Semtech Launches 5G RedCap Modem for Industrial IoT

Key Terms

5g redcap technical

A 5G RedCap (short for “reduced capability”) is a streamlined version of 5G cellular technology designed for lower-cost, lower-power devices such as wearables, sensors, and simple IoT gadgets. It trims advanced features to make chips and modems cheaper and batteries last longer, like an economy-class seat that still gets you to the destination. For investors, RedCap can expand the addressable market for device makers and carriers by enabling mass adoption of connected products while shifting revenue and cost dynamics across the 5G ecosystem.

ethernet technical

A wired networking technology that moves data between devices over cables, like a dedicated highway that carries information reliably and quickly across offices, factories, and data centers. Investors care because ethernet underpins the performance and cost of digital services and infrastructure—demand for faster, more reliable wired networks drives spending on hardware, installation and upgrades, which affects manufacturers, service providers and companies that rely on heavy data flow.

cbrs regulatory

Citizens Broadband Radio Service (CBRS) is a band of radio spectrum that regulators set aside for flexible, shared use by wireless carriers, businesses, and private networks. Think of it as a set of highway lanes that can be rented or shared rather than owned outright; access to those lanes can lower costs, speed deployment of wireless services, and create new revenue opportunities. Investors watch CBRS because changes in access, device support, or commercial adoption can directly affect telecom operators, equipment makers, and companies building private networks.

mil-std-810h technical

MIL-STD-810H is a U.S. military engineering standard that describes laboratory and field tests to see how equipment performs under harsh environmental conditions—such as extreme temperatures, shock, vibration, humidity, dust, salt fog and altitude. For investors, a product tested or designed to meet this standard is like a vehicle with proven crash-and-weather tests: it signals higher durability and reliability in tough settings, which can lower warranty costs, support defense or industrial contracts, and improve market credibility.

class 1, division 2 technical

Class I, Division 2 is a safety classification for work sites where flammable gases, vapors or liquids are not normally present but could appear under abnormal conditions, so equipment must be built to avoid sparks or heat that could ignite them. For investors this signals higher compliance and equipment costs, potential operational limits, and a need to monitor safety practices and capital spending—similar to buying more fireproof furniture for a house in a rarely smoky area.

firmware over-the-air (fota) technical

Firmware over-the-air (FOTA) is the process of sending and installing low-level software updates to a device remotely through a wireless connection, like how your phone receives an operating update or a car gets new navigation maps without visiting a shop. For investors, FOTA matters because it lets companies fix security flaws, add features, and improve reliability after products are sold, reducing recalls, lowering service costs, and protecting brand value and future revenue.

New FX86E offers pre-certified plug-and-play connectivity, reduces integration complexity, and accelerates time-to-market for industrial applications

CAMARILLO, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Semtech Corporation (Nasdaq: SMTC), a leading provider of high-performance semiconductor, IoT systems and cloud connectivity service solutions, today announced the FX86E, a 5G RedCap modem designed for industrial IoT applications. The modem delivers plug-and-play connectivity across 5G RedCap, 4G/LTE, and public and private networks, enabling organizations to connect devices and machines faster and with lower upfront costs. Purpose-built for industrial IoT OEMs and system integrators, the FX86E is pre-certified to reduce integration complexity and accelerate deployment timelines when compared to embedding a cellular module. The modem’s design addresses critical challenges including lengthy certification cycles, additional integration engineering work, and enables IoT applications to quickly transition from LTE to 5G with future-ready connectivity.

Semtech Launches 5G RedCap Modem for Industrial IoT

The FX86E is built to operate across networks where carriers are investing in 5G RedCap infrastructure, enabling long product life in the field while helping industrial IoT customers make a seamless transition away from LTE and into the growing 5G ecosystem.

Instant Connectivity Without Integration Delays

System integrators and OEMs can attach the modem to existing equipment through its ethernet interface and establish either 4G or 5G RedCap connections immediately and automatically, eliminating months of development and certification work required when embedding a module. Applications include remote monitoring of oil pipelines, connecting industrial equipment and production machinery for basic telemetry, environmental and agricultural monitoring systems, and IP cameras and access control systems across sectors where reliable connectivity and rapid deployment are essential.

“Many industrial IoT applications don’t need complex connectivity platforms—they need reliable connectivity, and they need it fast,” said Larry Zibrik, vice president of cellular modules at Semtech. “The FX86E delivers exactly that: 5G RedCap throughput and longevity in a plug-and-play modem that reduces the integration complexity and certification delays. OEMs can focus on their applications, not connectivity infrastructure.”

Multi-Network Compatibility for Current and Future Deployments

The modem supports both 5G RedCap for future-ready deployments and 4G / LTE for immediate global connectivity on existing infrastructure. Organizations can deploy on public cellular networks or private networks including CBRS and Anterix B106 spectrum, providing flexibility for diverse operational requirements.

“Utilities and other critical industries are increasingly turning to private wireless networks to address their broader operations with dedicated spectrum and enhanced control,” said Steve Ryan, vice president, ecosystem and partnerships at Anterix. “The FX86E’s support for Anterix 900 MHz spectrum combined with its plug-and-play design makes it easier for utilities and industrial operators to deploy reliable private network solutions that meet their specific operational and security requirements.”

Industrial-Grade Reliability and Security

Built to military specifications (MIL-STD-810H) with IP30-rated protection, and designed to meet class 1, division 2 (C1D2) classification, the FX86E operates in temperature ranges from -30° to +75°C (-22° to +167°F). The rugged aluminum enclosure provides durability for demanding industrial environments. The compact design—measuring 82 x 60 x 32 mm including connectors—enables integration without device redesign.

Security features include secure boot protection and firmware over-the-air (FOTA) updates via secure HTTPS, enabling devices to remain protected and current throughout their operational lifecycle.

The FX86E incorporates Semtech’s 30-plus years of wireless connectivity expertise and is designed in North America. The modem is now in certification with major carriers globally.   

“By integrating 5G RedCap technology into a rugged, simplified platform, the FX86E solves a vital connectivity challenge for today’s industrial IoT applications,” remarked Anthony Besett, vice president of the OEM embedded solutions team at GetWireless. “Our partnership with Semtech allows us to provide a high-performance, future-ready solution that balances the power of 5G with the practical needs of the field and at a cost that enables adoption now. We are effectively removing the complexity of the deployment phase, allowing OEMs to scale their IoT operations with unprecedented speed and efficiency while gaining the security and longevity benefits of 5G.”

Availability

The Semtech FX86E is now sampling. For more information about the modem, visit www.semtech.com/fx86e-modem.

Semtech will demonstrate the FX86E at Embedded World 2026, Booth #3-353, March 10-12 in Nuremberg, Germany.

About Semtech

Semtech Corporation (Nasdaq: SMTC) is a leading provider of high-performance semiconductor, IoT systems and cloud connectivity service solutions that enable a smarter, more connected and sustainable planet. Our global teams are committed to empowering solution architects and application developers to develop breakthrough products for the infrastructure, industrial and consumer markets. To learn more about Semtech technology, visit us at Semtech.com or follow us on LinkedIn or X.

Semtech and the Semtech logo are registered trademarks or service marks of Semtech Corporation or its subsidiaries. All other trademarks, service marks, and trade names mentioned in this press release are the property of their respective owners.

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View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260310559486/en/

Michelle Lozada, pr@semtech.com

Source: Semtech Corporation