Industry-first embedded SIM from ST supports new standard for IoT

ST has introduced the ST4SIM-300, the first embedded SIM in the industry to meet the incoming GSMA standard for eSIM IoT deployment. Also known as SGP.32, the new standard introduces special features to facilitate managing IoT devices connected to cellular networks.

“Leveraging the incoming GSMA specification, our embedded SIM for IoT solution, ST4SIM-300, enhances flexibility, eases network provider switching, and simplifies managing large numbers of connected devices,” said Agostino Vanore, Edge Authentication and M2M Cellular Marketing Manager at STMicroelectronics. “In a more connected and secured world, it will enable seamlessly track assets across the globe, connect smart devices to the cloud, and securely handle data from billions of devices, supporting our healthcare and smart infrastructures, cities, factories, and homes.”

Unlike existing eSIM machine-to-machine (M2M) and eSIM Consumer specifications, eSIM for IoT (SGP.32) is created for the needs of today’s IoT deployments. ST’s ST4SIM-300 supports features including greater automation of remote SIM provisioning (RSP), easily managing SIM profiles for large fleets of devices, and remote switching between network providers that eliminates physical SIM card swaps. The new eSIM conforms to the latest 5G standard and facilitates deploying devices that have a limited user interface and deploying low-power wide-area network (LPWAN) devices.

ST is sampling ST4SIM-300 eSIMs in various form factors, including wafer-level chip-scale packages (WLCSP) suitable for smart meters, GPS trackers, asset monitors, remote sensors, medical wearables, and similar devices.

Built with an EAL6+ certified ST secure microcontroller, the ST4SIM-300 is architected for security from the ground up. Compatible with GSMA IoT SAFE applet the eSIM facilitates adding secure element features for end-to-end communication and supports scalable security by design for creators of IoT devices.

https://www.st.com/st4sim-300 

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Advantech launches fanless edge computers with the latest Intel Celeron processor

Advantech has launched its latest compact and fanless edge computers—the ITA-168 and 178 series. These devices are powered by the latest Intel Celeron processors and feature dual-channel DDR4 memory, with both embedded memory and SO-DIMM expansion slot. With a computing performance enhancement of up to 3.5 times, they excel as controllers for traffic management and automated fare collection systems. Additionally, they serve as versatile intelligent edge devices for data collection and processing in various smart city and IoT scenarios.

The ITA-168/178 series feature extensive I/O designs to meet diverse connectivity requirements. With 6 x USB 2.0 and 2 x USB 3.0 ports, along with 6 to 14 COM ports, they offer versatile options for external devices and controller demands. They accommodate various payment systems, including traditional tokens, contactless smart cards, and mobile payments, ensuring compatibility with advanced payment sensors through upgraded COM 1 and 2 ports operating at baud rates of 921600 for efficient data transmission. Moreover, by integrating Advantech iDoor modules with 2 mini PCIe slots, they allow for customised expansion for applications such as gate sensing, light indicators, WiFi/Bluetooth, 4G/LTE, and more.

The ITA-168/178 series presents cutting-edge connectivity and visual capabilities. With four independent LAN ports, each supporting speeds of up to 2.5G (2500 Mbps), they satisfy the requirements of facial recognition, intranet, and voice intercom functions. Additionally, ITA-178 supports triple independent displays through 2*VGA/LVDS and 1*HDMI that is capable of peaking at 4k resolution. This facilitates simultaneous multiple displays on automatic gate machines and office monitors, enhancing operational efficiency. Moreover, they unlock opportunities for media advertising, enriching the end-customer experience with exceptional resolution and interactivity.

The ITA-168/178 series achieves a 20% to 30% reduction in size compared to their predecessors, the ITA-1611/1711. Featuring a rugged, fanless design and a wide operating temperature range (-25°C to 60°C), they ensure reliable operation in space-limited, outdoor, high vibration, and harsh environments. Compatible with Windows 10 and Windows 11, they offer optional features such as NVRAM for data protection during power outages, TPM 2.0 for enhanced system security, and wall-mount and desktop options for easy and flexible installation. Overall, the series offer an ideal solution for smart city infrastructure and machine automation applications.

http://www.advantech.com

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Arduino’s Pro 4G module delivers fast and reliable 4G connectivity worldwide

Mouser Electronics, is now stocking the Pro 4G module from Arduino. Powered by a Quectel LTE Cat 4 modem, the Pro 4G module’s fast data throughput and high bandwidths ensure reliable and quick data download and upload, even in remote locations. The Pro 4G Module expands the connectivity capabilities of Portenta boards for use in smart city infrastructure, industrial automation, fleet management systems, remote maintenance, and other applications.

The Arduino Pro 4G module, now available at Mouser, guarantees reliable 4G connectivity and backward compatibility with existing 2G and 3G networks. The Arduino Pro 4G module connects devices through Arduino Cloud, simplifying error analysis, firmware updates, and remote maintenance. For larger projects such as smart buildings, the modules can be used to remotely monitor temperature, moisture, and deformity levels, accelerating response times when safety is at risk. The Pro 4G module is also an effective connectivity solution in challenging environments, providing long-range coverage and secure data transfer both indoors and outdoors.

Developed in the widely accepted Mini PCIe form factor, the Pro 4G module is compatible with a range of devices for applications, including pipeline monitoring, smart parking, and waste management.

 

https://eu.mouser.com/new/arduino/arduino-pro-4g-module

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u-blox announces new ultra-compact LTE Cat 1bis cellular modules

u-blox has announced an expansion to its range of R10 products for the fast-growing LTE Cat 1bis cellular connectivity market. Predicted by analyst firm Techno Systems Research Co., Ltd to account for 43.6% of all non-handset cellular devices by 2029, LTE Cat 1bis is expected to be the best-selling cellular technology for the Internet of Things (IoT) for the next four to five years.

The new u-blox LEXI-R10 Global provides an ultra-compact 16 x16mm LTE Cat 1bis solution that can be used worldwide in size-constrained IoT applications such as people or pet trackers and wearables. The LEXI-R10 Global is the world’s smallest single-mode LTE Cat 1bis module with indoor location and a US MNO certified core.

Meanwhile, the new SARA-R10 series brings the same capabilities as the LEXI-R10 Global to u-blox’s popular SARA form factor. With 2G and 3G sunsets continuing globally, the SARA-R10 offers product designers using 2G and 3G u-blox SARA modules a straightforward upgrade path to 4G LTE – the most widely available global cellular standard today and for many years to come.

The LEXI-R10 and SARA-R10 offer the option to embed an eSIM, and both modules also include an integrated Wi-Fi Sniffer, providing Indoor localisation via the u-blox CellLocate service based on both a Wi-Fi and cellular networks.

One of the variants is the SARA-R10M10, the world’s smallest LTE Cat 1bis module with embedded Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) capable of concurrent communication and tracking. It is the ideal solution for asset tracking and telematics applications that demand continuous connectivity as well as indoor and outdoor positioning anywhere in the world, thanks to the blend of GNSS, Wi-Fi scan and global LTE coverage. This module is also 50% smaller than u-blox’s previous LTE Cat 1bis combo, the LENA-R8M10.

The new u-blox R10 modules give product designers a 4G cellular connectivity solution for IoT applications that require medium data rates, worldwide portability, ultra-low power consumption and compact sizes.

https://www.u-blox.com

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