The ALT1250 from Sony Semiconductor Israel is a Dual-mode LTE CAT-M and NB-IoT chipset with 2G fallback. It supports 3GPP Releases 13 and 14 and operates in HFDD (Half Duplex FDD) and TDD modes. This module has an ARM Cortex M4 MCU with 128 KB (or 256 KB) RAM for user applications and a carrier-grade hardware-based integrated SIM (iSIM). It also includes an LTE and 2G baseband processor, an RF transceiver and memory, in-built support for GNSS (assisted GPS and GLONASS), a cellular-based location engine, and an MCU subsystem. The module is based on excellent security foundations which are used by both iSIM and application layer security. It supports ultra-low power consumption in a variety of modes such as PSM and eDRX modes, optimizing the power for IoT-relevant use cases and enabling more than 15 years of battery life in real-life applications.
The ALT1250 supports 3GPP Release 13 features like Enhanced Coverage (EC) modes A and B, integrated voice processing for VoLTE and Voice Over-the-Top applications, Secure Boot and a robust hardware-based security framework. It requires only a few external components and incorporates Sony’s Altair OneSKU TM technology to enable multiple LTE band combinations with a single hardware design. This module delivers a downlink data rate of up to 588 Kbps and an uplink data rate of up to 1119 Kbps. This module requires a DC supply from 2.2 to 4.5 V and is designed to operate with rechargeable Li-ion and prime batteries. It can be controlled via UART, SPI, FS USB 2.0, USIM or eUICC, I2S/PCM audio, GPIOs, I2C, Auxiliary ADC, and PWM interfaces.
The ALT1250 is available in a WLCSP package that measures 10 x 10 mm and is ideal for use in IoT devices like smart meters, wearables, tracking devices, wearables and other size-constrained devices, smart city management, utilities and digital signs.
