Low-cost 2G / 3G cellular modems enable rapid deployment of M2M and IoT systems

Starting with a low-cost dual-band GSM/GPRS terminal, Siretta has introduced the ZEST cellular modem range. Cellular modems allow engineers to deploy wireless communications in applications including machine-to-machine (M2M) and Internet of Things (IoT) without the need for specialist wireless design skills, long design-in cycles or complex wireless certifications. The ZEST range provides cellular data connectivity for applications to be deployed in a wide range of countries including EMEA and Asia, providing a complete, certified wireless connectivity for applications that need to communicate data via the cellular network. For most applications modems provide a better option than using modules or components as they eliminate the design and certification that can add significant cost and delays to product development. "At the new price point of less than £40, the GPRS version of ZEST can reduce the total cost of production of for volumes up to 10K units / year," said Nick Lidington, chairman, Siretta. "By pushing the price point to a new level, we have allowed many more applications to benefit from the reduction in development timescales, elimination of certification risk and improved total cost offered by modems. Applications such as automatic meter reading, remote vending machine management, LED signage and POS connectivity that struggled to justify the unit cost will rapidly switch to terminal technology.” Housed in a compact package measuring just 75mm x 84mm x 31mm, ZEST can be either wall or DIN-rail mounted. It accepts a flexible power supply of 6V to 18V, and the -40C to +85C industrial operating temperature range allow the product to be used in applications with harsh environmental requirements. The interface is an RS232 port, which allows software engineers to use either AT commands or Python script when developing applications. The 3G version of the ZEST will follow shortly and will additionally feature a full USB interface in addition to the RS232, says the company.