ST launches low-power, long-range RF chips to expand iot coverage and increase support for Sigfox's global network technology

     STMicroelectronics has introduced its latest Internet of Things (IoT) RF transceiver chip, which makes smart iot hardware extremely energy efficient and can operate continuously for up to 10 years without battery replacement. St's new S2-LP transceiver is particularly suitable for connected devices such as alarm systems, security surveillance devices, smart meters, and remote RF links that connect remote sensors directly to the cloud rather than through a local gateway. Other application areas include home automation, industrial monitoring and lighting management, traffic or parking management in the smart city concept.

     The new RF transceiver chip operates in the sub-1GHz band, does not require a license, and can be used worldwide. The advantage of ultra-narrow band operation is that it can efficiently use the radio band, transmit data through low-power signals, and have reliable communication connections and long transmission distances. In addition, the transceiver can connect to the Sigfox global network. Sigfox is rolling out this low-power wireless connectivity technology around the world to provide a reliable, energy-efficient, cost-effective communication solution for billions of sensors and smart hardware.

     Benedetto Vigna, Executive Vice President and General Manager of the Simulator and MEMS Division at STMicroelectronics, said: "Leveraging our strengths in MEMS sensors, simulators, and microcontroller technology, we identified this upcoming new need as early as 2009 to use low-power ISM RF transceivers to establish mid - and long-range wireless connectivity to support emerging iot applications. We introduced SPIRIT1's self-developed low-power sub-1GHz RF transceiver chip, which is found in many products on the market today. "Now, by partnering with Sigfox, we are ushering in a new era of iot ISM RF technology that extends battery life from a few months to more than a decade, while maintaining the reliability and robustness of wireless connections and reducing the cost of servicing remote sensors and sensors that are hard to reach in mounting locations."

     Tony Francesca, Sigfox's vice president of global ecosystem Partnerships, added, "Our global network enables Internet-connected devices with the lowest power consumption and cost, providing a new way to connect the real world to cloud networks. St's new S2-LP RF chip with integrated Sigfox support will help system designers realize their iot concepts and take advantage of our fast global infrastructure and ecosystem."