How a Software-defined Radio Enables Diversity in IoT Endpoint Design

A large part of the IoT will be enabled by small, low power endpoints connected over LPWANs. Developing a connected device to operate for many years from a single battery will require a design that is able to integrate as much of the functionality required into as few components as possible. Furthermore, OEMs will need to deliver an almost infinite variety of endpoints on a commercial scale without creating an endless variety of designs. This will include interfacing to a wide range of sensor types, as well as to an increasingly diverse number of wireless networks. By standardising a design platform on a software-defined radio SoC that can also support application development, OEMs will be able to meet their customers' needs without developing a new solution for every use-case. This paper will present a practical approach to standardising on a platform based on a single-chip IoT endpoint that integrates a software-defined radio architecture along with a highly capable applications processor and programmable analog peripherals, to support almost any sub-GHz radio technology and sensor interface.