Chip maker Sequans has announced a series of IoT and LTE approvals, including certification with T-Mobile, new devices for private networks, and a new tracking unit with Telstra.
The company’s Monarch dual-band LTE-M/NB-IoT solutions have been approved by various operators, including in the US, Japan, Korea, Europe, Canada, and Australia. T-Mobile has taken the Monarch chip and Monarch NB01Q module.
Sequans says its Monarch-based solutions offer improved power consumption (one microamp) in power saving mode, a configurable power amplifier (+23 dBm/+20dBm) for fewer repetitions and wider and deeper coverage, and pin-to-pin compatibility with Q-series modules, including the Monarch GM01Q LTE-M module.
Meanwhile, Sequans has also announced a deal with US-based IoT brand Pebblebee, which is taking the Monarch LTE-M chip for its range of Bluetooth connected personal trackers. Pebblebee’s innovation is to always-on LTE-M tracking, which ‘track only when needed’, enabling ultra-long battery life up to 12 months.
Pebblebee’s tracking solution, Pebblebee Found, for tracking people, pets, and valuables, is based on the Monarch system-in-package (SiP). It includes Bluetooth for short range connectivity, as well as ‘always-on’ LTE-M, and “track(s) and buzz(es) a sound alarm” via Bluetooth on near-by items and via LTE on far-away items.
Sequans also has new deals for its LTE chipset platform Cassiopeia with Cambium Networks and Abside Networks. The former has released a couple of CPE (customer premises equipment) designs for global markets; the latter has introduced a second end-user device for private LTE networks.
The two new Cambium devices are called the cnRanger 2 GHz Tyndall 101 and 201, respectively LTE category 4 and 6 subscriber modules with 14 dBi and 19 dBi integrated panel and integrated dish antennas. They will be available mid-2020
The new ruggedized Abside device, using Sequans’ Cassiopeia platform, is called the Ravelin Gen3 uE, designed to operate in specialized, non-3GPP frequency LTE networks. Abside is offering the device to its private LTE customers, as a replacement for “non-homogenous technologies currently used in defense, PMR, and private network ecosystems”.
As well, San Diego IoT firm Inseego has selected Sequans Monarch GM01Q LTE-M module to provide LTE connectivity for a new consumer IoT tracker, launched by Australian operator Telstra, and going under the name ‘Telstra Locator Cat M1 Tag’.
Like the Pebblebee tracker, the Telstra Locator Cat M1 Tag offers always-on LTE connectivity along with Bluetooth and GPS. Key features include a multi-color indicator status LED with a buzzer and an embedded SIM. It is being sold for tracking “luggage, backpacks, purses, consumer electronics, bicycles, and… other consumer valuables”.
