Avnet subsidiary EBV Elektronik has introduced a compact LPWAN module to ease transition from 2G to 4G deployments.

Part of the German company’s EBVchips programme, the Heracles 324M is an LPWAN module providing simple plug-and-play implementation. It is designed to facilitate migration from legacy 2G deployments to 4G technology.

At the heart of this module is a Qualcomm 9205 multi-mode chipset, which uses an LTE-M modem, along with GPRS and Edge modem functionality. A low-power application processor is also incorporated. This has 512kbyte of flash memory resource, plus 160kbyte of embedded SRAM. Uart, PCM, SPI, I²C and 33 general purpose IO interfaces are also included, as well as GNSS location capabilities.

The built-in SIM card allows pre-paid data packages to be used, thereby giving the module free access to mobile networks across Europe and thus avoiding additional operational costs. The available packages are for 50Mbyte of data over five years or 500Mbyte over ten years.

The form factor, in a land grid array with 24 by 22mm dimensions, means this module is suitable for a wide array of low-throughput applications such as smart metering, environment monitoring, asset tracking, mobile point-of-sales units, smart agriculture, telematics and remote healthcare monitoring. A working temperature range of -40 to +85˚C is covered.

Thanks to a power-saving mode and its extended discontinuous reception (eDRX) function, the module conserves battery charge to the point it can support on-going operation for over a decade. It offers backwards compatibility with earlier models in this family with the same form factor to both the Heracles 2G and 224G.

“With this latest addition to the Heracles portfolio, we are further expanding the scope of support for those looking to install new cellular IoT infrastructure or to upgrade existing implementations,” said Frank-Steffen Russ, senior director at EBV Elektronik. “By utilising the extremely flexible Heracles 324 module, customers will be able to benefit from secure, low latency communication with enhanced RF performance plus greater coverage.”

EBV Elektronik, an Avnet company, was founded in 1969 and is a specialist in European semiconductor distribution. It has 240 technical sales specialists focusing on a selected group of long-term manufacturers. The 120 continuously trained application specialists offer application know-how and design expertise. With the EBVchips programme, EBV, with its customers, defines and develops semiconductor products. Targeted customers in selected growth markets will be supported by the vertical sales segments.

• EBV Elektronik is now distributing wireless modules from Neoway. The cellular and LPWAN modules made by Neoway are proving effective in a broad array of IoT deployments. They have already seen traction across Asia and the Middle East, delivering reliable and secure connectivity. Smart grid, utility metering, industrial monitoring, digital healthcare, surveillance systems, point of sales units and fleet management systems are among the applications they support.