Qualcomm has launched its new 212 modem for NB2 (NB-IoT) LTE bands. It is designed with the longevity of connected IoT 'things' in mind. To that end, it enables components to survive on as little as 1 micro-amp (uA) of current and as little as 2.2V. Therefore, the resulting devices are more likely to last on their batteries for years (perhaps up to an estimated 15 years) at a time.
The Qualcomm 212 modem supports single-mode 3GPP Release 14 Cat. NB2 for IoT. It also packs a baseband memory, RF transceiver with a fully integrated RF front end, power management units and an ARM Cortex M3 application processor into its form-factor, rated for LTE modules of 100mmx100mm in size.
The Cortex M3 is present to support custom software that IoT developers may wish to build. In addition, Qualcomm has indicated that it has pre-integrated support for more established platforms, including the Microsoft Azure cloud IoT SDK, in the works for the new 212 LTE modem.