The following are news announcements made during the past week:
PRESS RELEASE:
Qorvo IoT Solution Powers Senior Home Care
Qorvo (Nasdaq:QRVO), a leading provider of innovative RF solutions that connect the world, is helping seniors live more independently in their homes with the help of a new eHealth system powered by the company’s chipsets for the Internet of Things (IoT). Health insurer CZ will provide the system to 3,000 elderly customers in the Netherlands, marking the first deployment of a senior smart home solution by a large health insurance company.
eHealth technologies with whole-home sensor systems present an opportunity for health insurers and consumers to reduce healthcare costs and enhance quality of life. According to Grand View Research, the global eHealth market is expected to reach $308 billion by 2022, and the transition of the healthcare industry into a digital healthcare system for management and analysis of patient health is expected to be the most vital driver of the market.
The system that CZ will deploy consists of a non-intrusive set of motion and open/close sensors, and a gateway. It combines proven cloud algorithm expertise from Sensara with industry-leading Zigbee Green Power RF solutions from Qorvo. Zigbee Green Power is optimized for ultra-long coin-cell battery life sensors (10-year replacement) and provides secure, long-range and highly reliable wireless data transmission. These features are essential to the evolution of the smart home.
Menno Janssen, strategic program manager of CZ, said, “We believe that seniors using reliable eHealth systems will gain a wide range of benefits, enhancing their quality of life and enabling their families or caregivers to have peace of mind that they are safe and healthy.”
Cees Links, general manager of Qorvo’s Wireless Connectivity business unit, said, “The innovation that Qorvo delivers in its Zigbee Green Power RF solutions, combined with behavior analysis algorithms, helps elderly people live longer and more independently at home. We’re excited about our partnership with CZ, a large health insurance company, and commend them for being a frontrunner in deploying eHealth solutions to improve lives. The IoT lifestyle market is quickly growing, and Qorvo is proud to play a more significant part.”
Qorvo products that solve the IoT’s toughest RF challenges will be showcased during CES 2018 (#CES2018) in Las Vegas, Nevada, January 9-12, in booth #42531, Halls A-D of Sands Expo.
More information about the IoT is available by downloading the Qorvo free e-book series, “Internet of Things For Dummies.” The two-volume series is designed to help technical and nontechnical professionals understand the intricacies of the IoT. The e-books are available at:www.qorvo.com/iot-for-dummies. In addition, a video about Qorvo’s senior lifestyle system – can be accessed here.
Qorvo’s Wireless Connectivity business is one of the leading developers of wireless semiconductor system solutions for connected devices, with a broad range of advanced RF chips and software for smart home data communications and the IoT. Information about Qorvo solutions for this market is available at: www.qorvo.com/applications/internet-of-things.
PRESS RELEASE:
PoLTE Corp., Riot Micro Partner on Ultra-Low-Power IoT Technology
PoLTE Corporation and Riot Micro today announced a technology collaboration to enable ultra-low power LTE Internet of Things (IoT) solutions with highly accurate location positioning for indoor and outdoor applications. The collaboration combines the advantages of Riot Micro’s RM1000 with those of PoLTE’s recently announced Lite-Touch location architecture.
Riot Micro will support PoLTE’s location interface in the RM1000, the industry’s lowest power baseband modem chip for the cellular IoT. Riot Micro’s innovative design approach can cut the power consumption of similar modem chips in half, at price points comparable to short-range wireless systems.
With support for PoLTE’s location interface, on-board modem data can be easily off-loaded to PoLTE cloud servers. From the cloud, PoLTE’s location engine will then accurately calculate location positioning of devices which would otherwise be constrained and hindered by processing power, memory, battery life, costs and size.
Leveraging the existing and ubiquitous LTE network, the combined solution will deliver secure and persistent location of any LTE-enabled mobile device inside or outside structures at a fraction of the cost, size or power consumption. This is a key differentiation compared to GPS, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and hybrid location solutions which usually require at least two different technologies for outside and in-building tracking.
“The recent advances in our architecture allowed us to collaborate with an innovative company like Riot Micro to reduce the costs and power consumption of location positioning for connected devices such as wearables, logistics tags, sensors and more,” said John Dow, CEO of PoLTE Corp. “Simple to deploy and system agnostic, our solution is designed to be highly efficient and accurate for the Cat-M category of LTE chip-sets that Riot Micro specializes in, enhancing its value to the cellular IoT market.”
“PoLTE’s technology is a perfect complement to our low-power chip-set design philosophy, and will open the doors for many OEMs seeking location positioning capabilities for their IoT and mobile devices,” said Peter Wong, CEO of Riot Micro. “The collaboration helps us meet our goal to offer affordable and ultra-low power chips that also incorporate the latest advanced features.”
Assembling a team of engineers with Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and LTE expertise, Riot Micro designed its baseband modem chip by applying proven design techniques from Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) and Wi-Fi to LTE to drive down system cost and power.
The RM1000 is available now, supplied to OEMs and module manufacturers developing custom solutions. Riot Micro offers a full-range of customer support services, including reference designs, for evaluation and module design.
PRESS RELEASE:
Hager Group, Silicon Labs Collaborate on Multiprotocol Building-Automation Solution
Hager Group and Silicon Labs (NASDAQ: SLAB) have collaborated to create a smart home platform that enables seamless connectivity for applications using multiple wireless standards including Bluetooth Low Energy (LE), KNX and Sigfox. The new Hager Smart RF module incorporates Silicon Labs’ EFR32 Wireless Gecko system-on-chip (SoC) device to enable versatile, energy-efficient multiprotocol and multiband connectivity at 2.4 GHz, 868 MHz and 433 MHz.
The tiny, stamp-sized Smart RF module is ideal for home automation, ambient assisted living and commercial building automation applications requiring excellent RF performance, ultra-low power, multiprotocol wireless connectivity, easy application development, and interoperability with IoT applications and smartphones. The flexible, feature-rich Wireless Gecko SoC enables the Hager module to continually adapt to changing automation needs and evolving software requirements through multiprotocol support and over-the-air updates.
“Multiprotocol connectivity is a critical enabling technology for home and building automation as end users increasingly require solutions that enable them to join and configure multiple wireless networks using smartphone apps and Bluetooth LE,” said François Lhomme, Chief Technical Officer, Hager Group. “Wireless Gecko SoCs provide a best-in-class multiprotocol solution for our Smart RF module, and Silicon Labs’ deep RF expertise, easy-to-use development tools and IoT engineering support are helping us drive innovation for electrical installations and services in residential and commercial buildings.”
The Hager Smart RF module integrates all necessary elements for home and building automation applications and services that need 2.4 GHz Bluetooth LE connections, secure KNX RF communications in sub-GHz bands and Sigfox technology for low-power wide-area network (LPWAN) access. The module incorporates a high-performance ARM Cortex-M4 CPU, 512 kB flash (ample memory for software updates), a multiprotocol RF transceiver with -103.3 dBm sensitivity at 2.4 GHz, built-in hardware cryptographic acceleration for AES 128/256, SHA-1/2 and ECC, and a wide range of low-power peripherals and interfaces. The 20.285 mm x 14 mm x 2.1 mm module fits space-constrained IoT end node designs, and its low energy consumption (1.4 µA in deep sleep mode) makes it a good choice for power-sensitive systems requiring long battery life.
“We are proud to partner with Hager Group to help deliver multiprotocol IoT solutions that will protect homes, families and commercial buildings with safe, easy-to-deploy electrical installations,” said Daniel Cooley, Senior Vice President and General Manager of IoT products at Silicon Labs. “We applaud the exceptional design innovation behind Hager’s Smart RF module. Versatile, small-footprint, energy-friendly multiprotocol platforms like this are simplifying and accelerating smart home deployments worldwide.”
PRESS RELEASE:
ADRF, Sirqul Add Cellular Data Capabilities to IoT Platform
Advanced RF Technologies, Inc. (ADRF), the largest pure-play in-building Distributed Antenna System (DAS) provider for public safety and commercial radio frequencies, today announced its acceptance into the Sirqul’s Strategic Alliance Partner Program. By collaborating with ADRF, Sirqul enhances its IoT platform capabilities by incorporating data from the cellular connections ADRF provides.
Sirqul is an engagement-as-a-service IoT provider that offers software and bundled set of vertical solutions, which combine with mesh networks to track and identify individuals’ behavior, location, and intent. This can range from identifying the exact whereabouts of a fan at a a sports stadium to deliver food to enabling autonomous robots to navigate industrial warehouses and factories, as well as be monitored.-
“Sirqul has created a strong technology offering that allows its customers to draw real-time and location-based insights from IoT data,” said Greg Najjar, Director, Business Development of ADRF. “Joining the Strategic Alliance enables ADRF to become a critical component of Sirqul’s solution and bring “smart” experiences to more venues.”
ADRF’s technology enables Sirqul to incorporate data from 3G and 4G adding redundancy to the network, while creating new opportunities for venues and buildings that aren’t equipped to provide WiFi. Through the partnership, Sirqul will be able to leverage ADRF’s expertise in deploying successful wireless solutions and mission-critical technologies in public arenas, apartment complexes, smart buildings, and professional sports stadiums to enhance their platform offering.
“ADRF has deployed thousands of implementations in the same markets as Sirqul’s client base, including stadiums and arenas, retailers, and other commercial properties,” said Viki Zabala, Chief Marketing Officer of Sirqul. “Through this partnership, we’re able to rapidly expand our capabilities to easily connect infrastructure to customer engagement for our clients.”
ADRF is the latest addition to the Strategic Alliance Program, which includes companies such as Intel, Siemens, and Level 11. For more information, or to learn more about ADRF’s full suite of products including DAS, repeaters, antennas, and components, visit www.adrftech.com.
PRESS RELEASE:
Semtech Releases LoRa Platform for Internet of Things
Semtech Corporation (Nasdaq: SMTC), a leading supplier of high performance analog and mixed-signal semiconductors and advanced algorithms, announced its next generation LoRa devices and wireless radio frequency (RF) technology (LoRa Technology) chipsets enabling innovative LPWAN use cases for consumers with its advanced technology. Addressing the need for cost-effective and reliable sensor-to-cloud connectivity in any type of RF environment, the new features and capabilities will significantly improve the performance and capability of Internet of Things (IoT) sensor applications that demand ultra-low power, small form factor and long range wireless connectivity with a shortened product development cycle.
The next generation LoRa radios extends Semtech’s industry leading link budget by 20% with a 50% reduction in receiver current (4.5 mA) and a high power +22 dBm option. This extends battery life of LoRa-based sensors up to 30%, which reduces the frequency of battery replacement. The extended connectivity range, with the ability to reach deep indoor and outdoor sensor locations, will create new markets as different types of verticals integrate LoRa Technology in their IoT applications including healthcare and pharmaceuticals, media and advertising, logistics/shipping, and asset tracking.
In addition, the new platform has a command interface that simplifies radio configuration and shortens the development cycle, needing only 10 lines of code to transmit or receive a packet, which will allow users to focus on applications. The small footprint, 45% less than the current generation, is highly configurable to meet different application requirements utilizing the global LoRaWAN open standard. The chipsets also supports FSK modulation to allow compatibility with legacy protocols that are migrating to the LoRaWAN open protocol for all the performance benefits LoRa Technology provides.
“LPWAN IoT applications are going through a massive transformation, shifting from trials to large deployments in smart cities, buildings, healthcare, logistics, and agriculture,” said Marc Pegulu, Vice President and General Manager for Semtech’s Wireless and Sensing Products Group. “LoRa Technology enables an infinite amount of IoT use cases as Semtech pushes for the last mile of connectivity and reinforces its position as the defacto platform for LPWAN.”
Global Net Solutions Offers IoT Badge-Based Security System
PRESS RELEASE:
Global Net Solutions (GNS), an innovator in facilities-based smart security and business intelligence solutions, today unveiled its S-Badge, a revolutionary IoT-based security solution designed to improve safety and tackle insider threats and breaches in high security environments, such as airports, hospitals, school districts and college campuses, government agencies and more.
The S-Badge solution is the world’s first security system leveraging a multi-sensor Bluetooth low energy beacon, multiple data sensors and High Frequency RFID technology to track people, property and assets with location monitoring in indoor and outdoor settings. Each badge is individually customized with a printed photo ID on a scratch-proof and water-resistant beveled surface.
Unlike other systems, the S-Badge leverages the latest IoT technology, artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning to enhance security and unlock an entirely new range of functionality and data that go far beyond today’s standards. The proprietary, turn-key solution utilizes an innovative system of on-site LoRa gateways and a battery-smart, all-in-one authentication badge that verifies a user’s identity based on location, a biometric signature and a preprogrammed NFC chip. The S-Badge also features a panic button to discreetly signal an emergency, along with the badge’s location.
“We’re living in a time when security and privacy have never been more important, yet no company is tracking people once they’re in the door,” said Michael Elias, director of business development, Global Net Solutions. “Existing systems let the fox in the hen house, so we developed the S-Badge. Now you can be 100% sure of who is accessing what, where and when, without risk of security breaches from negligence, oversights or abuse. Most importantly, we only track individuals when they are within the campus or facility, not at home or off duty.”
The S-Badge’s unique three-factor authentication process provides the highest level of security while solving the most common problems that plague existing systems, such as badge abuse and lost or stolen badges. This process includes:
1. Biometric Authentication – the S-Badge must be activated using advanced fingerprint verification, which also measures moisture, temperature and electricity in the live skin to ensure that only the authorized individual can activate the badge
2. Location Authentication – the S-Badge communicates with surrounding gateways to verify its authenticity and exact location at any time
3. Secure Element Authentication – an individually programmed NFC chip verifies whether the user is authorized to access a specific area or assets
To further enhance security, the S-Badge utilizes advanced AI and machine learning to create a prediction model, which can help identify threats in real time based on past behavior and location data. When the prediction model recognizes unusual behavior – like spending too much time in a restricted area – the system can send an alert to security to notify a potential problem.
Advanced features, like location monitoring, the emergency distress signal and machine learning prediction modeling capabilities, are powered by the stationary gateways throughout a structure or site that communicate with the S-Badge. This is an ideal method for protecting an individual’s privacy – as the badge cannot be tracked off site – but still enables data and business insights that can increase employee productivity, improve the customer experience and further enhance safety and security.
“Existing systems and standards are riddled with flaws – they’re simply outdated. Also, there is a gold mine of data that, up until now, has been completely ignored,” Elias added. “What we came up with is the first complete system designed to work in any environment – it’s scalable, easy to use and can be deployed immediately.”
Furthermore, the S-Badge features:
LoRa Transceiver Module – low-power, long range radio for communication with gateways up to five miles away
Panic Button – any user can discreetly signal an emergency along the badge’s exact current location
Flexible Infrastructure – cloud-based or on premise server infrastructure giving customers complete control, liability and security of their own data
Wireless charging – capability via an NFC wireless charging pad
IoT Platform Provider Runtime Announces Commercial Support for Thread
PRESS RELEASE:
Runtime, an IoT platform-as-a-service and open source solution provider, today announced commercial support for Thread, the mesh networking protocol that securely connects devices in residential and commercial settings via a robust, low power IPv6 network. Runtime’s first supported implementation pairs OpenThread, the open source implementation maintained by Nest, with Apache Mynewt, the open source OS for connected, constrained devices in the Apache Software Foundation (ASF).
Apache Mynewt’s first Thread implementation is based on the Nordic Semiconductor nRF52840 system-on-chip (SoC), which supports the operation of both Thread and Bluetooth Low Energy stacks. Apache Mynewt supports Bluetooth 5, Bluetooth Mesh, LoRaWAN, and Wi-FI: the coupling of Thread with Apache Mynewt further establishes the microcontroller-class (MCU) OS as preeminent in terms of both manageability and breadth of support for low power network connectivity.
“As multi-protocol chipsets become increasingly common, the requirement for advanced scheduling and a truly manageable OS in the MCU space is evident,” said James Pace, CEO of Runtime. “Apache Mynewt was designed with low power connectivity, security, and at-scale manageability, and is an ideal platform for building Thread-enabled devices and applications. The Runtime team has real-world experience securely deploying and managing the largest mesh networks in the world, having conceived and standardized IEEE 802.15.4g.”
The motivations behind OpenThread and Apache Mynewt are remarkably aligned and the free and open source code bases increase developer productivity and facilitate interoperability. The end result is quicker time-to-market and a lower cost base for companies building connected products and, most important, an improved end user experience.
“The Thread Group is pleased to see companies such as Runtime focus commercial support offerings around the Thread specification and the Thread community,” said Grant Erickson, president, Thread Group. “With Thread, product developers and end users can easily and securely connect devices into a low-power wireless network that includes direct Internet and cloud access.”
“We are elated that Runtime chose the Nordic nRF52840 multi-protocol SoC as the first platform to support in Apache Mynewt for developers building OpenThread applications,” stated Pär Håkansson of Nordic Semiconductor. “At Nordic, we believe the openness of the nRF5 series of SoCs is the natural complement to open source efforts. Apache Mynewt’s strong support for the Nordic platform makes it one of the most compelling projects to use with the Nordic’s nRF5 series connectivity SoCs. “
Apache Mynewt recently released version 1.3, which includes a complete sensor framework, stack optimizations including CoAP over LoRaWAN, Ambiq Apollo 2 for low power MCU support, and enhanced board support for the Telenor EE02 and EE04 modules. In 1Q2018, Runtime will extend commercial support of Thread to other microcontroller OSes, including Zephyr and FreeRTOS.