Sierra Wireless HL7900 Global 5G LPWA Module Integrates GNSS, Secure Boot, and Cloud Services for IoT Applications

Sierra Wireless, a subsidiary of Semtech Corporation has launched the HL7900 Global 5G LPWA Module, an ultra-low power, future-ready connectivity solution designed for IoT applications requiring deep area coverage, long battery life, and secure connectivity.

It supports Cat-M1, Cat-NB2, and NTN air interfaces, operating globally across multiple frequency bands. With up to 80% lower power consumption with Sony’s Altair ALT1350 chipset, compared to previous models, it significantly extends battery life. The module integrates GNSS for location services, an optional unlicensed band radio (802.15.4) for enhanced connectivity, and a low-power MCU for edge processing, reducing the need for an external processor. It also supports 3GPP Releases 14 to 17, ensuring future-proof deployments. Security features include secure element storage for encryption keys and free firmware over-the-air (FOTA) updates. The CF3 form factor allows seamless migration between technologies.

Organizations widely use it in smart energy, smart cities, logistics, and asset tracking, with additional applications in private networks and satellite-based IoT (NTN). The module is pre-certified with major regulatory bodies and carriers like Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile, and KDDI, with planned support for Docomo and Vodafone. It also offers optional embedded SIM (eSIM/iSIM) and cloud device and connectivity management services.

In our announcement post, we previously summarized this HL7900 module. This is not the first time we have written about a 5G module, but we have also covered Fibocom’s FM150-NA, the first 5G Wireless Module Certified by T-Mobile. Quectel has already launched some 5G modules ideal for IoT, such as BG770A-SN, RG500Q, and many more. Feel free to browse those if you are interested in this topic.

HL7900 5G LPWA Module Specifications:

• Chipset: Sony’s Altair ALT1350
• Cellular Connectivity:
  • 3GPP Release up to 17 through SW upgrade
  • LTE Cat-M1, NB2 (NB-IoT), NTN (Satellite IoT)
  • Frequency bands:
    • HFDD (Half Duplex FDD) and TDD LTE Frequency Band Support
    • B1, B2, B3, B4, B5, B8, B12, B13, B18, B19, B20, B23, B25, B26, B28, B66, B85, B255, B256, B70, B71
  • Peak data rates:
    • Cat-M1: 590 kbps (downlink), 1100 kbps (uplink)
    • Cat-NB2: 127 kbps (downlink), 158 kbps (uplink)
  • OneSKU frequency range
    • Low Band: 617–960 MHz
    • Middle Band: 1700–2200 MHz
  • 410-466MHz (bands 31, 72, 73, 87, 88) support using additional RF FE components
• GNSS and Location Services:
  • Integrated GPS & GLONASS (assisted GNSS)
  • Optional Wi-Fi scanning for positioning
• Edge Processing:
  • Integrated low-power MCU for running lightweight applications
  • Supports unlicensed band radio (802.15.4) at <1GHz and 2.4GHz
• Network protocols: IPv4/IPv6 with TCP/UDP, PPP, FTP, HTTTP, TLS, HTTPS, SSL, DTSL, MQTT, CoAP, LWM2M
• Interfaces:
  • 1x 8-wire main interface UART
  • 1x 4-wire debug interface UART
  • 2x ADC
  • 8x GPIO
  • 1x MIPI interface
  • 1x RF interfaces for LTE and GNSS antennas
• USB: None
• Security:
  • End-to-end encryption with secure elements
• Misc:
  • 1.8V/3V supports eSIM and iSIM
  • 1x Tx ON indicator
  • AT command interface
  • Regulatory: PTCRB, GCF, FCC (USA), ISED (Canada), CE (EU), JRF/JPA (Japan), NCC (Taiwan), RCM (Australia)
  • Carriers: Verizon, AT&T, KDDI, T-Mobile US
  • Planned support: Docomo, Vodafone
• Power:
  • Input voltage: 2.5V to 4.35V (VBAT_BB, VBAT_RF)
  • Power Save Mode (PSM)
  • Power consumption: Up to 80% lower than HL78, extending battery life
• Form Factor: CF3 LGA package
• Dimensions: 15 x 18 x 2.4 mm
• Temperature range:
  • Operating: -30 – 70 °C
  • Extended: -40°C to +85°C (Industrial-grade)
• Certifications:
  • FCC, IC, and Japan radio/telecom
  • ESD protection: ±6 kV contact and ±8 kV air

The HL7900 5G LPWA module features pre-certified firmware with secure boot, ensuring enhanced security and reliability. Semtech offers free Firmware Over-the-Air (FOTA) updates, allowing remote upgrades to maintain the latest features and security improvements. Additionally, optional Cloud Services are available for Connectivity and Device Management. Developers can access resources like documentation, an AT Command set, and FreeRTOS-based firmware on the official website.

The company also offers the HL/RC Module Evaluation Kit, a developer-friendly tool designed for testing and integrating HL78xx and RC76xx modules into IoT solutions. It includes a board, antennas (one for HL78, two for RC76), a USB cable, a lid, a removal tool, jumpers, and an interposer (for HL78 only).

The kit requires a compatible module (HL7800, HL7802, HL7810, HL7812, HL7845 for HL series; RC7611, RC7620, RC7630 for RC series), a working SIM card, and a PC with PuTTY or similar software for configuration. It allows developers to set up hardware, update firmware, configure settings, and establish TCP data connections. Key features include support for low-power mode current measurements, Extended Discontinuous Reception (eDRX), and Power Saving Mode (PSM). The Evaluation kit is widely used in IoT applications such as smart metering, asset tracking, industrial monitoring, and remote connectivity, enabling efficient and low-power cellular communication.

The HL7900 Global 5G LPWA module is listed on Techship for $31, while the HL78/HK79 dev kit (without the module) costs $199. You can visit the product page and press release for more details.

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