SIMCom has enhanced it SIM900 quad-band GSM/GPRS module with new FOTA (firmware over the air) capabilities. FOTA provides a way for devices to update their core firmware over the air. SIMCom has refined the FOTA process to allow customers to use the AT command interface of the SIM900 to perform firmware upgrades.
The system works by SIMCom providing customers with a delta firmware file containing the difference between the existing firmware on the module and the firmware it is to be upgraded to, and making this delta firmware file available to the customer to place in a specific IP network location. The MCU interfacing to the SIM900 gets this delta firmware file from the specific IP network location via FTP and then writes the delta firmware file to a fixed place on the SIM900 with the use of AT commands. After receiving these AT commands from the MCU, the module then updates the current firmware from the delta firmware file. The status of this update process is read via the MCU.
The SIM900’s FOTA functionality is based on Redbend’s vCurrent Mobile software platform, a tried and tested technology currently used in hundreds of millions of cellular handsets globally. The update package (delta firmware file) is tiny and only about 5% of the total firmware size. Using this technology, the update process is reliable and secure, since the SIM900 will automatically resume the process from the last interruption in case of an event such as power loss.
Another useful feature of the enhanced firmware of the SIM900 is the implementation of GSM location. This allows the module to determine its approximate whereabouts using the latitude, longitude, date and time of the nearest cellular tower that it connects to.
The ability of the module to perform basic positioning in this way allows manufacturers of GSM-based security products to find lost alarms that technicians may have installed in incorrect places, as well as allowing for distributors to keep track of products which have been fired-up initially but have not been configured properly. The distributor can then notify the installer of the product in this area.
X-band radar RF Design
Editor's Choice Telecoms, Datacoms, Wireless, IoT
X-band radar systems, particularly those leveraging beamforming ICs (BFICs), advanced gallium nitride (GaN) and gallium arsenide (GaAs) components, are leading the way in providing the high-performance radar capabilities required for modern defence and surveillance.
Read more...Reference board for cardio monitoring Altron Arrow
Telecoms, Datacoms, Wireless, IoT
The STDES-ESP01 reference board from STMicroelectronics demonstrates the capability of the ST1VAFE6AX and ST1VAFE3BX biosensors to detect ECG and SCG signals.
Read more...LTE Cat 1 bis communication iCorp Technologies
Telecoms, Datacoms, Wireless, IoT
The EG810M series is a series of LTE Cat 1 bis wireless communication modules specially designed by Quectel for M2M and IoT applications.
Read more...Quad-channel 16-bit converter RFiber Solutions
Telecoms, Datacoms, Wireless, IoT
The ARF0468 from Advance RF is a quad-channel mixed-signal processing chip, with each channel comprising three major functional modules: ADC/DDC/DDS.
Read more...Tactical navigation system Etion Create
Telecoms, Datacoms, Wireless, IoT
Etion Create’s CheetahNAV Compact is a versatile tactical navigation system designed for security services, emergency services, and light all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) using offline navigation maps.
Read more...Smart module for multi-media devices iCorp Technologies
Telecoms, Datacoms, Wireless, IoT
Powered by a Qualcomm processor, Quectel’s new SC200V is designed to deliver exceptional performance across system capabilities, multimedia functions, and network connectivity.
Read more...Remote provisioning firmware added to SIMCom modules Otto Wireless Solutions
Telecoms, Datacoms, Wireless, IoT
SIMCom recently announced that its range of Cat 1 bis IoT modules are now being prepared with the firmware necessary to support SGP.32 functionality.
Read more...GNSS antenna redefining what’s possible RF Design
Telecoms, Datacoms, Wireless, IoT
u-blox has achieved what was once thought impossible with the launch of the DAN-F10N, the industry’s smallest and most reliable L1, L5 dual-band GNSS antenna module.
Read more...Innovative satellite navigation receiver Altron Arrow
Telecoms, Datacoms, Wireless, IoT
STMicroelectronics has released an innovative satellite navigation receiver to democratise precise positioning for automotive and industrial applications.
Read more...u-blox expands NORA-B2 BLE modules RF Design
Telecoms, Datacoms, Wireless, IoT
The new nRF54L chipset-based wireless modules reduce current consumption and double processing capacity, catering to diverse mass market segments.