Qualcomm announced two modem chipsets with satellite capability
Qualcomm has recently launched two data chips, the 212S, and 9205S, specifically designed to cater to the corporate Internet of Things (IoT) and satellite industry requirements. Both chips support satellite data connectivity and are compatible with Non-Terrestrial Networks (NTN), offering the ability to operate in conjunction with terrestrial networks for a more comprehensive IoT application model. These chips boast ultra-low power consumption characteristics and are in line with the 3GPP Release 17 standard, facilitating Geosynchronous Orbit (GEO/GSO) satellite communications and supporting globally encompassing positioning effects.
The data chips further integrate with Qualcomm’s Aware platform, providing real-time asset tracking and device management services for remote areas. Qualcomm has collaborated with the independent Non-Terrestrial Network service provider, Skylo, to facilitate new data chip design application patterns.
The 212S chip, characterized by ultra-low power consumption, is Qualcomm’s first IoT NTN data chip supporting the 3GPP Release 17 satellite communication standard. It is ideal for long-distance, fixed-location applications, extending device usage time. Its applications range from collecting telemetry data and other information from water tanks, oil tanks, and other infrastructure equipment to monitoring utility grids, early fire detection reporting, and environmental management for land and marine mining facilities. The 212S chip is also compatible with Qualcomm’s recently launched QCM4490 processor, rapidly providing ultra-low power satellite network connectivity for industrial handheld devices.
The 9205S data chip allows IoT devices to easily connect to cellular networks and satellite networks, covering a comprehensive and nearly seamless connectivity range. It further integrates with the Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS), offering precise positioning data.
The Qualcomm 9205S chip is suited for goods and asset equipment in transport, providing industrial applications with always-on, hybrid terrestrial, and satellite network connectivity modes. This includes tracking transoceanic shipping containers, agricultural equipment, and livestock, global fleet and freight tracking for supply chain management, and remote transport logistics operations.
The design architecture of the 9205S data chip is virtually identical to the 9205 chip, including easier application upgrades and support for satellite connections and hybrid network operating modes. It also complies with the 3GPP Release 17 satellite communication standard and can be integrated with the Qualcomm Aware platform.
The 9205S data chip has already entered the market, while the 212S data chip is expected to do so later this year.
