Sierra Wireless has announced the launch of the multi-mode (LPWA) modules which will suit applications such as asset tracking and connected industrial equipment, smart city, healthcare, agriculture and wearables. AirPrime HL78 modules which feature Altair Semiconductor’s integrated ALT1250 chipset is said to provide best-in-class power performance that would extend the life of battery operated devices.
The HL78 design modules integrate GNSS tracking capability, security and an embedded SIM in a CF3 size (18mm x15mm). This is pin-to-pin compatible with other HL Series modules. The customers can deploy the same device on global LTE-M (Cat-M1/eMTC) and NB-IoT (Cat-NB1) networks. This supports more than 20 LTE frequency bands in addition to optional 2G fallback. In order to ensure that HL78 deployments are secure for the customers, the AirVantage device management IoT Platform includes HTTPS, secure socket, secure boot and free unlimited Firmware Over-The-Air (FOTA) updates.
To meet the needs of more than 690 million LTE-M and NB-IoT connected devices which are expected by 2022, the market needs a low-power, compact embedded module to connect their industrial, smart city, smart home and simpler static sensor applications. Sierra Wireless by introducing the HL78 product line is targeting towards driving the vast number of advanced IoT connections with the help of low-power devices. LTE-M and NB-IoT LPWA networks are targeted for low-power applications by making use of the available wireless technologies. According to Sierra Wireless, LPWA technologies will combine lower cost, broader coverage and better battery life with globally available and secure cellular networks ready to connect more things to the Internet.
“With the HL78 modules, OEMs and system integrators have the most scalable, lowest power module platform to build their global IoT applications on. And to make it even simpler for our customers, we’ve integrated the SIM and cloud, as well as GNSS and security features, to drive down the size of LPWA connected devices while enhancing tamper resistance and security, ” said Dan Schieler, Senior Vice President and General Manager, OEM Solutions, Sierra Wireless. The customers will be able switch between the LTE-M and NB-IoT frequency band and further decide where to deploy their low bandwidth application on. In the areas of limited LPWAN coverage, the optional 2G fallback will ensure the devices are connected to the online platform. It is said that by incorporating the Altair’s advanced IoT chipset, HL78 devices will have a battery life of up to 15 years on a single battery.
The AirPrime HL78 modules support the 3GPP Release 13 standard and are Release-14-ready to support NB2 features in the near future. Sierra Wireless AirPrime HL and WP Series modules are interchangeable across 2G, 3G, 4G and LPWA technologies. They employ the CF3 form factor, a footprint compatible across product lines. This will help the customers in producing smart solutions by building their connected IoT product or service on a single module. HL7800 and HL7802 modules are being tried and tested and will be available in Q3 2018.
