Fibocom has launched a series of LTE Cat 1bis modules that give smart electricity, water and gas meters worldwide 4G connectivity.

By adopting the LE270 modules, users can exploit the Cat 1bis advantages in device design and long-term product life cycle management.

Utility industries are faced with the demand for a replacement technology after the 2G and 3G sunset. The LTE Cat 1bis LE270 module is engineered to empower smart metering applications with 4G connectivity and enable efficient energy usage management, thus allowing real-time meter reading and better grid visibility for utility companies to improve the overall operational efficiency.

The LE270 module supports 4G bands in China, India, EU and Latin America, which are the fastest-growing metering market across the globe. In terms of size, the LE270 adopts a compact LCC+LGA form factor design measuring 17.7 by 15.8 by 2.4mm and creates space flexibility in device designs.

Meanwhile, the module supports DRX standby low-power mode of 1μA and PSM of 1μA to save power and extend battery usage even in extreme low-power circumstances, ensuring a long-term product life cycle.

Aiming to provide affordable Cat 1bis modules to low and medium-rate IoT applications, the LE270 integrates interfaces and supports various drivers and software functionalities such as Windows, Linux and other mainstream operating systems, meeting various application demands in the IoT industry such as asset tracking, shared economics, smart retails and industrial connections.

“The LE270 series module we launched at Enlit Europe is to accelerate the smart metering deployment and ease the concerns of battery replacement in the long-term product lifecycle because this 4G-only module consumes extremely low power,” said Kevin Guan, director at Fibocom. “With its stable performance, utility customers can collect, manage and analyse the meter data precisely, offering a more green, sustainable utility service for the end users.”

The module is available for commercial deployment and has received regional certifications including CE, FCC and Anatel.

Fibocom (www.fibocom.com) is the first wireless communication module provider listed on the China A-shares stock market. It offers a one-stop for industry by integrating wireless communication modules and IoT.