Sequans Introduces New 4G/5G Cellular IoT Modules Based on its Second-Generation Cat 1 Calliope 2 Chip

Rhea-AI Summary

Sequans Communications (SQNS) has launched its Calliope 2 GC02S1 modules, powered by the second generation LTE Cat 1bis chip, designed for IoT applications. These low-cost, low-power modules support VoLTE and faster throughput than LTE-M, ideal for devices like wearables and smart home gadgets. Calliope 2 promises reduced costs, enhanced battery life, and compatibility with global networks. The global LTE Cat 1 market is projected to grow from 132 million units in 2021 to 200 million units by 2025, bolstered by increasing demand for Cat 1 technology.

Positive

• Introduction of Calliope 2 GC02S1 modules enhances product portfolio for IoT applications.
• Modules support faster throughput than LTE-M, up to 10 Mbps download and 5 Mbps upload.
• Lower cost and power consumption may drive greater adoption of Cat 1 technology in IoT sector.
• Projected growth in LTE Cat 1 market from 132 million units in 2021 to 200 million units by 2025.

Negative

• None.

PARIS, Dec. 15, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Sequans Communications S.A. (NYSE: SQNS) today announced availability of a new series of Cat 1 IoT modules based on its second generation, LTE Cat 1bis chip, Calliope 2. The new Calliope 2 GC02S1 modules are low-cost, low-power, IoT-optimized solutions that support VoLTE and throughput higher than LTE-M for applications including wearables and hearables with music streaming; smart city/smart home IoT devices such as security cameras, alarm panels, and utility meters; and data aggregators that can require throughput up to several megabits per second. Calliope 2 GC02S1 modules are optimized to support three regional variants covering North America, Japan, and Europe.

Advancements in Sequans' Calliope 2 chip technology remove the cost and power consumption barriers that have thus far limited widespread adoption of Cat 1 for IoT. These advancements include 1) higher integration for lower cost, 2) lower power consumption in both active and power-saving modes, near the level of LTE-M, thus extending the battery life of Cat 1 devices significantly, and 3) advanced signal processing techniques that provide superior radio performance. LTE Cat 1 is available worldwide on all cellular networks, including those areas where LTE-M and NB-IoT are not, making it ideal for IoT companies wishing to deploy products globally.

"Cat 1 is a truly universal IoT solution," said Georges Karam, Sequans CEO. "With our new Calliope 2 GC02S1 modules, we have made Cat 1 highly suitable for IoT so that it can now support a much wider variety of IoT use cases, including those that need voice. We've reduced the cost and lowered the power consumption by applying the power-saving techniques of LTE-M and NB-IoT, and we've embedded high-level, on-chip security with iSIM support---all of which combine to make our Calliope 2 modules truly future-proof and able to support the evolution from 4G to 5G for many years to come."

"We are proud of our partnership with Sequans that expands our cellular IoT module offering that includes RYZ014A alongside our MCUs with 4G cellular connectivity based on Sequans proven Monarch Cat-M1/NB-IoT LTE platform," said Roger Wendelken, SVP, head of MCU Business, IoT and Infrastructure Business Unit at Renesas. "Therefore, we are excited about Sequans's Calliope 2 Cat 1 platform that supports IoT use cases demanding higher bandwidth, greater mobility, and lower latency."

"There is an explosion in demand for Cat 1 technology around the world, and even more specifically for the new Cat 1bis technology, increasing the overall LTE Cat 1 market from 132 million units in 2021 to an estimated 200 million units in 2025," said Takeshi Niwa, marketing analyst, TSR. "The great success of Cat 1bis in China, notably in the utility segment, demonstrates the accelerated adoption and deployment of this IoT-focused LTE category, driven by its lower cost compared to first-generation Cat 1 and also by the shutdown of legacy 2G and 3G networks. The availability of platforms like Sequans' Calliope 2 that brings a newer generation of optimized Cat 1 technology into the market will extend this rapid growth to other countries including Japan and the United States."

Calliope 2 GC02S1 modules are 5G-ready and compliant with the 3GPP Release 15 massive IoT standard. User application software and interfaces are compatible with Sequans' Monarch 2 LTE-M/NB-IoT platform, allowing easy migration among Cat 1, LTE-M, and NB-IoT massive IoT technologies.

Calliope 2 GC02S1 Module Features

• Supports 3GPP Release 14/15, including PSM and eDRX for ultra-low power consumption
• Cost-effective support for Cat 1bis data rate: up to 10 Mbps DL and 5 Mbps UL
• Ultra-small "S1" LGA package
• Power supply supports 3.1V-5.5V
• Supports VoLTE and high-quality voice
• Supports external SIM and eSIM as well as integrated SIM and integrated eSIM
• Common Criteria (CC) EAL5+ security for iSIM
• Compatible with Sequans Monarch 2 LTE-M/NB-IoT platform for easy migration among Cat 1, LTE-M, Cat NB1/NB2

"Sequans pioneered Cat 1 technology for IoT and has always recognized its value," said Karam.  "We are the only cellular IoT connectivity solutions provider with a strategic product roadmap for Cat 1. Our Calliope 2 chip platform and GC02S1 modules are designed with a clear eye on its particular value for IoT, especially now that 2G and 3G networks are being shut down and 5G is on the horizon."

See Sequans at CES 2022, January 5-8. For more information or to schedule a meeting, contact events@sequans.com.

About Sequans
Sequans Communications S.A. (NYSE: SQNS) is a leading developer and supplier of cellular IoT connectivity solutions, providing chips and modules for 5G/4G massive and broadband IoT. For 5G/4G massive IoT applications, Sequans provides a comprehensive product portfolio based on its flagship Monarch LTE-M/NB-IoT and Calliope Cat 1 chip platforms, featuring industry-leading low power consumption, a large set of integrated functionalities, and global deployment capability. For 5G/4G broadband IoT applications, Sequans offers a product portfolio based on its Cassiopeia Cat 4/Cat 6 4G and high-end Taurus 5G chip platforms, optimized for low-cost residential, enterprise, and industrial applications. Founded in 2003, Sequans is based in Paris, France with additional offices in the United States, United Kingdom, Israel, Hong Kong, Singapore, Finland, Taiwan, South Korea, and China. Visit Sequans online at www.sequans.com, and follow us on Twitter and Linked-In

Forward Looking Statements

Sequans media relations: Kimberly Tassin (USA), +1.425.736.0569, kimberly@sequans.com
Sequans investor relations: Kim Rogers (USA), +1 385.831.7337, kim@haydenir.com 

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SOURCE Sequans Communications

FAQ

What are Calliope 2 GC02S1 modules from Sequans Communications (SQNS)?

The Calliope 2 GC02S1 modules are new IoT modules based on Sequans' second generation LTE Cat 1bis chip, designed for low-cost, low-power applications.

How do Calliope 2 modules support IoT applications?

These modules support VoLTE and provide throughput higher than LTE-M, making them suitable for various IoT applications including wearables and smart home devices.

What is the impact of Calliope 2 technology on the LTE Cat 1 market?

The introduction of Calliope 2 technology is expected to increase the LTE Cat 1 market significantly, projected to grow from 132 million units in 2021 to 200 million units by 2025.

What is the significance of the Calliope 2 modules' power-saving capabilities?

The Calliope 2 modules feature advanced power-saving techniques, extending battery life, which is crucial for IoT applications.

When was the Calliope 2 module announced by Sequans Communications (SQNS)?

The Calliope 2 module was announced on December 15, 2021.