Milestone enables streamlined deployment of Internet of Things (IoT) devices in Japan’s growing smart metering market
Semtech Corporation, a high-performance semiconductor, IoT systems and cloud connectivity service provider, today announced a significant milestone for its HL7900 5G LPWA module.
The module has received network certification from KDDI Corporation, a major telecom operator in Japan, and has secured Japanese Radio Regulation approval for its short-range radio.
Smart meters are critical for optimizing gas distribution, reducing costs and supporting Japan’s energy efficiency objectives. According to Imarc, the Japanese smart gas meter market is forecasted to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7.1% through 2032. This growth is propelled by the country’s energy modernization efforts, the rise of smart city initiatives and rising consumer demand for real-time energy usage monitoring. Additionally, achieving cost and power efficiency in deploying these systems remain a critical challenge for utilities and device manufacturers.
The HL7900 module successfully demonstrated interoperability with the U-Bus Air Spec.2 protocol, an advanced communication standard defined by the Japan Utility Telemetering Association (JUTA). This achievement reinforces Semtech’s goal to provide globally certified solutions to enable cost-effective, energy-efficient smart gas metering systems in Japan and other regions.
“The Japanese Radio Regulation approval of the HL7900 is a significant milestone that demonstrates Semtech’s focus on delivering innovative, energy-efficient and cost-effective IoT solutions,” said Michael Buonassisi, director, LPWA modules at Semtech. “The HL7900 equips our customers with the tools needed to address the pressing challenges of cost and power efficiency in smart metering, further supporting energy modernization efforts.”
“Semtech reaffirms its commitment to providing globally certified solutions, establishing the HL7900 as a leading 5G LPWA module for worldwide deployment. The HL7900 has secured comprehensive global regulatory approvals and an extensive range of carrier certifications, including the three major U.S. carriers — AT&T, T-Mobile and Verizon — positioning it as the premier choice for global deployments.”
About Semtech’s HL7900 LPWA Module
The HL7900 LPWA module, powered by Altair’s ALT1350 chipset, addresses smart meter deployment challenges by integrating sub-GHz and 2.4GHz radios to support hybrid connectivity through LTE-M/NB-IoT and short-range IoT protocols such as the U-Bus Air Spec.2. By embedding both cellular and short-range radios into the same chipset, the HL7900 eliminates the need for additional systems, reduces the system’s overall size and optimizes cost.
“Hybrid connectivity, as demonstrated in Sony’s Altair ALT1350 chipset, integrated into Semtech’s HL7900 module, represents a significant leap in IoT technology,” said Nobuyasu Matsuoka, vice president of corporate development, Sony Semiconductor Israel Ltd. “By seamlessly integrating cellular and short-range communication capabilities, this solution not only enhances flexibility and efficiency in IoT applications but also plays a pivotal role in driving sustainable, energy-conscious innovations for smarter infrastructure and connected systems worldwide.”
“The HL7900’s minimized battery requirements make it an energy-efficient choice, with power consumption reduced up to 80% compared to earlier generation modules. These efficiency gains significantly extend the operational life of battery-powered smart gas meters deployed across large geographic networks.”
