u-blox introduces new LTE-M modules with integrated GNSS to boost industrial connectivity  

u-blox has announced two new LTE-M cellular module series, the SARA-R52 and LEXI-R52. These modules, designed for industrial applications, are based on the u-blox UBX-R52 cellular chip and are tailored for integrated and concurrent positioning and wireless communication needs. Typical IoT use cases include fixed and mobile applications such as metering and utility, asset tracking and monitoring, as well as healthcare.

A set of new features embedded within the u-blox UBX-R52 chip will allow users to dispense with additional components to design their products. SpotNow is a new positioning feature unique to u-blox, which provides position data with a 10 m accuracy within a couple of seconds. It is meant for occasional tracking applications such as recycling waste dumpsters, elderly trackers, or cleaning machines. The uCPU feature allows users to run their own software within the chip without using an external MCU. The uSCM (Smart Connection Manager), on the other hand, is designed for automatic connectivity management to achieve either best performance or lowest power consumption, for example when a connection is lost and needs to be re-established.

The new u-blox R52 series also introduces a new combo module designed to offer simultaneous GNSS and cellular connectivity – an important attribute for applications requiring continuous or cyclic tracking. The u-blox SARA-R520M10 combo module comes equipped with an integrated u-blox M10 GNSS receiver and ensures concurrent tracking with low-power consumption, better TTFF, and improved RF sensitivity. It is tailored for users who seek the simplicity of a pre-integrated cellular and GNSS solution.

Many LTE-M modules only offer an RF output power of 20-21 dBm, whereas the new R52 series offers 23 dBm, ensuring stable connectivity in challenging coverage conditions. The LEXI-R52 provides the same features as the SARA-R52, but in a smaller form factor (16 x 16 x 2 mm), ideal for ultra-small applications like wearables.

Samples are available now, with volume production scheduled for Q3 2024.

https://www.u-blox.com

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HaiLa showcases first Wi-Fi-based extreme-low-power backscatter chip

HaiLa Technologies has announced the availability of the BSC2000 RF evaluation chip development and demonstration kits. Presto Engineering successfully collaborated with HaiLa to develop the first complete analog and digital implementation of HaiLa’s passive backscatter technology adapted to Wi-Fi RF bands.

Supporting an SPI interface, the chip brings seamless connectivity to a wide range of IoT devices, such as multi-channel temperature and humidity sensors. The joint partnership to develop the BSC2000 demonstrates the path to extreme-low power in IoT devices used in building, home and industrial automation; consumer electronics and wearables; smart transportation; agriculture; medical; and automotive markets.

“HaiLa is pleased to have collaborated with Presto Engineering on the silicon implementation of the BSC2000, and we’re excited to showcase our technology at CES 2024,” said Derek Kuhn, President and CEO, HaiLa Technologies, Inc. “This is another step forward in our mission to enable sustainable scaling of IoT over existing wireless infrastructures, helping end-users meet their net-zero goals through a massive reduction in battery waste. Presto’s long experience in ultra-low power RFID and NFC allowed HaiLa to complement its team with expert resources embedded into the development process, delivering the completed BSC2000 ASIC as one team.”

According to Cedric Mayor, CEO, Presto Engineering, “We are proud to support HaiLa on a key industry initiative to help reduce carbon footprint of connected objects. This project has shown that pushing the limit of IoT power efficiency is not only possible but a game changer for mitigating the cost and waste of battery usage.” Mayor adds, “With our deep expertise in RF mixed-signal chip design and ultra-low power architectures, we look forward to extending our partnership with HaiLa to jointly address new business opportunities leveraging their unique IP in future projects.”

HaiLa’s passive backscatter foundational technology is protocol-agnostic. As the most common wireless local area network (WLAN) technology in residential, enterprise and industrial environments globally, HaiLa has focused its first adaptation on Wi-Fi as a key infrastructure enabler for IoT deployments.

https://www.haila.io

https://www.presto-eng.com

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RealWear starts shipping Intrinsically Safe smart glasses, readying industrial customers for AI revolution

RealWear has announced at the CES that RealWear Navigator Z1, the world’s most advanced intrinsically safe (IS) head-mounted wearable, starts shipping today.
RealWear received its official ATEX / IECEx Intrinsically Safe (IS) certification for RealWear Navigator Z1 (“Navigator Z1”), with consultation with i.safe MOBILE, a technology expert in IS product development. IS certification is granted after passing a plethora of tests (i.e. thermal, electrical integrity, mechanical durability, safety compliance, and explosion-proof testing), validating that the device, whose purpose is to boost productivity and enhance safety for frontline workers, will not cause an explosion where flammable particulates are present in the atmosphere. All consumer electronics that are typically deployed for worker productivity in a standard office environment–including iPhones, tablets, and immersive AR/VR headsets–are strictly prohibited in these zones.
After publicly announcing Navigator Z1 hands-free computing solution, RealWear has received substantial pre-orders from more than a dozen countries in the oil and gas industry, signalling strong product demand globally, including a sizeable order from a major customer in Saudi Arabia.

Navigator Z1 are characterised by three distinct benefits:
First, Navigator Z1 represents the pinnacle of RealWear’s product innovation, delivering unparalleled performance with exceptional power efficiency. Navigator Z1 is powered by an advanced Qualcomm SnapDragon 6490 chipset with a built-in advanced AI engine. The platform lays the foundation for RealWear’s broader AI Core vision for frontline workers.

Second, the device now complies with strict ATEX/IECEx certifications. As oil and gas work environments can be extremely noisy, Navigator Z1 ensures voice recognition for fully hands-free use up to 100dBA.

Third, Navigator Z1’s unique modular design, which RealWear pioneered, enables unprecedented customization including the ability to add an IS-certified thermal camera and a swappable battery. The eagerly anticipated Thermal by FLIR thermal camera module is scheduled for release in March.

Customers can purchase the full Navigator series directly via RealWear’s global reseller network. Shipping has commenced in Europe, including UK, Germany, France, Netherlands, and in the United Arab Emirates, as well as across the majority of the Asia-Pacific region including Southeast Asia, Singapore and Australia. Orders in North America, Canada, Japan, Mexico and much of Latin America will be fulfilled in March timeframe for C1D1 zones.
Navigator Z1 is part of the Navigator Series, including Navigator 500 and 520, which are for everyday hands-free work for frontline workers in less restricted work areas.

http://www.realwear.com/

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Skyworks’ advanced AI noise suppression enables highest audio quality for new audio/video applications on the Edge

Skyworks Solutions is introducing its newest software solution for removing unwanted background noise from speech signals at CES 2024. The AI Noise Suppression solution delivers a new benchmark of performance for noise reduction, increasing speech intelligibility, preserving quality and reducing listener fatigue when using handsets, headsets, conference systems, automotive telematics, wireless microphones and audio-visual systems.

According to Astute Analytica, the edge AI market is predicted to grow from $1.4 million in 2021 to $8 million in 2027, with a large portion coming from the Internet of Things (IoT), wearable consumer devices and the need for faster computing in 5G networks.

While AI noise suppression has become common in desktop and cloud applications, performance lags on the edge. To address this challenge, the new software from Skyworks is highly scalable, from desktop CPU/GPU down to edge platform, with performance that rivals much larger CPU solutions.

“With the proliferation of AI noise suppression in desktop and cloud applications, it’s imperative the industry also overcomes performance lags on the edge to meet market demands,” said Yusuf Jamal, senior vice president and general manager of the Diversified Analog Solutions at Skyworks. “Skyworks is actively developing audio and other signal processing applications at the edge that will replace traditional signal processing techniques and drive new IoT edge applications. The AI Noise Suppression solution delivers benchmark performance, scalable from the edge to the cloud while requiring less memory and computational resources.”

The Skyworks AI Noise Suppression solution meets the needs of the market by:
Achieving subjective and objective test scores in embedded implementations that compete with desktop CPU/GPU solutions while requiring less than 10% CPU load on a HiFi4 core running at 600 MHz
The ability to run at 48 kHz, enabling advanced noise reduction on full bandwidth signals in audio/video production and playback
Not requiring connection to large cloud servers or tethering to desktop PCs or mobile phones
Not interfering with the original speech signal as confirmed by subjective testing based on ITU-T P.808
The solution allows for advanced noise reduction on full bandwidth signals, giving it the best audio quality on the market and opening additional applications in the areas of audio/video production and playback.

https://www.skyworksinc.com/

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