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Freedom251 › Blog › B-L072Z-LRWAN1

How to Set Up the ST B-L072Z-LRWAN1 Discovery Board with LoRaWAN

By Freedom251 Team · · 6 min read

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For the ST LoRa Discovery kit covered here, the correct target is the B-L072Z-LRWAN1. Install ST’s I-CUBE-LRWAN package, open its B-L072Z-LRWAN1 LoRaWAN End_Node project, select the deployment region and activation method, connect the supplied antenna, then build and flash the firmware through the integrated ST-LINK interface. A successful flash alone does not connect the board: the device must also be registered with a compatible LoRaWAN network server and, for OTAA, complete a join.

Confirm that you have the right board

This procedure applies specifically to the B-L072Z-LRWAN1 Discovery kit. Check the order code printed on the board or its packaging before installing software. The kit uses Murata’s CMWX1ZZABZ-091 open module, combining an STM32L072CZ microcontroller with an SX1276 radio transceiver. It includes an integrated ST-LINK/V2-1 programmer/debugger, Micro-B USB connections, user controls and an SMA antenna connection.

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ST currently marks this kit obsolete and out of production. Availability and condition therefore vary, and a used board may have a different hardware revision or missing accessories. Verify the board revision and inspect the RF connector before applying the steps below.

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What you need before starting

  • B-L072Z-LRWAN1 board and its supplied 900 MHz, 50-ohm antenna.
  • A USB data cable for the board’s ST-LINK interface.
  • ST’s I-CUBE-LRWAN expansion package, which includes LoRaWAN 1.0.3 end-device examples for this target.
  • A supported development toolchain selected from the project package. Exact IDE names and supported versions depend on the package release.
  • Access to a LoRaWAN network server and a plan for registering the device.
  • The regional plan used where the device will operate: I-CUBE-LRWAN lists EU868, EU433 and US915 support.

Choose the firmware approach

LoRaWAN End_Node

Use the LoRaWAN End_Node project when the application logic—sensor reading, payload construction and transmission—runs on the STM32 board itself. This is the conventional starting point for a standalone end device.

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AT_Slave

Use AT_Slave when an attached host should control the board as a LoRaWAN modem over UART. The host sends AT commands while the LoRaWAN stack runs on the Discovery board. This approach is useful when application code already exists on another microcontroller or computer.

Install the package and open the target project

  1. Install the I-CUBE-LRWAN expansion package appropriate to your development environment.
  2. In the extracted package, go to Projects/<target>/Applications.
  3. Choose the folder for your preferred toolchain.
  4. Open the project named for the B-L072Z-LRWAN1 LoRaWAN End_Node target. If you selected the modem approach, open the corresponding AT_Slave project instead.
  5. Review the project configuration before compiling. Package releases can change file locations, IDE integration and available configuration labels, so follow the instructions shipped with the release you installed.

Configure the LoRaWAN region and activation

Set the regional plan

Select the plan that matches both the physical deployment and the network server: EU868, EU433 or US915 as applicable. Do not select a region merely because it is the default in an example. Regional parameters control channels, data rates, transmit behavior and legal operation.

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Select OTAA or ABP

Activation Provisioning workflow Identity and keys Important requirement
OTAA (over-the-air activation) Register the device’s join identity with the network server; the device requests a join when it starts. Credentials are configured in the device and corresponding registration data is held by the server. The board must complete the join before it can send application traffic.
ABP (activation by personalization) Provision the session parameters in the device and enter matching values in the server. Session identity and keys are fixed during provisioning. Every device-side value must exactly match the server registration.

Neither method is universally best; choose according to your network’s provisioning and security policy. Never deploy the example credentials unchanged. Generate or assign device-specific values and keep them out of public source repositories.

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Connect the board and antenna

  1. Attach the supplied antenna to the board’s SMA connector before enabling the radio. ST specifies a 900 MHz, 50-ohm antenna for this kit.
  2. If your hardware revision provides an optional U.FL path, verify the RF routing and connector instructions for that revision before using it.
  3. Connect the computer to the board’s ST-LINK USB interface with a data-capable Micro-B cable.
  4. Use the integrated ST-LINK/V2-1 connection for programming and debugging. The interface also provides USB virtual COM capability, which can be used for application output when the firmware and toolchain expose it.

Build, flash and verify network operation

  1. Compile the selected project in the toolchain supported by your I-CUBE-LRWAN release.
  2. Start the debugger or programmer and flash the generated image through ST-LINK.
  3. Reset the board and observe its user indicators or serial output according to the example’s documentation.
  4. For OTAA, check the network server for a join request and successful join accept. Only after activation should you expect application uplinks.
  5. For ABP, confirm that the first uplink uses the server-matched session parameters and appears in the server’s device or application view.
  6. Send a small test payload, then confirm its decoded frame and uplink counter in the server. Configure payload size for the selected regional data rate.

ST notes that the maximum payload length depends on both the region and the selected data rate. Design the payload format around those limits rather than assuming one maximum works everywhere.

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Troubleshoot the most common failures

The project does not list the board

Recheck the printed order code and package target. This guide is for B-L072Z-LRWAN1; other ST kits use different board definitions, radio wiring and project directories.

Programming fails or the board is not detected

  • Use the ST-LINK USB connector, not a connector intended only for another board function.
  • Try a known data cable and confirm that the board is powered.
  • Close other debug or serial tools that may have claimed the interface.
  • Check that the selected project matches the installed toolchain and package release.

The board flashes but never joins

  • Verify the region in firmware and on the network server.
  • Check every OTAA identifier and key, or every ABP session parameter, for an exact match.
  • Confirm that the antenna is attached and that the board is within gateway coverage.
  • Inspect server logs for rejected joins, disabled devices or an incorrect frequency plan.

Uplinks are rejected or truncated

Recalculate the payload limit for the actual regional data rate. A payload that fits at one data rate or region may exceed the permitted maximum at another.

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Standalone firmware or host-controlled modem?

Choose Best fit Where application logic runs
LoRaWAN End_Node A self-contained sensor or actuator built on the Discovery board On the STM32 application firmware
AT_Slave An existing host system that needs a LoRaWAN radio modem On the attached host; the board is driven over UART

Practical checklist

  • Board marking reads B-L072Z-LRWAN1.
  • I-CUBE-LRWAN and the matching target project are installed.
  • Region agrees with the deployment and server.
  • OTAA or ABP is selected and device-specific credentials are provisioned on both sides.
  • The supplied antenna is connected before RF transmission.
  • Firmware builds and flashes through ST-LINK.
  • Join status and at least one uplink are visible in the network server.
  • Payload size is valid for the selected region and data rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use these instructions for any ST LoRa Discovery board?

No. They target the B-L072Z-LRWAN1 and its CMWX1ZZABZ-091 module. Other ST kits can require different projects, pin mappings and radio settings.

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Does flashing the example automatically connect the board to LoRaWAN?

No. You must register the device with a compatible network server, configure matching OTAA or ABP credentials and region settings, and then verify activation and uplinks.

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  • Support Arduino Development Environment: Support ESP32 + LoRaWAN protocol Arduino library, this is a standard LoRaWAN protocol that can communicate with any LoRa gateway running the LoRaWAN protocol
  • Highly Integrated: Integrated WiFi, LoRa, Bluetooth three network connections, onboard WiFi, Bluetooth dedicated 2.4GHz metal spring antenna, reserved IPEX (U.FL) interface for LoRa use. Integrated CP2102 USB to serial port chip, convenient for program downloading, debugging information printing
  • Power Supply Method: Onboard SH1.25 battery interface, integrated lithium battery management system; you can also use the Type-C interface to power the development board
  • Highly Interactive: Onboard 0.96-inch 128*64 dot matrix OLED display, which can be used to display debugging information, battery power and other information
  • Widely Application: ESP32 LoRa V3 is now widely used in well-known long-range wireless open-source projects such as Meshtastic and Meshcore, serving applications in smart cities, smart farms, industrial control, and security systems

Is the B-L072Z-LRWAN1 still sold by ST?

ST’s current product information marks it obsolete and out of production, so availability and hardware condition should be checked before purchase.

Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.

B-L072Z-LRWAN1embedded developmentIoTLoRaWANSTM32STMicroelectronics

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