Altair markets narrowband cellular chipset with integrated GNSS

LTE chipset maker Altair Semiconductor has demonstrated GNSS functionality integrated in its new ALT1250 narrowband CAT-M1 and NB1 (NB-IoT) chipset.

In addition to GNSS functionality, the ALT1250’s extreme level of integration eliminates the need for most external components required to design a cellular Internet of Things (IoT) module.

Its GNSS capability was demonstrated June 13  at the Sierra Wireless Innovation Summit being held at the Paris Novotel Tour Eiffel in Paris, France.

Approximately the size of a shirt button and less than 100 mm² in size, an ALT1250 module features support for both Release 13 standards — CAT-M1 and NB1, and includes a wideband RF front-end supporting unlimited combinations of LTE bands within a single hardware design, a multi-layered and hardware-based security framework, an internal application MCU subsystem and packaging that enables standard, low-cost PCB manufacturing.

“Location determination is essential in many IoT applications — including asset tracking, vehicle monitoring and wearable devices. Satellite positioning is the most accurate method for doing that,” said Eran Eshed, co-founder and vice president of marketing for Altair. “Integrating GNSS functionality in the ALT1250 significantly reduces the overall cost of IoT solutions while offering state-of-the-art, low-power satellite positioning capabilities in a miniature package. The market is responding well to it.

“We called the ALT1250 a game-changer when we announced it several months ago — integrated GNSS is one of a large set of groundbreaking innovations offered by this chip.”