Qualcomm claims to have World’s most power-efficient NB2 IoT Chipset

According to data from the GSMA, the world will see 3.2 billion cellular IoT connections in 2024. Qualcomm Technologies has announced what the chip company describes as a breakthrough new product to drive the growth of cellular IoT: the Qualcomm 212 LTE IoT Modem, which is claims is the world’s most power-efficient single-mode NB2 (NB-IoT) chipset.

Power efficiency is a top concern for IoT devices that have to last for years in the field. Requiring less than one micro-amp (1uA) of sleep current, the Qualcomm 212 LTE IoT Modem’s chipset architecture allows for extremely low average power consumption. To  support a wide range of batteries and longer life span of the device in the field, the modem couples ultra-low system-level cut-off voltage with provisions for adapting power usage according to varying source power levels – allowing end devices with power supply levels as low as 2.2 volts.

“The Qualcomm 212 LTE IoT Modem will help usher in a new era for a range of IoT applications around the globe, especially those requiring connectivity deep within buildings combined with low power use, like battery-powered IoT devices that need to operate for 15 years or longer in the field,” Vieri Vanghi, vice president, product management, QUALCOMM Europe told Incisor. “Its ultra-low power consumption, compact form factor, and low cost will greatly benefit OEMs creating the next generation of low-power IoT devices.”