The ST87M01 series are LTE Cat NB2 modules which draw less than 1.2µA in power-saving states. Both power-saving modes and extended discontinuous reception reduce network-related activity, allowing devices to remain dormant for long intervals while retaining connectivity.
With the addition of positioning capability, these modules can form the basis of asset-tracking tags and sensor nodes which operate for more than 15 years on a small primary battery.
Positioning support varies across the ST87M01 family. The ST87M01-1001 provides NB-IoT connectivity with network-based positioning, while the ST87M01-1301 adds integrated GNSS and Wi-Fi® network-based positioning for applications that require absolute location information in indoor and outdoor environments.
Both variants include a +23 dBm transmitter, embedded protocol stacks, and multiple interfaces for integration into industrial sensors or trackers.
The modules include a wake-up interface for interrupt-driven operation, enabling duty-cycled designs which minimize average energy consumption. The mechanical format and industrial temperature range support deployment in compact tracking tags, environmental sensors, and distributed industrial equipment.
The ST87M01 modules integrate advanced security features and are certified according to GCF and RED, including the RED Delegated Act for network-connected equipment. This supports compliance with emerging European cybersecurity requirements for connected asset-tracking devices.
The modules are housed in a 51-pin 10.6mm x 12.8mm LGA package.
Part Number: EVKITST87M01-2
The EVKITST87M01-2 evaluation kit from STMicroelectronics provides a hardware platform for assessing the behavior of the ST87M01-1001 and ST87M01-1301 NB-IoT modules in low-power asset-tracking and remote-sensing applications. The board exposes the module’s digital, analogue, and RF interfaces, allowing developers to characterize power consumption, network attach behavior, and positioning performance under controlled conditions.
The kit includes access points for monitoring power states such as PSM, eDRX, and wake-up events, supporting evaluation of battery-operated designs with long standby intervals. Standard Arduino Uno R3 headers allow connection to a wide range of microcontroller development boards, simplifying host-processor integration for early prototyping.
A companion software package enables network configuration, messaging tests, and logging of communication parameters. The board is suitable for early architectural decisions on asset-tracking tags, environmental nodes, and industrial sensing devices that require NB-IoT connectivity and long service life from compact enclosures.
Sign up for access to exclusive development boards, an essential tool for many innovative design projects.
*Available to pre-qualified EMEA customers only.
