Renesas Electronics Corporation today introduced the RYZ014A, Renesas’ first cellular IoT module supporting the LTE Cat-M1 specification. This technology allows devices to directly connect to the internet without the need for a gateway by relying on the existing communication infrastructure owned by mobile network operators. This makes it economical to connect each device, which is especially beneficial when installing larger networks that require a low cost per unit. The pre-tested, pre-certified RYZ014A enables customers to quickly and cost-effectively implement wireless IoT applications across the globe.

The RYZ014A module solves customers’ design and certification issues compared to building a wireless IoT solution from scratch. This includes RF regulatory certification, PTCRB/GCF certification and carrier certification for the customer’s network operator of choice. The module is built on proven technology both from a hardware and software perspective and is delivered fully tested and calibrated. It has been certified with all major radio frequency regulations in the world as well as with leading network operators in North America, APAC and Europe. Cellular IoT is one of the pillars of Renesas’ connectivity strategy that also includes Bluetooth® Low Energy, Ultra-wide band (UWB) and Wi-SUN among others.

“Building wireless IoT networks around the world can be costly and time consuming,” said Roger Wendelken, Senior Vice President in Renesas’ IoT and Infrastructure Business Unit. “The Renesas RYZ014A module delivers a proven solution from the IoT leader that saves time and money for customers no matter where they are. We have received enthusiastic responses on this solution from customers in metering, smart home, infrastructure and industrial markets, where they can seamlessly interface Renesas MCU-based applications to the Internet through their cellular network of choice.”

Renesas is teaming up with Sequans Communications, a leading developer and provider of 5G and 4G chips and modules for IoT, on the RYZ014A modules. Sequans offers the Monarch LTE CAT-M1 hardware and software technology used in the module, and has extensive experience implementing wireless IoT worldwide.

“This product is a great example of the benefits customers enjoy from the combination of our two technologies,” said Georges Karam, Sequans CEO. ”Sequans’ Monarch technology is an outstanding complement to the unmatched MCU expertise that Renesas provides.”

Renesas has combined the RYZ014A modules with numerous components from its extensive portfolio, including power ICs, Li-ion battery charger, light-to-digital sensor, and multiple RA family MCUs to create certified “Winning Combinations” that enable customers to quickly implement complete Remote Industrial Process Monitoring and Automatic Plant Watering Systems with an LTE Connection. Renesas offers over 200 Winning Combos that include compatible devices that work together seamlessly for a wide range of applications and end products. 

The RYZ014A module is available today, along with the RYZ014A-EVK evaluation kits. For more information, please visit: renesas.com/RYZ014A.