Sierra Wireless Introduces Automotive-Grade LTE Embedded Module for Verizon Wireless 4G LTE Network

Sierra Wireless Introduces Automotive-Grade LTE Embedded Module for Verizon Wireless 4G LTE Network

Designed to support automotive telematics and infotainment systems, the AirPrime® AR7550 delivers LTE speeds and the most advanced architecture for embedded wireless communications.

Sierra Wireless, the global leader in M2M devices and cloud services, today introduced the Sierra Wireless AirPrime® AR7550 embedded wireless module, the first in the AirPrime AR7 series of automotive-grade modules for LTE networks. The AirPrime AR7550 features the next generation multicore architecture Sierra Wireless introduced earlier this year, which provides a dedicated application processor, an open-source application framework, and secure cloud services to simplify wireless integration and help reduce development cost. The AirPrime AR7550 is specifically developed for the Verizon Wireless 4G LTE network – the nation’s largest 4G LTE network, available to more than 90 percent of the U.S. population.

Consumers and automotive manufacturers have come to appreciate the benefits of connected cars, including improved safety and maintenance,” said John Sullivan, executive director of the M2M Platform Group for Verizon Enterprise Solutions. “The AirPrime automotive module for the Verizon LTE network provides a cost-effective solution that enables automotive OEMs to take advantage of the higher bandwidth, lower latency, and network longevity LTE offers to provide better real-time navigation, location-based services, and streaming media as well as other infotainment services.

4G LTE for in-vehicle connectivity

There is growing demand for the integration of 4G LTE technology into vehicles. The higher bandwidth and lower latency of 4G LTE deliver high performance in-vehicle wireless connectivity, meaning systems used for infotainment, navigation, and location-based services work more quickly and with less lag time. In addition, passengers can use the wireless connection for in-vehicle entertainment such as watching movies or playing games.

On the leading edge of network technologies, Verizon’s 4G LTE is a logical choice for the automotive industry, where lengthy product development cycles and the expected longevity of a vehicle mean that OEMs require networking technology that is built for the future.

Sierra Wireless is a proven leader in providing LTE modules for integration into devices, having first delivered 4G LTE embedded modules in early 2011, including the MC7750 LTE/EVDO module for the Verizon Wireless network. The AirPrime AR7550 is part of the third generation of Sierra Wireless modules for LTE networks.

Multicore capability offers an entire M2M ecosystem on a module

The AirPrime AR7 offers an advanced, cost-effective solution for telematics and other in-vehicle connectivity needs. It includes a dedicated application processor to reduce design complexity and an application framework with specific automotive libraries to speed up development time. Additionally, integrated cloud connectivity simplifies ongoing management and maintenance over the lifetime of the vehicle. By eliminating the need for separate components to be sourced and assembled, the AR7 provides OEMs with simple and scalable wireless integration at a lower cost.

Automotive-grade for reliable long-term performance

Based on years of experience in working with automotive customers, Sierra Wireless developed the AirPrime AR7 module to meet demanding automotive manufacturing standards. It is designed and tested to real-world automotive scenarios, with TS 16949 certification, automotive quality processes (PPAP, 8D, FA) and low ppm rates, tolerance for extreme operating environments, and an extended operating temperature range of -40 degrees Celsius to +85 degrees Celsius.

With over a decade of experience, award-winning expertise and more than five million automotive-grade wireless modules shipped, Sierra Wireless is a market leader in wireless technologies for the automotive market.

The AirPrime AR7 series leverages our expertise in both building devices for LTE networks and in providing modules that meet the needs of automotive OEMs,
Didier Dutronc, Senior Vice President, M2M Embedded Solutions for Sierra Wireless, said:

“Combined with the power of the Verizon Wireless 4G LTE network, the AR7550 provides OEM customers with a simple, scalable way to build 4G into vehicles for both telematics and infotainment services.”


Availability

The Sierra Wireless AirPrime AR7550 module has achieved technical approval for operation on the Verizon Wireless network and samples are available to OEM customers now for testing and development purposes. Variants of the AirPrime AR7 module for LTE networks in other areas of the world are also sampling now.

Related posts