Ignion’s unique component offers efficient and eco-friendly connectivity for diverse IoT applications.
Ignion, Barcelona has launched ‘OMNIA mXTEND’ which is an innovative triple-radio component that simplifies IoT device connectivity. This unique three-port virtual antenna component supports cellular, GNSS, and Wi-Fi/BLE connections, transforming the printed circuit board (PCB) ground plane into a high-efficiency radiating element. Operating across a wide range of frequencies from 400MHz to 8,000MHz, this component equips device makers to integrate multi-band support without altering device size and enhancement of flexibility for IoT applications.
By combining three separate radio functions into a single clearance area, the component minimises the need for multiple antennas, which typically require extensive RF adjustments. This allows for streamlined multi-radio designs, reducing the complexity of IoT device certification and accelerating project time-to-market. Its optimised multi-block structure lowers radio interference, ensuring superior connectivity across cellular, GNSS, and Wi-Fi/BLE frequencies. Targeted towards developers of asset tracking, automotive telematics, smart metering, and industrial IoT solutions, It caters to industries seeking reliable, efficient connectivity in compact designs.
As sustainable IoT gains traction, it also reduces environmental impact. By consolidating three radio components into one, it uses up to four times fewer materials than traditional setups and minimises manufacturing emissions, addressing growing concerns about the ecological footprint of electronics. Engineered to reduce power consumption, the component also extends device lifespans, supporting environmentally conscious IoT solutions.
Extensive testing of this component shows its remarkable efficiency across various frequency ranges: over 55% efficiency for cellular (790MHz – 960MHz), more than 75% for GNSS (1,561MHz – 1,606MHz), and above 65% for Wi-Fi/BLE (2,400MHz – 2,500MHz). With peak gains of 0.9dBi, 4.0dBi, and 3.5dBi in these bands, it ensures sturdy long-range connectivity.
While development of this component, the company collaborated with Nuvathings to integrate this component into the ‘HELIUS-TSL’ datalogger which is a smart farming device that monitors soil moisture, pH, and nutrient levels in real time using NB-IoT, LTE-M, GNSS, and Bluetooth connectivity. This efficient multi-radio setup allows farmers to optimise irrigation and soil management, enhancing crop yields while conserving resources.
The newly launched component sets new standards in IoT design by delivering efficient multi-band connectivity and promoting sustainability.
