Nordic Semi, Myriota provide NB-IoT over satellite
Myriota has developed a 5G compliant satellite network for the Interent of things (IoT) using an NB-IoT chip from Nordic Semiconductor in Norway.
The Myriota HyperPulse network connects directly from satellites to a module based on the Nordic Semiconductor nRF9151 NB-IoT system in package, which also supports the DECT NR+ protocols. This is not a traditional receiver chip for direct satellite connections, but it appears the modem has had the hardware for satellite connectivity at 2GHz already built in. Nordic has been working with satellite operator Iridium on Project StarDust to connect to geostationary satellites.
Myriota says the partnership delivers end-to-end 5G NTN (Non-Terrestrial Networks) standards-based connectivity for battery-based IoT sensors and terminals. The company has more than a decade of experience in delivering high security, power efficient direct-to-satellite IoT solutions through its UltraLite service. The HyperPulse 5G standards-based network builds on this knowledge, adding a constellation of satellites in geostationary (GEO) orbit and L-Band frequency.
This comes alongside several demonstrations of 5G NTN connections using the Altair ALT1250 chip from Sony Semiconductors. Rohde & Schwarz are showing an evaluation board using the chip for voice calls over satellite NB-IoT, while Mavenir has shown voice calls over the technology and Skylo has a deal to provide NB-IoT satellite connectivity.
Myriota’s HyperPulse network uses Viasat’s dynamic leasing capability, which allows Myriota to scale the network’s performance dynamically to suit the needs of customer devices deployed in the field.
The nRF9151 supports 3GPP release 14 LTE-M/NB-IoT which is used as the basis for the NTN NB-IoT specification, as well as the DECT NR+ protocol. The package is 20% smaller than the previous nRF9161 and also brings additional support for Power Class 5 output power at 20 dBm for more design flexibility for battery products.
Nordic also points to importance of the DECT NR+ stack for IoT applications, enabling massive mesh applications with reliability, secure connections, long range, and scalability.
“Myriota’s connectivity, designed specifically for the Internet of Things, is changing the game globally, unlocking better outcomes through intelligence gathered from the field. This is only possible because traditionally prohibitive satellite-based hardware and connectivity costs have been decimated. The industry can finally deploy secure, low power sensor devices at the scale needed to have real impact,” said Ben Cade, CEO of Myriota. “By combining our decade plus experience together with Nordic Semiconductor’s similar track record, we are enhancing our existing IoT connectivity platform with a 5G standards-based network which opens up a range of new applications, all powered by off-the-shelf modules with battery life measured in years and costs measured in single digit dollars.”
“Myriota is an established player in the satellite market, and our collaboration will now bring 5G NTN compliant solutions to the market, opening new possibilities for device makers out there” said Oyvind Birkenes, EVP of Nordic’s Long Range Business Unit. “It is rewarding to now have nRF9151 based devices connected and sending data over Myriota satellites to our nRF Cloud.
The two companies will demonstrate the solution at Mobile World Congress in Barcelona next week. The data is passed via the Myriota HyperPulse network and made available via a Nordic Semiconductor Dashboard demo.
www.nordicsemi.com; www.myriota.com
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