SIGFOX/TI deal on long-range, low-power IoT RF connectivity
SIGFOX, provider of cellular network dedicated to the Internet of Things (IoT), and Texas Instruments have announced the two companies are working together to increase IoT deployments using the sub-1 GHz spectrum. Engineers can use the SIGFOX network with TI’s sub-1 GHz RF transceivers to deploy wireless sensor nodes that are lower cost and lower power than 3G/cellular connected nodes, while providing long-range connectivity to the IoT.
Targeting a wide variety of end-user applications, including environmental sensors, smart meters, agriculture and livestock sensors, asset tracking and smart cities, the SIGFOX and TI collaboration maximises the many benefits of narrowband radio technology and reduces barriers to entry for manufacturers wanting to connect their products to the cloud. Using the SIGFOX infrastructure reduces the cost and effort to get sensor data to the cloud and TI’s sub-1 GHz technology provides years of battery life for less maintenance and up to 100 km range.
SIGFOX’s two-way network is based on an ultra-narrowband (UNB) radio technology for connecting devices, which is key to providing a scalable, high-capacity network with very low energy consumption and unmatched spectral efficiency. That is essential in a network that will handle billions of messages daily.
"Narrowband technology is the superior option for a global Internet of Things network, because it offers the lowest-cost, most energy-efficient connectivity, along with the data capacity and robust coexistence, that competing technologies just cannot match," said Oyvind Birkenes, general manager, Wireless Connectivity Solutions, TI. "We are excited to be working with SIGFOX to expand their network deployments and bring the benefits of narrowband Sub-1 GHz technology to users worldwide."
TI’s CC1120 Sub-1 GHz RF transceiver uses narrowband technology to deliver the longest-range connectivity and superior coexistence to SIGFOX’s network with strong tolerance of interference. Narrowband is the de-facto standard for long-range communication due to the high spectral efficiency, which is critical to support the projected high growth of connected IoT applications. The CC1120 RF transceiver also provides years of battery lifetime for a sensor node, which reduces maintenance and lowers the cost of ownership for end users.
Sub-1 GHz networks operate in region-specific industrial scientific and medical (ISM) bands below 1 GHz including 169, 315, 433, 500, 868, 915 and 920 MHz. The networks are proprietary by nature and provide a more robust IoT connection, which is why the technology has been used for smart metering, security and alarm systems and other sensitive industrial systems. Additionally, the technology is low power, enabling years of battery life to reduce service and maintenance requirements.
SIGFOX-certified modules based on TI’s CC1120 are available today from:
Adeunis: SI868-25MW for 868 MHz operation
Radiocrafts: RC1780 for 868 MHz operation
Telit: LE51-868 S for 868 MHz operation
TI’s CC1120DK and CC1200DK development kits can be purchased through the TI Store or TI authorised distributors to test the capabilities and range of the TI solution.
SIGFOX positions itself as the only provider of dedicated cellular connectivity for Internet of Things and Machine-to-Machine communications. The company’s network complements existing high-bandwidth systems by providing economical, energy-efficient two-way transmission of small quantities of data, thus lowering barriers to wide implementation of IoT and M2M solutions, and greatly extending the battery and service life of connected devices. SIGFOX’s global network is deployed through the SIGFOX Network Operator partnership program, with more than 1 million square kilometers already covered. The company is headquartered in Labège, France, and has offices in San Francisco, and Madrid.; www.SIGFOX.com
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