Empower industrial IoT through integrated connectivity, precise positioning and value-added services with a new modem lineup from Qualcomm

Courtesy : Qualcomm

Three new modems, purpose-built for IoT, bring an industry-first iSIM, cloud services and connectivity on NB-IoT and Cat 1bis networks for ubiquitous coverage

The industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) is rapidly transforming industries, enabling businesses to achieve greater efficiency, productivity and visibility. However, deploying successful IIoT applications requires reliable connectivity, accurate positioning and cost-effective solutions. Three new modems from Qualcomm Technologies are purpose-built to address far-ranging use cases across industrial applications through an industry-first integrated SIM (iSIM), and LTE connectivity on Narrowband IoT (NB-IoT) and Cat 1bis networks, for coverage even in challenging signal environments.

The Qualcomm E41 4G Modem-RF

The Qualcomm E41 4G Modem-RF evolves IoT device capabilities by bringing integrated connectivity through an industry-first GSMA pre-certified iSIM. It offers device manufacturers the ability to simplify the device manufacturing process by reducing the need for additional parts and multiple models of the same device, helping accelerate the time to market of commercial devices, since those devices can be remotely provisioned to the desired network once manufactured through integrated connectivity capabilities. The E41 4G Modem-RF is also purpose-built for use with the Qualcomm Aware Platform so enterprises, OEMs, ODMs and developers can easily build, deploy and scale cloud-connected devices that can be tailored to solve various industrial challenges across businesses, through value-added, cloud-based services.

The Qualcomm E51 4G Modem-RF and Qualcomm E52 4G Modem-RF

Continuing the mission of advancing cellular connectivity for everyone and across every device, Qualcomm is proudly introducing a new generation of modem solutions for IoT, optimized for use on NB-IoT and Cat 1bis networks. Both the Qualcomm E51 4G Modem-RF and the Qualcomm E52 4G Modem-RF feature a highly integrated design that allows for power and cost optimizations for device manufacturers. These two low-power solutions contain an integrated power management unit, support for RF communications, and a rich array of peripherals.

The former of these two solutions also removes the need for dedicated GPS hardware through cloud-based GPS positioning services, further helping device manufacturers save on device costs, while reducing positioning error in open sky and dense urban environments. Regardless of which modem ODMs and OEMs choose, they can rest assured they can utilize low-power connectivity and intelligent power management capabilities, and NB-IoT or Cat 1bis connectivity, making these modems ideal for ultra-low power connectivity across a range of IoT devices including smart meters, smart city devices, intelligent parking solutions, healthcare devices, wearable devices, IP cameras, point-of-sale terminals and more.

The Qualcomm E41 4G Modem-RF and Qualcomm E52 4G Modem-RF are both Cat 1bis solutions that represent advancements in IIoT connectivity, including a breakthrough on the former of these modems, which features an industry-first, GSMA pre-certified iSIM solution that can be programmed during manufacturing or remotely via a SIM provisioning service. This will enable devices to more readily connect to a variety of cellular networks across the globe, thereby making it easier than ever for ODMs, OEMs, MNOs and MVNOs to integrate connectivity on devices across networks.

The potential applications for the E41 4G Modem-RF span across a variety of IoT devices, including smart meters that are placed in remote areas that have historically required frequent battery replacements or manual readings. Now, those meters can operate more efficiently by using integrated connectivity and remote management to send readings proactively over the air, and alert remote decision-makers when maintenance is needed.

IoT devices are deployed in a variety of environments, including where location technologies have traditionally been challenged, such as indoor areas like warehouses and retail stores. The E41 4G Modem-RF uses several positioning techniques to address the needs of industrial IoT applications, including in these difficult signal environments, using ambient signals from existing Wi-Fi access points and cellular towers. Positioning can be achieved either directly through the modem, or through Qualcomm Aware Positioning Services, which adds cloud-based positioning services and available GNSS assistance, when paired with the all-new optional dual-band GNSS receiver, the Qualcomm QCG110. This is an ideal solution for positioning devices in open-sky environments that require precise positioning, using multiple constellations, in a power-conscious way.

With its variety of positioning technologies, the E41 4G Modem-RF provides a robust solution for IIoT applications including asset tracking and fleet management, energy and utilities, retail and mobile network operators, powering continuous asset visibility, monitoring and management capabilities even in the most challenging conditions.

All three new modems will help device manufacturers simplify the development process and reduce the time and costs to develop devices through a highly integrated design architecture. Because the E41 4G Modem-RF incorporates iSIM technology directly into the hardware design, it reduces the total cost of assembling a device, since the cost of SIM card is included in the modem. OEMs are able to develop a single device model that can be remotely programmed to work in different regions around the globe and transform the traditional manufacturing model where it’s been necessary to build multiple models of the same device, each using a different SIM, to work with different connectivity providers across regions. By utilizing the E41 4G Modem-RF’s compact design, businesses can unlock the full potential of IIoT without compromising on quality or performance, and reduce design complexity.

The capabilities of all three modems unlock a wide variety of possibilities across smart wearables in warehousing, industrial handheld devices in retail, smart metering in energy and utilities, guidance for autonomous robots across retail, warehouses and more.

In the energy and utilities sector, example uses for all three of these modems include:

• Improved operational efficiency and energy distribution on a localized grid level with reduced costs through less manual intervention.
• Long-lasting asset control capabilities for vital infrastructure, such as electric meters, through precise data collection and remote management capabilities.
• High temperature support allows devices to be deployed and used in harsh environments that are typical of energy and utilities space.
• IP cameras, wearable devices, smart meters and industrial handheld devices.

In the retail sector, examples of solutions the E41 4G Modem-RF can power include:

• Real-time inventory management and security-focused payment processing to point-of-sale systems and industrial handheld devices.
• On-device AI capabilities and advanced security surveillance functionality on IP cameras with real-time alerts and remote monitoring capabilities.

For autonomous robots in manufacturing, logistics and retail applications, the E41 4G Modem-RF provides:

• Precise positioning and connectivity, delivering efficient navigation and automation.
• Low-latency and security-focused processing for enhanced reliability during use.

At its core, the integrated and compact design of these three modems supports a wide range of IoT applications that demand both precise, low-power positioning and seamless connectivity, within a single, versatile design that can be selected depending on the target application, empowering businesses across multiple industries to achieve growth and seize new opportunities.