How to Use NUCLEO-WL55JC1: Examples, Pinouts, and Specs

The NUCLEO-WL55JC1 is a development board manufactured by STMicroelectronics, featuring the STM32WL55JC microcontroller. This microcontroller integrates an Arm Cortex-M4 core with a sub-GHz radio transceiver, making it ideal for IoT applications. The board is designed to simplify prototyping and development, offering a wide range of connectivity options, peripherals, and compatibility with the Arduino ecosystem.

• IoT (Internet of Things): Smart sensors, connected devices, and remote monitoring.
• Low-Power Wireless Communication: LoRaWAN, Sigfox, and other sub-GHz protocols.
• Industrial Automation: Wireless control and data acquisition.
• Smart Agriculture: Environmental monitoring and precision farming.
• Prototyping and Development: Rapid development of wireless-enabled applications.

The NUCLEO-WL55JC1 features Arduino Uno V3-compatible headers and additional pins for extended functionality. Below is the pinout description:

1. Powering the Board:

   • Connect the board to your computer via the USB cable for power and programming.
   • Alternatively, use an external power supply (7-12 V) connected to the VIN pin.

2. Programming the Board:

   • Use the integrated ST-LINK/V2-1 debugger to program the STM32WL55JC microcontroller.
   • Compatible IDEs include STM32CubeIDE, Keil MDK, and IAR Embedded Workbench.

3. Connecting Peripherals:

   • Use the Arduino-compatible headers to connect sensors, actuators, or other modules.
   • For RF communication, connect an external antenna to the RF_IO pin.

4. Configuring the Sub-GHz Radio:

   • Use the STM32CubeWL software package to configure the LoRaWAN or Sigfox stack.
   • Ensure the correct frequency band is selected based on your region (e.g., 868 MHz for Europe, 915 MHz for the US).

• Antenna Selection: Use a high-quality antenna for optimal RF performance. Ensure the antenna matches the frequency band of your application.
• Power Supply: Avoid voltage fluctuations by using a stable power source. If using an external supply, ensure it is within the 7-12 V range.
• Firmware Updates: Regularly update the firmware using STM32CubeProgrammer to access the latest features and bug fixes.
• Debugging: Use the SWD interface for advanced debugging and troubleshooting.

The NUCLEO-WL55JC1 can be programmed using the Arduino IDE. Below is an example of toggling an LED connected to pin D13:

// Example: Blink an LED on pin D13
void setup() {
  pinMode(13, OUTPUT); // Set pin D13 as an output
}

void loop() {
  digitalWrite(13, HIGH); // Turn the LED on
  delay(1000);            // Wait for 1 second
  digitalWrite(13, LOW);  // Turn the LED off
  delay(1000);            // Wait for 1 second
}

1. The board is not detected by the computer:

   • Ensure the USB cable is properly connected and supports data transfer.
   • Check if the ST-LINK driver is installed on your computer.

2. RF communication is not working:

   • Verify that the correct frequency band is configured in the firmware.
   • Ensure the antenna is securely connected to the RF_IO pin.

3. The board does not power on:

   • Check the power source and ensure it meets the voltage requirements (7-12 V for VIN).
   • Verify that the USB cable or external power supply is functional.

4. Programming fails or the board is unresponsive:

   • Reset the board by pressing the reset button.
   • Check the BOOT0 pin configuration to ensure the correct boot mode is selected.

Q: Can I use the NUCLEO-WL55JC1 with LoRaWAN?
A: Yes, the STM32WL55JC microcontroller supports LoRaWAN. Use the STM32CubeWL software package to configure and implement LoRaWAN communication.

Q: Is the board compatible with Arduino shields?
A: Yes, the NUCLEO-WL55JC1 features Arduino Uno V3-compatible headers, allowing you to use most Arduino shields.

Q: How do I update the firmware on the board?
A: Use the STM32CubeProgrammer tool to update the firmware via the ST-LINK interface.

Q: What is the maximum range of the sub-GHz radio?
A: The range depends on factors such as antenna quality, transmission power, and environmental conditions. In ideal conditions, the range can exceed 10 km for LoRa communication.

Q: Can I use the board for Sigfox communication?
A: Yes, the STM32WL55JC microcontroller supports Sigfox. Configure the Sigfox stack using the STM32CubeWL software package.