STMicroelectronics Integrates Ceva Cellular IoT Platform in its NB-IoT Industrial Module

Rhea-AI Summary

Ceva (NASDAQ: CEVA) has announced that STMicroelectronics has integrated the Ceva-Waves Dragonfly NB-IoT platform into its latest ST87M01 NB-IoT industrial module. This module offers ultra-reliable low-power wide-area network (LPWAN) connectivity and robust GNSS geo-location capability for IoT devices. The Ceva-Waves Dragonfly platform includes the Ceva-BX1 processor, optimized RF transceiver, baseband, and protocol stack, enabling a complete Release 15 Cat-NB2 modem IP solution. This integration aims to reduce time-to-market and lower entry barriers for a variety of IoT applications, including smart meters, smart grids, smart buildings, factory automation, and asset tracking.

The ST87M01 module is expected to capitalize on the projected growth in cellular IoT connections, which the Ericsson Mobility Report forecasts to increase from 3 billion in 2023 to 6.1 billion by 2029, at a CAGR of 12%. Ceva's Vice President, Tal Shalev, highlighted the collaboration's aim to enhance cellular IoT performance and power efficiency. Further details can be found on Ceva's official website.

Positive

• STMicroelectronics' adoption of Ceva-Waves Dragonfly NB-IoT platform indicates strong market validation for Ceva's technology.
• The ST87M01 module integrates an advanced NB-IoT platform which could potentially drive significant growth in various IoT applications.
• The partnership is likely to benefit from the projected growth in cellular IoT connections to 6.1 billion by 2029, a CAGR of 12%.

Negative

• The press release does not provide specific financial metrics or expected revenue impact from this integration for Ceva.

Insights

Tech Expert

The integration of the Ceva-Waves Dragonfly NB-IoT platform into STMicroelectronics' ST87M01 module is a significant move in the IoT industry. The Dragonfly platform's ultra-low power and high reliability are important for IoT devices, which often operate on limited power sources and need consistent connectivity. The inclusion of GNSS geo-location capability adds another layer of utility, enabling precise tracking and monitoring for a variety of applications.

For a retail investor, this development indicates that STMicroelectronics is enhancing its product portfolio in a rapidly growing market. The combination of Ceva's IP and STMicroelectronics' module can potentially drive demand in multiple sectors such as smart cities and industrial automation, aligning well with the projected growth in cellular IoT connections.

From a technical perspective, the Ceva-Waves Dragonfly platform's compliance with Release 15 Cat-NB2 standards ensures it is future-ready, capable of supporting the evolving needs of IoT applications. This strategic partnership could position both companies favorably in the market, though the long-term success will depend on the adoption rate of these technologies across different industries.

Financial Analyst

Financially, this partnership could be a bullish signal for investors in both Ceva and STMicroelectronics. The global NB-IoT market is anticipated to grow significantly and this collaboration could mean a larger market share for both companies. For STMicroelectronics, integrating a robust NB-IoT solution could drive revenue growth in its IoT segment. Investors should pay attention to how this integration impacts ST's quarterly earnings and whether it translates into higher margins due to the value-added features.

Ceva's licensing model also stands to benefit from this deal. Increased uptake of the ST87M01 module would mean recurring royalty revenues for Ceva. However, investors should consider the competitive landscape and the potential for other companies to introduce similar or superior technologies. Market share gains in a growing market like IoT can lead to substantial revenue growth, but it also increases the company's exposure to market volatility.

Market Research Analyst

The expansion of the IoT market, as forecasted by the Ericsson Mobility Report, underscores the growing importance of reliable and efficient connectivity solutions. The ST87M01 module's integration of Ceva's NB-IoT platform positions it well to capitalize on this trend. The module's applications span various sectors, from smart agriculture to asset tracking, reflecting a broad market potential. Investors should note that while the IoT market is burgeoning, it remains fragmented with various players. Hence, market capture will be key to determining the overall impact of this product.

The long-term growth potential seems promising, but near-term gains could be limited by the adoption rate in key sectors. The success of the ST87M01 module will hinge on its performance in real-world scenarios and its ability to deliver on the promises of low power consumption and high reliability. Market adoption, customer feedback and subsequent product iterations will be important indicators to watch.

Fully programmable certified ST87M01 LTE Cat-NB2 NB-IoT industrial module leverages Ceva-Waves Dragonfly NB-IoT platform IP to deliver ultra-reliable Low Power Wide Area Network (LPWAN) connectivity

ROCKVILLE, Md., July 10, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Ceva, Inc. (NASDAQ: CEVA), the leading licensor of silicon and software IP that enables Smart Edge devices to connect, sense and infer data more reliably and efficiently, announced today that STMicroelectronics has licensed and deployed the Ceva-Waves Dragonfly NB-IoT platform in its recently introduced ST87M01 ultra-compact and low-power modules that combine highly reliable and robust NB-IoT data communication with accurate and resilient GNSS geo-location capability for IoT devices and assets.

Narrowband IoT (NB-IoT) is a cellular communication technology designed for low-power, wide-area (LPWA) connectivity. It enables efficient data transmission for a diverse array of IoT devices and services. The Ceva-Waves Dragonfly platform integrates a Ceva-BX1 processor, an optimized RF Transceiver, baseband, and a protocol stack to offer a complete Release 15 Cat-NB2 modem IP solution that reduces time-to-market and lowers entry barriers.

The Ericsson Mobility Report forecasts that the number of cellular IoT connections will grow from 3 billion in 2023 to 6.1 billion by 2029, a CAGR of 12%. Addressing this significant growth opportunity, the ST87M01 module integrating the Ceva-Waves Dragonfly platform targets a wide range of IoT applications that will leverage cellular connectivity for enhanced functionality, including smart meters, smart grid, smart buildings, smart cities and smart infrastructure applications, as well as industrial condition monitoring and factory automation, smart agriculture and environmental monitoring. It is also suited to tracking applications such as locating pets, children, and elders, safety monitoring for remote workers, asset tracking for equipment such as power tools, and general intelligent logistics.

Domenico Arrigo, General Manager, Application Specific Product Division, STMicroelectronics, said: "Ceva-Waves Dragonfly platform was the outstanding choice for our ST87M01 NB-IoT/GNSS full in-house module. Conceiving, designing, and industrializing the complete module internally required tight collaboration and top-class engineering support, which the Ceva team provided seamlessly."

Tal Shalev, Vice President and General Manager, Wireless IoT Business Unit at Ceva, stated: "We are proud to collaborate closely with STMicroelectronics and empower them to push the boundaries of cellular IoT performance and power efficiency with our complete Release 15 Cat-NB2 modem IP solution. The very impressive ST87M01 NB-IoT/GNSS module is tailored to the demanding requirements of the industrial market and we look forward to seeing the module successfully deployed in the field."

The Ceva-Waves Dragonfly is a complete eNB-IoT IP platform that can serve a wide range of applications. It is a fully software-configurable solution that can be extended with multi-constellation GNSS and sensor fusion functionality. It includes a reference silicon of the complete modem design, including an embedded CMOS RF transceiver, an advanced digital front-end, physical layer firmware, and a protocol stack (MAC, RLC, PDCP, RRC, and NAS). For more information, visit https://www.ceva-ip.com/product/dragonfly/.

About Ceva, Inc.
At Ceva, we are passionate about bringing new levels of innovation to the smart edge. Our wireless communications, sensing and Edge AI technologies are at the heart of some of today's most advanced smart edge products. From Bluetooth connectivity, Wi-Fi, UWB and 5G platform IP for ubiquitous, robust communications, to scalable Edge AI NPU IPs, sensor fusion processors and embedded application software that make devices smarter, we have the broadest portfolio of IP to connect, sense and infer data more reliably and efficiently. We deliver differentiated solutions that combine outstanding performance at ultra-low power within a very small silicon footprint. Our goal is simple – to deliver the silicon and software IP to enable a smarter, safer, and more interconnected world. This philosophy is in practice today, with Ceva powering more than 17 billion of the world's most innovative smart edge products from AI-infused smartwatches, IoT devices and wearables to autonomous vehicles and 5G mobile networks.

Our headquarters are in Rockville, Maryland with a global customer base supported by operations worldwide. Our employees are among the leading experts in their areas of specialty, consistently solving the most complex design challenges, enabling our customers to bring innovative smart edge products to market.

Ceva: Powering the Smart Edge™

Visit us at www.ceva-ip.com and follow us on LinkedIn, X, YouTube, Facebook, and Instagram.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/stmicroelectronics-integrates-ceva-cellular-iot-platform-in-its-nb-iot-industrial-module-302192493.html

SOURCE Ceva, Inc.

FAQ

What recent announcement did Ceva make regarding its NB-IoT platform?

Ceva announced that STMicroelectronics has integrated the Ceva-Waves Dragonfly NB-IoT platform into its ST87M01 NB-IoT industrial module.

What is the significance of the ST87M01 module integrating Ceva's NB-IoT platform?

The ST87M01 module offers ultra-reliable LPWAN connectivity and robust GNSS geo-location for IoT devices, leveraging Ceva's technology to target a broad range of applications.

How many cellular IoT connections are projected by 2029?

According to the Ericsson Mobility Report, cellular IoT connections are expected to grow to 6.1 billion by 2029, at a CAGR of 12%.

What are some applications targeted by the ST87M01 module?

The ST87M01 module targets applications like smart meters, smart grids, factory automation, smart agriculture, and asset tracking.

What components are included in the Ceva-Waves Dragonfly NB-IoT platform?

The platform includes the Ceva-BX1 processor, optimized RF transceiver, baseband, and a protocol stack to offer a complete Release 15 Cat-NB2 modem IP solution.