Smaller than previous model, chipset can be used in small packages over satellite network
The so-called Internet of Things has been predicted for some time. But to make the vision real devices need connectivity.
Satellite operator Globalstar Inc. is now selling a unit called the STX3 Global Simplex Transmitter that can do that, a chipset the size of a quarter that can be the heart of satellite-based machine to machine (M2M) communications for devices outside the reach of cellular networks.
It can operate for months, if not years, without having to replace batteries over Globalstar’s Simplex data network, the company said in a release.
It’s two-thirds the size the previous generation STX2 chip, so value added resellers or original equipment makers can build even smaller solutions than before.
Globalstar says it could be used to create solutions for monitoring and transmitting data from pipelines, trucks, boats, oil and gas rigs, shipping containers or animals with tracking collars.
