Sequans’ Monarch 2 LTE-M/NB-IoT platform obtains Anterix Active badge

Sequans’ Monarch 2 dual-mode LTE-M/NB-IoT platform, which includes the Monarch 2 chip, and the GM02S, GM02SP and SKY66431 modules, has been tested by Anterix for use on any private LTE deployment using Anterix spectrum. The Anterix Active Ecosystem “Anterix Active Badge” assures device makers that the technology meets Anterix criteria in terms of operation on 900 MHz private wireless broadband, FCC regulatory certification, and availability in mass production, accelerating time to market for new devices.

Sequans is proud to bring the GM02S, GM02SP, and SKY66431 to its smart city customer devices (smart meters, fault line indicators…) with the “Anterix Active Badge”, enabling customers to extend their market reach to Anterix utility customers. Private LTE operation brings various advantages to utilities, including enhanced control, security and reliability of their network, flexible deployment, and operational cost saving. Such deployment usually provides failover to standard MNO deployment, and Monarch 2 modules have been certified with all major MNOs in the United States where Anterix band can be used.

“Sequans’ cellular IoT chips and modules support of Anterix’s 900 MHz private wireless broadband is poised to accelerate the ecosystem growth. Monarch 2 platform small form factor, coupled with its cost-effectiveness and low power consumption, makes it an ideal connectivity solution for a wide range of utility IoT applications”, Steve Ryan Vice President of Ecosystem and Partnerships

Monarch 2 LTE-M/NB-IoT Platform Description

The Monarch 2 platform is designed specifically for narrowband IoT applications, including sensors, wearables, and other low data, low power M2M and IoT devices. Monarch 2 is built on Sequans’ exclusive and field-proven experience with Monarch, which is and has been the industry’s leading LTE for IoT chip since its introduction in 2016. Monarch 2 builds on the success of first-generation Monarch and incorporates full reuse of Monarch’s software and architecture, allowing all existing customers to migrate to Monarch 2 seamlessly. Monarch 2 brings several significant advancements, including an integrated secure enclave (SE) with the industry’s highest level of security, enabling a variety of integrated SIMs, a 60-percent improvement in power consumption, beating the already industry-lowest level of Monarch, and an industry-leading high level of integration that further simplifies and lowers the cost of IoT device design.

• 3GPP Release 14 and Release 15 LTE Advanced Pro with support for LTE UE categories M1/NB1/NB2
• IoT-Select™ – dynamic LTE mode selection for LTE-M or NB-IoT
• Supports RF frequencies 617-2200 MHz in a Single-SKU™ for global compatibility
• Dedicated MCU to support embedded customers’ applications software and ultra-low power sensor-hub
• Up to 60% improvement in power consumption
• eco-Paging™ for extremely low eDRX power consumption
• Integrated secure enclave with industry’s highest level of security, EAL5+, usable as iUICC
• Single rail power supply input with range 2.2-5.5 V, allowing the use of standard AA batteries
• 197 pins CSP, 0.5 mm pitch, allowing low-cost PCB technology and enabling 65% size reduction