Sony Semiconductor has introduced a chipset for IoT applications such as asset trackers and smart utility meters; it is being used by Fibocom, Quectel, Telit Cinterion and others.

The ALT1350 wireless system on chip (SoC) is being used in LPWA cellular modules from AM Telecom, Fibocom, Murata, Quectel, Semtech, Telit Cinterion and Wistron NeWeb. The modules are available for sampling, with mass production expected during the first half of this year.

Israeli firm Sony’s Altair ALT1350 is the first cellular LTE-M and NB-IoT SoC to adopt a low-power application MCU, a sensor-hub for data collection and processing, enhanced security, integrated SIM (iSIM) location technology and an additional sub-GHz LPWA and FAN customisable transceiver, and NTN communication options in a single chip.

It features cellular connected standby mode (eDRX) connectivity at a power consumption of below 3µA, and its overall power consumption performance achieves up to ten times longer battery life compared with previous generations. The feature set and performance of the chipset make it suitable for smart utility meters and single-chip asset-tracking applications.

The chipset can support connectivity choices for all industries and markets. In smart cities and utility spaces, it can perform as a low-power cellular modem, a low-power mesh device, and a router between cellular and mesh networks as well as provide multiple connectivity backup options. The feature set and performance make it suitable for single-chip asset-tracking applications, bundling multi-tier location services optimised for battery-operated devices.

“Commercial adaptation of the ALT1350 SoC by industry leaders demonstrates strong demand for new generation LPWA technology,” said Nohik Semel, CEO of Sony Semiconductor. “This SoC enables applications for smart cities, logistics and asset trackers, connected health devices, and in the wearables market as it brings in an era of connected everything in which battery consumption is no longer a concern. We are excited to be working with our partners to bring this SoC to the market and help them build innovative products.”

Kevin Guan, director at Fibocom (www.fibocom.com), added: “We are delighted to propel the 5G LPWA module in collaboration with Sony, and we are optimistic to bring empowerment in the application fields in the short term with this announcement on the commercial availability of the ALT1350. Fibocom’s 5G LPWA module MS180 integrated with the ALT1350, adopts an ultra-compact size at 12.8 by 14.8mm and is designed to provide ultra-low power consumption and reliable wireless connectivity for the 5G massive IoT market. Looking forward, we are confident to empower industries such as smart metering, asset tracking, telematics, telehealth, smart city and consumer electronics with the best-in-class module.”

And Norbert Muhrer, president of Quectel Wireless (www.quectel.com), said: “We are thrilled to be working closely again with Sony on the integration of Sony’s advanced ALT1350 chipset into our module, underscoring our commitment to driving innovation and delivering superior performance to our customers. Our Quectel BG950S-GL LPWA module will take the rich feature set and performance of the ALT1350 and set a new standard for IoT devices, enabling more efficient, reliable and seamless communication across the globe. Together, Sony and Quectel are paving the way for a future where smart, connected devices transform every aspect of our lives, from the way we work to how we interact with the world around us.”

Manish Watwani, chief marketing and product officer at Telit Cinterion (www.telit.com), added: “The low-power, multi-radio capabilities of the ALT1350 unlock a new set of use cases for the vast battery-driven cellular LPWAN and short range wireless IoT application markets. Telit Cinterion is elated to be part of this inflection point in the industry, introducing a strong line of modules, namely the ME310M1 series, based on the SoC made possible not only by the ALT1350 broad set of advanced features, but also by the strong and longstanding partnership we have with Sony.”

Sony Semiconductor (altair.sony-semicon.com) in Israel is a provider of cellular IoT chipsets that integrate LTE CatT-M and NB-IoT with low power consumption, hardware-based security and a carrier-grade iSIM, all 5G ready.