GPS World

Tag: internet of things

  • Collaboration aimed at GNSS solution for IoT modems

    Collaboration aimed at GNSS solution for IoT modems

    Synopsys Inc. and Nestwave are collaborating to combine Nestwave’s geolocation software with the Synopsys DesignWare ARC IoT Communications Subsystem for a complete low-power GNSS solution for integration into IoT modems.

    The collaboration will provide designers with a power-efficient, high-accuracy GPS solution for battery-operated devices without the additional cost of a dedicated GNSS chip.

    The joint solution will be presented at the Synopsys ARC Processor Virtual Summit on Wednesday, Sept. 9.

    “Today’s advanced navigation systems are facing unique challenges when being implemented in power-constrained IoT devices,” said Ambroise Popper, CEO at Nestwave. “By combining Nestwave’s low-power geolocation software with Synopsys’ efficient ARC IoT Communications IP Subsystem, we can deliver a geolocation solution that offers greater accuracy, lower power consumption, and lower cost compared to existing GNSS solutions.”

    Ultra-low bandwith IoT applications

    The ARC IoT Communications IP Subsystem is an integrated hardware and software solution that combines Synopsys’ DSP-enhanced ARC EM9D processor, hardware accelerators, dedicated peripherals and RF interface to deliver efficient DSP performance for ultra-low bandwidth IoT applications.

    Nestwave’s GNSS solution takes advantage of the ARC EM9D processor’s efficient DSP capabilities and ability to add dedicated hardware accelerators or custom instructions using APEX technology to reduce frequency requirements, giving customers additional performance bandwidth.

    The ARC EM9D processor is supported by the MetaWare Toolkit, which includes a rich library of DSP functions, allowing software engineers to rapidly implement algorithms from standard DSP building blocks.

    Geolocation for emerging applications

    Nestwave has developed an ultra-low power, advanced GNSS solution for use in IoT applications. When integrated with an IoT modem such as NB-IoT, Cat M1, LoRa or Sigfox, the solution offers low-cost geolocation for emerging applications such as asset tracking, smart factories, and smart cities, without the need for an external GNSS chip.

    “Emerging IoT applications are demanding geolocation functionality with high-accuracy and ultra-low power consumption,” said John Koeter, senior vice president of marketing and strategy for IP at Synopsys. “The combination of Synopsys’ ARC IoT Communications IP Subsystem with Nestwave’s GNSS technology will help designers significantly improve geolocation performance, reduce frequency requirements and lower overall power consumption for battery-powered IoT applications.”

    Feature image: metamorworks/iStock/Getty Images Plus/Getty Images

  • LoRaWAN market projected to grow by 47 percent

    LoRaWAN market projected to grow by 47 percent

    logoThe global LoRaWAN market is projected to reach US$5557.2 million, growing at a very high compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 47.2% during 2019 to 2027, according to market research firm InForGrowth.

    LoRaWAN is mainly designed for wide range and low-power communications in smart city applications that benefit from wireless battery-operated devices and secure bi-directional communication, mobility and localization services.

    InForGrowth’s LoRaWAN market report provides a detailed analysis of global market size, regional and country-level market size, segmentation market growth, market share, the competitive landscape, sales analysis, impact of domestic and global market players, value-chain optimization, trade regulations, recent developments, opportunities analysis, strategic market growth analysis, product launches, area marketplace expanding and technological innovations.

    Top driving factors

    The report discusses these driving factors in the LoRaWAN market.

    • Growing adoption of smart devices (IoT) in smart cities and smart home projects.
    • The growing adoption of machine-to-machine communication devices due to low cost and less power consumption.
    • Due to the use of IoT in various applications such as smart metering, smart lighting, and livestock monitoring, organizations face challenges regarding the selection of an appropriate connectivity option for specific business use cases.
    • LoRaWAN mainly the private or virtual networks, and connect different endpoints that use different applications (IoT, M2M, smart cities, sensor networks, and industrial automation) in a single data environment. This fuels the demand for LPWANs that offer requisite connectivity, provide long-range access, and extended battery life for connected devices and sensors.

    Market segmentation

    The global LoRaWAN market has been segmented on the basis of deployment, hardware, application and end-user.

    The application of LoRaWAN is based on industry verticals segmented into

    • asset tracking
    • smart metering
    • smart parking
    • smart waste management
    • smart building
    • others.

    Top-end users — those receiving benefits through the LoRaWAN market — can be segmented into

    • agriculture
    • utilities
    • consumer electronics
    • healthcare
    • manufacturing
    • others.

    Region Analysis

    The market is classified into North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Middle East, Africa and Latin America.

    Europe dominated the market in 2018 and is anticipated to dominate the market in the coming years as well. This is mainly attributed to the rapid adoption of smart agriculture in the region. Large-scale macro-farms are being replaced by family-owned micro-farms across Europe.

    Key players involved in the LoRaWAN market included in this study are Murata Manufacturing Co., Ltd., Link Labs, Microchip Technology Inc., Laird Connectivity, Semtech Corporation, SK Telecom Co. Ltd., Orange S.A. Senet Inc., Comcast Corporation and others.

    Browse the full report.

  • Sony to release high-precision GNSS receiver for IoT, wearables

    Sony to release high-precision GNSS receiver for IoT, wearables

    Sony GNSS receivers. (left) CXD5610GF, (right) CXD5610GG. (Image: Sony)
    Sony GNSS receivers. (left) CXD5610GF, (right) CXD5610GG. (Image: Sony)

    Sony Corporation plans to release a high-precision GNSS receiver for use in internet of things (IoT) and wearable devices. The new receivers have low power consumption for dual-band positioning operation — as little as 9 mW.

    Increasing use of IoT and wearable devices that utilize location information has resulted in growing demand for GNSS receiver large-scale integrated circuits (LSIs). Precise positioning and reliable communications must be ensured to maintain proper operation of IoT and wearable devices, which are being used even in difficult communication environments and unstable conditions, such as multipath propagation situations caused by reflection off the ground or nearby buildings or the effects of the swinging of the arms when attached to a person’s wrist.

    Additionally, device size constraints necessitate a compact battery, whereas satellite signal reception and positioning when using GNSS functionality typically consumes a lot of power, resulting in poor battery life.

    The new LSIs support not only the conventional L1 band reception, but also L5 band reception, which is currently being expanded across GNSS constellations, thereby making them capable of dual-band positioning. Sony’s original algorithms enable stable, high-precision positioning even under the difficult conditions unique to wearable devices.

    Also, the use of Sony’s original high-frequency analog circuit technology and digital processing technology delivers low power consumption during continuous positioning for dual-band reception operation.

    The new LSIs will drive greater opportunities to develop new products and services such as smartwatches and other wearable devices that cannot use external power supplies, as well as IoT devices used for applications such as trackers. They also show promise in a wide variety of applications which require precise positioning and stable communications, such as automotive services.

    High-precision, stable positioning via dual-band operation

    Compared with the L1 band, the new signal method used in the L5 band employs signal units that are 10 times narrower to measure the range between the GNSS satellite and receiver, improving positioning precision and amplifying the transmission power from the satellite, resulting in high-precision, high-sensitivity positioning.

    Quick, accurate GNSS signal reception via Sony’s original algorithms enables positioning that is more stable than conventional products even in changing reception environments, such as obstructing from buildings when on the move and acceleration of wearables due to swinging of the arms. This also leads to quick positioning time even from cold starts, which require more time.

    Additionally, Sony’s original digital signal processing technology enables countermeasures against the performance degradation caused by radio interference from aircraft communications as well as spoofing attacks and other issues, thereby improving resistance to interference.

    Low power consumption and high sensitivity are delivered by Sony’s original analog circuit technology, which enables low-voltage operation, as well as digital circuits and software algorithms that enable software processing via low clock frequencies. This innovative design keeps power consumption to only 9 mW, the lowest in the industry, when simultaneously receiving signals in both the L1 and L5 bands.

    Built-in memory

    The new LSI’s feature built-in non-volatile memory for storing firmware, etc. This design makes it possible to update the firmware without adding externally mounted memory and contributes to a more compact design for IoT and wearable devices by saving space. It also makes it possible to complete data-processing in the products, resulting in low power consumption and improved access speed.

    Key specifications

    Power Consumption 1.5 GHz/1.2 GHz simultaneous reception 9 mW 11 mW
    1.5 GHz reception 6 mW 7 mW
    1.2 GHz reception 7 mW 8 mW

    Hot Start Sensitivity: –163dBm

    Tracking Sensitivity: –167dBm

    Hot Start Initial Positioning Calculation Time: Less than 1 second (at -130dBm)

    User Interface: UART, I2C, SPI

    Package: XFBGA 54 pin, LFBGA 72 pin

    External Dimensions (LWH): 3.2×3.7×0.5 mm; 7.0×8.0×1.4 mm

  • IoT kit ready for heavy workloads

    IoT kit ready for heavy workloads

    logoCongatec is offering a workload consolidation kit for vision-based situational awareness applications such as machine control and vision-based collaborative robotics.

    The kit qualifies as an Intel internet of things (IoT) ready-for-production kit. It offers three virtual machines based on the hypervisor technology from Real-Time Systems.

    One runs a vision-based artificial intelligence application based on the Intel OpenVino situational awareness software. The second is real-time capable and operates deterministic control software, and the third acts as an industrial IoT/Industry 4.0 gateway.

  • 5G module with GNSS released by Sierra Wireless

    5G module with GNSS released by Sierra Wireless

    With support for mmWave, Sub-6 GHz and LTE, Sierra Wireless modules will enable original equipment manufacturers to securely deploy 5G worldwide

    Photo: Sierra Wireless
    Photo: Sierra Wireless

    Sierra Wireless is now offering its EM919x 5G NR Sub-6 GHz and mmWave embedded modules, which include an integrated GNSS receiver.

    Based on the industry-standard M.2 form factor, the 5G modules will enable original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) to deploy secure connectivity worldwide at the highest possible speeds with ultra-low latency for mobile computing, routers, gateways, industrial automation, and many new Industrial IoT applications.

    With support for mmWave, sub-6 GHz and LTE, as defined by the 3GPP Release 15 standard, Sierra Wireless’ 5G modules will power next-generation devices that deliver high-bandwidth, low-latency applications.

    Applications for the module include private networks, enterprise networking, edge processing, live streaming, video security, e-gaming, smart factories, robotics, drones, virtual reality and machine learning.

    Allied Telesis, Dynabook, LiveU, NEC Personal Computers and Panasonic are among the OEMs designing their 5G platform to launch with Sierra Wireless’ EM919x modules.

    Module versions available

    The EM9190 5G NR Sub-6 GHz and mmWave embedded module delivers high 5G speeds. Along with the GNSS receiver, the module has automatic 4G and 3G fallback and FCC certification for CBRS networks to provides reliability, security and flexibility for Industrial IoT designs.

    The EM9191 5G NR Sub-6 GHz module is also available in M.2 form factor, providing a simple upgrade path to mmWave, as well as the EM7690 LTE Cat-20 module to help facilitate the migration and differentiation between 4G LTE and 5G.

    Sierra Wireless’ EM919x modules are built on the Qualcomm Snapdragon X55 5G Modem-RF System.

    “5G is the most technically challenging evolution in the history of wireless, particularly because of the introduction of mmWave,” said Larry Zibrik, Vice President, 5G & Embedded Broadband, Sierra Wireless. “Sierra Wireless has delivered industry-leading embedded modules, beginning with the first generation of cellular data technologies, and we’re the only partner with the experience to help our customers navigate the complexities of 5G. Industry leaders trust Sierra Wireless to help them get to market on time with secure 5G connectivity, and to invest in the expertise required to enable future key features, such as dynamic spectrum sharing (DSS) and 5G NR standalone mode for even higher performance.”

    “Sierra Wireless has been our trusted partner for integrating new mobile broadband technologies for many years. Now working with the EM919x for 5G, our next-generation 5G platform for mobile computing is processing on schedule, and our team can rely on Sierra Wireless’ leading technology and expert support to help manage the challenges that come with new technologies,” said Norimasa Nakamura, Executive Officer Product Development & Engineering, Dynabook Inc.

    “Our latest generation of products has been designed to work with Sierra Wireless’ EM919x to unlock 5G potential and deliver superior video and audio capabilities with mission-critical transmission,” said Yaki Luzon, VP R&D, LiveU. “Sierra Wireless helps us ensure that LiveU is at the forefront of 5G technology for the broadcast and sports industries.”

    “Sierra Wireless has been a trusted partner helping NEC bring new broadband technologies to market for many years,” said Yasuhisa Ito, Director of NEC R&D, NEC Personal Computers. “We’re pleased with how our work with Sierra Wireless’ EM9191/Sub-6 GHz is progressing on our next-generation 5G platform for mobile computing and look forward to providing unprecedented performance with our new 5G products.”

    “5G is a completely new technology, and it will require a significant amount of effort from all parts of ecosystem to roll out,” said James Brehm, Founder & Chief Technology Evangelist, James Brehm & Associates. “Sierra Wireless’ long-standing position as an industry leader, and its relationships with carriers, infrastructure providers and chipset manufacturers will be an advantage for helping their OEM customers get to market on time and troubleshoot the teething issues we expect with new technologies. Working with Sierra Wireless significantly de-risks the process and speeds time to market for its partners. Sierra Wireless is the go-to partner for complex new technology launches.”

    For more information on the modules, Sierra Wireless offers these resources:

    Feature Image: KENGKAT/iStock/Getty Images Plus/Getty Images

  • Verizon to deploy RTK stations for ‘hyper-precise’ location info

    Verizon to deploy RTK stations for ‘hyper-precise’ location info

    Verizon logoUsing RTK’s pinpoint-level location data in the Verizon network is a building block to bring to scale emerging technologies such as driverless city zones, expansion of precision agriculture and drone delivery.

    Verizon has launched what it calls hyper-precise location using real-time kinematics (RTK) to provide accuracy within one to two centimeters on the Verizon network.

    Verizon has built and deployed RTK reference stations nationwide so that compatible internet of things (IoT) devices can receive the higher accuracy. Verizon is working to make RTK accessible with myriad device makers.

    RTK will also support emerging technologies that depend on high-level location accuracy, such as delivery drones and customer-approved location data for first responders in emergencies.

    RTK technology reduces the cost and risk associated with inaccurate location data, Verizon said in a press release. “Billions of IoT devices across a multitude of industries will benefit from improved location accuracy, with hyper-precise location information enabling a host of new services.

    “For instance, robotics at distribution centers will be able to perform more efficient, accurate and safe logistics operations. More accurate positioning can help speed deployment of high-value assets in emergency situations to the precise location, and more precise tracking of emergency equipment can provide faster redeployment in disaster response scenarios.”

    The rollout of its hyper-precise location services along with Verizon’s 5G Ultra Wideband network and 5G Edge will pave the way for more autonomous technologies, the company said.

    “We are scaling RTK to enable mobile location accuracy to within a few centimeters, transforming what is currently possible when it comes to location-enabled services and new IoT solutions coming onto the market,” said Nicola Palmer, chief product development officer for Verizon. “Continued growth in the IoT environment means billions of devices in fields where precision location services are becoming more critical, such as vehicle automation, unmanned aerial vehicles, precision agriculture technology, infrastructure monitoring, asset tracking and high-value shipping.”

    Image: 4X-image iStock / Getty Images Plus / Getty Images
    Image: 4X-image iStock / Getty Images Plus / Getty Images

    Reimagining road safety

    In partnership with HERE Technologies, Verizon is building next-generation technologies for vehicle and pedestrian safety using hyper-precise high-definition mapping and RTK.

    This work paves the way for connected services that are designed to drive road safety improvements. By creating a vehicle-to-network (V2N) communication system equipped with hyper-local location accuracy, collision avoidance applications can precisely identify vehicles, pedestrians and bicycles, and relay the information through Verizon’s 5G Edge and HERE’s AI to predict likely travel paths and warn vehicles of impending potential collisions. This partnership is one of multiple recent initiatives Verizon has taken to increase road safety.

    “Moving beyond the static fidelity of satellite-based location data enables an exciting new generation of connected, autonomous experiences,” said Jørgen Behrens, SVP, chief product officer at HERE Technologies. “By pairing HERE’s live, hyper-precise HD Map and HD Positioning technologies with intelligent RTK algorithms, and making that scalable, Verizon is putting a transformative level of location insights into the hands of developers and consumers alike.”

    Powering the autonomous future

    Hyper-precise location accuracy will be critical to advancing autonomous driving and together, Verizon and Renovo are ushering in a new era of transformative solutions critical for the future of autonomy on the road. These solutions leverage machine learning and RTK technology, powered by a combination of next-generation solutions such as 5G.

    “RTK is a critical technology for advanced driving assistance systems (ADAS). Accurate positioning helps ADAS vehicles navigate better, drive smoother, and react faster to the surrounding environment,” said Christopher Heiser, CEO and Co-Founder of Renovo. “Nationwide, reliable RTK networks make for a viable way to deliver these enhanced capabilities to mass-market cars and trucks. For companies that manage the huge datasets that power next-generation vehicle platforms like Renovo, this is very exciting.”

    IoT devices currently using RTK can be accessed and managed through Verizon’s ThingSpace management platform and APIs.

  • Fibocom to acquire Sierra Wireless automotive module product line

    Fibocom logoFibocom, a global provider of internet of things (IoT) wireless solution and wireless communication modules, has reached an agreement with three investment institutions to acquire the automotive embedded module product line of Sierra Wireless through its joint venture company.

    The funds will be used to acquire the automotive embedded module assets of Sierra Wireless through Rolling Wireless (H.K) Ltd., the subsidiary of Rolling Wireless Technology Co., Ltd. After the acquisition, the joint venture company Rolling Wireless (H.K.) Limited will operate the global automotive embedded module business independently.

    Fibocom signed an agreement with three professional investment institutions — Shenzhen Capital Group Co., Ltd., Shenzhen Jianxin Huaxun Equity Fund Management Co., and Shenzhen Qianhai Red Earth M&A Fund Partnership (Limited Partnership) — planning to jointly increase investment in Rolling Wireless Technology Co., Limited, a joint venture company invested in by the four parties.

    According to a Fibocom press release, “As an important milestone in Fibocom’s globalization, this strategic move will strengthen Fibocom’s industrial advantage in the IoT sector and will help to further enhance its global market share in the automotive embedded module business.”

    “We have been dedicated to providing high-speed, stable and reliable embedded wireless modules to the IoT industry for more than twenty-one years,” said Zhang Tianyu, chairman of Fibocom. “The acquiring will allow us to dive deeper into the automotive vertical industry and continue to provide more market-oriented high-performance embedded wireless modules and total IoV solutions for global customers in the automotive industry.”

  • Multi-platform lidar enables digital twin cities

    Multi-platform lidar enables digital twin cities

    Digital twin technology emerged a decade ago to provide 3D virtual replicas of physical assets. Today, with Big Data and internet of things (IoT) capabilities, it is a complex and comprehensive method to support the construction of smart cities.

    Mapping Shanghai with the AlphaUni 900. (Image: CHC Navigation)
    Mapping Shanghai with the AlphaUni 900. (Image: CHC Navigation)

    As a virtual model, a digital city can be an indispensable tool to visualize the life of a city in real time. It provides layered data about buildings, urban infrastructure, utilities, businesses, and the movement of people and vehicles. By providing this information, digital twins enable intelligent urban development and modernization.

    Traditional methods of collecting and representing 2D spatial data, such as maps and images, are insufficient to meet the requirements for digital twin city models, where digital data provides the foundation for large-scale projects.

    For example, the derived 3D models must have a high capacity to be merged and correlated with social or economic spatial data from IoT and Big Data. Because of this, a high demand exists for global, accurate, real-time geospatial data that provides high-precision 2D and 3D information.

    Proof-of-concept

    To illustrate a typical digital cities project, CHC Navigation (CHCNAV) carried out a proof-of-concept demonstration in the Jinshan district of Shanghai for one month in March and April.

    The total area of the Jinshan district is approximately 600 km2. This area contains rich terrain features and typical characteristics of large, modern cities, such as high buildings, power lines, rivers and vegetation.

    Extracted 3D mesh created from the data. (Image: CHC Navigation)
    Extracted 3D mesh created from the data. (Image: CHC Navigation)

    The traditional method of capturing with a single-platform lidar system may leave some areas blank in the point-cloud data. CHCNAV’s AlphaUni 900 lidar solution, with its multi-platform capability, was able to capture complete data with four different platforms: an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), a car, a backpack and a boat or unmanned surface vehicle (USV).

    The AlphaUni series provides optimized data sets powered by advanced GNSS/inertial navigation system (INS) sensors and long-range scanners.

    Point cloud from aboard an Apache6 USV mapping a water channel. (Image: CHC Navigation)
    Point cloud from aboard an Apache6 USV mapping a water channel. (Image: CHC Navigation)

    During the project, the CHCNAV AlphaUni 900 seamlessly integrated the district’s buildings in the data sets and provided a sophisticated 3D image from both indoor and outdoor environments. Its high-accuracy capability and multi-platform design can improve the way high-precision data is collected. It successfully provides an innovative solution for the problems of 3D geospatial data acquisition required for the development of smart cities.

    Table Data: CHC Navigation
    Table data: CHC Navigation

     

  • Tracking system by Particle supports IoT deployments

    Tracking system by Particle supports IoT deployments

    Particle logoParticle — an edge-to-cloud internet of things (IoT) platform — is offering a new tracking system that allows organizations to track the locations of a wide variety of mobile assets.

    Particle’s Tracker SOM (system-on-module) builds on its tracking services foundation. It provides a powerful GNSS, microcontroller and advanced peripherals in a compact form factor. Tracker SoM serves as an accelerated starting point for organizations that require a tailored tracking solution for sophisticated applications as well as a fully certified foundation for OEMs developing commercial products.

    All of the company’s tracking solutions come with a high-gain GNSS antenna accurate to 1.8 meters.

    A forthcoming study from Particle surveyed more than 1,000 IoT engineers and industry experts. Asset tracking was ranked as one of the top three most in-demand applications for IoT technology.

    The asset tracking system is built on the Particle platform, spanning integrated internet-of-things (IoT) hardware, edge software, connectivity and cloud-based management software. The field-ready solution is configurable.

    With it, customers can track the real-time location of critical assets and capture additional intelligence via sensor data including temperature and acceleration as well as remotely control mobile equipment and vehicles.

  • Inmarsat research: Mining industry undergoing IoT revolution

    Inmarsat research: Mining industry undergoing IoT revolution

    Research shows Internet of Things growing in use; free IoT maturity tool enables miners to measure readiness

    Cover: Inmarsat
    Cover: Inmarsat

    The latest research study conducted by Inmarsat, a global, mobile satellite communications company, found that the global mining sector is undergoing an internet of things (IoT) revolution with respondents reporting significant increases in adoption of connected technologies.

    Inmarsat employed market research company Vanson Bourne to interview 200 respondents with either decision-making or influencing responsibilities for IoT-related initiatives at organizations of more than 500 personnel.

    Mining organizations reported successes in implementing projects to safeguard workers via remote tracking, monitor drilling and observing acid mine-drainage remotely. However, despite this progress, a range of challenges are hindering the sector’s ability to reap the rewards IoT has to offer.

    ‘The Rise of IoT in Mining is the third IoT-focused research project undertaken by Inmarsat and focuses on the use of, attitude to and predictions for IoT across the global mining sector. As part of the initiative, Inmarsat is also offering mining companies the opportunity to measure their IoT readiness versus the 200 respondents to the survey, using their free online IoT maturity tool.

    According to the research, most organizations (65%) have fully deployed at least one IoT project, while 33% are trialling or have trialled a project, with only 2% of respondents not having begun an IoT project.

    These findings echo the predictions reported in Inmarsat’s 2018 mining research, where only 2% had fully deployed an IoT solution, 29% were trialling one and 69% were planning on beginning IoT projects within the next two years.

    Noticeably, there is a considerable geographical variance in IoT adoption and maturity across different regions, with 98% of North American respondents having successfully deployed IoT-enabled projects, compared with only 50% in Africa and 38% in South America.

    While this increase in full deployments represents progress, the use cases and data management are on the simple side and there are many challenges to overcome if the mining industry is to fully realise the potential of IoT, particularly in regard to using it as driver for organisational change.

    A lack of skills, investment and cultural challenges, as well as unreliable connectivity, patchy cybersecurity processes and underdeveloped data management processes were also highlighted in the report and will all need to be remedied in the coming years.

    “Two years on from our last research, Inmarsat wanted to get a measure of what had changed in the mining industry,” said Joe Carr, global mining director at Inmarsat. “IoT has begun to take a foothold in the sector with increased rates of adoption across the board. What we discovered was an industry that — historically slow to adopt radical ideas — is now beginning to embrace the use of IoT, but still working out how to make the most of it.”

    The mining industry faces significant challenges around skills, security, connectivity, investment and data management. These will need to be addressed for the industry to progress past a point of using IoT in a simple, siloed capacity, according to the report.

    Despite the challenges being faced, mining organizations are looking to increase their investment in IoT and are overwhelmingly positive about the value that IoT can bring to their operations and the benefits it is either already delivering or will deliver in the future.

    “We want to help drive IoT adoption in the mining sector and encourage mining companies to plot a route to IoT success using our free online IoT Maturity Tool,” Carr concluded. “The tool allows miners to understand their progress in IoT adoption across a number of areas and to compare this with the 200 respondents who contributed to our research. Using these findings miners can start to develop a roadmap for improvement and provide a tangible proof point for influencing internal conversations.”

  • Fibocom modules complete first data call on China’s 5G standalone network

    Fibocom modules complete first data call on China’s 5G standalone network

    Fibocom’s 5G modules FG150 and FM150 have completed the first data call and end-to-end data transmission services under China Mobile’s Standalone-Structured 5G network. The download rate exceeds 100 Mbps.

    Fibocom is a leading provider of cellular embedded wireless module solutions for the internet of things (IoT).

    Fibocom FG150 and FM150 5G modules are the first 5G modules based on the Qualcomm SDX55 platform to offer the data-transmission services under the SA-structured 5G network in China, Fibocom said. Its IoT wireless modules incorporate GNSS receivers that receive GPS, GLONASS, Galileo and Beidou signals.

    See a test video here:

    “Wireless modules are essential for communication between IoT terminals and the base stations. As the world’s leading IoT wireless module solution provider, we are proud that our 5G modules have achieved another R&D milestone in the industry,” said Tiger Ying, CEO of Fibocom. “The completion of the first data call under SA-Structured 5G network is a significant step towards realization of all the three 5G features (eMBB, uRLLC, mMTC) in IoT industry and helps our customers to accelerate the large-scale deployment of 5G industry applications.”

    The test was run on the Fibocom FM150 5G module with China Mobile’s 5G SIM card under the n41 network frequency band in the Shenzhen Mobile 5G Joint Innovation Center.

    The Fibocom FM150 5G module has been successfully registered on the 5G SA network and established the PDU session. In the 5G SA communication process, the establishment of the PDU session is a symbolic link for successful dialing.

    Photo: Fibocom
    Photo: Fibocom

    Fibocom FG150 and FM150 5G modules support both 5G SA and NSA network architectures, providing an integrated multi-network solution that is compatible with the global 5G Sub 6 and millimeter-wave bands. Fibocom 5G modules are compatible with both LTE and WCDMA standards, reducing customers’ investment in the early stages of 5G deployment and helping customers to switch their older product lines to 5G product lines quickly.

    Fibocom’s 5G modules have global coverage, accelerating scale deployment of the 5G IoT applications. Applications include: 4K/8K video live broadcast, cloud office (ACPC), drone, robot, AR/VR, 5G virtual dress mirror, 5G cloud game, 5G digital signature, 5G wireless gateway, 5G CPE, 5G SD-WAN, smart grid, telemedicine, connected cars, intelligent transportation system, autonomous driving, smart homes and smart cities.

  • Kolmostar’s instant cold-boot GNSS module ready to sample

    Kolmostar’s instant cold-boot GNSS module ready to sample

    Photo: Kolmostar
    Photo: Kolmostar

    Kolmostar’s ultra-low power, instant cold boot GNSS module JEDI-200 and its evaluation kit are now fully released and available for purchase.

    The JEDI-200 was recognized by IoT World — one of the largest internet of things (IoT) conferences — as one of the most innovative consumer internet of things solutions earlier this year.

    JEDI-200 specification highlights include:

    • Low energy consumption of 25 mJ/position fix
    • Short cold-boot TTFF of 1 second
    • 5.0 meter CEP positioning accuracy
    • Supports GPS and BeiDou constellations
    • 50 Byte/12-hour compressed ephemeris (EPH) for speedy download, enabling A-GPS via LPWAN while significantly reducing EPH download power consumption overhead
    • High-performance cloud computing for minimum end device power consumption and seamless integration with customers’ backend data analytics platforms and dashboard applications
    • Integrated SAW filter, stand-alone LNA and TCXO
    • 12mm x 16mm industry-proven standard form factor for easy wireless connectivity integration

    Specially designed for IoT applications such as pet and personal object tracking, livestock tracking, fixed and nomadic logistics, infrastructure tracking and shared economy, JEDI-200’s reduced level of power consumption and optimized efficiency with LPWAN solve IoT endpoint deployment’s pain-point of needing frequent recharges or a large battery.

    “Kolmostar’s JEDI-200 is a breakthrough in the IoT asset and personnel tracking application domain,” said Lucy Fan, VP of marketing and sales at Kolmostar. “JEDI-200 is well suited for battery-powered IoT applications which have stringent requirements on product size, weight, response time, battery life and GPS reporting frequency.”

    Worldwide customers have started developing based on JEDI-200, and field deployments are expected in the second half of 2020.

    “We have seen unparalleled advantages of the JEDI-200, enabling unique features and use cases which cannot be achieved before with traditional GNSS solutions,” Fan said. “With the latest developments in cellular and non-cellular low-power wide-area network technologies, such as NB-IoT, LTE-M, LoRaWAN and Sigfox, JEDI-200 is well positioned to enable more rapid deployment of IoT asset tracking use cases for our customers worldwide.”