UnaBiz has upgraded its Sigfox 0G technology to reduce device energy consumption by up to 18 times.

The enhancement aims to deliver a significant efficiency boost for Sigfox-based products, empowering developers, 0G operators and major customers.

Central to this advancement is the integration of a 600bit/s data rate across its global 0G network, coupled with the introduction of the N=1 repetition mode. Both innovations collectively enable devices to operate at higher efficiency, reducing energy consumption by up to 18 times compared with the previous standard of 100bit/s with N=3 repetition mode.

By adopting, on top of the existing 100bit/s infrastructure, the higher 600bit/s data rate, manufacturers can achieve six times reduction in energy consumption and improved transmission quality when devices are transmitting on the move.

By opting for minimal repetition – sending only two frames or even one frame, instead of three – manufacturers can enjoy further energy savings of 33% to 66%.

These optimisations not only extend battery life for sensors, enhancing reliability and longevity while opening up business opportunities, they also introduce versatility in battery management for device designers. Moreover, they enhance the performance for use cases requiring radio transmission efficiency beyond current implementations.

“With this technology update, we offer enhanced flexibility for our partners to optimise,” said Nicolas Chalbos, head of Sigfox innovation at UnaBiz. “Device battery requirements can vary greatly depending on needs like facility management, metering and asset tracking. With our latest network and device library updates, designers can now easily balance device lifetime and network performance for their specific use cases. Seamless transmission option selection eliminates the need for network resync, unlocking broader possibilities with Sigfox 0G technology.”

As with most IoT technologies, improvements in power efficiency bring advantages and considerations. Transmitting at 600bit/s enhances communication speed and reduces related power drain, and optimises the spectrum used by Sigfox 0G technology, but reduces the transmission budget by 8dB, impacting the range at which messages are received by Sigfox gateways.

Reducing message repetition from the default three to one also reduces spectrum use and overall power needed to transit, but may raise the possibility of incomplete data reception in areas with weaker network coverage.

Designers, particularly those implementing 600bit/s and/or n=1 configurations, are encouraged to verify data transmission reliability in their deployment areas. If additional coverage is required, the global 0G network operators provide assistance and various options for coverage extension.

For more information regarding the benefits and considerations for use cases, visit: github.com/sigfox-tech-radio/sigfox-ep-lib/wiki/selecting-the-best-sigfox-messages-parameters.

“We are continuously evolving Sigfox 0G technology both for enterprises and the broader market in general,” said Alexis Susset, CTO of UnaBiz. “The new enhancements aim to improve UnaBiz’s technological ability to address IoT needs that rely on the key strength of our Sigfox 0G technology. Enabling 600bit/s data transmission and releasing our open-source device library, which includes options to control data transmission repetition, not only enhances energy management for devices but also improves reliability in use cases such as logistics, where the devices are transmitting while moving. We look forward to continuing to empower businesses and industries to address their challenges with our frugal, cost-effective and energy-efficient technology.”

For more technical information on the availability of 600bit/s data rates, visit the Sigfox Build Radio Configurations page at build.sigfox.com/sigfox-radio-configurations-rc.

UnaBiz (www.unabiz.com) is a global massive IoT service provider and integrator that specialises in design, manufacturing, connectivity and data platform services across a hybrid of network communication technologies such as Sigfox, LoRaWan, LTE-M, NB-IoT and satellite.

Founded in 2016, the company is headquartered in Singapore, with R&D centres in Taipei and Labège, France, and operates regional sales offices in Tokyo, Paris, Toulouse and Madrid, with virtual offices globally. UnaBiz owns the Sigfox 0G technology that connects over 12 million sensors for 1500 B2B users on the global 0G network, owned and commercialised by more than 70 national operators worldwide.