How to select the right location platform for your IoT deployment
Location data is essential to the performance and value of modern IoT deployments. From global supply chains to smart infrastructure, accurate and timely positioning enables more efficient operations, improved safety, and deeper insights. But not all location platforms are created equal—and choosing the wrong technology mix can limit performance, increase costs, and compromise reliability.
In this white paper, Sony Semiconductor Israel and Quectel examine the key considerations for building a robust, scalable, and power-efficient location platform that meets the specific needs of your use case.
Different environments demand different technologies. Some applications require high-precision GNSS tracking across wide geographies. Others are focused indoors, where Wi-Fi or BLE may offer better coverage and cost efficiency. A carefully chosen combination of these technologies can ensure seamless location awareness that supports critical operations across the entire value chain.
Sony’s Altair ALT1350, designed specifically for the massive IoT market, is the industry’s lowest power LTE-M and NB-IoT chipset, combining cellular LPWA and satellite (NTN) connectivity in a single SoC. With features like Power Saving Mode (PSM) and extended Discontinuous Reception (eDRX), it offers up to 4x longer battery life compared to typical devices enabling smaller form factors and longer deployments without compromising performance.
Quectel’s BG950S module, powered by the ALT1350, brings these advantages to market in an ultra-compact form factor (23.6mm × 19.9mm × 2.2mm), ideal for wearable devices, asset trackers, smart meters, and more. With integrated GNSS, Cell ID, Wi-Fi for positioning, and a low-power sensor hub, the BG950S supports reliable and efficient location monitoring across varied environments. Its advanced LGA package allows for automated, large-scale production, crucial for today’s high-volume IoT applications.
With Sony’s latest GNSS solutions delivering advanced accuracy and Quectel’s modules enabling reliable low-power connectivity, developers can create platforms optimized for performance, power savings, and cost control. LTE-M emerges as an ideal connectivity option for many IoT devices due to its low latency and long battery life, while Wi-Fi or BLE may be more appropriate for localized, indoor applications.
Looking ahead, emerging technologies like non-terrestrial networks (NTNs) will expand global coverage and help bridge connectivity gaps in remote or infrastructure-limited areas. Understanding how to future-proof your solution starts with a solid foundation.
This white paper offers practical insights to help developers and decision-makers select the right technology stack and avoid common pitfalls. Whether your deployment focuses on fleet management, asset tracking, cold chain monitoring, or industrial automation, the right location platform is a key driver of value.