Indian firm Alif Semiconductor and Luxembourg-based IoT satellite operator OQ Technology have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to collaborate on NB-IoT for hybrid terrestrial satellite networking.

Alif’s fingertip sized, integrated cellular enabled IoT devices will allow users to roam freely between mobile networks on the ground and OQ’s IoT satellite constellation anywhere in the world.

In addition to cost reduction, when compared with existing satellite connectivity, the option being developed by Alif and OQ is expected to be better due to its ability to switch seamlessly between satellite and cellular terrestrial IoT networks, such as NB-IoT and Cat-M1, without modifying any radio or hardware on the chip.

This is a direct result of OQs patented satellite technology which uses LTE band 65 in its satellite constellation and can also be applied to terrestrial mobile networks.

The integrated on-device artificial intelligence (AI) capabilities of Alif’s Crescendo microcontrollers and fusion processors should improve response times, increase the scope for applications, and conserve bandwidth. The Crescendo family’s small size and optimised power consumption make it suitable for applications that require cellular IoT connectivity.

The jointly developed offering will be available for OEMs to integrate in products such as smart meters, tracking devices, sensors, smart cars, drones, mobile handsets, cameras, helmets and other wearables.

The Crescendo family also includes a fully concurrent GNSS positioning systems supporting all major constellations, including GPS and Galileo. This will result in accurate NB-IoT synchronisation over OQ’s satellites in low Earth orbit (LEO).

“The combination of Alif’s range of scalable, highly integrated, secure and power efficient range of products with OQ’s IP and patents will significantly ease adoption of satellite connectivity,” said Reza Kazerounian, president of Alif Semiconductor. “We are excited to announce this partnership with OQ Technology and look forward to engaging with the market on these products.”

OQ Technology says it is the world’s first satellite cellular 5G IoT operator that provides global cellular IoT and M2M communications through satellites. The company has implemented and demonstrated NB-IoT connectivity over LEO satellites and is deploying a global constellation to provide 3GPP compatible satellite IoT telecommunication services for mobile operators and users in industries such as energy, mining, logistics, maritime, agriculture and defence.

The company’s patented technology that can be embedded in existing cellular chips allows billions of users around the world to have ubiquitous IoT connectivity anywhere, using both terrestrial and satellite networks.

“The aim to combine Alif’s expertise in AI-enabled embedded computing and our success in establishing a 5G IoT satellite-terrestrial hybrid network is an epic step in the use of nanotechnology,” said Omar Qaise, CEO of OQ Technology. “Using standardised terrestrial chips to connect to satellites is essential to keep costs low, enable easy access to our satellites and provide global connectivity, in particular in remote locations.”

Alif Semiconductor was founded in 2019 with the vision to address the rapidly growing need for broad, scalable and connected AI-enabled embedded computing that is genuinely power efficient. This need led to Alif’s creation of a class of embedded controllers, or fusion processors, that enable seamless integration of technology for everyday life by unlocking low-power techniques, functional integration, accelerated AI and ML edge processing, security, ubiquitous wireless connectivity, and operating system diversity.