Qualcomm introduces a new energy-efficient single-mode NB2 (NB-IoT) chipset

     According to the Global System for Mobile Communications Association (GSMA), the number of cellular iot connections worldwide will reach 3.2 billion by 2024. Qualcomm Technologies introduces Qualcomm 212 LTE IoT Modem, the world's leading energy-efficient single-mode NB2 (NB-IoT) chipset, a groundbreaking new product designed to drive cellular iot growth and continue to lead wireless technology innovation.

     For iot terminals that need to operate for years, energy efficiency is the most critical feature. The Qualcomm 212 LTE IoT modem uses a state-of-the-art, energy-efficient chipset architecture that requires less than 1 microampere (1 UA) of sleep current, resulting in extremely low average power consumption. To support iot terminals powered by different types of batteries and extend terminal life, the modem combines an ultra-low system-level cutoff voltage to adjust power usage according to battery charging status, allowing the terminal device to keep power levels as low as 2.2 volts.

     Vieri Vanghi, Vice President of Product Management at QUALCOMM Europe, Inc., said: "The Qualcomm 212 LTE IoT modem will help usher in a new era of a wide range of iot applications worldwide, especially those deployed in low-power iot applications deep inside buildings, such as battery-powered iot terminals that require field operation for 15 years or more." "The ultra-low power, small size and low cost of the Qualcomm 212 LTE IoT modem will give Oems a huge advantage in building a new generation of low-power iot devices."

     The Qualcomm 212 LTE IoT modem supports single-mode 3GPP Release 14 Cat.NB2 IoT connectivity and is expected to provide greater coverage for delay-insensitive applications in the 700MHz to 2.1GHz RF band and support for global roaming. The modem integrates modem baseband, application processor, memory and RF transceiver with fully integrated RF front end and power management components in a compact single-chip solution capable of supporting LTE modules smaller than 100 mm ².

     With high integration and fewer external components, the modem reduces module design time while reducing module components, thereby helping Oems accelerate product commercialization. The Qualcomm 212 LTE IoT modem integrates the ARM Cortex M3 application processor and the original Bionetworking data networking protocol, so it can support embedded iot applications. Qualcomm Technologies also released an SDK for use with the Qualcomm 212 LTE IoT modem, designed to enable developers to run custom software on integrated application processors, while pre-integrating support for cloud platforms, such as Microsoft Azure IoT SDK.

     Cameron Coursey, vice president of Advanced Solutions at AT&T, said: "The global expansion of low-power wide-area networks is enabling large-scale iot use cases and applications that were previously difficult to achieve. We want to take advantage of the world's most comprehensive NB-IoT layout and leading portfolio of modems and chips to make it easier for customers to achieve large-scale iot deployments." Qualcomm® 212 LTE IoT modems help enterprises open up new opportunities for NB-IoT networks through greater cost effectiveness, energy efficiency, and compact size. We look forward to completing the verification of this chip in the AT&T network."

     Uday Patil, Head of IoT Terminals at Deutsche Telekom, said: "Deutsche Telekom looks forward to validating Qualcomm Technologies' latest Qualcomm 212 LTE IoT modem in the corporate network. Thanks to our close collaboration, we are able to bring innovative services with seamless interoperability to our customers."

     Andreas Haegele, Vice President of iot at Thales Group, said: "Gemalto, a Thales Group company, uses Qualcomm Technologies' advanced LTE modems to provide the best connectivity performance for Cinterion iot modules. The new Qualcomm 212 LTE IoT modem from Qualcomm Technologies delivers an exciting breakthrough with world-leading energy efficiency performance. We are excited to take this opportunity to expand our product portfolio and deliver innovative next-generation iot solutions to our customers."

     Roanne Sones, corporate vice president at Microsoft, said: "We are excited to further expand our partnership with Qualcomm Technologies to support innovative technologies that connect the intelligent edge and the intelligent cloud. "Across a wide range of industries, from energy to transportation to smart cities, the adoption of low-power, low-cost chipsets plays an important role in enabling customers to deploy new telemetry, tracking and other edge solutions with long endurance, as well as take advantage of Microsoft's Azure IoT platform and hyperscale cloud infrastructure."

     Zhang Dong, Chief Operating Officer of Yuanyuan, said: "Yuanyuan achieved the world's largest iot cellular module shipment with its highly recognized LPWA portfolio, and we are excited to add new products to this portfolio. The BC660K, a new generation of cost-effective NB-IoT modules based on Qualcomm 212 LTE IoT modems, has the advantages of ultra-compact size and powerful energy saving features, making it ideal for iot applications with high size and battery life requirements. To help global Oems connect their terminals more intelligently. Our long and solid partnership with Qualcomm Technologies has enabled us to provide a unique portfolio of modules that meet the diverse needs of a wide range of verticals, and our continued collaboration will continue to drive iot forward."

     Manish Watwani, Telit's Chief Marketing and Product Director, said: "Telit has a long-term partnership with Qualcomm Technologies to provide customers with the best cellular-connected iot modules with LTE 9205 and 9206 modems. Qualcomm 212 LTE IoT modem supports Release 14 Cat.NB2 IoT connectivity for greater coverage, lower power consumption, and longer battery life for iot applications. Qualcomm Technologies continues to deliver leading connectivity solutions such as Qualcomm 212 LTE IoT modems, and we are proud to partner with them to expand our LPWA portfolio."

     Steve Szabo, Global head of iot Platforms and Solutions at Verizon, said: "The Internet of Things is one of the areas of wireless connectivity with great growth potential. We are very pleased to witness Qualcomm Technologies announce this new, world-leading energy-efficient chip for NB2 IoT connectivity. Verizon and Qualcomm Technologies will work together to realize the connected future that the Internet of Things portrays."

     Qualcomm Technologies introduced the industry-leading multi-mode Qualcomm 9205 LTE modem, which supports Cat.NB2, Cat.M1, GPRS connectivity, and Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS). The launch of the single-mode Qualcomm 212 LTE IoT modem for the global market further completes the relevant product portfolio. Together, Qualcomm 212 LTE IoT modem and Qualcomm 9205 LTE modem provide customers with a complete portfolio of iot modems to meet the many connectivity needs of the iot ecosystem. The Qualcomm 212 LTE IoT modem is expected to be commercially available in the second half of 2020.