In order to make the Internet of Things one step closer to reality, it needs to have an access to, well… the internet. And while bigger devices can do so using routers and modems, miniscule devices needs a smaller 3G modem to establish internet connection. Intel’s solution is the new XMM 6255, the world’s smallest standalone 3G modem only 300mm^2 in size.
According to Intel, they were able to achieve such size by utilizing their groundbreaking SMARTi UE2P transceiver which “combines transmit and receive functionality with a fully integrated power amplifier and power management” in a single tiny chip.
In doing so, Intel claims that it significantly reduced the cost of materials and power consumption, making it a suitable choice for future low-power and low-cost IoT devices.
Apart from its size, Intel also boasts that the new XMM6255 will also protect IoT devices from voltage peaks and overheating, as well as preventing damage caused by putting the device in “tough conditions”.
Intel XMM 6255 key features:
Dual-band HSPA, 7.2Mbps DL & 5.76Mbps UL
Integrated 3G power amplifier
Optional Quad-band 2G (requires external power amplifier)
Co-designed isoplexer
Direct-to-battery power
Integrated DC/DC converters
Digitally-controller Crystal-Oscillator (DCXO) support
Intel X-GOLD 625 baseband
Intel SMARTi UE2P w/ Intel Power Transceiver technology
Intel protocol stack
Optional A-GPS functionality
If the research are to be believed, then there will be at least 26 billion IoT devices by 2020, which is only less than six years away from now. That’s a huge market and it’s not surprising to see Intel investing on the R&D and production of devices such as the XMM 6255 as early as now.
