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Understanding the Importance of LPWA Technology

Updated: Jun 5

SIMCom Y7080E LPWA NB-IoT module ad with GPS features. Space background. Text: "10-year battery, global certifications, Ineltek logo."

Introduction – What is LPWA Technology and Why Does it Matter?

Low-Power Wide-Area (LPWA) modules like the SIMCom Y7080E LPWA module bring battery-powered devices online for years, not months. By leveraging 3GPP-standard Narrowband IoT (NB-IoT) and advanced power-saving modes, they enable truly scalable Internet of Things (IoT) deployments across challenging radio environments. Whether you’re building smart meters in basements or asset trackers in remote locations, LPWA technology ensures reliable connectivity, extended battery life, and a proven upgrade path via FOTA (Firmware Over-The-Air).


Features of the SIMCom Y7080E LPWA Module Addressing Key IoT Challenges

  • Global Cat-NB2 Multi-Band Support:  Operates on LTE-FDD B3/B5/B8/B20/B28, ensuring compatibility with major operators worldwide Y7080E_ A Globally Cert….

  • Ultra-Low Power Consumption:  Achieves just 1.7 µA in PSM and down to 0.13 mA in e-DRX (eDRX=163.84 s/PTW=25.6 s) Y7080E_SPEC_20240709.

  • Optional GNSS Engine:  Integrated GPS, GLONASS, BeiDou, and Galileo with hot-start under 2 s and cold-start within 29 s Y7080E_SPEC_20240709.

  • Compact Form Factor:  LCC+LGA package measuring just 17.6 × 15.7 × 2.4 mm and weighing 1.2 g ± 0.2 g Y7080E_SPEC_20240709.

  • Versatile Interfaces:

    • Dual UART (AT commands, data, FOTA; debug)

    • SPI (master/slave up to 20 MHz)

    • I²C up to 400 kbps

    • ADC input (0–1.0 V)

    • 1.8 / 3.0 V SIM interface, GPIO, NETLIGHT, STATUS, 1PPS Y7080E_Hardware_Design_…

  • Robust Certifications: RoHS, REACH, CE (RED), UKCA, GCF, and approvals from major carriers (Vodafone, Deutsche Telekom, Telefonica, etc.) Y7080E_ A Globally Cert….

  • Advanced Protocols & Security:  TCP/UDP, HTTP, DTLS*, LwM2M*, COAP, MQTT, OneNET/CTWing support, plus secure FOTA.


Detailed Specifications for the Y7080E Module Family

Parameter

Y7080E (NB + GNSS)

Y7080E (NB only)

Bands

Cat-NB2 B3/B5/B8/B20/B28

Cat-NB2 B3/B5/B8/B20/B28

Uplink/Downlink Peak

158.5 kbps / 127 kbps

158.5 kbps / 127 kbps

Supply Voltage VBAT

3.0 – 4.2 V

2.2 – 4.2 V

PSM Current

Typical 1.7 µA

Typical 1.5 µA

Idle Current

0.48 mA (DRX 2.56 s)

0.48 mA (DRX 2.56 s)

eDRX Current

0.25 mA (eDRX 40.96 s/PTW 81.92 s)

0.25 mA

GNSS (optional)

GPS/GLONASS/BeiDou/Galileo

–

GNSS Cold Start

≤ 29 s @ –130 dBm

–

GNSS Hot Start

< 2 s @ –130 dBm

–

Temp. Range

– 40 ℃ to + 85 ℃

– 40 ℃ to + 85 ℃

Form Factor

17.6 × 15.7 × 2.4 mm

17.6 × 15.7 × 2.4 mm

Weight

1.2 g ± 0.2 g

1.2 g ± 0.2 g

Interfaces

UART, SPI, I²C, ADC, GPIO, 1PPS

UART, SPI, I²C, ADC, GPIO

Certifications

RoHS, CE (RED), UKCA, GCF, carrier approvals

Same

FOTA

UART/TCP

UART/TCP

Table: Key electrical, RF, mechanical, and protocol specifications for the SIMCom Y7080E module family.

Industry Applications and Use Cases

  • Smart Metering: Ultra-low idle currents and deep coverage allow battery-powered water, gas, and electricity meters to operate maintenance-free for up to a decade.

  • Asset Tracking & Logistics: Multi-band NB-IoT ensures consistent connectivity in basements, tunnels, and urban canyons; optional 1 PPS GNSS pin supports synchronized event logging.

  • Remote Monitoring: Agricultural sensors, pipeline monitors, and environmental stations benefit from PSM/eDRX for minimal energy draw in standby, while enabling timely telemetry.

  • Connected Healthcare (E-Health): Wearables and remote patient monitors leverage secure FOTA and deep-sleep modes, maintaining patient data continuity without frequent battery swaps.

  • Industrial Automation: Factory floor sensors and control nodes integrate seamlessly via UART/SPI, collecting telemetry with minimal impact on power budgets.

Conclusion

The SIMCom Y7080E LPWA module represents a turnkey solution for engineers seeking to deploy scalable, energy-efficient IoT endpoints. Its combination of global NB-IoT bands, optional GNSS, rich interface set, and rigorous certifications empowers robust designs across smart metering, asset tracking, industrial automation, and beyond.


Ready to accelerate your IoT deployment?

  • Contact our team for samples and technical support

  • Download the full hardware design guide and whitepaper to jumpstart your project:


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