Sony Semiconductor has launched a low-power cellular IoT chipset for NB-IoT networks

The Altair ALT1255 NB2 chipset is 5G ready, designed with an integrated SIM (iSIM), user MCU, rich application layer, and GSM and GPRS fallback modem.

The chipset helps device manufacturers develop low-power, cost-sensitive connected devices at a global scale to monitor, manage and control critical infrastructure, medical devices, logistic trackers and other LPWA applications.

The platform is commercially available and has been selected by key module players. It was developed in-house by Sony Semiconductor in Israel, based on the LTE-M and NB ALT1250 chipset, and leverages its globally certified NB and 2G technology. The chipsets share software architecture, modem application and networking layer, and APIs for easy integration within the Altair family.

“The market shows a growing need for a feature-rich, fully integrated NB-IoT cellular chipset with 2G fallback,” said Dima Feldman, vice president at Sony Semiconductor Israel. “Module designs based on the ALT1255 will provide reliable connectivity for smart meters, logistics, telematics and smart cities applications.”

The built-in iSIM removes barriers related to cost, size and power, as well as adding an additional layer of security. The GSM and GPRS modem fills the gaps in LPWA network coverage and allows future-proof technology deployment in countries with mixed 2G and NB coverage. In addition, it integrates a low-power Arm Cortex-M4 MCU, separated from the modem functionality and designed to run a variety of IoT and sensing applications, as well as an adaptation layer to interconnect within the existing ecosystem.

The device provides out-of-the-box secure cloud connectivity, using numerous industry-accepted communication protocols such as power-efficient COAP and LWM2M.

As part of Sony’s Altair family of products, the chipset has received the Global Certification Forum certification, helping users accelerate module and device certification.