Qualcomm unveils NB2 IoT chipset for low-power devices

News Wireless Global 16 APR 2020
Qualcomm unveils NB2 IoT chipset for low-power devices
Qualcomm has introduced a new IoT modem described as the world’s most power-efficient single-mode NB2 (NB-IoT) chipset. The Qualcomm 212 LTE IoT modem allows for extremely low average power consumption, requiring less than one micro-amp (1uA) of sleep current. To support wide range of batteries and longer life span of the device in the field, the modem couples ultra-low system-level cut-off voltage with provisions for adapting power usage according to varying source power levels, meaning it’s compatible with IoT devices using a power supply as low as 2.2 volts.

The Qualcomm 212 LTE IoT chipset supports single-mode 3GPP Release 14 Cat. NB2 IoT connectivity and is powered by an ARM Cortex M3 processor. The RF frequency bands range from 700MHz to 2.1GHz and the modem enables LTE modules below 100 square millimetres in size. Qualcomm said the chipset will usher in a new era for a range of IoT applications around the globe, especially those requiring connectivity deep within buildings combined with low power use, like battery-powered IoT devices that need to operate for 15 years or longer in the field.

The company is also launching a software development kit (SDK) for use with the device, designed to support developers in running custom software on the chipset, with an expectation to offer pre-integrated support for cloud platforms such as the Microsoft Azure IoT SDK. The Qualcomm 212 LTE IoT modem is set to be made commercially available in the second half of 2020. 

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