Request for an IoT M2M Cookbook

From time to time developers ask questions about the content of the IoT M2M Cookbook. This time the question involves 5G and I explain why I’m not currently writing on this subject.

Question about the IoT M2M Cookbook

Hello Harald,
I’d like to buy the IoT Cookbook. Are new networks like NB-IOT and LTE-CAT-M covered? What about 5G? Is it possible to build an asset tracker solely on 5G, without GNSS localization?
Thanks
Daniel

Question related to the IoT M2M Cookbook

Hi Daniel,

Thank you for your request regarding the IoT M2M Cookbook. The latest version now has 23 new pages, primarily about NB-IoT and LTE-M. Altogether there are now 149 A4 pages. Updates are free of charge. You can find an excerpt of the IoT M2M Cookbook: http://www.gsm-modem.de/M2M/m2m_iot_cookbook/

Cover of the IoT M2M Cookbook

The majority of my projects are trackers based on cellular modules and GNSS. In the last 2 years almost all projects have been based on a multi-mode module with NB-IoT, LTE-M and GPRS. We have two NB-IoT network operators in Germany and the two NB-IoT networks are supposed to be completed by the end of 2019. Our devices register on a NB-IoT network and can also roam across 3 parallel German GSM networks. As a result, there are virtually no more black spots. If a device goes to a foreign country we can still reach it on GSM. The same module is available as a pin compatible NB-IoT/LTE-M module, Single NB-IoT module and also as Single-LTE-M module.

In the meantime there are several projects on NB-IoT and LoRaWAN. If you plan correctly, the same PCB can support both.

As the book was started in 2009 and published in 2014 it explains all GSM carriers (DTMF, SMS, USSD, CSD, GPRS). GSM is not switched off in Germany. In 2014 there was no NB-IoT yet. In October 2016 I have published one of the first articles about NB-IoT in the German language and partially included it in the new edition of the IoT M2M Cookbook.

The PCB antenna in my book was planned as a GSM dual-band and was later converted into a GSM/NB-IoT antenna. Many versions of the original antenna are documented in the book and maybe your version will be added later. There is not such a big difference between GSM and NB-IoT in terms of antenna technology. Nevertheless, all versions of the antenna in the book are slightly different.

A big chapter is the integration of GPS antennas into the IoT device. In 2000, there was a patented method for locating with GSM cells without GPS. The patent is based on my ideas and was sold. There is a technical article from me about locating without GPS. For example, I describe locating with NB-IoT locating and WiFi. The article is not yet translated and not yet planned for one of my two books. If you like I can translate it next few weeks:
https://www.elektroniknet.de/elektronik/kommunikation/positionsbestimmung-ohne-satellit-162236.html

I am currently writing the LPWAN Cookbook and will explain how to plan, simulate, test and build a private LPWAN. In addition there is antenna technology with 5 antenna layouts with a BOM of 0 USD. For GPS/GNSS I will refer to the IoT / M2M Cookbook. PCB layout gets a chapter in the LPWAN Cookbook. In addition there is text on the radio approval and the intensive comparison of the LPWAN techniques. In the IoT M2M Cookbook there will be no comparison of the LPWA technologies in detail. How to use the Vector Network Analyser and how to miss antennas is described in the IoT M2M Cookbook and is not repeated in the LPWAN Cookbook.

I started researching a 5G book and have already written some content. Because 5G modules still cost more than 100 USD and my goal is a reference design for a tracker with a BOM below 10 USD, there is a conflict at the moment. Therefore I propose first to write the LPWAN Cookbook and publish the reference design for the tracker on NB-IoT with a BOM of 10 USD with the goal of a BOM for 5 USD.

Thanks in advance for an order.

Many greetings from Germany
Harald

Extract of our wireless IoT related services:

– Matching of the antenna in the device (chip, PCB antenna, helical antenna)
– Guidance on antenna design if undertaken by the client
– Antenna layout of the dual F-antenna on an empty PCB in the customer’s enclosure
– Antenna layout of any other custom PCB antenna: Helix antenna, Flex PCB antenna, Antenna punched from tinplate, Antenna printed on plastic in housing, Antenna on ceramic, Slot antennas and many more techniques
– Antenna with radio module and power supply for extremely low power consumption
– Assisting in the implementation of the antenna or power supply concept in the fully-featured PCB of the customer
– Development of the whole PCB including an antenna with software Development by the customer
– Development of the whole device (HW + SW) following the client’s specifications
– Reference designs with NB-IoT, LTE-M, GSM, GNSS, BLE, Wi-Fi, MCU, sensors, charging electronics for over 20 applications with an open block diagram and the possibility for customers to develop their own code using a free C compiler
– Preliminary measurements and tests required for radio certification
– Radio certification according to RED (CE), FCC and several more standards
– Workshops at the client’s office or via video conference
– Training and seminars on radio technology and radio certification

We look forward to receiving your inquiry to harald.naumann (at) lte-modem.com and will be pleased to submit a proposal. In most cases the IoT M2M Cookbook or the reference design akorIoT SensPRO is only the beginning. After that there are often follow-up orders for the services mentioned above. “akor” is the ancient Celtic word for “open” and we prefer openness in our concepts, and like to share our knowledge in training and to maintain open communication with our customers.