Twenty-five years ago, the cellular market was fragmented by the competing standards of GSM, CDMA, TDMA, and UMTS. That made it difficult and cost-prohibitive to build a single-SKU device that could be sold worldwide.
Then the industry standardized on LTE for 4G, and the selection of multi-band, multi-mode chipsets and multi-band antennas proliferated, putting the brass ring of single-SKU devices within reach. Now device OEMs and systems integrators could develop Internet of Things (IoT) products such as:
- Asset trackers that logistics customers could use anywhere in the world.
- Industrial sensors and controllers that energy companies could deploy globally on their wellheads and pipelines.
- Home telehealth monitors that medical equipment providers could offer to hospital chains and physician groups across a continent.
- Smart grid and smart meter devices that utilities can deploy in multiple countries.
In fact, a better name might be “global-SKU” devices. For the companies that sell them, as well as the companies that use them, global-SKU products simplify device management, service level agreements (SLAs), shipping, training, support, maintenance, warranties, and more.
Multiple Modes and Multiple Bands
The Qualcomm 9205 is an example of the kind of multi-mode, multi-band chipsets that enable global-SKU devices. It covers more than 23 bands between 450 MHz and 2.1 GHz, a range that supports even unique applications such as private LTE 450 networks for smart grids and other mission-critical services. The 9205 also supports 3GPP Rel. 14 LTE Cat M1 and NB-IoT, which are ideal for fitness wearables, pet trackers, and other low-bandwidth, battery-powered devices that typically are designed for a global market. (For more information about Cat M1 and NB-IoT, see “Choosing the Right LTE Standard for IoT Applications.”)
SIMs are another key enabler for global-SKU devices. As with smartphones, SIMs facilitate IoT device roaming, such as an asset tracker on a shipping container as it travels by rail, ship, and truck from Asia to the U.S. But global-SKU devices need a SIM that allows them to be sold in dozens of countries and used there for a year, five years, or longer. That’s not the same as roaming, which means a different SIM strategy is necessary.
One solution is Telit Cinterion’s NExT platform, which combines an eSIM with a mobile virtual network operator (MVNO) service. This enables IoT devices to activate service on over 600 mobile networks in 200-plus countries.
Integration and Certification are Key to Success
The next key step in building a global-SKU device is integrating the module, antenna, and other components. This process includes designing the PCB and enclosure to achieve the optimal keep-out areas, ground planes, and other aspects that play a major role in device performance and reliability.
Integration also helps ensure that the device will meet regulatory requirements such as those of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), as well as the specific network criteria for each mobile operator. These tests are mandatory and cover aspects such as signal strength, data throughput, voice quality, antenna performance, RF safety, and network interoperability. (For more information, see “Why Cellular Pre-Certification is Critical and How to Successfully Navigate the Process.”)
All of these steps can be challenging, expensive, and time-consuming for device OEMs and systems integrators. For example, pre-certification testing requires a vector network analyzer (VNA) in an anechoic chamber. Most device OEMs don’t have this specialized equipment and expertise, so they outsource these types of tests to Taoglas. To learn more, speak to Taoglas’ Engineering team by clicking on the button below.
