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Friday, October 26, 2012

#WIRELESS: "Telit's M2M Adopts LTE at 100Mbps"

The machine-to-machine (M2M) communications market got a boost to 100-Mbits per second by virtue of Telit's new LTE-based cellular modem technology: R. Colin Johnson


Here is what Telit says about its new 100Mbps M2M modem: Telit Wireless Solutions, a leading global vendor of high-quality machine-to-machine (M2M) modules and value-added services, today announced the introduction of the LE920 LTE module for European and North American OEM automotive and aftermarket segments. The new 920 form factor measures 34x40x2.8mm on a 198-pad LGA automotive-grade package. The product delivers 100Mbps-down and 50Mbps-up data rates on LTE networks and is fully fallback compatible with DC-HSPA+ delivering up to 42Mbs-down and 5.76Mbps-up where available. Quad-band GSM/GPRS and EDGE performance ensure the module connects even in remote areas devoid of 3G or 4G coverage. Equipped with a high performance multi-constellation GPS plus GLONASS receiver, the LE920 module provides superior navigation coverage even in harsh environments and challenging urban canyons with fast and accurate position fixes, making it ideally suited for full-featured integrated navigation systems and location based services delivered through the car’s infotainment system.

Telit’s LE920 includes distinguishing features such as Rx diversity which allows the end-device to be equipped with two distinct cellular antennas improving the quality and reliability of the wireless connectivity in urban areas, undergrounds, and other similar scenarios, making the product ideal for applications such as an in-vehicle hot-spot. Fully voice capable, the LE920 provides full-duplex PCM as well as analog input and output for applications such as a hands-free in-car cellular functionality, fleet management and other vehicle voice gateway applications. For easy integration, the product includes a USB 2.0 high-speed port and device drivers for most Windows and Linux platforms, and will be available in local variants as required for all major LTE carriers and partner networks in North America and Europe.

The LE920 was designed to meet the most current specifications for the European eCall and Russian ERA-Glonass programs. Mandated by the European Commission, all new cars must have an eCall automatic emergency in-vehicle call system installed by 2015. The system is designed to enhance quality and speed of rescue operations in automotive accident response efforts. In case of a crash, the eCall system transfers the necessary accident data to the nearest emergency service response center expediting life saving measures. ERA-Glonass was designed to be compatible with the European eCall standard. The objective of the program is to combine mobile communications and satellite positioning providing for faster assistance in case of automotive collisions. Its infrastructure is planned to be installed in 2013 with systems mandated in all vehicles in 2014. North America has no similar program.

“The LE920 is Telit’s new high-performance automotive product which also introduces to the market our new form-factor for this segment. One which provides our R&D and product management teams with lots of space for future integration of new and valuable features and resources for our automotive customers,” said Dominikus Hierl, chief marketing officer at Telit Wireless Solutions. “With the LE920’s comprehensive and industry-leading LTE multi-band support, the connected vehicle can provide passengers the same comfort and convenience in terms of internet and information access just as they would enjoy at the home or office - with no compromise in performance.”

As the LE920 was conceived specifically for the automotive market, it boasts an extended temperature range, operating from -40°C to +85°C, designed and manufactured under the strict automotive quality standards specified in the ISO/TS16949. Additionally, materials, facilities, and processes applied on the LE920 also comply with Production Part Approval Process or PPAP, a full traceability framework standard adopted by the automotive industry which among other things allows defective parts to be traced back in its full genealogy up the supply chain.

Industry’s only pure-play m2m, Telit creates value by partnering with customers to provide expert guidance and support from concept development through to manufacturing quickly bringing ideas to market in all application areas including the new “smart” space. With service enhanced products in cellular, short-range, and satellite-navigation easily bundled through high-level software interfaces, Telit-powered m2m devices cost less to integrate, maintain, operate, and update with lower price points for bundled products and savings translating into competitive advantage at the time of sale and throughout the operating life of the customer device.
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