As the demand for advanced Internet of Things (IoT) solutions continues to grow in both industrial and consumer markets, global semiconductor leader STMicroelectronics has formed a strategic partnership with Qualcomm Technologies International. This collaboration aims to address not only the need for hardware but also the corresponding demand for edge AI solutions.
ABI Research predicts that by 2028, the installed base of connected devices across consumer, commercial, and industrial sectors will exceed 80 billion units. The widespread adoption of high-performance wireless connectivity solutions, alongside a comprehensive range of microcontrollers, will be crucial in fostering this next wave of IoT innovation.
The initial phase of this partnership will focus on integrating Qualcomm’s AI-driven wireless technologies, beginning with a Wi-Fi/Bluetooth/Thread combo system-on-a-chip (SoC), into ST’s microcontroller (MCU) ecosystem. This integration will provide developers with connectivity software tools that can be incorporated into STM32 general-purpose MCUs, facilitating swift and comprehensive adoption through ST’s extensive global sales and distribution network.
Both STMicroelectronics and Qualcomm Technologies recognize the importance of wireless connectivity in driving the rapid uptake of edge AI across various applications in enterprise, industrial, and consumer spaces. Reflecting on the collaboration, ABI’s senior research director Andrew Zignani noted that the partnership is “a perfect match,” leveraging ST’s microcontroller strengths and Qualcomm’s expertise in wireless connectivity. He emphasized that these combined solutions will allow companies to navigate the dynamic IoT landscape more efficiently and cost-effectively in the future.
Looking ahead, ST plans to launch self-contained modules that utilize Qualcomm’s Wi-Fi/Bluetooth/Thread combo SoC portfolio, which can be integrated with any STM32 general-purpose microcontroller. By making optimized wireless connectivity accessible through ST’s established software platform, the collaboration aims to streamline development timelines and reduce time-to-market.
Initial product offerings from this partnership are expected to be available for OEMs by Q1 2025, with broader availability anticipated thereafter. This initiative marks the beginning of a collaboration that aims to create a roadmap for Wi-Fi/Bluetooth/Thread combo SoC products, with plans to extend into cellular connectivity for industrial IoT applications.
“We are forging a strategic partnership with Qualcomm Technologies focused on wireless connectivity, starting with the Wi-Fi/Bluetooth/Thread combo SoC, and we are already planning future enhancements to complement our existing multi-protocol Bluetooth Low Energy, Zigbee, Thread, and sub-GHz product portfolio,” stated Remi El-Ouazzane, president of microcontrollers, digital ICs, and RF products at STMicroelectronics. “We foresee wireless connectivity products leveraging Qualcomm’s technology adding significant value for our over 100,000 STM32 customers worldwide.”
Rahul Patel, group general manager for Qualcomm Technologies’ connectivity, broadband, and networking business unit, commented, “Our partnership with STMicroelectronics combines Qualcomm’s industry-leading connectivity solutions with ST’s robust STM32 microcontroller ecosystem, facilitating a significant acceleration of feature-rich capabilities across the IoT landscape. Together, we are redefining the developer experience for IoT applications, ensuring seamless integration and optimal performance for both developers and end users.”