Semtech Corporation has reached a significant advancement in the deployment of 5G RedCap technology, positioning itself at the forefront of the evolving IoT landscape. The company’s latest module is set to enhance connectivity options for a wide range of mid-tier IoT devices, promising better performance and scalability. This development is expected to facilitate the expansion of smart technologies across various sectors.
Semtech’s latest achievement builds upon previous milestones in its 5G strategy, demonstrating the company’s continuous commitment to advancing IoT connectivity. Earlier initiatives focused on developing robust LTE solutions, but the shift to RedCap signifies a strategic move towards more efficient and scalable technologies. This progression reflects the industry’s broader trend towards adopting specialized 5G applications.
5G RedCap Enhances IoT Capabilities
The EM8695 5G RedCap module, powered by the Snapdragon® X35 5G Modem-RF System, has secured both FCC and PTCRB certifications. This certification paves the way for carrier certifications across North America, including successful testing on AT&T’s RedCap network. The module is designed to support mid-range IoT applications such as wearable devices, wireless industrial sensors, video surveillance systems, asset tracking solutions, and mid-speed computing devices.
Industry Projections Highlight RedCap Growth
According to recent projections by Omdia, global RedCap connections are anticipated to increase from 27.6 million in 2023 to 963.5 million by 2030. Additionally, Rethink Research forecasts that RedCap variants will account for nearly one-third of all cellular IoT connections by 2030. These projections underscore RedCap’s significant role in driving the growth and adoption of IoT technologies worldwide.
Semtech’s Strategic Partnerships and Future Plans
“The EM8695 module exemplifies how 5G RedCap technology can enable new and exciting solutions for our customers.”
Larry Zibrik, vice president of modules at Semtech, emphasized the company’s collaboration with AT&T to bring 5G RedCap to market. The EM8695 module features LTE fallback capabilities and adheres to the M.2 standard format, ensuring compatibility with Semtech’s existing LTE modules. Semtech aims to complete full certification with AT&T by the first half of 2025 and is pursuing additional certifications globally to support carrier rollouts.
As the industry transitions from LTE networks, which are expected to phase out by 2030, 5G RedCap offers a sustainable and efficient alternative for IoT applications that do not require the highest data speeds. With a 65% reduction in power consumption compared to LTE Cat-4 and Cat-6 modules, RedCap provides a balance of performance and efficiency, making it suitable for various sectors including agriculture, healthcare, manufacturing, retail, and smart cities.
“We are thrilled to see Semtech’s EM8695 5G RedCap module, which leverages the Snapdragon X35 5G Modem-RF System, successfully achieve FCC and PTCRB certifications through testing on AT&T’s RedCap network,” said Gautam Sheoran, vice president and general manager at Qualcomm Technologies, Inc. “This marks a significant step to expand 5G RedCap capabilities, delivering performance, efficiency, and value to the IoT ecosystem.”
The advancement of the EM8695 module not only strengthens Semtech’s position in the IoT market but also enhances the overall connectivity infrastructure necessary for the next generation of smart devices. By offering a cost-effective and scalable solution, Semtech is enabling businesses to adopt 5G RedCap technology without the need for extensive hardware changes. This ensures that industries can continue to innovate and expand their IoT capabilities efficiently.
