A software upgrade will allow the RYZ024A to support dual mode (Cat-M1 & NB-IoT).
Renesas Electronics Corporation has expanded its low-power WAN products as part of its strategic plan to provide connectivity devices for smart cities and smart homes. It also provides devices that are used in medical devices and industrial applications. The new RYZ024A supports Cat M1 and NB IoT (Narrowband Internet of Things), internet connectivity, without the need for a Gateway. It consumes only 1uA (microamp), significantly less than other products. The RYZ024A is ideal for battery powered applications as it supports extended discontinuous receipt (eDRX). It also has a voltage range of 2.2V to 5.5V. Renesas revealed the details of this new product during the electronica in Munich, Germany from November 15-18 2022.
The RYZ024A provides seamless Cat-M1 connectivity, like its predecessor the RYZ014A, but it also offers the option to incorporate NB-IoT. NB-IoT, while both Cat-M1 & NB-IoT utilise Low Power Wide Area Networks (LPWAN), is more energy-efficient. This increases the life of battery-powered devices. NB-IoT uses a fraction, whereas Cat-M1 consumes the entire spectrum. NB-IoT also has a very deep coverage, even in underground or confined spaces. The module offers coverage at the cellular network’s periphery as well as deep indoor situations with two power amplifier output levels of 20dBm and 23dBm (decibel-milliwatts).
The RYZ024A will be created in partnership by Sequans, a leader in cellular IoT technologies. It will go through extensive testing and certification to ensure that it meets all the key radio frequency regulatory specs established by organizations like the Global Certification Forum and the PCS Type Certification Review Board. The certification allows engineers to begin developing IoT system for major carriers across North America, Asia Pacific and Europe.
Renesas will provide engineers with all the hardware and software required, including an evaluation package, a software stack and RF certifications to build IoT capable, power-constrained system based on the RYZ024A. The RYZ024A’s hardware and software support allows it to integrate the RA and RX MCU families. This results in a 60% reduction in PCB size and a 90% reduction in development time when compared with conventional chipset designs.
Renesas’ “Solar Powered Location Tracker”, a modular asset-tracking system, offers wireless options for data transmission. The solution is controlled by a core MCU (RA2L1), which balances low power needs, interfaces and performance with flexibility. This solution provides connectivity options, an optimised power system, and has been tested in order to accelerate the development of tracker platform. It also includes complementary Renesas product such as power ICs (DA16600MOD), communication modules (Cat-M1 or NB-IoT) and power ICs (RYZ024A).
