Sequans Communications has announced the release of its first module based on the Second Generation, 5G-ready, Monarch 2 platform, the industry’s most advanced LTE-M/NB-IoT chip. The new Monarch 2 GM02S module features 23 dBm transmit power and a very high level of integration, stripping out complexity and cost. It also delivers ultra-low power consumption with a 60 percent improvement over the already industry-leading low level of first-generation Monarch.
The Monarch 2 GM02S is the world’s only cellular IoT module supporting a certifiable EAL5+ secure enclave for integrated SIM (ieUICC) capability that is compliant with GSMA standards. It also supports a single rail power supply starting at 2.2 V, the lowest level in the industry, allowing for better efficiency of the internal power management unit, further reducing power consumption and lowering battery and BOM cost.
“In designing Monarch 2 GM02S, we have painstakingly refined every key feature of our original Monarch GM01Q module to deliver the world’s most advanced cellular IoT connectivity solution available today,” said Georges Karam, Sequans CEO. “The new Monarch 2 GM02S has been designed for the highest possible efficiency and lowest cost at every level—from chip to module—with no compromise on performance. This is clearly evident in the module’s ultra-low power consumption and its advanced features that no other competing module in the industry provides.”
According to ABI Research: “In bringing their second-generation Monarch technology to market, Sequans has introduced two significant advancements that will help drive massive IoT,” said Phil Sealy, research director. “First is the ultra-low power consumption that enables IoT devices to live in the field for many years, up to 20, which is especially important for devices like smart utility meters and healthcare wearables. Second, is the GSMA-compliant EAL5+ secure enclave, enabling integrated SIM capability necessary to deploy IoT devices on a massive scale with highest level security, important for applications needing strict security like healthcare and payment apps.”
Existing Monarch customers that have already deployed metering, healthcare, home security and tracking IoT devices have a seamless migration path to the 5G-ready Monarch 2 platform because the two platforms are fully software-compatible. Since Monarch 2 is based on Sequans’ existing field-proven LTE-M/NB-IoT protocol stack, the new module combines the maturity and reliability of Monarch 1 with the breakthrough technology of Monarch 2 to create an optimized solution for a new wave of exciting IoT designs and applications.
“We are extremely pleased with the number of engagements we have so far and with the outstanding feedback we are getting from both existing and new customers on Monarch 2 and the new GM02S module," said Karam. “We are engaged in at least a dozen projects with new customers who have been compelled by the rich capabilities of Monarch 2.”
Monarch 2 GM02S Feature Highlights:
- 3GPP Release 14 and 15; LTE UE categories M1/NB1/NB2
- Fully forward compatible with first-generation Monarch GM01Q module for seamless migration
- Programmable RF filtering for global band support in a Single-SKU™ (617 MHz to 2.2 GHz)
- Transmit power up to +23 dBm for superior coverage at cell edge or in-building/underground
- Application CPU supports customer application software and ultra-low power sensor-hub
- Ultra-low power consumption:
- Rock bottom power consumption: 1 micro amp
- 60% reduction in eDRX and Idle modes
- 50% reduction in active mode
- Single rail power supply supporting 2.2-5.5 V allows use of low-cost AA batteries with no DC/DC converter
- Integrated secure element (SE) with industry’s highest level of security, EAL5+, supports ieUICC compliant with GSMA standards. Additional support for external SIM or eSIM also included.
- Sequans IoT-Findit™ location engine supports both indoor and outdoor location services without GNSS
- Embedded voice processing acceleration for optimized VoLTE without external CPU
- New small footprint S series module form factor, 16.3 x 17 x 1.85 mm
Delivered alongside the Monarch 2 GM02S module is the Monarch 2 GM02S-NEKTAR Evaluation Kit for IoT device development, which includes everything needed to connect to the network, test and prototype Monarch 2 GM02S-based devices.
Monarch 2 GM02S NEKTAR Evaluation Kit Feature Highlights:
Evaluation kit for connecting and developing Monarch 2 LTE-M/NB-IoT devices
- Pre-paid SIM with global connectivity included
- Integrated, on-board antenna 617-900 MHz, 1695-2200 MHz
- Easy power measurement with external power supply
- Suitable for lab or field testing
- Access to all module interfaces for development and testing
- NEKTAR-CONNEKT interface connector for daughter board
The Monarch 2 GM02S is sampling now. See Sequans online next month at CES 2021 from January 11-14.
