nb-iot News - CNX Software - Embedded Systems News

July 18, 2024July 18, 2024 by Debashis Das - No Comments

STMicro ST4SIM-300 eSIM complies with SGP.32 GSMA eSIM Standard for IoT

STMicroelectronics has recently released the ST4SIM-300 eSIM, the first embedded SIM (eSIM) IC that complies with the new GSMA eSIM IoT Technical Specification (SGP.32). The chip is fully compliant with remote SIM provisioning of the GSMA eSIM IoT standards, so it works with 2G, 3G, 4G (LTE), CDMA, NB-IoT, and Cat-M networks. It is designed for small IoT devices and allows system operators to remotely program device subscriber identities over the air (OTA), making it a plug-and-play solution for seamless integration and management. Previously, we have written about Hologram’s IoT eSIM Chip that provides global connectivity and comes with 2FF, 3FF, 4FF, and Mff2- M2M form factors. We have also written about the Conexio Stratus Pro battery-powered nRF9161 development kit that supports eSIM as an option. ST4SIM-300 eSIM specifications Microcontroller – ST33K1M5M 32-bit Arm Cortex-M35P MCU Designed based on eSIM + eSE (embedded Secure Element) I/O Asynchronous serial I/O port […]

June 4, 2024 by Jean-Luc Aufranc (CNXSoft) - 2 Comments

GCT GDM7243SL is a dual-core RISC-V 5G/4G LTE modem with support for NTN, NB-IoT, LTE Cat M, Cat1bis, Cat1 and/or Cat4

CT Semiconductor Holding GDM7243SL is a multi-mode 5G/4G LTE IoT modem with two 400 MHz RISC-V cores capable of operating in Cat 4, Cat 1bis, Cat M1, Cat NB1/NB2 (NB-IoT) and non-terrestrial networks (NTN) in order to work anywhere on earth. If I remember correctly, one of the first commercial RISC-V SoCs I saw was a storage controller from Western Digital introduced in 2019. But since then, we’ve seen more and more RISC-V chips come to market from entry-level microcontrollers up to Linux-capable application processors, and even chips for datacenters that are out of the scope of topics covered on CNX Software. But with GDM7243SL, I think it’s the first time I’ve encountered a RISC-V modem, so let’s have a closer look. There are two models, the GDM7243SL1 and GDM7243SL2, with different memory and storage options, and the L1 lacks support for LTE Cat 4. GDM7243SL key features: CPU 400 […]

June 3, 2024June 3, 2024 by Jean-Luc Aufranc (CNXSoft) - No Comments

Conexio Stratus Pro – A battery-powered nRF9161 development kit with LTE IoT, DECT NR+, GNSS connectivity (Crowdfunding)

Conexio Stratus Pro nRF9161 IoT prototyping kit

Conexio Stratus Pro is a tiny IoT development kit based on Nordic Semi nRF9161 system-in-package (SiP) with LTE-M/NB-IoT, DECT NR+, and GNSS connectivity and designed to create battery-powered cellular-connected electronic projects and products such as asset trackers, environmental monitors, smart meters, and industrial automation devices. Just like the previous generation Conexio Startus board based on the Nordic Semi nRF9160 cellular IoT SiP, the new Conexio Stratus Pro board supports solar energy harvesting and comes with a Feather form factor and Qwiic connector for each expansion. Conexio Stratus Pro specifications: System-in-package – Nordic Semi nRF9161 SiP MCU – Arm Cortex-M33 clocked at 64 MHz with 1 MB Flash pre-programmed MCUBoot bootloader, 256 KB RAM Modem Transceiver and baseband 3GPP LTE release 14 LTE-M/NB-IoT support DECT NR+ ready GPS/GNSS receiver RF Transceiver for global coverage supporting bands: B1, B2, B3, B4, B5, B8, B12, B13, B17, B18, B19, B20, B25, B26, B28, […]

May 21, 2024 by Jean-Luc Aufranc (CNXSoft) - No Comments

Raspberry Pi Zero HAT compatible Quectel BG95-M3 Zero cellular IoT board runs QuecPython MicroPython firmware

Quectel BG95-M3 Zero SBC with QuecPython MicroPython firmware

Waveshare BG95-M3 Zero is a Raspberry Pi Zero-sized SBC based on Quectel BG95-M3 cellular IoT module with LTE Cat M1 (eMTC), LTE Cat NB2 (NB-IoT), and eGPRS connectivity as well as GNSS. The board supports Raspberry Pi HATs and ships with Quectel’s QuecPython MicroPython firmware for easier programming. We’ve previously covered various SBCs and Raspberry Pi HATs based on Quectel modules for cellular IoT and GNSS connectivity with the likes of Olimex NB-IoT-Devkit (with a BC66 module), S-2Connect Creo evaluation kit, Sixfab 5G Modem HAT, and others. Olimex BC66 board supports Arduino programming, but most of the other boards rely on a host processor. Waveshare’s BG95-M3 Zero is a standalone SBC offering compatibility with Raspberry Pi Zero (p)HATs, and Quectel also developed its own MicroPython firmware called QuecPython that works with several of their modules, including the BG95-M3. BG95-M3 Zero specifications: Cellular IoT Module – Quectel BG95-M3 CPU – Arm […]

April 25, 2024April 25, 2024 by Debashis Das - No Comments

Quectel BG95-S5 5G NTN + LTE IoT module can seamlessly connect across satellite and cellular networks

Quectel BG95 S5 NTN satellite communication module

The Quectel BG95-S5 is a “multi-mode” 5G NTN satellite + LTE IoT communication module designed for seamless connectivity in remote areas. It supports 3GPP Release 17 IoT-NTN (S and L band frequencies) and offers fallback options with LTE Cat M1, Cat NB2, eGPRS, and integrated GNSS. These features make the module suitable for asset management, wireless POS, heavy industry, and wearables applications. In January this year, Quectel announced their CC660D-LS IoT NTN module in partnership with Skylo which focuses solely on NTN connectivity, whereas the “multi-mode” BG95-S5 seamlessly switches between different connectivity technologies (NTN, LTE Cat M1, Cat NB2, eGPRS). Quectel BG95-S5 IoT-NTN satellite module specifications: Module Type – NTN satellite communication module Compliance – Supports 3GPP Rel-17 IoT-NTN/ LTE Cat M1/ Cat NB2/ EGPRS module with Ultra-low power consumption Frequency Bands IoT-NTN S-Band – B23/ B256 L- Band – B255 (Under development/ planning) LTE-FDD Cat M1 – B1/ 2/ […]

April 14, 2024 by Debashis Das - No Comments

Blues launches $19 Notecard XP cellular IoT module and Notecarrier XP series carrier board

Blues has recently released the latest entry to its Notecard family, the Notecard XP (External Power supply), an updated and more cost-effective version of its existing Notecard Cellular. This new model reduces costs by not including certain components, such as SIM switching hardware, an embedded SIM with a data plan, and conformal coating while retaining all key features and functionalities. These include an Arm Cortex-M4 microcontroller, a three-axis accelerometer, a temperature sensor, and a secure element. Additionally, they have also removed the radio power supply to reduce costs further, bringing the price down to just $19. Alongside this release, Blues has also introduced a new “midband” LTE Cat 1 bis Notecard Cellular model, which features a single antenna design making it more compact and economical. In February this year we have seen Blues announced the Blues Starnote IoT Module, along with the Notecarrier A, B, F, and Pi series of […]

March 15, 2024March 15, 2024 by Tomisin Olujinmi - 1 Comment

The RP2040 Connectivity Board — An IoT solution combining LTE, Wi-Fi, and BLE into a single platform

iLABs (Invector Labs), a European embedded equipment manufacturer, has released a new device, the RP2040 Connectivity Board, an IoT development board that is based on Raspberry Pi’s signature microcontroller IC, the RP2040. The RP2040 Connectivity Board features key IoT connectivity options such as LTE, Wi-Fi, and BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy). It is compatible with both Arduino and PlatformIO and is designed for professional and hobbyist users with wide-ranging connectivity needs. The SARA-R412M series module from u-blox handles cellular communication (LTE) and can be configured to enable multi-regional coverage in both GSM and LTE-M/NB-IoT radio transmissions. It features a unique and immutable root of trust and supports IoT security as a service. The RP2040 Connectivity Board also includes an Espressif ESP32-C3FN4 chip for Wi-Fi/BLE communication based on a RISC-V microcontroller core and implementing a Wi-Fi subsystem that complies with the IEEE 802.11b/g/n standard and supports various operating modes. The Bluetooth Low […]

February 28, 2024February 27, 2024 by Debashis Das - No Comments

Inventia MT-058 cellular IoT telemetry module is powered by Nordic Semi nRF9160 SiP

MT 058 – battery powered telemetry module

A few days back, Inventia introduced the MT-058 cellular IoT telemetry module built around Nordic Semiconductor’s nRF9160 System in Package (SiP) module with support for LTE-M/NB-IoT connectivity with GNSS. The device is designed for low-power, battery-operated industrial applications such as water metering and environmental monitoring. The module is IP68-rated and offers a combination of digital and analog inputs. It also comes with a battery that can last up to 5 years and there is also support for external sensor attachment for data logging applications. MT-058 Cellular IoT telemetry module specification: Nordic nRF9160 SiP with 64 MHz Arm Cortex-M33 application processor with 1 MB flash, and 256 KB RAM Connectivity – LTE Cat M1 and NB-IoT SIM card options – Standard 2FF SIM card slot, with an option for a soldered Machine Identification Module (MIM). Antenna – SMA connector for attaching an external antenna. Inputs – 5 inputs for counters, up […]