IoT devices

This summer brings some exciting news for IoT developers. The GSMA's newly released IoT framework makes it easy to integrate the embedded SIM card eSIM with IoT devices. Of course, ST is also upgrading its product portfolio and will launch a wave of new products in 2024. Next, we will explore how GSMA- eSIM improves design flexibility and development efficiency for IoT projects .

Let’s understand eSIM from scratch

The embedded subscriber identification card (eSIM) is based on a secure microcontroller. The system structure is no less than a microcomputer. Its main function is to manage keys and save confidential information so that operators can safely identify devices and verify user identities. Compared with conventional SIM cards, embedded SIM cards provide developers with three major advantages. The first advantage is that the eSIM card is soldered directly to the device and cannot be removed from the device. Fixed installation helps free up valuable space on the PCB board , which is a good sign for the battery. An eSIM card is one-quarter to one-fifteenth the size of a SIM card, making it ideal for IoT products and wearable devices. To give an example, the packaging area of ​​ST's latest eSIM is 7mm ² . The second advantage is that eSIMs are more robust or resistant to change , and they can be used for machine-to-machine communication and vehicle-to-road communication in industrial environments. The third advantage is that eSIM has the potential to increase the end-user’s freedom to choose an operator . Disappointingly, this advantage did not materialize. Although eSIM can technically support the same device to run multiple telecom operator networks, users still cannot freely switch networks. However, everything is about to change.

GSMA eSIM for IoT: choose your network

By 2025, the number of connected IoT devices around us will reach 30.9 billion. Some devices can make our lives easier, and some devices can protect our safety and protect our health. Therefore, developers must ensure that IoT devices can connect to the best mobile networks with cost-effective data anytime and anywhere.

So , what’s new about this specification ? One of the main benefits is that meal kit ordering becomes easy and fast. Users can order a variety of international packages and switch packages in the shortest time based on their needs or location. Each Profile software represents a different mobile plan. By updating Profile wirelessly over the mobile network, users can immediately activate or deactivate business packages of different international operators without manual intervention in the entire process.

What does this mean for developers ? Now, developers can develop an Internet of Things solution that automatically switches to the best network of things, maximizing network performance and saving communication costs. Taking asset tracking as an example, with the next wave of GSMA-certified eSIMs coming to the market, roaming fees will be eliminated and network delays will be significantly reduced.

Provide connectivity anytime, anywhere

Reduce the complexity of IoT development from product design to manufacturing

Forget all the ranting you’ve heard about the complexity of IoT development, as per previous GSMA specifications (designed for machine-to-machine communication), remote updates to eSIM cards required a certified Subscription Manager Secure Routing (SM-SR) server, which is pre-integrated within the certified Subscribe Manager Data Preparation (SM-DP) server. This is a major headache for many IoT developers when designing ultra-low-power devices with no or limited user interfaces. The good news here is that this new specification does not require such complex configuration. This disruptive change simplifies the network replacement process through instant updates.

GSMA technical specifications

In addition, in the future, GSMA-certified eSIM cards will be suitable for the vast majority of IoT devices that do not have the processing power or user interface of a smartphone or tablet. The eSIM card will be able to support a variety of low-power, low-speed networks, including LPWAN (Low Power Wide Area Network) technology, for example, NB-IoT (Narrowband IoT).

As far as we know, ST is one of the few one-stop suppliers of industrial and IoT eSIM cards in the world . From semiconductor chips to software operating system development, STMicroelectronics provides complete software and hardware solutions to save developers time and money. We even offer a card writing service, using certified in-house manufacturing processes to write your sensitive data onto your cards.

In short, GSMA-certified eSIM will become a key enabler for the development and popularization of next-generation IoT devices in the future. Our next generation GSMA eSIM product will be released in 2024 . Contact ST sales to get samples!

^1Source  :  IoT devices installed base worldwide 2015-2025