STMicroelectronics has expanded the capabilities of its ST87M01 NB-IoT industrial module family, introducing support for Onomondo SoftSIM, in-factory SIM profile provisioning based on the SGP.32 standard, and compatibility with the Zephyr open-source embedded development framework.
The new features are designed to simplify the deployment and management of industrial IoT devices while reducing hardware costs, power consumption, and manufacturing complexity.
The Onomondo SoftSIM solution runs directly on the ST87M01 module’s processing subsystem, eliminating the need for a physical SIM component. According to ST, this approach can reduce production costs and power consumption while simplifying device lifecycle management and supply chain operations.
The company will also demonstrate how manufacturers can use the ST87M01 to provision SIM profiles directly during production, using the GSMA’s SGP.32 standard. This removes the need to maintain separate stocks of SIM cards preconfigured for individual mobile network operators.
Instead, manufacturers can download and provision operator profiles on the production line, simplifying inventory management and providing a consistent framework for both factory-based provisioning, and remote SIM profile management once devices are deployed.
“The latest software-based connectivity and SIM-management options for ST87M01 further extend the flexibility of this family for innovators to tackle the next generation of IoT applications,” said Massimiliano Brambilla, General Manager of STMicroelectronics’ Multisegment ASIC and Application Specific Division.
ST has also integrated the ST87M01 family into the Zephyr ecosystem, broadening access to the modules for developers working with open-source embedded platforms.
The ST87M01 Zephyr driver is available through the Zephyr GitHub repository. Supported capabilities include UDP, TCP, HTTP, MQTT, and CoAP connectivity protocols, alongside GNSS, Wi-Fi positioning, and received signal strength indicator (RSSI) monitoring.
The integration is intended to simplify the development of Zephyr-based applications using the module’s cellular connectivity and positioning features.
The ST87M01 family comprises several NB-IoT module variants, offering support for GSMA SGP.32-compliant remote SIM provisioning, as well as options including GSMA-certified embedded SIM, GNSS/A-GNSS, Wireless M-Bus, and Wi-Fi positioning.
The modules comply with LTE Cat NB2 Release 15 and offer regional band coverage for worldwide deployment. They have also secured certifications and regulatory approvals including GCF, EU RED, RED-DA, FCC/ISED, PTCRB, Anatel, and Icasa.
With support for multiple communication protocols and ultra-low-power operation, the modules are designed for IoT applications requiring extended maintenance-free service. Their compact 12.8mm x 10.6mm LGA package also makes them suitable for space-constrained equipment.
STMicroelectronics will demonstrate the ST87M01’s SIM provisioning capabilities at Enlit Europe, taking place at VIECON, the Vienna Congress & Convention Center, from November 10-12. The demonstration will be available at the company’s booth, B.b110.
The company will also showcase the ST87M01 and other IoT solutions at electronica 2026, held at Messe München in Munich from November 10-13, in Hall C3, booth 101.
