Cypress and Semtech link up to produce two-chip module for smart city applications
Cypress Semiconductor Corp has collaborated with Semtech Corporation on a compact, two-chip LoRaWAN-based module deployed by Onethinx.
The highly integrated Onethinx module suits smart city applications that integrate multiple sensors and are in harsh radio environments. Using Cypress’ PSoC 6 microcontroller’s (MCU) hardware-based secure element functionality and Semtech’s LoRa devices and wireless radio frequency technology (LoRa Technology), the solution enables a multi-layer security architecture that isolates trust anchors for highly protected device-to-cloud connectivity.
In addition, the PSoC 6 MCU’s integrated Bluetooth low energy (BLE) connectivity provides a low-power, out-of-band control channel.
Cypress says the PSoC 6 device is the industry’s lowest power, most flexible Arm Cortex-M dual-core MCU with a power slope down to 22-microA/MHz active power for the Cortex-M4 core. The device is a natural fit with Semtech’s latest LoRa radio chip family, which offers 50 per cent power savings in receive mode and 20 per cent longer range over previous-generation devices.
Security is a primary concern for many smart city applications. The Onethinx module uses the integrated secure element functionality in the PSoC 6 MCU to give each LoRaWAN-based device a secret identity to securely boot, on-board, and deliver data to the cloud application.
Using its mutual authentication capabilities, the PSoC 6 MCU-based, LoRa-equipped device can also receive authenticated over-the-air firmware updates.
Key provisioning and management services are provided by Internet of Things’ security provider and member of the Bosch group, ESCRYPT, for a complete end-to-end, secure LoRaWAN solution.
The module, offered by Cypress partner Onethinx, connects to Bosch Sensortec’s cross domain development kit (XDK) for micro-electromechanical systems (MEMS) sensors and to the provisioning system from ESCRYPT to securely connect.
“With its long range and low power capabilities in a compact footprint, Semtech’s LoRa Technology is ideal for vertical applications,” said Vivek Mohan, director of IoT in Semtech’s Wireless and Sensing Products Group. “Combining LoRa Technology with Cypress’ PSoC 6 MCU in a purpose-built IoT module will accelerate the delivery of leading-edge IoT solutions for smarter cities and a smarter planet.”
“Devices for LoRaWAN networks need to be secure to protect the data they generate and process,” said Jack Ogawa, senior director of marketing for the MCU business unit at Cypress. “We’re excited to work with LoRaWAN ecosystem members to offer developers the unique combination of secure PSoC 6 MCUs and Semtech’s new lower power, longer range LoRa technology to address smart city applications.”
