HL7900 CAT-M1/NB2 LGA module
- Technology
- LPWA modules
- Partner
- Semtech (formerly Sierra Wireless)
The HL7900 5G LPWA module is an advanced solution for low-power, long-lasting IoT deployments requiring deep coverage, efficiency, and security. With ultra-low power consumption—reducing current draw by up to 80%—it extends battery life up to four times longer. It also features integrated GNSS and supports 3GPP Release 14/15/16/17, enabling next-generation low-power applications with flexible connectivity, enhanced coverage, and cost savings.
Backed by Semtech’s 30 years of low-power expertise and its partnership with Sony Altair, the HL7900 streamlines and mitigates risks in low-power deployments across key industries such as smart energy, smart cities, logistics, and asset tracking.
Range features
An overview of what’s in the range
- Power efficiency – Up to 4x lower power consumption than HL78, making it ideal for battery-powered IoT applications
- Unlicensed band radio – Optional 802.15.4 radio supports <1GHz and 2.4GHz, reducing BOM costs
- Future-proofing – Supports 3GPP Releases 14-17 for long-term deployment viability
- Edge processing – Integrated low-power MCU eliminates the need for an external processor
- Location services – GNSS receiver with assisted GNSS and optional Wi-Fi scan for tracking
- NTN support – NB-IoT over satellite enables uninterrupted global coverage
- Private networks – Band 8 support for 900MHz private networks in the U.S
- Security – Secure element for encrypted keys and free FOTA updates.
- Common form factor – CF3® design for easy migration and scalability
- Smart connectivity – Ready-to-Connect for simplified operations and management
- Embedded TCP/IP stack – Supports various internet protocols, enhancing communication flexibility
| Category | Specification |
|---|---|
4G LTE category | Cat-M1/NB2 (NTN*) |
Frequency bands | B1, B2, B3, B4, B5, B8, B12, B13, B18, B19, B20, B23, B25, B26, B28, B66, B85, B255, B256* |
Peak download rate | Cat-M: 590 kbps, Cat-NB2: 127 kbps |
Peak upload rate | Cat-M: 1100 kbps, Cat-NB2: 158 kbps |
Satellite Systems | GPS & Glonass |
Firmware | Secure boot, Pre-certified firmware |
UART | 1 X 8-wire & 1 X 4-wire |
USB | |
ADC | 2 |
GPIO | 8 |
Tx ON Indicator | 1 |
SIM interface 1.8V/3V | 1 |
CF3 Form Factor | LGA |
15x18x2.4mm | |
Temperature Range | Industrial Grade: -40°C / +85°C |
Regulatory | PTCRB, GCF, FCC (USA), ISED (Canada), CE(EU), JRF/JPA (Japan), NCC (Taiwan), RCM (Australia) |
Carrier | Verizon, AT&T, KDDI, T-Mobile US, Planned: Docomo, Vodafone |
EMBEDDED SIM | Optional Ready-to-Connect (Semtech USIM), iSIM |
CLOUD SERVICES | Free FOTA upgrades, Connectivity Management option, Device Management option |
FAQs
for HL7900 CAT-M1/NB2 LGA module
The HL7900 is a global 5G LPWA module from Semtech, designed for low-power IoT applications. It’s particularly suitable for asset tracking, urban navigation, and other IoT solutions that require reliable, energy-efficient connectivity with global reach.
The HL7900 has been certified by major US mobile carriers such as AT&T, T-Mobile, and Verizon, as well as KDDI in Japan. It has also received global regulatory certifications (FCC, CE, ISED, etc.) and industry certifications (PTCRB, GCF) for inter-carrier interoperability.
The HL7900 module reduces power consumption by up to 80% compared to previous models. It features an ultra-low-power sensor hub MCU that monitors ambient conditions and only activates the system when certain thresholds are reached, maximising energy efficiency.
The module supports a variety of connectivity options, including:
- 5G LPWA
- NB-IoT
- Integrated sub-GHz and 2.4 GHz radios for short-range protocols like Wi-SUN
- GNSS for outdoor tracking
- Wi-Fi-based indoor tracking
Yes, the HL7900 is a future-proof platform. It supports 3GPP Releases 15, 16, and 17, including NB-IoT over non-terrestrial networks (NTN). This enables connectivity even in areas without terrestrial networks for true global reach.
The HL7900 offers several features to simplify IoT development:
- Optional embedded SIM for instant smart connectivity access
- Integrated edge-to-cloud security
- Secure over-the-air updates
- Pre-certified firmware with secure boot
- Free firmware-over-the-air (FOTA) upgrades
- Optional cloud services for connectivity and device management
