Intermediate
30 min

Empowering Europe with Cat 1 LTE excellence using ELS61-EU and STM32F091RC

Cat 1 LTE made for Europe: Efficient and reliable

LTE Cat.1-EU Click (for Europe) with Nucleo-64 with STM32F091RC MCU

Published Feb 26, 2024

Click board™

LTE Cat.1-EU Click (for Europe)

Dev. board

Nucleo-64 with STM32F091RC MCU

Compiler

NECTO Studio

MCU

STM32F091RC

Our multi-band wireless module, designed to deliver highly efficient Cat 1 LTE connectivity, is tailored to meet the specific needs of the European region, ensuring seamless, reliable, and future-ready network performance

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Hardware Overview

How does it work?

LTE Cat.1-EU Click is based on the ELS61, a wireless module from Thales. The main difference between these two modules is the supported frequency bands, which comply with each region's regulations. A complete list of supported bands for each module and other relevant info about the module itself can be found in the ELS61 series modem datasheet. The ELS61-EU module featured on LTE Cat.1-EU Click comes with a Java® embedded virtual machine leveraging a robust ARM11 architecture that allows device manufacturers to utilize the massive to reduce complexity and speed application integration. The latest Java ME 3.2 client runtime platform reduces total cost of ownership (TCO) and time to market by sharing internal resources such as memory, a large existing codebase, and proven software building blocks. The module uses Multi MIDlet

Java execution to host and run multiple applications and protocols simultaneously. The UART bus of the ELS61 series module is connected to one side of the level shifter, while the other side (shifted) is connected to the respective mikroBUS™ UART pins. However, the ELS61 series module is designed as the traditional DCE device (Data Communication Equipment), offering the full UART pin count, including the hardware flow control pins (CTS, RTS). These pins are routed to the mikroBUS™ CS (CTS) and the INT pin (RTS) and can be used in the MCU software if the hardware flow control is needed. An extended security concept with the latest TLS/SSL engine provides secure and reliable TCP/IP connectivity. Its sophisticated sandbox modeling and layered architectures simplify device management and allow simultaneous progress of network operator

approvals and application code development for a shorter time to market. The LTE Cat.1 module delivers long product lifespans of up to seven years, efficient bandwidth and power utilization, plus a feature set that meets the rigorous requirements of M2M IoT solutions, including extended operating temperatures from -40°C to 85°C. The LTE Cat.1-EU Click ensures easy integration and a fast time to market for innovative solutions, and it also provides a dependable connectivity platform with the support needed for a fast time to market and a value you can trust. Given these features' possibilities, the LTE Cat.1-EU Click can be used for various applications such as metering, tracking and tracing, remote surveillance, connected signs, fleet management, and mHealth.

LTE Cat.1-EU Click hardware overview image

Features overview

Development board

Nucleo-64 with STM32F091RC MCU offers a cost-effective and adaptable platform for developers to explore new ideas and prototype their designs. This board harnesses the versatility of the STM32 microcontroller, enabling users to select the optimal balance of performance and power consumption for their projects. It accommodates the STM32 microcontroller in the LQFP64 package and includes essential components such as a user LED, which doubles as an ARDUINO® signal, alongside user and reset push-buttons, and a 32.768kHz crystal oscillator for precise timing operations. Designed with expansion and flexibility in mind, the Nucleo-64 board features an ARDUINO® Uno V3 expansion connector and ST morpho extension pin

headers, granting complete access to the STM32's I/Os for comprehensive project integration. Power supply options are adaptable, supporting ST-LINK USB VBUS or external power sources, ensuring adaptability in various development environments. The board also has an on-board ST-LINK debugger/programmer with USB re-enumeration capability, simplifying the programming and debugging process. Moreover, the board is designed to simplify advanced development with its external SMPS for efficient Vcore logic supply, support for USB Device full speed or USB SNK/UFP full speed, and built-in cryptographic features, enhancing both the power efficiency and security of projects. Additional connectivity is

provided through dedicated connectors for external SMPS experimentation, a USB connector for the ST-LINK, and a MIPI® debug connector, expanding the possibilities for hardware interfacing and experimentation. Developers will find extensive support through comprehensive free software libraries and examples, courtesy of the STM32Cube MCU Package. This, combined with compatibility with a wide array of Integrated Development Environments (IDEs), including IAR Embedded Workbench®, MDK-ARM, and STM32CubeIDE, ensures a smooth and efficient development experience, allowing users to fully leverage the capabilities of the Nucleo-64 board in their projects.

Nucleo 64 with STM32F091RC MCU double side image

Microcontroller Overview

MCU Card / MCU

default

Architecture

ARM Cortex-M0

MCU Memory (KB)

256

Silicon Vendor

STMicroelectronics

Pin count

64

RAM (Bytes)

32768

You complete me!

Accessories

Click Shield for Nucleo-64 comes equipped with two proprietary mikroBUS™ sockets, allowing all the Click board™ devices to be interfaced with the STM32 Nucleo-64 board with no effort. This way, Mikroe allows its users to add any functionality from our ever-growing range of Click boards™, such as WiFi, GSM, GPS, Bluetooth, ZigBee, environmental sensors, LEDs, speech recognition, motor control, movement sensors, and many more. More than 1537 Click boards™, which can be stacked and integrated, are at your disposal. The STM32 Nucleo-64 boards are based on the microcontrollers in 64-pin packages, a 32-bit MCU with an ARM Cortex M4 processor operating at 84MHz, 512Kb Flash, and 96KB SRAM, divided into two regions where the top section represents the ST-Link/V2 debugger and programmer while the bottom section of the board is an actual development board. These boards are controlled and powered conveniently through a USB connection to program and efficiently debug the Nucleo-64 board out of the box, with an additional USB cable connected to the USB mini port on the board. Most of the STM32 microcontroller pins are brought to the IO pins on the left and right edge of the board, which are then connected to two existing mikroBUS™ sockets. This Click Shield also has several switches that perform functions such as selecting the logic levels of analog signals on mikroBUS™ sockets and selecting logic voltage levels of the mikroBUS™ sockets themselves. Besides, the user is offered the possibility of using any Click board™ with the help of existing bidirectional level-shifting voltage translators, regardless of whether the Click board™ operates at a 3.3V or 5V logic voltage level. Once you connect the STM32 Nucleo-64 board with our Click Shield for Nucleo-64, you can access hundreds of Click boards™, working with 3.3V or 5V logic voltage levels.

Click Shield for Nucleo-64 accessories 1 image

LTE Flat Rotation Antenna is a versatile choice for boosting the performance of 3G/4G LTE devices. With a wide frequency range of 700-2700MHz, it ensures optimal connectivity on major cellular bands worldwide. This flat antenna features an SMA male connector, making it easy to attach directly to your device or SMA module connector. One of its standout features is its adjustable angle, which can be set in 45⁰ increments (0⁰/45⁰/90⁰), allowing you to fine-tune the antenna's orientation for maximum signal reception. With an impedance of 50Ω and a VSW Ratio of <2.0:1, this antenna ensures a reliable and efficient connection. Its 5dB gain, vertical polarization, and omnidirectional radiation pattern enhance signal strength, making it suitable for various applications. Measuring 196mm in length and 38mm in width, this antenna offers a compact yet effective solution for improving your connectivity. With a maximum input power of 50W, it can handle the demands of various devices.

LTE Cat.1-EU Click accessories image

This multiband LTE Rubber Antenna with adjustable angle is an excellent choice for all 3G/4G LTE-based click boards from our offer, as well as other devices that require excellent throughput on all major cellular bands worldwide. The antenna has an SMA male connector, which allows it to be mounted directly on the Click board™ or the female SMA module connector. The antenna position can be adjusted in 45⁰ increments (0⁰/45⁰/90⁰).

LTE Cat.1-EU Click accessories 2 image

Used MCU Pins

mikroBUS™ mapper

NC
NC
AN
Reset
PC12
RST
UART CTS
PB12
CS
SPI Clock
PB3
SCK
SPI Data OUT
PB4
MISO
SPI Data IN
PB5
MOSI
Power Supply
3.3V
3.3V
Ground
GND
GND
SPI Chip Select
PC8
PWM
UART RTS
PC14
INT
UART TX
PA2
TX
UART RX
PA3
RX
I2C Clock
PB8
SCL
I2C Data
PB9
SDA
Power Supply
5V
5V
Ground
GND
GND
1

Take a closer look

Click board™ Schematic

LTE Cat.1-EU Click Schematic schematic

Step by step

Project assembly

Click Shield for Nucleo-64 accessories 1 image hardware assembly

Start by selecting your development board and Click board™. Begin with the Nucleo-64 with STM32F091RC MCU as your development board.

Click Shield for Nucleo-64 accessories 1 image hardware assembly
Nucleo 64 with STM32F401RE MCU front image hardware assembly
LTE IoT 5 Click front image hardware assembly
Prog-cut hardware assembly
LTE IoT 5 Click complete accessories setup image hardware assembly
Nucleo-64 with STM32XXX MCU Access MB 1 Mini B Conn - upright/background hardware assembly
Necto image step 2 hardware assembly
Necto image step 3 hardware assembly
Necto image step 4 hardware assembly
Necto image step 5 hardware assembly
Necto image step 6 hardware assembly
Clicker 4 for STM32F4 HA MCU Step hardware assembly
Necto No Display image step 8 hardware assembly
Necto image step 9 hardware assembly
Necto image step 10 hardware assembly
Debug Image Necto Step hardware assembly

Track your results in real time

Application Output

1. Application Output - In Debug mode, the 'Application Output' window enables real-time data monitoring, offering direct insight into execution results. Ensure proper data display by configuring the environment correctly using the provided tutorial.

2. UART Terminal - Use the UART Terminal to monitor data transmission via a USB to UART converter, allowing direct communication between the Click board™ and your development system. Configure the baud rate and other serial settings according to your project's requirements to ensure proper functionality. For step-by-step setup instructions, refer to the provided tutorial.

3. Plot Output - The Plot feature offers a powerful way to visualize real-time sensor data, enabling trend analysis, debugging, and comparison of multiple data points. To set it up correctly, follow the provided tutorial, which includes a step-by-step example of using the Plot feature to display Click board™ readings. To use the Plot feature in your code, use the function: plot(*insert_graph_name*, variable_name);. This is a general format, and it is up to the user to replace 'insert_graph_name' with the actual graph name and 'variable_name' with the parameter to be displayed.

Software Support

Library Description

This library contains API for LTE Cat.1-EU Click driver.

Key functions:

  • ltecat1eu_send_cmd - This function sends the specified command to the click module

  • ltecat1eu_send_cmd_with_parameter - This function sends commands to the click module

  • ltecat1eu_send_text_message - This function sends text message to a phone number.

Open Source

Code example

The complete application code and a ready-to-use project are available through the NECTO Studio Package Manager for direct installation in the NECTO Studio. The application code can also be found on the MIKROE GitHub account.

/*!
 * @file main.c
 * @brief LTE Cat.1-EU Click Example.
 *
 * # Description
 * This example reads and processes data from LTE Cat.1-EU clicks.
 *
 * The demo application is composed of two sections :
 * 
 * ## Application Init 
 * Initializes driver and wake-up module and sets default configuration for connecting device to network.
 * 
 * ## Application Task  
 * Waits for device to connect to network and then sends SMS to selected phone number.
 * 
 * ## Additional Function
 * - static void ltecat1eu_clear_app_buf ( void )
 * - static void ltecat1eu_error_check( err_t error_flag )
 * - static void ltecat1eu_log_app_buf ( void )
 * - static void ltecat1eu_check_connection( void )
 * - static err_t ltecat1eu_rsp_check ( void )
 * - static err_t ltecat1eu_process ( void )
 * 
 * @note
 * In order for the example to work, 
   user needs to set the phone number and sim apn to which he wants to send an SMS
 * Enter valid data for the following macros: SIM_APN and PHONE_NUMBER_TO_MESSAGE.
 * E.g. 
    SIM_APN "vipmobile"
    PHONE_NUMBER_TO_MESSAGE "+381659999999"
 *
 * @author Stefan Ilic
 *
 */

#include "board.h"
#include "log.h"
#include "ltecat1eu.h"

#define APP_OK                      0
#define APP_ERROR_DRIVER           -1
#define APP_ERROR_OVERFLOW         -2
#define APP_ERROR_TIMEOUT          -3

#define RSP_OK                     "OK"
#define RSP_SYSSTART               "^SYSSTART"
#define RSP_ERROR                  "ERROR"

#define SIM_APN                    ""  // Set valid SIM APN
#define PHONE_NUMBER_TO_MESSAGE    ""  // Set Phone number to message
#define MESSAGE_CONTENT            "LTE Cat.1-EU Click"   // Messege content 

#define PROCESS_BUFFER_SIZE        100

#define WAIT_FOR_CONNECTION        0
#define CONNECTED_TO_NETWORK       1

static ltecat1eu_t ltecat1eu;
static log_t logger;

static char app_buf[ PROCESS_BUFFER_SIZE ] = { 0 };
static int32_t app_buf_len = 0;
static int32_t app_buf_cnt = 0;

static uint8_t app_connection_status        = WAIT_FOR_CONNECTION;

static err_t app_error_flag;

/**
 * @brief LTE Cat.1-EU clearing application buffer.
 * @details This function clears memory of application buffer and reset it's length and counter.
 * @note None.
 */
static void ltecat1eu_clear_app_buf ( void );

/**
 * @brief LTE Cat.1-EU data reading function.
 * @details This function reads data from device and concats data to application buffer.
 * 
 * @return @li @c  0 - Read some data.
 *         @li @c -1 - Nothing is read.
 *         @li @c -2 - Application buffer overflow.
 *
 * See #err_t definition for detailed explanation.
 * @note None.
 */
static err_t ltecat1eu_process ( void );

/**
 * @brief LTE Cat.1-EU check for errors.
 * @details This function checks for different types of errors and logs them on UART.
 * @note None.
 */
static void ltecat1eu_error_check( err_t error_flag );

/**
 * @brief LTE Cat.1-EU logs application buffer.
 * @details This function logs data from application buffer.
 * @note None.
 */
static void ltecat1eu_log_app_buf ( void );

/**
 * @brief LTE Cat.1-EU response check.
 * @details This function checks for response and returns the status of response.
 * @param[in] response : Expected response.
 * 
 * @return application status.
 * See #err_t definition for detailed explanation.
 * @note None.
 */
static err_t ltecat1eu_rsp_check ( char * response );

/**
 * @brief LTE Cat.1-EU chek connection.
 * @details This function checks connection to the network and 
 *          logs that status to UART.
 * 
 * @note None.
 */
static void ltecat1eu_check_connection( void );

void application_init ( void )  {
    log_cfg_t log_cfg;  /**< Logger config object. */
    ltecat1eu_cfg_t ltecat1eu_cfg;  /**< Click config object. */

    /** 
     * Logger initialization.
     * Default baud rate: 115200
     * Default log level: LOG_LEVEL_DEBUG
     * @note If USB_UART_RX and USB_UART_TX 
     * are defined as HAL_PIN_NC, you will 
     * need to define them manually for log to work. 
     * See @b LOG_MAP_USB_UART macro definition for detailed explanation.
     */
    LOG_MAP_USB_UART( log_cfg );
    log_init( &logger, &log_cfg );
    log_info( &logger, " Application Init " );
    Delay_ms( 1000 );
    
    // Click initialization.
    ltecat1eu_cfg_setup( &ltecat1eu_cfg );
    LTECAT1EU_MAP_MIKROBUS( ltecat1eu_cfg, MIKROBUS_1 );
    err_t init_flag  = ltecat1eu_init( &ltecat1eu, &ltecat1eu_cfg );
    if ( init_flag == UART_ERROR ) {
        log_error( &logger, " Application Init Error. " );
        log_info( &logger, " Please, run program again... " );

        for ( ; ; );
    }
    
    log_info( &logger, " Power on device... " );
    
    ltecat1eu_power_on( &ltecat1eu );
    
    // CFUN - restart ME
    ltecat1eu_send_cmd_with_parameter( &ltecat1eu, LTECAT1EU_CMD_CFUN, "0" );
    app_error_flag = ltecat1eu_rsp_check( RSP_SYSSTART );
    ltecat1eu_error_check( app_error_flag );
    
    // AT
    ltecat1eu_send_cmd( &ltecat1eu, LTECAT1EU_CMD_AT );
    app_error_flag = ltecat1eu_rsp_check( RSP_OK );
    ltecat1eu_error_check( app_error_flag );
    Delay_ms( 500 );
    
    // ATI - product information
    ltecat1eu_send_cmd( &ltecat1eu, LTECAT1EU_CMD_ATI );
    app_error_flag = ltecat1eu_rsp_check( RSP_OK );
    ltecat1eu_error_check( app_error_flag );
    Delay_ms( 500 );
    
    // CGMR - firmware version
    ltecat1eu_send_cmd( &ltecat1eu, LTECAT1EU_CMD_CGMR );
    app_error_flag = ltecat1eu_rsp_check( RSP_OK );
    ltecat1eu_error_check( app_error_flag );
    Delay_ms( 500 );
    
    // COPS - deregister from network
    ltecat1eu_send_cmd_with_parameter( &ltecat1eu, LTECAT1EU_CMD_COPS, "2" );
    app_error_flag = ltecat1eu_rsp_check( RSP_OK );
    ltecat1eu_error_check( app_error_flag );
    Delay_ms( 500 );
    
    // CGDCONT - set sim apn
    ltecat1eu_set_sim_apn( &ltecat1eu, SIM_APN );
    app_error_flag = ltecat1eu_rsp_check( RSP_OK );
    ltecat1eu_error_check( app_error_flag );
    Delay_ms( 500 );
     
    // CFUN - full funtionality
    ltecat1eu_send_cmd_with_parameter( &ltecat1eu, LTECAT1EU_CMD_CFUN, "1" );
    app_error_flag = ltecat1eu_rsp_check( RSP_OK );
    ltecat1eu_error_check( app_error_flag );
    Delay_ms( 500 );
    
    // COPS - automatic mode
    ltecat1eu_send_cmd_with_parameter( &ltecat1eu, LTECAT1EU_CMD_COPS, "0" );
    app_error_flag = ltecat1eu_rsp_check( RSP_OK );
    ltecat1eu_error_check( app_error_flag );
    Delay_ms( 2000 );
    
    // CEREG - network registration status
    ltecat1eu_send_cmd_with_parameter( &ltecat1eu, LTECAT1EU_CMD_CEREG, "2" );
    app_error_flag = ltecat1eu_rsp_check( RSP_OK );
    ltecat1eu_error_check( app_error_flag );
    Delay_ms( 500 );
    
    // CIMI - request IMSI
    ltecat1eu_send_cmd( &ltecat1eu, LTECAT1EU_CMD_CIMI );
    app_error_flag = ltecat1eu_rsp_check( RSP_OK );
    ltecat1eu_error_check( app_error_flag );
    Delay_ms( 500 );
    
    app_buf_len = 0;
    app_buf_cnt = 0;
    app_connection_status = WAIT_FOR_CONNECTION;
    log_info( &logger, " Application Task " );
    Delay_ms( 5000 );
}

void application_task ( void ) {
    if ( app_connection_status == WAIT_FOR_CONNECTION ) {
        // CGATT - request IMSI
        ltecat1eu_send_cmd_check( &ltecat1eu, LTECAT1EU_CMD_CGATT );
        app_error_flag = ltecat1eu_rsp_check( RSP_OK );
        ltecat1eu_error_check( app_error_flag );
        Delay_ms( 500 );
        
        // CEREG - network registration status
        ltecat1eu_send_cmd_check( &ltecat1eu, LTECAT1EU_CMD_CEREG );
        app_error_flag = ltecat1eu_rsp_check( RSP_OK );
        ltecat1eu_error_check( app_error_flag );
        Delay_ms( 500 );
        
        // CSQ - signal quality
        ltecat1eu_send_cmd( &ltecat1eu, LTECAT1EU_CMD_CSQ );
        app_error_flag = ltecat1eu_rsp_check( RSP_OK );
        ltecat1eu_error_check( app_error_flag );
        Delay_ms( 5000 );
    } else {
        log_info( &logger, "CONNECTED TO NETWORK" );
        
        // SMS message format - text mode
        ltecat1eu_send_cmd_with_parameter( &ltecat1eu, "AT+CMGF", "1" );
        app_error_flag = ltecat1eu_rsp_check( RSP_OK );
        ltecat1eu_error_check( app_error_flag );
        Delay_ms( 3000 );
        
        for( ; ; ) {   
            log_printf( &logger, "> Sending message to phone number...\r\n" );
            ltecat1eu_send_text_message( &ltecat1eu, PHONE_NUMBER_TO_MESSAGE, MESSAGE_CONTENT );
            app_error_flag = ltecat1eu_rsp_check( RSP_OK );
            ltecat1eu_error_check( app_error_flag );
            Delay_ms( 10000 );
            Delay_ms( 10000 );
            Delay_ms( 10000 );
        }
    }
}

void main ( void )  {
    application_init( );

    for ( ; ; ) {
        application_task( );
    }
}

static void ltecat1eu_clear_app_buf ( void ) {
    memset( app_buf, 0, app_buf_len );
    app_buf_len = 0;
    app_buf_cnt = 0;
}

static err_t ltecat1eu_process ( void ) {
    err_t return_flag = APP_ERROR_DRIVER;
    int32_t rx_size;
    char rx_buff[ PROCESS_BUFFER_SIZE ] = { 0 };
    
    rx_size = ltecat1eu_generic_read( &ltecat1eu, rx_buff, PROCESS_BUFFER_SIZE );

    if ( rx_size > 0 ) { 
        int32_t buf_cnt = 0;
        return_flag = APP_OK;

        if ( app_buf_len + rx_size >= PROCESS_BUFFER_SIZE ) {
            ltecat1eu_clear_app_buf(  );
            return_flag = APP_ERROR_OVERFLOW;
        } else {
            buf_cnt = app_buf_len;
            app_buf_len += rx_size;
        }

        for ( int32_t rx_cnt = 0; rx_cnt < rx_size; rx_cnt++ ) {
            if ( rx_buff[ rx_cnt ] != 0 ) {
                app_buf[ ( buf_cnt + rx_cnt ) ] = rx_buff[ rx_cnt ];
            } else {
                app_buf_len--;
                buf_cnt--;
            }
        }
    } 

    return return_flag;
}


static err_t ltecat1eu_rsp_check ( char * response ) {
    uint16_t timeout_cnt = 0;
    uint16_t timeout = 50000;
    
    err_t error_flag = ltecat1eu_process(  );
    if ( ( error_flag != 0 ) && ( error_flag != -1 ) ) {
        return error_flag;
    }
    
    while ( ( strstr( app_buf, response ) == 0 ) && ( strstr( app_buf, RSP_ERROR ) == 0 ) ) {
        error_flag = ltecat1eu_process(  );
        if ( ( error_flag != 0 ) && ( error_flag != -1 ) ) {
            return error_flag;
        }
        
        timeout_cnt++;
        if ( timeout_cnt > timeout ) {
            while ( ( strstr( app_buf, response ) == 0 ) && ( strstr( app_buf, RSP_ERROR ) == 0 ) ) {
                ltecat1eu_send_cmd( &ltecat1eu, LTECAT1EU_CMD_AT );
                ltecat1eu_process(  );
                Delay_ms( 100 );
            }
            ltecat1eu_clear_app_buf(  );
            return APP_ERROR_TIMEOUT;
        }
        
        Delay_ms( 1 );
    }
    
    ltecat1eu_check_connection();
    
    ltecat1eu_log_app_buf();
    
    log_printf( &logger, "-----------------------------------\r\n" );
    
    return APP_OK;
}

static void ltecat1eu_error_check( err_t error_flag ) {
    if ( ( error_flag != 0 ) && ( error_flag != -1 ) ) {
        switch ( error_flag ) {
            case -2: {
                log_error( &logger, " Overflow!" );
                break;
            }
            case -3: {
                log_error( &logger, " Timeout!" );
                break;
            }
            default: {
                break;
            }
        }
    }
}

static void ltecat1eu_log_app_buf ( void ) {
    for ( int32_t buf_cnt = 0; buf_cnt < app_buf_len; buf_cnt++ ) {
        log_printf( &logger, "%c", app_buf[ buf_cnt ] );
    }
    log_printf( &logger, "\r\n" );
    ltecat1eu_clear_app_buf(  );
}

static void ltecat1eu_check_connection( void ) {
    #define CONNECTED "+CGATT: 1"
    
    if ( strstr( app_buf, CONNECTED ) != 0 ) {
        app_connection_status = CONNECTED_TO_NETWORK;
    }
}

// ------------------------------------------------------------------------ END

Additional Support

Resources

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