As 5G eRedCap devices prepare for mass market deployment, module makers and device vendors face a critical architectural decision that will impact their competitiveness for years to come. The choice between traditional Frequency Division Duplex (FDD) and Half-Duplex FDD (HD-FDD) isn’t just technical—it’s a business decision with measurable cost and performance implications that scale dramatically as IoT volumes grow.

This choice can result in a $4–$5 per-device cost difference for global deployment scenarios, while also affecting power efficiency, signal quality, module dimensions, and design size and complexity. For product managers dealing with cost pressures and with performance requirements, understanding these trade-offs is crucial.

What LTE-M and NB-IoT Can Teach Us About HD-FDD 

This isn’t the first time the industry has faced such a decision. When the 3GPP introduced LTE-M and NB-IoT in Release 13, vendors could choose between FDD and HD-FDD architectures. The outcome was clear: HD-FDD became the dominant implementation, driven by cost, power, and integration advantages.

The $4–$5 Cost Penalty: Where FDD Expenses Add Up

FDD systems require duplexers—band-specific components that isolate transmit and receive frequencies. For global devices supporting 15+ bands across US, Europe, and Asia, this quickly scales:

• Regional single-carrier: +$1.5 per unit
• Multi-carrier: +$2 per unit
• Global SKU: +$4–$5 per unit

Beyond the duplexers themselves, FDD architecture requires additional RF switches as another BOM element, adding both cost and module area. Moreover, the addition of duplexers and switches increase signal loss, affecting both the transmitter path, requiring PA to transmit at higher power, and the receiver path, degrading signal-to-noise ratio, hence reducing cell coverage. 

HD-FDD avoids these issues entirely by ensuring only the transmitter or the receiver is active at any point in time, eliminating the need for costly SAW duplexers. This approach also requires fewer switches since there’s no need for separate RF paths per band (which FDD requires due to band-specific duplexers).

HD-FDD Enables Global Scalability 

By avoiding band-specific components (like duplexers) HD-FDD allows a single device to serve the global market, resulting in clear and meaningful cost reduction and development efficiency for product makers.

HD-FDD Improves Power, Coverage, and Signal Quality

• Power Efficiency: Up to 3x better efficiency in HD-FDD implementations compared to traditional FDD. This stems from both the TX/RX duty cycle and elimination of insertion losses on the transmitter side.

• Signal Received Quality (SNR): Removing duplexers and switches improves receiver sensitivity by 2–2.5 dB, directly enhancing signal-to-noise ratio performance.
  
• Coverage: HD-FDD enables coverage enhancement techniques for eRedCap that don’t exist in Cat 1bis. The improved received signal quality from eliminating RF losses directly translates to better cell coverage.

Sony’s live-network testing shows HD-FDD maintains live connections at coupling losses up to 154 dB utilizing Coverage Enhancement Mode A, significantly outperforming Cat 1bis devices, which disconnect from the network at around 145 dB MCL (Minimum Coupling Loss).

Short-Term Compatibility vs. Long-Term Efficiency

Despite HD-FDD’s proven benefits, adoption hasn’t been automatic. Many infrastructure teams default to FDD not because it’s better—but because it feels safer. It aligns with existing deployment patterns (e.g. 4G Cat 1bis), minimizes perceived friction, and avoids any potential need for infrastructure tweaks.

But that caution may come at a cost.

The shift to HD-FDD does require updated network scheduling algorithms and planning, but these software-based changes proved feasible during LTE-M deployments and NB-IoT rollouts. These updates are crucial to enable the dramatic cost saving, power reduction, and performance improvement discussed above. 

For device makers, that creates a decision fork that becomes harder to reverse as eRedCap deployments scale: play it safe and lock in higher BOM costs for years, or align with the architectural path that’s already proven itself in prior IoT deployments. The risk isn’t in choosing HD-FDD—it’s in sticking with FDD until the market moves without you.

A Real-World Scenario: The Global Deployment Dilemma

Consider a global operator deploying asset trackers across logistics networks spanning urban centers with strong 5G coverage and rural areas where coverage remains sparse. 

An FDD approach requires the user to choose between regional-based SKUs for limited geographical coverage or an expensive global SKU, inflating per-unit costs while still necessitating 4G fallback for coverage gaps. 

Meanwhile, an HD-FDD implementation with OneSKU architecture reduces Bill Of Materials (BOM) costs significantly while enabling coverage enhancement techniques unavailable in fallback Cat 1 or Cat 1bis technologies—potentially reducing the coverage gap that created the fallback requirement in the first place.

Why This Architectural Decision Will Define Your Product’s ROI

“If you choose FDD today, your customers will pay more tomorrow,” explains Igor Tovberg, Director, Product Marketing and Strategic Partnerships at Sony Semiconductor Israel. “While HD-FDD may require upfront planning, it unlocks global flexibility, lower BOM, and better performance over the entire lifecycle.” In fact, HD-FDD enables truly global coverage across all cellular bands allocated for IoT applications in FR1 with a single hardware design.

In other words, device makers who commit to HD-FDD now can differentiate on both cost and performance as eRedCap matures. Those who default to FDD for short-term ease may find themselves boxed into expensive, region-specific SKUs that lose their edge.

What Leading eRedCap Vendors Are Doing Next

The 5G eRedCap market is at a tipping point. HD-FDD offers a rare combination of proven efficiency, lower cost, small form factor, and global scalability. The industry has already proven this approach works—LTE-M and NB-IoT’s success came directly from choosing HD-FDD over FDD alternatives.

Companies willing to make a bold, technically sound choice today will be positioned to lead tomorrow’s IoT deployments—especially as volumes ramp up and margins shrink.

 

By Skylo & Sony Semiconductor Israel

Traditional satellite connectivity has been prohibitively expensive and constrained by proprietary hardware and legacy protocols. This has had far-reaching consequences: limited connectivity not only restricts economic, recreational, and educational opportunities but can also be a critical factor in life-or-death situations where emergency services are delayed or unavailable. 

Most LTE-M and NB-IoT devices today were built for terrestrial networks. That makes sense — until you need coverage offshore, deep in a forest, or across international borders where cellular infrastructure gets spotty.  Coverage gaps can be both macro and micro.  Here’s the good news for device makers: if your device runs on Sony Altair’s ALT1250 chipset, it can already connect to Skylo’s commercially available satellite network that is now operating in 36 countries worldwide. The collaboration between Sony Semiconductor Israel (Sony) and Skylo makes Non-Terrestrial Network (NTN) capabilities commercially available today.

The Coverage Gap Problem

Traditional IoT works well where cellular networks exist. But significant gaps remain — oil and gas pipelines, energy transmission lines, remote agricultural areas, maritime shipping routes, mining operations, and emergency response zones. Geographic gaps in coverage limit what’s possible. For example, asset tracking stops at the cell tower’s edge. Environmental monitoring skips the places that need it most. Emergency services lose connectivity in rural areas. Cellular networks are inherently designed for where people live, yet 85% of the earth surface lacks terrestrial connectivity.  For applications that need truly global connectivity, hybrid solutions that combine satellite with terrestrial connectivity can drastically expand the opportunity.

Beyond the enhanced opportunities in expanded coverage, device vendors desire to ship globally without the potential limitations of network coverage.  This simplifies and optimizes their supply chains to maximize the impact for their customers.

NTN Integration: Why The Sony+Skylo Partnership Works

Sony’s Altair ALT1250 provides a comprehensive hardware foundation with its dual-mode LTE-M/NB-IoT chipset featuring a dedicated integrated user MCU, embedded GNSS for location applications, and integrated SIM (iSIM). This enables single-profile operation for both terrestrial and non-terrestrial networks.

The chipset’s ultra-low power design achieves microampere-range average current consumption, optimized for long-lasting battery-operated devices. This enables years of battery life for always-reachable tracking applications and more than 15 years of continuous operation in smart metering applications.

Reliable global cellular and satellite communication is maintained even in challenging RF environments through standard 23dBm transmission power with Power Class 3 (PC3) implementation.

Skylo provides the network infrastructure and services to make global NTN connectivity practical and commercially successful.

Instead of designing separate products for different coverage scenarios, a singular ALT1250-based hardware platform handles both terrestrial and satellite connectivity through Skylo’s network.  Embedding Skylo connectivity into an iSIM with a single profile that contains both terrestrial and non-terrestrial networks, extends the range of out-of the box connectivity for solutions based on ALT1250.  This unlocks new regions, territories, use cases and monetization options. 

The ALT1250’s OneSKU design philosophy extends to NTN support. Device makers can build one product that adapts to various networks based on availability: terrestrial cellular (TN – Terrestrial Network), Skylo satellite (NTN – Non-Terrestrial Network), or hybrid connectivity (TN+NTN).

Adding NTN support to existing ALT1250-based devices expands their geographic reach and utility significantly:

• NTN support enables users to connect devices anywhere satellites can reach for complete, uninterrupted geographic coverage. 
• Communication continues even when terrestrial networks fail, providing fallback connectivity. 
• Assets can be followed through areas with different cellular standards, enabling true cross-border tracking on a global scale.
• Sensors can be placed where terrestrial infrastructure isn’t practical, allowing remote deployment in previously inaccessible locations.

Key Strategies for NTN Integration

Successfully extending existing NB-IoT devices to support NTN requires several adjustments:

• Protocol modifications: NTN introduces higher latency of seconds vs. 10s of milliseconds with terrestrial NB-IoT networks and therefore does not support connection oriented TCP protocol. This increased delay is further exacerbated by the Doppler shift caused by the rapid relative motion between the satellite and the ground device, requiring advanced compensation techniques at both ends to maintain signal integrity. Additionally, bandwidth constraints on satellite links often restrict overall throughput, while signal fade due to atmospheric conditions, obstacles, or even satellite movement can lead to intermittent connectivity and necessitate retransmissions, all contributing to the overall perceived latency and impacting data delivery performance. Therefore, utilizing Non-IP Data Delivery instead of UDP can still reduce bandwidth costs and improve performance by streamlining data transmission over these inherently complex satellite links.  Applications need to account for this and can reduce bandwidth consumption and improve performance over satellite links.
• Power consumption optimization: Satellite communications typically require longer transmission times and more complex link acquisition processes. Sony’s Altair ALT1250 addresses this challenge with industry-leading ultra-low power consumption that significantly extends battery life even during satellite operations. Its advanced power management capabilities ensure devices operate efficiently whether connecting via terrestrial networks or Skylo’s satellite network.
• Antenna considerations: The ALT1250 supports the specific frequency bands utilized by Skylo services, including 3GPP Standard NTN bands: B252 (S-band, 2GHz), B255 (L-band, 1.6GHz ) and B256 (S-band, 2GHz). A typical LTE antenna is capable of supporting both TN and NTN, though, depending on your current design performance, antenna optimization for these bands might be needed.
• Software updates: Firmware needs to handle handoffs between terrestrial and satellite networks, manage power consumption during longer transmission cycles, and optimize for satellite link characteristics. This control is in your hands.

Use Cases and Real-World Success

NTN integration opens up a variety of new use cases, and companies are already successfully deploying these capabilities:

• Maritime logistics companies can now track shipping containers across oceans where cellular coverage doesn’t exist. 75% of the globe is covered with water, which results in vast expanses of uncovered areas. An NTN integration allows companies to monitor shipping containers and valuable assets as they approach hundreds of nautical miles from ports, decreasing the risk of asset loss in vulnerable cargo transit zones
• Agricultural operations are able to monitor soil conditions and equipment in remote farms. With satellite-enabled devices, organizations can ensure that they have continual coverage and reliable connectivity to monitor crops and livestock, track soil moisture, and have access to data across broad land areas. Farmers having access to the data can enable them to take corrective action right away decreasing the risk of stunting optimal plant growth or animal illness enabling them to reduce risk while increasing yield and scalability.   
• Utility companies can deploy a single smart meter SKU and ensure that those meters have even in areas without cellular coverage.Also during catastrophic events such as an earthquake or hurricane, cellular connected meters that lose coverage can switch to Satellite and report on abnormal usage such as a gas or water leak, enabling the utility to shutoff valves and prevent further disasters. This enables them to have data insights and dramatically reduce risk. Utilities can have access to uninterrupted, ubiquitous and reliable data.
• Emergency services are able to ensure communication availability during disasters. Often, cellular coverage lapses during severe weather or other emergency situations. Equipping emergency services with satellite-enabled devices means that they will always have access to critical communication. This ensures that they can better assist those in danger and stay safe themselves.
• The Oil & Gas industry can benefit from ubiquitous and reliable connectivity in the most remote and challenging environments where traditional cellular or wired infrastructure is absent. This enables continuous monitoring of critical assets like pipelines, wellheads, and remote storage tanks, facilitating real-time data collection for pressure, temperature, flow rates, and environmental conditions, which is crucial for preventative maintenance, leak detection, and operational efficiency. Furthermore, it supports enhanced safety by allowing lone worker communication and emergency response capabilities in isolated fields, ensuring that personnel can always connect for critical alerts or assistance, thereby minimizing risks and optimizing remote operations across the vast and often unserved landscapes of oil and gas exploration and production.
• Skylo’s Non-Terrestrial Network (NTN) service provides essential, contiguous and continuous connectivity for the diverse and often geographically dispersed assets within the broader energy industry, including renewable energy farms (solar, wind), remote grid infrastructure, and utility networks. This enables critical real-time data transmission from isolated solar panels, wind turbines, substations, and transmission lines, facilitating predictive maintenance, optimizing performance, and ensuring grid stability across vast, unserved territories. Beyond operational efficiency, Skylo’s NTN enhances safety and security by supporting continuous surveillance and emergency communication for field personnel in hazardous or inaccessible locations, ultimately empowering intelligent energy management and resilience across the entire generation, transmission, and distribution spectrum.

Conclusion

Extending NB-IoT devices to incorporate Non-Terrestrial Network capabilities significantly expands their operational reach and unlocks new use cases, new revenue streams, and new insights. By considering application layer protocol adaptations, antenna optimization, and software updates developers can ensure seamless operation in both terrestrial and non-terrestrial environments. This can significantly increase the addressable market for NB-IoT devices.

Get started now by evaluating Skylo Certified ALT1250 based NTN Evaluation Kits (EVKs):

• Quectel BG770A-SN: Digi-Key, Mouser
• Murata Type 1 SC: Monogoto, Mouser, Arrow, Future
• Semtech HL7810: Digi-Key
• Semtech HL7812: Digi-Key

A dual mode, LTE-M/NB-IoT Terrestrial and Non-Terrestrial (NTN) solution, based on Sony’s Altair ALT1250 chipset, is available and commercially shipping to the mass market.

The combination of Sony Altair’s 1250 chipset and Skylo’s global standards based, Non-terrestrial network, allows device manufacturers to simply add this new connectivity medium to their hardware, expanding their footprint, capabilities, customer impact and revenue.

Awareness Isn’t Readiness: The Real RED DA (EN 18031) Deadline Problem

RED DA (EN 18031) isn’t news — chipset vendors have been tracking the EU’s regulatory tightening for years. But there’s a big difference between knowing what’s coming and being ready for it. With enforcement tied to CE certification, and a realistic compliance deadline of February 2026 (the formal date is August 2025; there is a 6-month grace period), any device that can’t prove EN 18031 compliance will be blocked from being sold in the European market.

And this isn’t just a firmware issue. While some requirements can be addressed through software updates, key compliance areas demand hardware foundations that must be built into the SoC from the start. You must have hardware-based secure boot capabilities to ensure trusted device startup. You need dedicated secure storage for encryption keys and sensitive data. You need hardware support for signed OTA updates to maintain security throughout the device lifecycle.

For device makers using chipsets that lack these hardware foundations, compliance isn’t a matter of a software patch — it requires a fundamental platform change. With chip development timelines running 18-24 months, the window to make that shift is closing fast.

Designed for Security, Not Scrambling to Add It

At Sony Semiconductor Israel, the importance of security was clear from the very beginning. Long before any specific regulations were in place, the team recognized the need for strong foundational security mechanisms in any secure SoC. These core protections were built into the chip architecture more than seven years ago, laying the groundwork for future compliance and resilience. 

Indeed, Sony’s Altair ALT1250 and ALT1350 were built around a security-oriented design philosophy: embed the complex security foundations directly into the silicon, so device makers can focus their engineering resources on the features that differentiate their products.

Sony’s early commitment to hardware-based security puts the Altair IOT modems in a strong position for EN 18031 compliance. These SoCs already deliver the state-of-the-art security mechanisms that the regulation demands — not as an afterthought, but as core functionality that’s been validated in production deployments.

Security by Design: How Built-In Foundations Simplify Compliance

Sony’s Altair ALT1250 and ALT1350 include the foundational security mechanisms that EN 18031 requires — built into the hardware rather than bolted on afterward. This approach minimizes the compliance work required at the device level, allowing OEMs to focus on integration rather than rebuilding security from scratch.

Foundation required to support EN 18031	Sony’s Altair SoC Support	OEM required work
Secure Boot	Hardware Root of Trust (RoT) and immutable ROM code that initiates the boot process	Add required software components to the boot chain using Sony- provided tools
Secure FOTA	Secure FOTA agent and RoT integrated in SoC	Sign and deliver secure FOTA images to the SoCs
Secure KEY Storage and Processing (recommended feature)	Integrated Secure Element (iSE2) with Hardware RoT	Create credentials in production using Sony tools. Integrate application with ISE2 APIs
Secure Communication	TLS/DTLS stack supported utilizing Credentials in ISE2	Standard implementation
Access Control	Configurable device API/functionality management	Configure during production using Sony tools
Secure Storage	iSE2 credential management for data protection	Update software to secure data before storage
Unclonable device Identity	Provisioned in Sony secure production	Standard use
TRNG	Included in the SoC, used to create cryptographic material	Standard use
Hardware Isolation	Built in isolation in all sub-systems to ensure access control	No additional work required
Secure OTP	OTP to maintain critical platform configuration and credentials with tight access management and security	No additional work required

 

You Can’t Build This in 2025

Hardware security isn’t something you can add in a sprint. Security mechanisms need to be part of the initial SoC architecture — adding them in after the fact is expensive and can negatively impact other chip performance indicators. Even tacking on a discrete secure element can disrupt form factor and introduce supply chain complexity. Most importantly, after-the-fact fixes simply don’t address all the requirements. Security foundations must be an integral part of the SoC itself.

If your current SoC can’t support the regulatory requirements, you’re facing a fundamental platform decision. Device redesigns typically run 18-24 months, and that timeline assumes that you have access to a compliant chipset. 

With Sony’s Altair ALT1250 and ALT1350 you have a foundation that enables compliance. The security mechanisms are built into the SoC, validated in production deployments, and backed by a team with deep expertise in both cellular connectivity and security implementation.

 

Security, Delivered — So You Can Focus on What Comes Next

Compliance is just one part of what device makers need. Sony’s Altair ALT-series SoCs are designed to support global deployment, ultra-low power use, and high-efficiency connectivity — all while providing the secure foundation required by modern regulations.

We don’t just sell chips. We help device makers bring secure, scalable, regulation-ready products to market faster — without reinventing the wheel.

Connect with our module partners to see how these security-ready SoCs can simplify your path to EU market readiness.

By Vodafone & Sony Semiconductor Israel

For IoT applications, connectivity is absolutely vital, and cellular connectivity provides the ideal combination of geographic coverage, bandwidth, performance and security. Cellular connectivity was almost made for IoT, particularly as IoT-specific technologies, such as low power wide area networks, expand the advantages of cellular IoT to an increasing number of devices and applications globally.

Furthermore, iSIMs – which directly integrates the SIM onto chipsets (such as Sony’s ALT1250 and ALT1350) – greatly simplify the device connectivity process. iSIM improves battery life and drives down the overall cost of implementing LPWA into a device, as well as providing the same level of security as traditional SIMs. This allows for more compact designs due to the removal of a physical SIM.   That, together with Vodafone IoT’s LPWA global roaming footprint, addresses many difficult barriers for businesses wanting to effectively deploy global LPWA solutions.

What is cellular LPWA?

Cellular LPWA is a network capability dedicated to IoT. It comes in two main variants: NB-IoT and LTE-M. Both offer a range of functionality ideally suited to smaller, battery powered devices that need to transmit smaller packets of data. These networks are especially good where devices are hard to reach – such as being located underground or deep in buildings. 

However, these features really come into their own when they are accessible with many network partners in many countries – to provide global coverage.  As a pioneer in LPWA, Vodafone IoT has built out a global network for LPWA, bringing together network access from multiple mobile operators to allow customers to get the benefits of LPWA countries all over the world.

LTE-M/NB-IoT for IoT goes global – why roaming agreements matter for IoT

The expansion of LTE-M/NB-IoT roaming agreements has transformed global IoT connectivity by enabling devices to operate seamlessly across multiple countries. Unlike traditional cellular technologies, LTE-M and NB-IoT deployments have variations across regions, leading to differences in coverage availability. This poses challenges for industries which are reliant on continuous connectivity, such as supply chain tracking, fleet management, and global asset tracking. However, with Vodafone IoT’s range of LPWA roaming agreements, devices can maintain consistent connectivity without the need for costly multi-SIM configurations or complex regional adaptations.

Addressing global coverage gaps

LTE-M and NB-IoT networks continue to expand, but coverage remains inconsistent in some regions. To address this, leading MNOs have entered into strategic international partnerships to enhance their network reach – such as Vodafone IoT’s recent network agreements in the Middle East. These collaborations are helping to bridge coverage gaps, ensuring that IoT devices maintain continuous connectivity regardless of location, whilst fully compliant with regional regulations.

A crucial aspect that supports this expansion is the use of Half-Duplex Frequency Division Duplexing (HD-FDD) in LTE-M/NB-IoT hardware design. This technology allows a single hardware design to support all global frequency bands, simplifying operations and deployment. By enabling a single module to operate across different regions without hardware modifications, HD-FDD ensures that IoT devices can leverage new roaming markets seamlessly.

Vodafone has an extensive global portfolio of network agreements, which gives customers access to over 130 LPWA networks worldwide. By leveraging such agreements, businesses can simplify IoT deployments, reduce operational complexities, and enhance service reliability by using one network provider that is able to connect assets globally. This is particularly crucial for applications requiring ubiquitous coverage, such as logistics and smart agriculture, where devices traverse multiple network territories.

Future outlook: A unified cellular IoT ecosystem

As LTE-M and NB-IoT continues to gain traction, the number of roaming agreements will play a crucial role in shaping the future of cellular LPWA for IoT.

For chipset providers like Sony, the expansion of LTE-M/NB-IoT coverage presents an opportunity to drive even more innovation and create innovative solutions. One example is that iSIM combines the benefits of LPWA with a SIM format that enables smaller IoT devices that consume even less power.

Sony and Vodafone IoT’s partnership brings together a world-class, secure system-on-chip with an extensive LPWA cellular connectivity footprint, to address the complexities faced by device developers, manufacturers and customers. The adoption of iSIM accelerates time-to-market for devices and delivers operational, financial and performance advantages. The combination of LPWA and iSIM backed by two of the biggest names in IoT, brings the benefits of IoT to even more customers, making IoT easier to design, deploy and operate at scale and around the world.

By Guy Cohen, Director Product Management

Cellular IoT is everywhere — monitoring city infrastructure, tracking assets, measuring agricultural data, and reading smart meters. Scaling IoT brings critical challenges: devices need to be both affordable and reliable. They must run for years on a single battery, meet carrier-grade standards, and work flawlessly everywhere — from city centers to remote locations, where maintenance isn’t an option. When a single device failure can eliminate ROI, there’s no room for compromise.

Sony Semiconductor Israel has pioneered cellular IoT technology, leveraging proven approaches like HD-FDD — a fundamental technology in LTE-M and NB-IoT with proven benefits that make it essential for future IoT standards. With over a decade of experience, SSI knows how to help device vendors build competitive products that meet real-world demands.

The Evolution of IoT Device Requirements

Today’s cellular IoT landscape divides into two main categories: LTE-M and NB-IoT serve low-power wide-area (LPWA) applications, while emerging 5G standards like eRedCap address mid-range IoT use cases. Traditional cellular devices prioritize high throughput and network capacity, but IoT applications require:

• Cost efficiency for large-scale deployments
• Extended battery life for remote operations
• Global scalability across different regions and networks
• Reliable coverage, including in challenging environments

These requirements drive innovation in device design, particularly in RF front-end architecture.

HD-FDD: A Simplified Approach to RF Design

FDD systems work like a two-lane highway — one lane for incoming traffic, one for outgoing, running simultaneously. This operation mode requires complex design on the device side, including duplex filters to manage RF signals. HD-FDD still uses separate frequencies for downlink and uplink like FDD, but doesn’t transmit and receive at the same time. 

This simpler device design eliminates the need for duplex filters, which maintains signal quality while reducing costs and complexity, making it more cost-effective and efficient for many applications.

With this simplified RF architecture, HD-FDD delivers four key advantages:

• Reduced bill of materials (BOM) cost through eliminated components
• Improved power consumption and reduced peak current 
• Enhanced flexibility for global deployment across regions
• Simplified PCB design for more efficient manufacturing

Quantifiable Benefits for Device Vendors

For IoT device manufacturers competing in tight-margin markets, HD-FDD’s technical advantages translate directly to business results. The simplified design reduces development risks, accelerates time to market, and enables profitable scaling — especially critical when rapid deployment can make or break market success.

HD-FDD delivers four core business advantages:

1. Lower Production Costs
   • Significant cost savings per unit by eliminating SAW/BAW duplexers
   • Reduced manufacturing complexity through simpler PCB design
   • Lower inventory costs with single SKU design
     
     
2. Reduced Time to Market
   • Faster development cycles with simplified RF design
   • Single global certification process instead of regional variants
   • Reduced validation time through proven technology
     
     
3. Performance at Scale
   • Extended battery life through superior power efficiency
   • Improved coverage with enhanced receiver sensitivity
   • Simplified thermal management with lower peak power consumption
     
     
4. Global Scalability & Future-Readiness
   • One design for worldwide markets
   • Ready for emerging 5G IoT standards
   • Proven in millions of devices globally
   • Full support from SSI’s development tools and expertise
     
     

Implementation Considerations

While HD-FDD delivers significant advantages, successful implementation requires careful attention to three key design challenges: 

• RF design quality. Today’s IoT chips pack multiple functions — baseband, RF, MCU, and location capabilities — onto a single chip. Traditional designs use SAW filters to clean up RF signals, but HD-FDD’s filter-free approach requires a different strategy.
  
  Think of it like a professional recording studio versus a podcast setup: without specialized filtering equipment, you need excellent baseline sound quality. Similarly, HD-FDD demands fundamentally clean RF design from the start.
  
  SSI addresses these design challenges through both hardware and software innovations, ensuring clean signal quality without relying on expensive filtering components.
  
  
• Timing and Switching. HD-FDD’s approach of alternating between sending and receiving creates a unique challenge: The system needs to smoothly switch between different frequencies while maintaining precise timing. This requires accurate control of the RF systems, particularly during the crucial moments of switching between transmission and reception.

• Performance Integration. Making these elements work together efficiently is key to unlocking HD-FDD’s benefits. While the technical implementation is complex, the result is straightforward: Device vendors get the cost and power advantages of HD-FDD while maintaining the reliable performance their products demand.

Getting RF design right creates lasting competitive advantage through both cost structure and performance — setting products apart from designs that rely on expensive components.

Recent advances in semiconductor technology, such as Sony’s ALT1350 cellular IoT chipset, demonstrate how these challenges can be effectively addressed while maximizing the benefits of HD-FDD architecture: Reduced BOM costs through eliminating SAW/BAW filters, enhanced power efficiency for longer battery life, and proven RF performance that meets carrier certification requirements worldwide. 

For vendors, this means faster time to market with globally deployable products that maintain high performance while reducing production costs.

Looking Ahead: HD-FDD in 5G IoT

5G IoT is coming, and HD-FDD technology is already part of the 5G ecosystem through LTE-M and NB-IoT, proving its value for IoT applications. Given HD-FDD’s success in these deployments, SSI believes strongly that it should be adopted in 5G Release 18 eRedCap for next-generation IoT products.

The math is simple: When you’re scaling from thousands to millions of IoT devices, small cost savings create major competitive advantages. HD-FDD’s specific technical features for 5G — including 5MHz bandwidth support and relaxed coexistence conditions — help vendors hit the market’s demanding targets:

• Lower per-unit production costs
• Extended battery life
• Reliable performance at scale
• Global deployment capability

Partnering with SSI means accessing both cutting-edge technology and proven IoT expertise. As enterprises roll out large-scale IoT deployments, they need solutions that balance strict budgets with carrier-grade performance. HD-FDD technology delivers exactly what it takes to win and execute these contracts.

Sony has recently enabled its flagship IoT chipset, ALT1250, with terrestrial network (TN) L-band support, expanding its already powerful capabilities to further enhance the operation of commercial IoT devices and networks.

Sony’s ALT1250 chipset, already available for commercial devices, supports satellite (NTN) L-Band operation, standardized in 3GPP as band 255.

The addition of L-band terrestrial band support, i.e., 3GPP Band 24, enables commercial IoT devices to operate on the L-band in both TN and NTN (non-terrestrial network) modes, with the potential to significantly improve availability and efficiency through a more seamless transition of devices between satellite and terrestrial network components.

IoT terminals can be connected to terrestrial networks when within terrestrial coverage areas and switch smoothly to satellite operation within the same L-band spectrum when outside of terrestrial coverage. This dual-mode capability opens up a world of possibilities for IoT applications across various industries.

Use Cases for dual mode TN/NTN operation for IoT

The integration of Non-Terrestrial Networks (NTN) with IoT devices enables a wide range of applications that were previously challenging or impossible to implement. Some key use cases include:

Asset Tracking: Global tracking of high-value assets, shipping containers, and vehicles across remote areas.

Agriculture: Monitoring crop health, soil conditions, and livestock in rural and remote farmlands.

Environmental Monitoring: Collecting data from sensors in forests, oceans, and other hard-to-reach locations for climate research and natural disaster prediction.

Maritime and Aviation: Ensuring continuous connectivity for ships and aircraft, enabling real-time monitoring and communication.

Emergency Services: Providing reliable communication in disaster-stricken areas where terrestrial networks may be compromised.

Utility Networks: Mostly relying on terrestrial coverage with public and private networks, device will be able to communicate thorough satellites in case of poor coverage or network outage.

The Power of NTN for IoT

NTN technology offers several advantages for IoT applications:

Coverage: Extending far beyond the reach of terrestrial networks, satellite NTN networks provide ubiquitous and always-on connectivity over a much wider area than traditional wireless network.

Reliability: NTN provides an additional layer of network reliability, ensuring critical endpoints maintain service continuity and operate seamlessly across networks.

Cost-Effectiveness: Using 3GPP standards-based technology, mobile satellite service providers can leverage mobile terrestrial volumes, making use of mainstream, low-cost IoT chipsets and devices which support both satellite and terrestrial connectivity. This approach minimizes the cost differential between terrestrial-only and hybrid terrestrial/satellite devices.

Efficient Resource Utilization: The dual-mode capability allows for the most efficient use of resources, seamlessly switching between terrestrial and satellite networks as needed.

Outlook for L-Band Technology

In the US, L-band is unique in that it is licensed and standardized for both satellite and terrestrial use. While terrestrial L-band networks are currently not deployed in the United States, Sony’s enhanced band support ensures that the device ecosystem is ready today and can be activated when networks are ready.

Using 3GPP standards-based technology, mobile satellite service providers can leverage mobile terrestrial volumes, making use of mainstream, low-cost IoT chipsets and devices which support both satellite and terrestrial connectivity. This approach minimizes the cost differential between terrestrial-only and hybrid terrestrial/satellite devices.

Extending far beyond the reach of terrestrial networks, the satellite NTN networks provide ubiquitous and always-on connectivity over a much wider area than traditional wireless networks. 3GPP standards-based devices allow critical endpoints to maintain service continuity, operate seamlessly across networks, and enable the most efficient use of resources while providing an additional layer of network reliability.

As the world continues to embrace the Internet of Things (IoT), the demand for low-power, high-efficiency solutions grows exponentially. At the forefront of this technological evolution stand two industry experts: Sony Altair and Semtech. Their latest innovation, the Semtech HL7900 module—a global 5G LPWA module featuring the Sony ALT1350 chipset—promises to revolutionize the IoT landscape by providing ultra-low power, future-ready connectivity.

In this blog, we discuss with key leaders from Semtech and Sony Altair to explore how this cutting-edge module is poised to shape the future of IoT, unlocking new possibilities for smart cities, metering, asset tracking, and beyond.

Hi Guy and Michael, let’s start with the vision behind the development of the new HL7900/ALT1350. What are the most critical needs and challenges faced by organizations when developing a successful cellular IoT device?

Michael: One major challenge is achieving low power consumption and extended battery life, which are essential for devices expected to last up to 20 years in the field. Customers often find it challenging to design a product that maintains low power consumption and long battery life across varying environments and network conditions. Another critical aspect is the complexity of deployments.  Wireless IoT is complex, and seamless integration isn’t always straightforward. Improving customer experience through clear documentation, intuitive software, user-friendly APIs, and robust development boards is crucial.

Guy: IoT use cases also increasingly demand higher levels of integration—combining multiple functionalities into single hardware or chipset solutions. This approach simplifies the overall solution and reduces the cost of end-to-end implementation. However, keeping APIs and interfaces simple and straightforward is equally important. Clear and concise documentation is essential to ensure ease of use when developing and deploying these devices in real-world applications.

How do the new Sony ALT1350 chipset and Semtech HL7900 module help solve these challenges?

Guy: From a chipset perspective, the ALT1350 significantly outperforms previous generations. Battery-operated devices can now achieve up to 4 times longer battery life for typical use cases. Additionally, the ALT1350 offers a high level of integration to meet the simplification need we’ve talked about earlier. It integrates more functions, such as location capabilities and additional short-range radio, which enhance connectivity and enable more use cases. It can, for example, create mesh networks, connecting devices in areas with weak cellular signals. This is particularly needed for smart cities and tracking applications. The key advantage is that customers can use a single platform to adapt in real-time their topology and connectivity needs

Michael: In addition to the features Guy mentioned, the HL7900 module includes an ultra-low power sensor hub MCU. This innovation monitors systems for specific conditions with minimal power use and activates the system only when necessary to send data or make decisions. For example, in asset tracking applications, the accelerometer or temperature sensors are monitored while everything else remains in sleep mode. The radio only turns on and sends data when the temperature or accelerometer data exceeds a certain threshold. This feature is crucial for achieving the low power requirements essential for many IoT designs.

Guy: Exactly. We invested heavily in this new subsystem, and we’re delighted that Semtech can utilize it for end-to-end solutions. This capability further enhances low power consumption and extends battery life for battery-operated products.

You talked about longevity as being a key need for low-power IoT devices. How future-proof is the HL7900/ALT1350 solution? What is the expected lifespan of 5G LTE-M/NB-IoT technologies?

Michael: Longevity is one of the most critical concerns for many of our customers, especially those involved in critical infrastructure, smart metering, and smart cities. They need solutions that will last in the field for up to 20 years without frequent replacements. Over the past few years, they’ve seen considerable changes in wireless standards and technologies from operators, including the shutdown of 2G and 3G networks. This raises concerns about the future of 4G and LTE. To address this, Sony and Semtech have implemented several key features in the HL7900/ALT1350 solution. One crucial aspect is the ability to upgrade software over-the-air (FOTA). This allows us to easily and remotely deploy necessary updates through our AirVantage® platform as technologies evolve over time.

Secondly, LTE-M is designed as a low-power wide-area (LPWA) technology compatible with 5G. It’s a 5G technology itself and aligns with new 3GPP releases that network operators will roll out, ensuring compatibility between Cat-M and 5G networks. Currently, there is no replacement for Cat-M in the standards, making it likely that LTE-M will continue to be supported by network operators for many years.
Guy: Absolutely. Longevity is crucial for many IoT applications, particularly in infrastructure. For higher LTE categories, we see enhancements like eMBB in the 5G space and eventual replacements like RedCap for Cat-1 to Cat-4. However, for Cat-M and NB-IoT, there is no technology replacement within the 5G domain. These technologies are already part of the 5G ecosystem and are expected to remain in use for at least the next 15 to 20 years, as long as 5G is deployed

Considering that some of these devices are deployed in critical infrastructure, how have you addressed security in the design of the HL7900 module?

Guy: One key advantage of the close collaboration between Sony, Sierra, and now Semtech, is the combined expertise and investment in security. We engage in open discussions to ensure our end-to-end solution is secure by design. This includes features like secure boot and FOTA (Firmware Over-The-Air). Our silicon also incorporates isolated secure elements, which are physically disconnected from other system parts, providing an extra layer of security for various applications. This dual-directional input ensures a robust security foundation for our products.

Michael: Absolutely, security is a combination of the chipset, module, and integration. We support essential security features such as secure boot, ensuring that only official software is executed on the module. We also support secure networking protocols like DTLS and TLS to protect data during transmission, with authentication and encryption. Customers can securely load their keys onto the module to further protect connections. Additionally, we provide tools to check for vulnerabilities and disable unsecure interfaces like JTAG to keep devices safe in the field.

There’s a general agreement that a large number of IoT projects fail. How can Semtech simplify the path to success for their customers?

Michael: The hardware is just one piece of an overall IoT project. The real challenge lies in getting data from the edge to the cloud, ensuring it’s secure, and integrating it into backend systems. This is where Semtech can significantly help. We offer complete end-to-end solutions, providing the necessary connectivity so customers don’t need to negotiate separately with network operators. Our embedded SIMs eliminate the need to manage physical SIM cards. Our edge-to-cloud solution ensures secure data transmission to the cloud and backend systems. Additionally, our FOTA service supports secure over-the-air updates from the cloud. By providing all these components together, we enable customers to successfully bring their products to market.

Guy: I completely agree. It’s crucial for us to rely on partners like Semtech to leverage the advantages we’ve designed into our solutions. Providing an end-to-end solution simplifies the integration process for users, ensuring high-quality and scalable solutions. This collaboration aims to enhance and streamline the implementation process, making it easier for customers to achieve success with their IoT projects.

This is not the first collaboration between Semtech and Sony Altair. What do you consider the key factors contributing to the success of this partnership, especially in low-power deployments?

Michael: Our partnership, began a decade ago with the Sony ALT1250 inside the HL78 modules, a best-in-class LPWA module family with exceptionally low power consumption. This innovation enabled new use cases for cellular technology that were previously unfeasible due to battery constraints. Our partnership has continued to thrive, supporting millions of deployments in the field that meet long battery life and low power requirements. Together, we’ve created robust solutions designed to last many years.

Guy: Absolutely. The strength of our collaboration lies in our complementary expertise. Semtech brings extensive experience in wireless communication, while Sony provides innovative chipset technology. Working together, we create exceptional products that neither could achieve alone. Additionally, we share a unified vision and goal to advance IoT capabilities with cutting-edge solutions. This shared vision has driven our successful partnership and continues to address market needs effectively.

Well thank you for this insightful discussion. One last question for you, where can we learn more about the HL7900 module and get in touch with your teams for further information?

Michael: You can find more information on the HL7900 module on our webpage.
You can also contact our IoT experts who are available to help you get started.

Finally you might also be interested in our webinar, “Top 5 Factors for Choosing the Right Connectivity Technologies,” where industry experts share valuable insights on selecting the ideal IoT technology for long-term success. 

Guy: For more information on the Sony Altair ALT1350 chipset, please visit our website.

More and more drivers are turning to electric vehicles (EVs). Currently, nearly 1 in five cars purchased are electric, according to the International Energy Agency (IEA), and that number is expected to grow significantly over the next 6 years. The IEA and the US-based Rocky Mounting Institute both predict that over two-thirds of global car sales will be electric vehicles by 2030 — which means that we’ll need more charging stations around the world.

According to research from industry analyst Berg Insight, Europe is expected to lead this expansion, with the number of connected charging points rising from about 2 million in 2021 to over 14 million by 2026. North America, while starting from a lower base, is also anticipated to see substantial growth, reaching nearly 4 million connected charging points by 2026. This rapid increase in charging infrastructure underscores the importance of reliable, scalable connectivity solutions.

Charge point operators (CPOs) and manufacturers already see the growing need for convenient and dependable charging infrastructure. They’re actively seeking out advanced connectivity solutions that make it easier to set up charging stations and get them operational — all while ensuring that payment and other communication remains secure. And, of course, CPOs want to know that they won’t need to go through costly equipment upgrades in just a few years. 

Here’s a closer look at why LTE-M is a logical choice for EV charging connectivity.

The Role of Connectivity in EV Charging

Charging stations can be private, semi-private, or public. Private home charging stations allow owners full control over who can access the charging point; semi-private charging points can be at workplaces, hotels, or parking garages, and there are generally some restrictions on who can use them. 

Public charging stations, as the name suggests, are open to the public without restrictions to anyone with a compatible vehicle. 

No matter the type of charging station, connectivity plays an important role.

Remote Management. Connected stations allow the charge point operators to monitor status, diagnose issues, and perform updates remotely — meaning fewer on-site visits and less downtime. 

User Experience. Drivers can easily locate available chargers, initiate and pay for charging sessions, and receive notifications — all through a smartphone app. 

Smart Charging. Connected stations can communicate with the grid to optimize charging times based on energy demand and pricing, saving money for operators and drivers.

Connectivity also enables advanced features like load balancing across multiple charging points, which helps optimize energy distribution and prevents overloading the local power grid. This is particularly important for large-scale charging installations at locations like shopping centers or fleet depots.

Charge point operators have multiple connectivity options to choose from, including cellular alternatives such as LTE-M or CAT-1, as well as Wi-Fi, Ethernet, and others. The two cellular LPWA technologies — LTE-M and CAT-1 — offer several advantages over the others: wider coverage, robust security, ease of installation, and lower cost of ownership. Additionally, Wi-Fi and Ethernet connectivity solutions often require additional infrastructure, which can increase costs — particularly in public charging stations. 

CAT-1 is a good choice when operations require a higher data transmission rate.

Most EV charging points, however, have lower data transmission requirements, which makes LTE-M a smart choice for the majority of CPOs.

The Advantages of LTE-M for EV Charging Points

What exactly makes LTE-M such a compelling connectivity solution for EV charging infrastructure? Let’s take a look at some at a few of the reasons:

Extensive Coverage Range. Unlike cat-1/cat-1bis, which might suffer from limited range and frequent disconnections in cases of poor network conditions, LTE-M is designed specifically for IoT devices and provides reliable connectivity even in poor signal reception conditions, ensuring continuous data transfer  — including in underground parking garages where connectivity conditions deteriorate.

Simple Installation. With LTE-M, there’s no need to run Ethernet cables or configure local Wi-Fi networks. Charging points can connect to the cellular network right out of the box, which makes the installation process simple and straightforward.

Worldwide Interoperability. LTE-M chipsets and modules feature OneSKU design, enabling a single hardware platform to support a wide range of frequency bands used by all global operators. This allows manufacturers to create a unified hardware design for worldwide markets, which translates to more design flexibility and lower costs. 

Future Readiness. LTE-M is a standardized technology with a clear 5G roadmap for future development. Charging point operators and manufacturers who adopt LTE-M standards are making a smart financial decision. 

LTE-M’s future readiness extends beyond just technological advancements. As the EV market grows, charging point operators will need to scale their networks rapidly. LTE-M’s simplified deployment and management make it easier to add new charging points to an existing network, allowing operators to grow their infrastructure in line with market demands without significant operational disruptions.

Driving the EV Revolution with LTE-M Connectivity

As more and more people switch to electric vehicles, it’s important to have robust, reliable charging infrastructure in place. Using LTE-M technology for communication makes it easy for charge point operators to set up stations virtually anywhere, even in underground parking locations, without complex wiring or network configuration.

Sony Semiconductor Israel (SSI) is excited to be part of the EV transformation. Our advanced LTE-M modems and System-on-Chip (SoCs) are powering the next generation of EV charging infrastructure. 

SSI’s solutions are designed to deliver the performance, security, and reliability needed to support the mass adoption of electric vehicles and drive the transition to a cleaner, more sustainable future. You can learn more about SSI and our solutions on our website.

Smart cities are no longer just a lofty dream. With the rapid growth of connected devices, these technologically advanced urban centers are becoming a reality. From smart lighting to electric vehicle chargers, these devices have the potential to revolutionize urban living and enhance the well-being of residents.

Connected devices offer many benefits for cities

Connected devices offer numerous advantages for city administrators. They allow for better resource allocation, save power, enable efficient maintenance scheduling, and provide valuable insights on usage patterns. For instance, the implementation of smart parking spaces not only helps drivers find available spots but also reduces fuel consumption, noise pollution, and the risk of accidents.

The adoption of connectivity tech is fragmented

The adoption of connectivity technology in smart cities remains fragmented. There is a growing trend towards cellular LPWA connectivity, along with various sub-GHz standard technologies like Wi-SUN, Wm-BUS, LoRa, or any proprietary solutions developed by specific companies. 

However, these technologies, as all technologies, might face challenges such as interference, distance limitations, obstructions, and network congestion. To overcome the risk, even when it low, and establish a reliable and scalable network, cities should consider implementing devices that support multi-protocols for connectivity.

A hybrid approach to connectivity is needed

To achieve the highest level of reliability and scalability, cities need to deploy devices that support both cellular LPWA and additional connectivity protocol (usually Sub-GHz), allowing for seamless switching between networks. This hybrid approach streamlines smart city development, extends coverage, and reduces connectivity costs. For example, if certain smart meters in an area are unable to communicate using the Sub-GHz protocol, a device having multi-protocol connectivity will automatically switch to cellular to ensure uninterrupted functionality. Multi-protocol connectivity is the right choice for high-scale, critical, and interoperable devices.

AI integration is crucial

AI-driven data standardization and interpretation enable efficient data exchange and provide valuable insights for optimized operations. Predictive maintenance, traffic management, energy distribution, and citizen engagement can all be improved through AI integration.

The fusion of AI with existing IoT infrastructure paves the way for efficient, sustainable, and innovative smart cities, benefiting residents and urban landscapes.

Now is the time to unlock the potential of smart cities

As smart cities continue to evolve, embracing mesh networks will be pivotal to unlocking the true potential of connected devices. By creating a harmonious ecosystem where devices can communicate seamlessly, city administrators can optimize infrastructure, improve resource management, and create smarter, more sustainable cities for the benefit of all residents.