS available?
The BlueNRG-MS is available in QFN32 (5x5 mm) and WLCSP34 (2.66x2.56 mm) packages.
- What is the operating temperature range of the BlueNRG-MS?
The operating temperature range is from -40 °C to 85 °C.
- Can the Bluetooth Low Energy stack of the BlueNRG-MS be upgraded?
Yes, the BLE stack can be upgraded via SPI and is stored in the on-chip non-volatile Flash memory.
- How does the BlueNRG-MS interface with external microcontrollers?
The BlueNRG-MS interfaces with external microcontrollers via a proprietary application controller interface (ACI) based on a standard SPI interface.
