Semtech Blog

From San Diego to Essen: Market Insights about IoT and LoRaWAN® at DTECH 2026 and E-World 2026

Remi Demerle — Wed, 18 Mar 2026 18:27:51 GMT

The first weeks of February 2026 turned into an intensive transatlantic sprint for anyone following smart utility and IoT space. Within a few days, two of the world's most influential energy and grid technology events opened their doors almost simultaneously: DTECH® (formerly DISTRIBUTECH) in San Diego, California (February 2–5) and E-World Energy & Water in Essen, Germany (February 10–12). Walking both exhibition floors, the convergence of themes was striking. AI-powered grid management, advanced metering infrastructure (AMI), cybersecurity, distributed energy resources (DER), and above all, the continued rise of LPWAN connectivity and LoRaWAN® as a disrupting communication standard for utilities and smart infrastructure.

Here are my takeaways from both events.

E-World 2026, Essen — Europe's Energy Showcase Breaks Records

E-World 2026 set a new attendance and exhibitor record, welcoming more than 1,100 companies from 33 countries across six fully booked exhibition halls. This is a 15% increase over the previous year reflecting the enormous momentum in the European energy transition. The expanded Hall 6 and a revamped Innovation Zone (40% larger than last year) signaled a clear message: the industry is scaling up, and digital technologies are at its core.

The dominant themes on the floor were AI and digitalization, grid infrastructure modernization, smart metering, hydrogen, and energy storage. But what struck me most as an electronics specialist was the density of IoT connectivity solutions and particularly the prominence of LoRaWAN technology throughout the halls.

AI and Digital Transformation: Everywhere You Look

Artificial intelligence permeated nearly every booth, from large utilities presenting intelligent load forecasting platforms to start-ups in the Innovation Zone offering edge AI for substation monitoring. Cloud-based IT platforms, digital twins and automated meter data management (MDM) systems dominated the digital infrastructure section. The message was clear: utilities are no longer asking whether to digitalize — they are deep in the how.

Smart Metering: LoRaWAN Cements Its Position

For those of us tracking LPWAN adoption, E-World 2026 was remarkable. LoRaWAN was woven into the commercial product portfolios of major metering manufacturers and IoT hardware vendors alike.

Companies exhibiting LoRa® or LoRaWAN products and solutions at E-World 2026:

ZENNER International: Showcased the B.One Metering as a Service platform, integrating wireless meter bus (wM-Bus) and LoRaWAN connectivity for water, heat and energy metering. ZENNER highlighted its own LoRaWAN network, one of the world's largest, with coverage in 15 countries and presented LoRaWAN gateways for both self-managed and network-managed deployments.
Alpha-Omega Technology GmbH & Co. KG: Hosted a large IoT Hub stand, gathering nine partner companies showcasing hands-on LPWAN hardware and solutions (Decent lab, Kerlink, Lobaro, Wika, etc). The stand itself ran live polls detecting any transmission signals in the ISM band — a neat demonstration of the LoRaWAN robustness against interferences in a busy radio environment of exhibition hall. With its “IoT-Shop,” Alpha-Omega operates one of Europe's leading LPWAN IoT online shops.
EBZ: Exhibited smart electricity meter RD3 integrating into LoRaWAN. Metrologically and functionally identical, the WD3 has a different communication board equipped with wM-Bus and is compliant with OMS specifications aligned with the compact profile TA7 required by BSI. This German manufacturer has already shipped more than 3.5 million meters since 2016.
Sontex: Presented a portfolio of smart water, heat metering and industrial smoke detectors. With its recent acquisition of Integra Metering, Sontex is a manufacturer of LoRaWAN-based sensors expanding fast for submetering applications.
Netze BW: A subsidiary of EnBW, one of the largest power utilities in Germany, they operate a LoRaWAN network with more than 600 gateways for smart water, heat metering and for other enterprise applications.
m2m Germany GmbH, Actility and Pepperl+Fuchs: Demonstrated LoRaWAN-based solutions for energy monitoring, smart buildings and smart metering. Actility's ThingPark platform provided the network server backbone, while Pepperl+Fuchs presented its WILSEN.node and WILSEN.valve LoRaWAN sensors designed for industrial process environments.
Diehl Metering: Presented its "Smart Metering Hub" concept, a modular and interoperable IoT communication network architecture supporting multiple radio standards including LoRaWAN. Partner companies Miromico (LPWAN hardware), Sentinum (energy-harvesting IoT sensors on LPWAN) and Stadtwerke Duisburg Metering GmbH (showcasing a large-scale standardized radio network rollout) were co-exhibiting at the same booth.

Beyond these confirmed LoRaWAN exhibitors, the broader smart metering ecosystem at E-World included several major European meter OEMs such as Apator, Axioma, Iskraemeco, and Landis+Gyr.

Dual Connectivity: The New Baseline in Europe

One of the strongest signals from E-World 2026 is the rapid adoption of dual connectivity architectures in European utility deployments, typically combining LoRaWAN for fixed-network automated meter reading (AMR) with wM-Bus for walk-by or drive-by collection. This answers both regulatory compliance requirements (wM-Bus and OMS are legacy standards in European market) and the operational resilience demands of utilities managing aging infrastructure. Multi-protocol gateways and chips capable of seamlessly switching between LoRaWAN and wM-Bus modes were clearly on the rise.

Where is the German Market Heading with the SMGW Concept

It was remarkable to see how the German electricity metering market is struggling to adapt and support the intricate architecture of the Smart Meter Gateway (SMGW) that is defined by Bundesamt für Sicherheit in der Informationstechnik (BSI), the Federal agency for IT. In this concept defined more than a decade ago, the SMGW uses a Local Metering Network to collect metering data, verify authenticity and add timestamps based on a unique, centralized time server. This concept creates a high dependency on SMGW as the central and unique architecture equipment: it is a single point of failure (SPOF) with no fallback to collect metering data by any other means. Considering the discussion about expanding this SMGW to embrace smart meters for water, gas, heat, and smart devices for on-demand control and energy response, the resulting complexity and cost of deployment is significant. This is especially true when utilities only demand a daily index value for simple billing purposes.

By comparison, architecture like LoRaWAN that has no risk of SPOF allows redundancy through mesh with self-healing routing, or through multiple gateways capable of receiving uplinks. This is why utilities in other countries have found reliable solutions to deploy massively smart meters.

DTECH 2026, San Diego: The Pulse of North America's Grid Modernization

Held at the San Diego Convention Center, DTECH 2026 gathered 684 exhibitors and over 18,000 attendees, cementing its position as North America's premier transmission and distribution event. The agenda was dense: grid resilience, DER management, EV infrastructure, advanced metering, cybersecurity, and increasingly IoT and AI analytics for grid operations.

The show was headlined by Itron as the presenting partner, and the presence of San Diego Gas & Electricity as the utility host reflected a strong focus on California’s grid decarbonization and wildfire resilience. But the real action on the floor was around the convergence of IT and OT technologies — the integration of utility operational technology with modern cloud and AI platforms.

Grid Modernization: AI Meets Physical Infrastructure

The dominant narrative at DTECH 2026 was the acceleration of AI-driven grid automation. Utilities are deploying sensor networks on a large scale and need to process enormous volumes of edge data. Several sessions and booths addressed how AMI 2.0, edge computing and machine learning are being combined to enable predictive maintenance, outage detection and dynamic load management. This creates fertile ground for low-power wide-area connectivity technologies.

IoT at DTECH 2026

While DTECH's primary audience is the Transmission & Distribution power sector, where Wi-SUN, LTE and proprietary RF have historically dominated, the IoT footprint at the show has been growing steadily as utilities recognize its value for ancillary metering applications, gas and water networks, and smart city infrastructure.

Companies Exhibiting LoRa or LoRaWAN Products and Solutions at DTECH 2026:

DTECH 2026 also revealed growing interest for hybrid LPWAN architectures in North America for smart utilities. This combines multiple sources of connectivity (RF mesh, LoRaWAN, cellular, Wi-SUN, Sidewalk), reflecting multiple scenarios and use cases.

Verizon Wireless: The kiosk for IoT presented its LoRaWAN-based solutions with sensors for smart building and asset management, positioning the technology alongside its cellular offering in the USA.
Semtech: The creator of LoRa technology was present at the event, reinforcing its position as an ecosystem enabler across the utility sector. Semtech is actively promoting connectivity for smart utilities with its new AirLink® RX400 router, which supports 5G RedCap, AirVantage® Smart Connectivity for cellular and the new Gen 4 LoRa Plus chips (LR2021) for smart metering and grid applications. These products emphasize multi-protocol capabilities, combining LoRaWAN with Fast Long-Range Communication (FLRC) for high peer-to-peer transmission up to 2.6Mbps, and Wi-SUN FAN 1.0, a particularly relevant architecture for AMI networks.
Vision Metering: A smart metering specialist, Vision Metering exhibited its latest meter innovations for utilities with a focus on interoperable communication platforms relevant to North American AMI rollouts.
Sagemcom: A global leader in smart metering, Sagemcom exhibited a portfolio for smart metering applications, including LoRaWAN-capable Siconia, an embedded ultrasonic water meter for utilities and submetering markets.
Wasion/Willfar Information Technology Company Ltd.: Another leader in smart metering, Wasion showcased its AMI solutions for electricity, water and gas, and increasingly integrating LoRaWAN connectivity for specific market segments, particularly water metering.

Cross-Event Trends: What Both Shows Confirmed

Walking from San Diego to Essen (metaphorically, though the jet lag was real), several themes emerged that are shaping a new smart utility space in 2026:

1. LoRaWAN has reached mainstream status. It is no longer an emerging technology at energy and utility trade shows. With 125 million deployed devices globally and an over 25% CAGR announced by the LoRa Alliance® at CES 2026 just weeks earlier, the ecosystem is large enough to naturally appear in commercial product catalogs of the world's largest meter manufacturers.

2. Multi-protocol is a feature, not a compromise. Both shows reinforced that utilities need connectivity flexibility. Dual LoRaWAN/wM-Bus in Europe and hybrid LoRaWAN/cellular, LoRaWAN/Wi-SUN or LoRaWAN/Sidewalk in North America are becoming the design standard for next-generation AMI infrastructure.

3. Water and gas metering are accelerating migration from AMR to AMI. Historically dominated by walk-by/drive-by collection methods using standard wM-Bus in Europe or proprietary protocols in the USA, for AMR, both segments are seeing rapid adoption of LoRaWAN for AMI. This is driven by the maturity of the ecosystem, the cost economics of unlicensed spectrum deployment and the growing availability of certified devices from Tier 1 OEMs. In North America and Europe, many water and gas utilities are demanding migration from AMR to AMI.

4. Connectivity infrastructure is entering the utility IoT roadmap. Today, many utilities use LoRaWAN connectivity services for collecting metering data every day. The old price model of connectivity paid per volume of data is disrupted; the trend is now towards embedding connectivity into the solution price and requiring a global service level agreement (SLA). The reliability of these connectivity services is demonstrated by ZENNER's 10-million-device network in Europe, Netmore’s connectivity services in 15 countries across Europe, USA, Brazil, and Indonesia, and the broader presence of Non-Terrestrial Network (NTN) discussions at both shows. Together, these developments signal that utilities are beginning to plan for truly ubiquitous coverage, including remote assets and rural infrastructure.

Final Thoughts

E-World 2026 and DTECH 2026 paint a compelling picture: the energy and utility sector is in the midst of a deep digital transformation, and IoT connectivity — LoRaWAN in particular — is playing a structural role. For professionals in electronics, semiconductors and connected devices, these shows confirm that the window for establishing leadership in this ecosystem is closing fast as the market consolidates around proven platforms and large-scale deployments.

The next milestones to watch: European regulatory evolution on AMI mandates, the North American AMI 2.0 procurement wave and the integration of satellite and terrestrial LPWAN into unified network management platforms.

Stay tuned for more insights from the field.

Disclaimer: This article reflects personal observations from visits to E-World 2026 (Essen, Germany, Feb. 10–12, 2026) and DTECH 2026 (San Diego, CA, Feb. 2–5, 2026). Company and product information is based on publicly available exhibitor announcements and press releases.

Semtech, the Semtech logo, LoRa®, LoRaWAN®, AirLink®, and AirVantage® are registered trademarks or service marks of Semtech Corporation or its affiliates. Other product or servicers names mentioned herein may be the trademarks of their respective owners.

Unlocking Ultralow Latency Video for Tethered Drones with Semtech’s BlueRiver® Audio Video Processor Technology

Anagha A A — Wed, 18 Feb 2026 19:51:11 GMT

Tethered drones are rapidly expanding across surveillance, industrial inspection, public safety, and defense applications. By using a physical tether (optical fiber) instead of a wireless link, these platforms gain continuous power, secure communications and extended mission duration.

Ukrainian First Person View (FPV) drone with fiber-optic communication channel

(Source: Wikipedia, Fiber-optic drone)

The key challenge is delivering high-quality, ultra-low-latency video over long cable runs without adding unnecessary system complexity or cost. This is where Semtech’s BlueRiver® Audio Video Processor (AVP) technology delivers clear benefits for tethered drone developers with its AVP1000 chipset.

Key Benefits for Tethered-Drone Applications

Reduced System Complexity

By eliminating unnecessary components and focusing on a minimal AVP-based architecture, tethered drone developers benefit from fewer hardware blocks, cleaner system design, faster deployment time, and overall cost optimization. This reduced complexity is especially valuable in airborne platforms where size, weight and integration effort are critical constraints.

Robust, Ultra-Low-Latency Video Performance

In tethered drone operations, video directly affects pilot control, situational awareness and mission success.

BlueRiver AVP1000 AV Processor

The BlueRiver AVP1000 chip delivers:

Sub-millisecond end-to-end latency for real-time piloting and monitoring
Uncompressed 4K/60fps video to preserve fine detail for inspection and surveillance
AES-256 encryption to secure video data across the tether
Deterministic, high-bandwidth data transmission for consistent, real-time video
Validated performance across long-distance Ethernet and fiber links, ensuring dependable operation over extended tether lengths
Immunity to radio frequency (RF) interference and jamming when paired with fiber tethers

Unlike compressed wireless video links, AVP ensures zero perceptible lag and no image degradation, even over long tether lengths.

Reliable Performance Over Long Cable Runs

Tethered drones depend on long, continuous physical connections that must deliver stable, uninterrupted performance even in harsh or contested environments. These fiber-optic tethers typically range from 5-30 km, with some prototypes reaching nearly 50 km. In these scenarios, AVP is exceptionally well-suited, offering:

This combination of optical fiber robustness and AVP’s engineered reliability makes it an ideal choice for mission-critical tethered drone deployments where stable, predictable performance is essential.

Ukrainian FPV drone unspooling the fiber-optic cable

Source: Wikipedia – Fiber-optic drone, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fiber_optic_drone

Power and Data Transmission Through a Single Tether

One of the defining advantages of tethered drones is the ability to deliver continuous power from the ground, eliminating battery limitations and enabling longer missions.

Semtech complements AVP with a comprehensive portfolio of power management integrated circuits (ICs) that:

Efficiently regulate power delivered over long tether cables
Support wide input voltage ranges from ground-based power sources
Provide multiple regulated rails for cameras, compute and avionics

Why Do Tethered Drones Need a Purpose-Built Video Backbone?

Unlike free-flying RF-linked drones, tethered platforms use optical fiber or Ethernet cables for both power and data, supporting multi-kilometer operations with strong resilience against RF interference and jamming. Fiber-optic tethers commonly span 5–30 km, are immune to RF jamming and difficult to detect, making them ideal for contested or interference-heavy airspace. AVP becomes a lean, purpose-fit solution for tethered drones both technically and economically.

For tethered drones, AVP can be deployed in a highly streamlined architecture, focused purely on what matters:

Block Diagram of Long-Range FPV Drones with Fiber-Optic Tether

Camera to AVP transmitter: An FPV camera connects directly to the AVP1000 TX transmitter on the drone
Fiber-optic tether: The AVP1000 TX communicates through a single 10G fiber-optic (or Ethernet) tether to the ground station
AVP receiver to display: The AVP1000 RX receiver at the ground station outputs digital HDMI video to FPV goggles for real-time viewing
Flight control integration: The system maintains standard flight control structure with Universal Asynchronous Receiver-Transmitter (UART) communication at 420kbps for command and telemetry using Crossfire (CRSF) protocols
Motor Control: Electronic Speed Controllers (ESCs) drive the drone motors via DShot protocol

Together, AVP and Semtech’s power solutions enable a tightly integrated tether architecture that delivers both power and data, optimized for endurance and reliability.

Designed for Real-World Drone Control and Telemetry

AVP-based systems integrate cleanly with existing drone control frameworks. Support for high-baud-rate UART communication enables compatibility with CRSF protocols, ensuring reliable command and telemetry alongside the video link. This allows teams to upgrade video performance without disrupting proven flight-control architecture.

Early adopters have demonstrated that AVP1000 delivers the video performance tethered drones demand, supported by the engineering expertise needed to move from concept to deployment.

Enabling the Next Generation of Tethered Drones

Tethered drones are redefining persistent aerial operations. With its simplified architecture, robust video performance and proven reliability, Semtech’s AVP transitions from a perceived ProAV solution into a powerful enabler for next-generation tethered drone systems.

When positioned correctly, AVP delivers exactly the benefits tethered drone applications require without unnecessary complexity or cost.

Ready to explore what AVP can do for your tethered drone platform? Contact our sales team to discuss your next project and review reference designs, performance data and integration options.

Semtech®, the Semtech logo, and BlueRiver® are registered trademarks or service marks of Semtech Corporation or its affiliates. Other product or service names mentioned herein may be the trademarks of their respective owners.

LoRa® and LoRaWAN® for Industrial Sensors: Enabling Smart, Connected Operations

Swaroop Chitturi — Wed, 11 Feb 2026 17:15:00 GMT

The industrial sector is experiencing a significant transformation as organizations strive to enhance operational efficiency, reduce costs and make informed, data-driven decisions. Sensor technology forms the backbone of this revolution, enabling the conversion of physical processes into actionable digital insights. Historically, traditional wired sensor deployments have posed considerable barriers to widespread monitoring due to high installation costs, ongoing maintenance requirements and infrastructure constraints.

LoRa® and LoRaWAN® (Long Range Wide Area Network) wireless communication technologies are fundamentally reshaping industrial sensing, monitoring and predictive maintenance. LoRaWAN-enabled sensors remove the need for costly cabling and allow for battery lifespans of up to a decade, or even battery-free operation through energy harvesting. This makes sophisticated monitoring accessible in locations that were once impractical or prohibitively expensive.

Industrial Sensors: Enabling Efficiency and Informed Decisions

Maintaining optimal efficiency is a constant challenge for industrial operations, and issues such as equipment degradation, process fluctuations, resource wastage, and unplanned downtime can result in substantial financial losses. The primary culprit behind many of these challenges is a lack of visibility across operations. Additionally, organizations often rely on manual inspections and fixed maintenance schedules, leading to either excessive maintenance or unexpected failures.

Industrial sensors address these concerns by delivering continuous, accurate data streams from critical operational points. With real-time insights into machine health, fill levels, valve positions, and environmental conditions, organizations can transition from reactive to proactive management. Predictive maintenance replaces routine schedules, resource allocation becomes dynamic and operational decisions are driven by data rather than assumptions. This shift leads to increased equipment longevity, improved safety and lower operational costs.

Industry 4.0: Smart Sensor Networks and Digital Transformation

The fourth industrial revolution, Industry 4.0, marks the convergence of physical operations with digital intelligence, giving rise to smart factories and intelligent infrastructure. Industrial sensors are the foundation of this transformation, supplying the data necessary for advanced analytics, machine learning and autonomous decision-making systems.

Comprehensive sensor networks facilitate the creation of "digital twins", which are virtual models that replicate real-world assets in real time. Engineers can simulate changes and test optimization strategies within these digital environments, reducing risks and costs associated with physical modifications. This capability enables continuous process optimization beyond what manual analysis can achieve.

Additionally, continuous monitoring of safety parameters such as valve positions and fill levels helps prevent accidents and environmental hazards. Early warning systems can alert operators of issues before they become critical, supporting safer workplaces and regulatory compliance.

LoRaWAN Sensors: Economic Impact and Operational Advantages

LoRaWAN sensors deliver compelling benefits across both capital and operating expenditures, setting them apart from traditional wired solutions. The elimination of cabling infrastructure significantly reduces upfront investment, as installation is simplified and retrofitting existing facilities becomes practical and affordable. A single technician can deploy multiple sensors rapidly, making comprehensive monitoring economically feasible.

Operationally, LoRaWAN sensors offer ongoing cost savings. Their extended battery life often lasts five to 10 years, and potential for energy harvesting minimizes maintenance and battery replacement costs. These sensors operate on a license-free spectrum, incur no network license fees and require minimal infrastructure upkeep. Demand-driven maintenance based on actual conditions reduces labor and material costs, while early failure prevention minimizes emergency repairs and production losses. Collectively, these efficiencies typically yield a return on investment within 12-18 months and generate savings for years to come.

The scalability and flexibility of LoRaWAN networks further enhance their economic appeal. Unlike wired systems which require additional infrastructure for each new sensor, LoRaWAN networks allow for simple expansion. The marginal cost of adding a sensor is just the sensor itself. A single gateway can support thousands of sensors across large areas, making it easy to start small and scale as needed without substantial infrastructure barriers.

Real-World Applications: Pepperl+Fuchs WILSEN Series

Pepperl+Fuchs, a global leader in industrial sensor technology, has developed the WILSEN series of LoRaWAN-enabled wireless sensors, showcasing the practical benefits of this technology across diverse industrial settings. These rugged, battery-operated sensors combine industrial-grade reliability with wireless flexibility, offering up to 10 years of maintenance-free operation in tough environments.

In manufacturing, the WILSEN.sonic and WILSEN.node sensors automate monitoring of material provision vehicles, kanban racks and container positions that replace manual processes and extensive cabling. Auto-guided transport systems can wirelessly query position status, while fill level monitoring ensures just-in-time material replenishment, optimizing workflow and reducing waste.

Municipal utilities have leveraged WILSEN.sonic sensors to monitor storm sewer drain grates, eliminating the need for routine inspections. These ultrasonic sensors detect debris and alert maintenance crews only when cleaning is required, enabling demand-driven maintenance and reliable flood prevention. The sensors function maintenance-free for years, even in harsh outdoor conditions.

Process plants benefit from WILSEN.valve systems, which monitor manual valve positions wirelessly in locations where cabling is impractical. Each unit can oversee multiple valves for up to a decade on a single battery, bringing remote assets into the control system affordably and boosting both efficiency and safety.

Intermediate Bulk Containers (IBCs) are easily monitored with WILSEN.sonic sensors, which screw directly into IBC lids to measure fill levels with precision. The sensors remain with the measuring point during container replacement, offering continuous material supply visibility without the need for network re-registration or cabling.

Next-Generation Autonomous Sensing: MoïZ Energy-Harvesting Technology

While battery-operated LoRaWAN sensors provide years of maintenance-free operation, a new generation of autonomous sensors are eliminating battery dependence altogether. MoïZ, specializing in energy-harvesting industrial sensors, has developed Harvestree platform sensors that harvest thermal energy from their mounting surfaces to power sensing and wireless communication indefinitely.

Industrial environments abound with wasted energy sources such as hot pipes and steam systems. MoïZ sensors convert thermal gradients into electrical energy using thermoelectric generators, creating monitoring systems that require no maintenance or battery replacement. These sensors mount directly onto equipment, generating the micro-power needed for operation and transmission.

LoRaWAN is essential for energy-harvesting sensors due to its ultra-low-power consumption, which aligns perfectly with the limited energy harvested from industrial environments. Unlike cellular or WiFi technologies which are too power-hungry for energy harvesting, LoRaWAN enables completely autonomous operation over long ranges, which is a key factor in MoïZ's technology selection.

Engineered for extreme industrial conditions, MoïZ Harvestree modules operate across a wide temperature range and in waterproof, thermally robust enclosures. They can be deployed in locations inaccessible for battery replacement, supporting sensor types like temperature, pressure, CO₂, and infrared with flexible mounting options.

MoïZ's LoRaWAN connectivity ensures seamless integration into Industrial IoT and Industry 4.0 platforms. The long-range capability supports deployment across expansive facilities, transmission systems, and remote infrastructure. This makes energy-harvesting sensors particularly attractive for critical applications where long-term autonomy, reliability and minimal maintenance are essential.

As energy-harvesting sensors become more prevalent, their integration with Industry 4.0 platforms highlights a future where truly autonomous wireless sensing forms the backbone of smart industrial operations.

The Wireless Industrial Future

The convergence of LoRa/LoRaWAN wireless technology with advanced industrial sensors is fundamentally transforming organizational monitoring and optimization. By removing infrastructure and maintenance barriers, LoRaWAN enables comprehensive, scalable monitoring that was previously out of reach. From production logistics to municipal infrastructure, process optimization to predictive maintenance, wireless sensors are delivering measurable improvements in efficiency, safety and operational intelligence.

In summary, LoRa and LoRaWAN technologies are revolutionizing industrial monitoring by making comprehensive, cost-effective, and maintenance-free sensing a reality. As organizations continue to embrace digital transformation, these wireless solutions will play a pivotal role in driving efficiency, safety and innovation across industries.

Semtech®, the Semtech logo, LoRa®, and LoRaWAN® are registered trademarks or service marks of Semtech Corporation or its subsidiaries. All other trademarks, service marks and trade names mentioned in this document are the property of their respective owners.

LoRa® Technology Revolutionizing Drone Communications

Swaroop Chitturi — Tue, 27 Jan 2026 23:40:49 GMT

The unmanned aerial vehicle industry also known as drones, has experienced explosive growth over the past decade, with applications spanning from recreational first-person view (FPV) racing to critical industrial operations. At the heart of this revolution lies a persistent challenge: establishing reliable, long-range communication between ground stations and drones while maintaining low power consumption and manageable costs. Enter LoRa® technology, a game-changing wireless communication protocol that's transforming how drones communicate with their operators and with each other.

Originally developed by Semtech Corporation, LoRa uses Chirp Spread Spectrum (CSS) modulation to enable over 10 kilometers of long-range wireless communication while consuming minimal power. This unique combination of characteristics makes it ideal for drone applications where battery life, weight constraints and reliable connectivity are paramount concerns. As the drone industry continues to mature, LoRa has emerged as one of the most promising communication technologies, challenging traditional radio control (RC) links and enabling entirely new applications.

How LoRa Systems Are Being Used In Drones

1. Drone Remote Control and Telemetry

The most fundamental application of LoRa in drones is remote control communications between the ground transmitter and airborne receiver. Unlike traditional radio systems that can struggle beyond a few hundred meters, LoRa-based systems routinely achieve a 5–10-kilometer range, with some configurations extending beyond 30 kilometers with protocols like Express Long-Range System (ELRS). This extended range opens possibilities for long-range exploration, industrial inspections, and search-and-rescue operations that were previously impractical.

LoRa systems provide bidirectional communication, enabling pilots to send control commands to the drone while simultaneously receiving critical telemetry data including battery voltage, GPS coordinates, signal strength, and link quality metrics. This two-way data flow is essential for informed decision-making during flight operations.

Remote control equipped with LoRa transmitting and receiving the signals from the drone equipped with LoRa

2. Autonomous LoRa Drone Operations

In autonomous systems, LoRa serves as the communication backbone for transmitting mission commands and waypoints from ground control stations to onboard flight controllers. By integrating LoRa with MAVLink protocol (a lightweight messaging protocol for communication with drones and ground control stations), operators can send complex mission plans, adjust flight parameters dynamically and maintain situational awareness throughout autonomous flights. This integration supports applications such as agricultural surveying, infrastructure inspection and environmental monitoring.

Protocols Built on LoRa for Drone Control

While LoRa defines the physical layer of communication, several protocols like ExpressLRS build on this foundation to provide a complete control system for drones.

Express Long-Range System (ELRS): The Open-Source Revolution

ExpressLRS has emerged as the de facto standard for open-source drone control links, fundamentally disrupting the previously proprietary-dominated market. Launched in 2018, this community-driven project has rapidly evolved to become arguably the best RC link available for FPV drones and other radio-controlled vehicles.

Technical Capabilities:

ExpressLRS supports dual-band operation on 900MHz bands (868/915MHz Industrial, Scientific and Medical (ISM) bands) and 2.4GHz frequencies, giving pilots flexibility to choose the optimal frequency for their flying environment. The 900MHz variants prioritize maximum range and penetration. The 2.4GHz versions leverage FLRC (Fast Long-Range Communication) and LoRa modulation to deliver high data rates with minimal latency, making them ideal for competitive racing and image transfers during beyond-visual-line-of-sight (BVLOS) operations.

Key Features:

Multiple packet rates: From 50Hz for extreme long-range operations to 1000Hz for ultra-low latency racing.

Frequency hopping spread spectrum (FHSS): Mitigates interference and improves reliability.

Dual antenna systems: "Gemini" mode uses two antennas simultaneously on different frequencies for enhanced link stability, while "GeminiX" extends this concept to dual-band operation (2.4GHz + 900MHz simultaneously).

Dynamic power control: Automatically adjusts transmission power based on link quality.

The Hardware Ecosystem:

ExpressLRS runs on Semtech's LoRa hardware (primarily SX127x for sub-GHz and SX1280 for 2.4 GHz, with newer implementations using SX1262, LR1121, LR2021) paired with ESP32, ESP8285 or STM32 microcontrollers. The protocol uses the Crossfire Serial Protocol (CRSF) for communication between receivers and flight controllers, ensuring compatibility with popular firmware like Betaflight, iNav and ArduPilot.

Hundreds of hardware manufacturers now produce ExpressLRS-compatible equipment, from tiny sub-gram receivers for micro drones to high-power transmitter modules capable of reaching extreme distances. This thriving ecosystem provides choices for every budget and application.

Why Semtech LoRa ICs are the Favorite for ELRS

As the company behind LoRa, Semtech has industry-leading expertise in modulation technology. The modulation technique operates up to -20dB below noise and interference and reaches extreme distances with link budgets exceeding 160dB with 100mW Tx.

The drone community selected the LoRa technology for these key performance advantages:

High sensitivity without a precision clock: Unlike narrowband systems that require tight TX–RX frequency alignment (higher cost), LoRa achieves high sensitivity with relaxed clock accuracy

Strong interference tolerance: Spread spectrum signaling ensures partial signal loss degrades sensitivity gracefully without necessarily causing data loss

Constant-envelope transmission: Enables highly efficient RF power amplifier operation

Flexible data rates within the same bandwidth: Allows consistent channel planning while trading data rates for link budget

Proven ecosystem adoption: LoRa Gen1 (SX1276) was the first LoRa radio adopted by ExpressLRS followed by SX1272 and LR1121

Next-generation evolution – LoRa Gen4 (LR2021)

Single PA efficient across +14dBm to +22dBm

Single-SKU Multi-Regional

2x sub-GHz LoRa throughput of Gen 3 (125 kbps)

2.6 Mbps Max data rate with FLRC

Supports 1MHz LoRa BW

Multi-band support

Superior performance for drone control and telemetry

Why ExpressLRS Built on Top of LoRa Dominates

Performance: ExpressLRS consistently outperforms proprietary alternatives in both latency and range benchmarks.
Cost: Complete transmitter and receiver packages cost less than equivalent proprietary systems.
Community support: Active Discord channels, extensive documentation, and continuous firmware improvements drive rapid innovation.
Binding simplicity: The "binding phrase" system works like a Wi-Fi password, eliminating tedious physical button-pressing rituals.
Transparency: Open-source nature enables auditing, customization, and confidence in long-term support.

Credits: Oscar Liang

Radio Master 'Nomad' RF communication module made with LoRa

RadioMaster Nomad RF communication module built using two LR1121s for dual-band operation

Other LoRa-Based Control Protocols

Beyond ExpressLRS, several other protocols deserve mention:

mLRS: mLRS project offers an open source 2.4GHz & 915/868MHz & 433MHz/70 cm LoRa-based high-performance long-range radio link, which provides bidirectional serial connection combined with full remote control

TBS Crossfire: A pioneering commercial LoRa-based system that helped prove the concept, though it uses LoRa modulation only at 50Hz (switching to FSK at 150Hz)

FrSky R9: A commercial alternative that hasn't achieved the same market penetration as ExpressLRS

Custom implementations: Various research projects and specialized applications have developed proprietary LoRa protocols optimized for specific use cases

LoRa in FPV/RC Drones and Autonomous Drones

LoRa technology serves both manually controlled and autonomous drones, but the implementation details and priorities differ significantly between these applications.

FPV and RC Drone Applications

For first-person view and recreational drone pilots, latency and update rate are paramount concerns. Racing pilots require immediate control response, making FLRC mode the preferred choice despite its reduced range compared to traditional LoRa modulation. These applications prioritize:

Ultra-low latency: Sub-10ms control latency enables competitive racing and precise freestyle maneuvers.

High update rates: 250-500Hz represents the sweet spot for most freestyle flying, balancing responsiveness with reasonable range.

Minimal setup complexity: Consumer-friendly interfaces and straightforward binding procedures.

Compact hardware: Lightweight receivers that don't compromise performance on small, agile aircraft.

ExpressLRS has become the weapon of choice for FPV pilots, appearing as standard equipment on many ready-to-fly drones and available as retrofit kits for virtually any existing drone. The combination of performance, cost and ease of use has made it ubiquitous in the FPV community.

Autonomous Drone Applications

Autonomous operations present different priorities and constraints:

Communication Architecture: Autonomous drones typically use LoRa for command-and-control messaging rather than continuous stick input streaming. Ground control stations send mission waypoints, parameter updates and mode changes, while drones report position, status and sensor data. This lower-bandwidth, higher-latency tolerance application is perfectly suited to LoRa's characteristics.

MAVLink Integration: The MAVLink protocol has become the standard for autonomous drone communication, and LoRa provides an excellent physical layer for transmitting MAVLink messages. LoRa/MAVLink integration enables reliable control of autonomous flights over extended distances.

Range Over Speed: Autonomous missions such as agricultural surveys, pipeline inspections and environmental monitoring prioritize extended range and reliability over instantaneous response. Operators can accept 50-100ms latency when sending waypoint updates or mode changes, enabling the use of lower update rates (50-100Hz) that dramatically extend range.

Mesh Networking: Autonomous drone swarms benefit from LoRa's potential for creating flying mesh networks. Multiple drones can relay information between ground stations and distant aircraft, extending effective coverage and providing redundancy.

Energy Efficiency: Long-endurance autonomous missions place premium value on power efficiency. LoRa's low power consumption helps preserve battery capacity for flight time rather than communication overhead.

Hybrid Systems: Some autonomous platforms employ dual-band configurations, using 2.4GHz LoRa or FLRC for local, responsive control when needed, while maintaining a 900MHz LoRa link for extended-range telemetry and command updates.

The Future of LoRa in Drones

The drone industry's trajectory points toward increasingly sophisticated applications that will further leverage LoRa's strengths. Several trends are emerging:

Satellite integration: Semtech's LR1121 chip adds S-band satellite connectivity alongside terrestrial LoRa, enabling truly global drone operations beyond cellular and terrestrial gateway coverage.
Advanced modulation schemes: Continued research into optimizing physical layer protocols may yield higher data rates while maintaining LoRa's range advantages.
AI-enhanced operations: Machine learning algorithms can optimize spreading factors, power levels and frequency selection in real-time based on link conditions and mission requirements.
Regulatory maturity: As aviation authorities develop frameworks for beyond-visual-line-of-sight (BVLOS) operations, reliable long-range communication systems like LoRa will become essential compliance tools.
Commercial adoption: Beyond hobbyist and research applications, commercial drone operators are increasingly recognizing LoRa's value for inspection, surveying, and delivery operations.
Gateway and Data Collection Roles: Autonomous drones equipped with LoRa gateways serve as flying data collectors for ground-based sensor networks. These applications leverage LoRa's excellent penetration and range to gather environmental data, monitor livestock or survey infrastructure across wide areas that would require dozens of fixed gateways to cover. They can also operate offline, storing data when connectivity is unavailable and uploading it to the cloud once reconnected.

LoRa technology has fundamentally transformed drone communications, democratizing long-range capabilities that were once the exclusive domain of expensive proprietary systems. From enabling FPV pilots to explore beyond the horizon to supporting autonomous agricultural monitoring across vast farmlands, LoRa's combination of range, power efficiency and cost-effectiveness addresses the core communication challenges facing the drone industry.

The success of open-source projects like ExpressLRS demonstrates the power of community-driven innovation, while research into gateway applications continues to expand LoRa's applicability. As Semtech introduces new hardware like the LR1121 with multi-band and satellite capabilities, the technology potential continues to grow.

For drone operators, manufacturers and system integrators, LoRa represents not just an incremental improvement, but a paradigm shift making previously impossible missions routine and opening entirely new categories of applications. Whether controlling a racing quad at 1000Hz or coordinating an autonomous agricultural survey across dozens of square kilometers, LoRa has proven itself as the connectivity backbone for the next generation of unmanned aviation.

Ready to integrate LoRa technology into your drone platform? Explore Semtech's comprehensive portfolio of LoRa-enabled chips and development resources, or contact our team to discuss how LoRa can extend your operational capabilities.

Semtech, the Semtech logo, and LoRa® are registered trademarks or service marks of Semtech Corporation or its affiliates. Other product or service names mentioned herein may be the trademarks of their respective owners.

CES 2026: Semtech Showcases Next-Generation IoT Innovation with LoRa® and Edge AI Solutions

Shahar Feldman — Tue, 27 Jan 2026 21:51:56 GMT

This year's CES 2026 tradeshow held at the Las Vegas Convention Center January 6-10, marked a pivotal moment for Semtech. Semtech demonstrated its comprehensive portfolio of cutting-edge technologies across wireless connectivity, smart sensing and circuit protection, reinforcing its position as an ecosystem leader in the Internet of Things (IoT).

Four strategic themes defined Semtech's LoRa® presence at CES 2026:

Multi-protocol connectivity – LoRa Plus™ enabling single transceiver compatibility with LoRaWAN®, Amazon Sidewalk, wM-Bus, Z-Wave, and Wi-SUN
Edge AI integration – Intelligent sensors driving demand for extended connectivity
Network expansion – 125 million LoRaWAN deployments globally, 25% compound annual growth rate (CAGR)
Extended connectivity envelope – Gen 4 platform: long-range + high-throughput (2.6 Mbps fast long-range communication [FLRC])

Semtech LoRa Technology CES Booth Demonstrations

LR2021 Gen 4 Platform: Expanding the Connectivity Envelope

The LR2021 demonstrations showcased Gen 4 capabilities across high-throughput multimedia, multi-protocol interoperability and precision ranging — extending beyond traditional low-power wide-area network (LPWAN) constraints to address emerging Edge AI and video application requirements.

Video Streaming with Semtech's LR2021

At Semtech's booth, the LR2021 streaming video demo shattered the myth that LoRa is limited to small data packets, demonstrating live security video with FLRC modulation delivering 2.6 Mbps throughput. The battery-powered demo featured webcam video, synchronized audio and cinema mode using Raspberry Pi with LR2021 shield.

Applications: remote security, industrial monitoring, emergency communications, infrastructure inspection.

Wi-SUN and LoRaWAN Stack Integration

The Wi-SUN and LoRaWAN Stack Demo showcased LR2021's seamless operation between LoRaWAN and Wi-SUN networks, creating hybrid architectures where LoRaWAN messages captured by gateways are transported via Wi-SUN to network servers.

Applications: smart city infrastructure, utility metering, industrial IoT, building automation.

Edge AI + LoRaWAN: Intelligence at the Edge

Demonstrations in the LoRa Alliance® pavilion showcased low-power Edge AI with LoRaWAN connectivity, illustrating how intelligent sensors process data locally and transmit actionable insights — creating demand for both traditional LPWAN range and Gen 4's higher throughput for AI-processed images and sensor fusion data.

Asygn Object Detection

The Indoor Photovoltaic energy harvesting Object Detection Demo (LR1121 + Asygn Edge AI neural processing unit [NPU]) featured camera-based finger counting that processes images locally and transmits results via LoRaWAN.

Applications: touchless interfaces, gesture-based controls, healthcare monitoring, accessibility solutions.

EMASS Preventative Maintenance

The EMASS Demo showcased Edge AI monitoring industrial machine health via vibration signatures (ECS-DOT + LR1121 Modem-E), automatically sending LoRaWAN alerts when detecting disturbances for predictive maintenance.

Applications: industrial equipment monitoring, HVAC health tracking, quality control, predictive maintenance.

LoRa Partner Ecosystem Innovations at CES 2026

CES 2026 showcased diverse partners building on Semtech's LoRa platform across consumer electronics, industrial IoT, supply chain, athletics, and recreational applications.

Littlebird showcased their 2.0 kids safety tracker (leveraging LR1110) operating on Amazon Sidewalk.

Littlebird 2.0 tracker - A safety tracker that helps you monitor child safety. It leverages Semtech’s LR1110 and works with Amazon Sidewalk ecosystem.

LILYGO demonstrated development platforms (SX1262, LR1121, LR2021) spanning handheld messengers, smartwatches, displays, and e-ink platforms for educational IoT, mesh networking smart home prototyping.

From Left: LILYGO T-Deck Pro, T-Watch Ultra, T-Display P4

MOKOSmart introduced two new LoRaWAN trackers - the LW015 LoRaWAN Smart Label and the LW014 LoRaWAN wearable panic button, featuring Semtech’s SX1262.

From Left: LoRaWAN smart label, LoRaWAN wearable panic button

OnAsset introduced Sentinel Flex Tag™, a revolutionary single-use IoT tracker featuring Semtech’s LoRa Edge™ LR1110 LoRaWAN with Wi-Fi sniffing, designed for real-time shipment and asset visibility. At just 1 mm thick, this smart label combines advanced battery technology, pharma-grade sensors, and OnAsset’s Global Intelligence Network to deliver reliable, compliant tracking worldwide.

OnAsset introduced Sentinel Flex Tag™

CubeWorks presented NanoTag (using Semtech's SX1276) disposable trackers for pharmaceutical cold chain, food distribution, and vaccine transportation using public LoRaWAN infrastructure.

CubeWorks NanoTag - Real-Time Temperature and Location Tracker for Supply Chain Visibility

Chileaf showcased their Sports Data Monitor (leveraging SX1268) for professional training with real-time heart rate monitoring of athletes across large venues.

BETAFPV demonstrated Aquila20 HD First-Person View (FPV) Kit that leverages Semtech's SX1281 using ExpressLRS for drone control with 1080p at 60 fps video, supporting racing, aerial photography, and inspection.

BetaFPV Quadcopter, LiteRadio2 SE Transmitter and FPV Goggles

LoRa Alliance Booth Showcase: Scaling LoRaWAN Globally

The LoRa Alliance's "Massive IoT Unfolding: LoRaWAN in Action" track provided compelling evidence of market maturation, demonstrating the technology's transition from proof-of-concept to production-scale deployment.

Market Momentum

The Alliance announced 125 million global LoRaWAN deployments with 25% compound annual growth rate (CAGR) (up to 50% for large networks). Leading deployments: ZENNER (10M), Actility (4.6M), The Things Industries (3.8M), Birdz (3.6M), Netmore (3.4M). This expansion is primarily fueled by applications in smart metering, intelligent buildings and smart city infrastructure.

"125 million deployed devices is a huge milestone," said LoRa Alliance CEO Alper Yegin. "The LoRaWAN standard is mature, and when technology meets mature implementation, growth exceeds 25% CAGR. LoRaWAN enables Massive IoT and plays a key role in bringing AI into the physical world."

Ecosystem Highlights and Partners Testimonials

The Things Industries presented LoRaWAN as a de facto standard spanning over 70 countries with retail security and cold chain monitoring solutions. Browan showcased AI-enhanced B-SAFE tracking for industrial assets. MultiTech demonstrated industrial infrastructure scaling. ZENNER presented 10M smart metering devices with satellite connectivity. WIKA showed AI-powered predictive maintenance sensors. Beyond the technology showcases, industry leaders shared a unified perspective on what's driving LoRaWAN's momentum — and where opportunities lie ahead.

RAKwireless: "LoRaWAN has clearly reached a point of maturity where success is measured by deployment quality rather than experimentation. In the last year RAKwireless has seen strong momentum across multiple verticals, with customers scaling real networks at pace. As we look toward 2027, the opportunity lies in strengthening the ecosystem around LoRaWAN - delivering stable platforms, complete toolchains and operational confidence that allow solution providers to scale reliably."

Kerlink: "LoRaWAN technology has clearly proven its effectiveness. Across industries such as metering, smart cities, and smart buildings, real-world use cases and large-scale projects continue to accelerate globally. Seamless integration, plug-and-play deployments and robust infrastructure management are part of the key enablers to sustain and expand the ecosystem's growth in the years ahead."

Browan: “It was a great pleasure to meet up with Semtech CEO Dr. Hong Hou and his team during CES and spend quality time to exchange IoT industry trends. The relationship between Semtech and Browan has been more than a decade, and both companies share the same passion and enthusiasm in the development of a new IoT world. We are delighted to be a partner with Semtech in shaping the LoRaWAN IOT world while envisioning the strong wave of growth in IoT for the coming years together.” said Henry Huang, the CEO of Browan.

MultiTech: “CES reinforced the real-world impact of connected technologies when they’re built on secure, scalable foundations,” said Stefan Lindvall, CEO of MultiTech. “MultiTech is proud to be a founding member of the LoRa Alliance ecosystem and to provide solutions that drive interoperability, simplify deployment and enable solutions to scale from sensors to the edge and the cloud. The collaboration is essential to delivering trusted, real-world IoT outcomes”.

Amazon Sidewalk Announcement: Consumer-Scale LoRa Deployment

Amazon Sidewalk represents one of the largest consumer-facing LoRa deployments globally. Amazon Ring's announcement at CES demonstrated LoRa's mass-market readiness with their new line of sensors, delivering always-on protection without Wi-Fi limits across three layers:

Security (door and window sensors, motion detectors, glass break sensors, panic buttons, car alarms with GPS)
Safety (smoke & carbon monoxide listeners, flood sensors, air quality monitors, sump pump monitors)
Control (smart plugs, switches, fan controls) - These battery-operated sensors maintain operation during outages. AI features include Unusual Event Alert (learning routine patterns) and Active Warnings (automated audio deterrents).

Ring announced launches starting with Canada and Mexico in the coming months, followed by Europe, the United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand, and Japan later in the year. The company also announced enterprise offerings, including the Mobile Security Trailer and Elite Camera System. Ring Sensors will also be launching in March 2026. Ring's CES announcement marks a pivotal moment for LoRa technology: transitioning from industrial and commercial applications to mass-market consumer adoption backed by Amazon's distribution scale and brand recognition.

2026 IoT Trends and Strategic Market Position

CES 2026 validated four strategic themes while revealing key IoT trends shaping the industry. The multi-protocol trend reflects the market's move away from single-protocol toward flexible, interoperable solutions, addressable with Semtech's LoRa Plus platform. Edge AI integration emerged as a defining 2026 trend, with sensors increasingly processing data locally for privacy, reduced latency, and bandwidth efficiency, creating demand to extend connectivity beyond LPWAN constraints with both long range and higher throughput (2.6 Mbps FLRC) for image/audio and AI inference data.

Network expansion reached an inflection point with 125 million LoRaWAN devices (25% CAGR) spanning over 70 countries, demonstrating the technology's transition from niche industrial deployments to mainstream adoption across utilities, smart buildings, and consumer applications, evidenced by Amazon's Sidewalk global expansion plan. The convergence of industrial and consumer IoT represents a hot 2026 trend, with technologies like LoRa proving capable of serving both mission-critical utility infrastructure, mass-market smart home applications and ultra-low latency FPV drone communication link, breaking down traditional market segmentation.

Additional 2026 trends validated at CES include energy harvesting (Asygn's indoor photovoltaic demo), satellite connectivity integration for ultra-remote deployments (ZENNER), AI-powered predictive maintenance moving from pilot to production (WIKA, EMASS) and mesh networking for community-scale applications (LILYGO platforms, Seeed Studio). The shift from proof-of-concept to production deployment dominated conversations, with organizations moving beyond pilots to implement large-scale IoT solutions with confidence in technology maturity and ecosystem support.

CES 2026 Wrap-Up: Semtech LoRa Ecosystem Growth and Innovation

Semtech's CES presence showcased the expanding LoRa ecosystem, from partner innovations in consumer electronics and industrial IoT to 125 million global LoRaWAN deployments. Demonstrations featuring low-power sensors, video streaming, edge AI, supply chain tracking showcased Semtech's unique ability to provide comprehensive solutions addressing 2026 IoT trends. Sustained engagement and technical discussions underscore strong market momentum, reinforcing Semtech's position as a comprehensive solution provider by enabling the next generation of connected, intelligent electronic systems across industrial, commercial, and consumer markets.

Subscribe to the LoRa Monthly Newsletter for latest advancements. Explore Semtech's full range of LoRa products, Case Studies and resources here.

Semtech®, LoRa®, LoRa Alliance®, LoRa Edge™, LoRa Plus™, LoRaWAN®, LoRa Connect™, LoRa Basics™, and the Semtech logo are registered trademarks or service marks of Semtech Corporation or its affiliates.

Racing to 6G: Key Takeaways from the MOPA Alliance Webinar on Optical Standardization

Semtech Corporate Marketing — Wed, 14 Jan 2026 19:43:45 GMT

Industry leaders from Ericsson, Nokia, and Semtech recently discussed why mobile optical standardization is critical for building networks in the Artificial Intelligence (Ai) era. The webinar, "Racing to 6G: Why Optical Standardization Matters Now," revealed urgent challenges facing the telecommunications infrastructure.

The mobile industry stands at an inflection point. As 5G subscriptions surpass 2.9 billion globally and data traffic grows 20% year-over-year, the infrastructure underpinning these networks faces unprecedented demands. In a recent webinar sponsored by Nokia, Ericsson, and Semtech, leaders from the Mobile Optical Pluggable Alliance (MOPA) shared their vision for why optical standardization isn't just important — it's urgent. This growth has transformed mobile networks from consumer conveniences into essential pillars of modern society.

Here are the key insights from the webinar

The Stakes Have Never Been Higher

Mobile networks have become a critical infrastructure for society. Per Beming, vice president for standard and industry initiatives at Ericsson, emphasized, "These networks now serve far more than smartphone users. Enterprise applications, satellite communications, mission-critical services, and increasingly, AI traffic all depend on mobile connectivity."

The numbers behind this transformation tell a compelling story. Monthly global mobile network data traffic has reached 180 exabytes (EB), with projections showing it will more than double to 482 EB per month by 2031. Perhaps more significantly, 5G networks will handle 83% of all mobile data traffic by the end of the decade, up from 43% today. This massive shift puts enormous pressure on every component of network infrastructure, particularly the optical transport layer that connects it all together.

The Hidden Challenge: Connecting the Edge

While much attention focuses on spectrum allocation and radio technology advancements, the webinar highlighted an often-overlooked bottleneck lurking in plain sight: the optical connections linking antenna sites to the network core. These connections, known as fronthaul and midhaul links, represent a critical yet frequently underestimated piece of the 5G puzzle.

As Beming illustrated with an analogy to international electrical plug adapters, "Arriving at a site with the wrong pluggable isn't a viable option. The industry needs harmonization to avoid a fragmented ecosystem where different vendors require different optical solutions".

The challenge is compounded by the unique requirements of mobile networks versus data centers. Mobile sites face outdoor deployments with extreme temperature ranges, remote locations that are difficult to access, requirements for small form factors and long operational lifespans, and stringent timing synchronization requirements.

MOPA's Role: Creating a Common Language

Recognizing these challenges, MOPA was formed to bridge the gap between mobile network requirements and optical component development. Stefan Dahlfort, president of MOPA and principal researcher at Ericsson, outlined how the alliance brings together leading Radio Access Network (RAN) vendors, Integrated Circuit (IC) suppliers and pluggable manufacturers to publish technical papers describing optical solutions or "blueprints" for mobile transport.

These blueprints provide concrete specifications that vendors can reference during product development. Currently at version 3.2, MOPA's technical papers cover 19 blueprints with 2-4 data rate variants each, addressing fronthaul, backhaul, and other network segments. The alliance also works closely with an Operator Advisory Board that includes Orange, Verizon, NTT, Telia, Telefonica, T-Mobile, BT, and SK Telecom.

Key achievements include establishing frameworks for tight timing synchronization impact from optical pluggables, creating industry awareness for mobile-specific requirements, and liaising with standards bodies including International Telecommunications Union (ITU), Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE), Optical Internetworking Forum (OIF), and Internet Engineering Task Force (IETF), ensuring that technical specifications align with real-world operational requirements and deployment realities.

The 6G Horizon: Planning for 2030 and Beyond

While 5G deployments continue to accelerate, industry leaders are already looking toward the next generation. This forward-thinking approach isn't premature, it's essential given the long development cycles involved in both network planning and semiconductor design. Andrew Bender, Fixed Network's chief technology officer (CTO) at Nokia's Network Infrastructure Group, presented analysis showing 2029-2030 marks the point when existing spectrum portfolios will be fully utilized, meaning standardization work must happen now.

New applications driving this demand include Fixed Wireless Access (FWA), which is expected to serve 1.4 billion people by 2031:

Immersive experiences and XR devices
Integrated Communication and Sensing (ISAC)
AI and edge computing applications

These diverse use cases translate directly into optical transport requirements. For mobile transport networks, this translates to a progression from today's 25G connections to 50G, then 100G, and potentially 400G or 800G for aggregated traffic at hub sites. Fronthaul connections supporting advanced massive MIMO configurations may require 100 gigabits per second (Gbps) with end-to-end latencies below 200 microseconds, demanding optical solutions.

The Semiconductor Perspective: Why Standards Enable Innovation

This urgency resonates deeply with component manufacturers who face their own challenging development timelines. Raza Khan, director of marketing for Semtech's Signal Integrity and MOPA's chief marketing officer, offered a critical perspective on why standardization matters for IC development.

"Semiconductor companies like Semtech must plan chip development three years in advance, with significant R&D investment at stake," Khan explained. "Without clear requirements from standards bodies and industry alliances, IC vendors risk developing products that don't meet market needs—or arriving too late to capture market opportunities."

This three-year development window creates a delicate balancing act. Commit too early based on unclear requirements, and you risk building the wrong product. Wait too long for perfect clarity, and competitors capture the market while you're still in development. Industry alliances like MOPA help resolve this dilemma by providing earlier visibility into requirements with greater confidence.

Analog Foundation for Mobile Optical

This forward-looking approach directly shapes Semtech's product development strategy, particularly in the optical components that form the backbone of 5G and future 6G networks. Semtech focuses on three fundamental building blocks in mobile optical pluggables: Clock and Data Recovery (CDR) products, laser drivers, and Transimpedance Amplifiers (TIAs). These components might sound routine, but they're critical for mobile applications. They maintain signal integrity over varying fiber lengths and environmental conditions, enable precise timing alignment required for coordinated multipoint transmission, and achieve the stringent jitter and noise performance required in fronthaul and midhaul applications where radio coordination depends on sub-microsecond timing accuracy.

Tri-Edge Platform: Optimized for Low-Latency Transport

Building on this analog foundation, Semtech's Tri-Edge™ platform delivers ultra-low latency and minimal latency variation which is essential for meeting tight synchronization requirements such as those defined for 5G and future 6G transport. Tri-Edge minimizes deterministic and random latency components. This helps operators maintain phase and time alignment across large numbers of radios and sectors.

Performance doesn't come at the expense of practicality. The platform is engineered for low-power consumption and high integration, supporting thermally constrained, high-density deployments at the edge. These pluggables must operate reliably over extended temperature ranges (typically -40°C to +85°C) and long lifecycles without compromising performance. These practical considerations often separate products designed for mobile deployments from those optimized purely for data center environments.

Looking Ahead: The Next Frontiers

As the panel discussion concluded, speakers identified several areas requiring continued industry attention and collaboration. These challenges will shape the next phase of MOPA's work and the broader industry roadmap.

Data rate evolution remains constant, with bandwidth requirements doubling roughly every three to four years. Meeting these needs while maintaining small form factors and cost efficiency presents ongoing challenges

Power consumption is increasingly critical. As Khan noted, "Saving picojoules per bit on connectivity enables more compute capacity elsewhere in the system — a crucial consideration as AI moves to the edge".

Coherent technology is gaining interest for longer-reach applications. Solutions like 100G ZR-lite could address 40- to 80-kilometer links where current solutions become limited

Diagnostics and telemetry will become essential for managing millions of deployed optical ports.

The Bottom Line

As the industry races toward 6G, the webinar made clear that optical standardization isn't a peripheral concern — it's foundational. Without coordinated efforts like MOPA, operators face greater risks of deploying solutions that aren't optimized for total cost of ownership or future evolution.

Without coordinated efforts like MOPA, operators face fragmented ecosystems with unpredictable costs and limited interoperability. Component vendors face unclear requirements and market uncertainty. The result would be delayed deployments, higher costs, and networks ill-suited for emerging applications.

The message from all speakers was consistent: the time to prepare for 6G transport requirements is now. With first commercial 6G deployments expected in 2030-2031, the standards work, chip development, and ecosystem building must happen years in advance.

For those seeking to learn more or contribute to this work, MOPA's technical papers are publicly available at mopa-alliance.org, and the alliance welcomes new members interested in shaping the future of mobile optical transport.

Ready to explore how standardized optical solutions can future-proof your network?

Explore Semtech's Tri-Edge portfolio engineered for ultra-low latency, low-power optical transport in 5G and 6G mobile networks or visit Signal Integrity Mobile Transport page to learn more.

Semtech®, Tri-Edge ™ and the Semtech logo are registered trademarks or service marks of Semtech Corporation and its affiliates. Other product or service names referenced herein may be trademarks of their respective owners.

LoRaWAN® Takes Center Stage at Enlit Europe: A Smart Metering Milestone

Rémi Demerlé and Carlo Tinella — Wed, 07 Jan 2026 14:30:00 GMT

If there was any doubt that LoRaWAN® has secured its place in smart metering, Enlit Europe 2025 put that to rest. Walking the exhibition floor, the message was unmistakable in the utility and metering market, LoRaWAN plays the role of a mainstream standard, particularly for water metering, and it's gaining serious momentum in gas metering.

A De Facto Standard in Action

The numbers tell the story. Over 30 LoRa Alliance® members exhibited LoRaWAN technology, with 15+ Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) demonstrating water meters and 12+ showcasing gas metering solutions all featuring ready-to-deploy commercial products.

The exhibitor lineup read like an industry who's who. Water metering leaders such as Zenner, Itron, Diehl Metering, Honeywell, Axioma, Baylan, Landis+Gyr, Iskraemeco, JANZ, Apator Miitors, ADD-Grup, B-Meters, Maddalena, and others from overseas, showcased their water metering solutions featuring LoRaWAN.

What caught our attention was also the increase in talent showcasing gas metering. Top industry leaders such as Zenner, Honeywell, Sagemcom, Wasion, Goldcard, Holley, Kaifa, Flonidan, Friendcom, MeterSit, AIoTWaves (Grupo Amper), and Spark, signaling that LoRaWAN's trajectory in gas metering is accelerating.

Beyond meters, the ecosystem was fully represented by gateway manufacturers and network operators like Netmore, which has recently increased its focus on serving the metering market. Just a few weeks prior to the show, Netmore announced the acquisition of Arson Metering, a leader in end-to-end smart meter platform solutions in the Spanish market. This acquisition highlighted the infrastructure maturity that makes large-scale deployments possible. The LoRa Alliance booth itself became a mini-conference highlight, with six members co-located in the same area (Kerlink, Tektelic, MultiTech, JANZ, ZENNER, and Semtech), each bringing their unique perspective, from edge intelligence and gateway infrastructure to real-world deployment lessons from the field.

Meeting Market Demands: Dual Connectivity Solutions

At Enlit it became clear that European markets need dual connectivity. Utilities and regulators increasingly want flexibility and higher infrastructure resilience. In many tenders a key requirement is dual connectivity combining LoRaWAN for fixed network collection with the traditional Wireless M-Bus (wM-Bus) for walk-by and drive-by collection or for a second network option. In addition to the compliance to European standard of wM-Bus and Open Metering System (OMS), it gives utilities more flexibility and better resilience options for different deployment scenarios, backup connectivity, and gradual network transitions.

At the Semtech booth, we showcased exactly this capability with three live demonstrations for LR1121 and Gen 4 LoRa® chips featuring the new LoRa Plus™ LR2021:

Dual connectivity with wM-Bus and LoRaWAN – partnering with EMBIT and WEBDYN to show how a simulated meter leveraging LR1121 can communicate seamlessly over both protocols, switching from one mode to the other without the need to go into network re-join processes. While EMBIT provided the wireless module integrating the dual protocol stack, WEBDYN showed their new wM-Bus collector “Webdyn Easy” based on the new Gen 4 LR2021
Stackforce wM-Bus implementation for LoRa Plus LR2021
Wi-SUN connectivity for LoRa Plus LR2021 – developed in collaboration with EXEGIN to address markets, like e-metering, where Wi-SUN is a more suitable protocol of choice

These weren't concept demos — they were production-ready solutions showing that the technology catalog is here, today, to support whatever connectivity mix the market demands.

What This Means for the Wireless RF Industry

Enlit Europe 2025 reinforced something fundamental seen in many European deployments: LoRaWAN isn't competing for a seat at the table anymore, it has a permanent chair. For water metering, it's already the leading choice for connectivity. For gas metering, the momentum is undeniable. And with multi-protocol solutions now ready for deployment, utilities have the flexibility to design networks that match their specific requirements without compromise.

If you're a meter OEM or system integrator evaluating connectivity options, the takeaway is clear: the ecosystem is mature, the technology is proven, and the market has made its choice.

To learn more about Semtech’s technology solutions for smart water or gas metering, visit our website.

Semtech®, LoRaWAN®, LoRa®, LoRa Plus™, LoRaWAN® and the Semtech logo are registered trademarks or service marks of Semtech Corporation and its affiliates. Other product or service names referenced herein may be trademarks of their respective owners.

LoRa® Holiday Blog 2025: Wrapping Up a Year of Innovation and Collaboration

Anagha A A — Tue, 16 Dec 2025 14:15:00 GMT

Expanding the Boundaries of Internet of Things (IoT) Connectivity — Because Innovation Doesn't Take a Holiday

From glowing city streets to snow-covered fields, LoRa® kept the world connected all year long. As the holiday season arrives, Semtech's LoRa team celebrates the innovation, collaboration and dedication that made 2025 brighter — while unwrapping a new generation of connectivity for tomorrow.

Behind every milestone, from the 450 million-plus LoRa devices deployed globally to the LoRa Gen 4’s 2.6 Mbps Fast Long-Range Connectivity (FLRC), there’s one constant: the customers who made it all happen.

None of this happens alone. From the LoRa Alliance® to our distributors, direct customers, integrators, and ecosystem builders, LoRa isn’t just a technology — it’s a movement.

Global Customer Deployments: Expanding LoRa Connectivity

This year, LoRa didn't just travel across industries — it took a holiday tour across the globe, making every stop count. From busy cities wrapped in lights to remote fields under winter skies, our customers brought LoRa to life in ways that made 2025 brighter, safer and more sustainable.

Where Customers Made an Impact in 2025

India: Smart street lighting, utilities and industrial monitoring helped cities conserve energy and operate smarter. LoRa also strengthened India's agriculture sector through precision irrigation, soil monitoring and livestock tracking. With its large farming community and wide rural landscapes, India showed strong potential for scalable, sustainable smart-farming deployments.

China: LoRa helped optimize traffic, charge electric bikes and scooters, facilitate renewable energy generation and enhance safety, keeping cities moving smoothly even during the busiest seasons.

Europe and the United States: Cold chain logistics ensured supplies arrived on time and with minimal spoilage. Edge AI and LoRa proved to be a powerful combination for reducing factory and building management costs. Water and gas leak sensors protected valuable assets and lowered insurance costs. Panic buttons kept school campuses, hospitals and hospitality facilities safer for students, employees and guests.

Smart Cities and Infrastructure: Lighting Up Cities Like Holiday Lights

In 2025, cities across the world embraced LoRa to become smarter, greener, and more efficient. From smart street lighting that cuts energy costs and reduced carbon footprints to systems optimizing traffic flow, environmental sensors, and public safety, LoRa powered urban efficiency at scale. Water metering solutions expanded globally, and gas metering ramped up LoRaWAN® adoption, ensuring resources were managed sustainably. These deployments didn’t just save energy, they set a new benchmark for sustainable urban living worldwide.

Safety and Home Automation: Warmth, Comfort and Peace of Mind

LoRa keeps homes safe, warm and connected. Smoke detectors delivered instant fire alerts. Motion sensors made everyday living smarter. Security cameras stayed online through thick walls and storms. In 2025, LoRa entered homes as a silent guardian, protecting, monitoring and providing comfort when it mattered most. By making homes smarter and safer, LoRa gives families peace of mind that lasts beyond the holidays.

Drones and Aerial Innovation: Flying High This Holiday

High above rooftops and fields, LoRa guided drones to soar smarter and farther. From long-range control to industrial surveying and inspection, LoRa enabled precision and reliability that made aerial innovation a reality. These advancements are redefining how industries approach mapping, monitoring and emergency response.

Agriculture and Environmental Monitoring: Fields Wrapped in Green

LoRa helped farmers grow more than crops, it grew sustainability. From monitoring soil and harvest cycles to building mesh networks that connect even the most remote fields, LoRa ensured agriculture thrived all year long. Across agricultural regions worldwide, farmers used LoRa for livestock tracking, fencing and remote crop monitoring, proving that connectivity can grow greener futures. By connecting farms, LoRa is helping feed the world while protecting the planet.

Industrial and Logistics Automation: Santa’s Secret Helpers

Behind the scenes, LoRa powered manufacturing and logistics. It streamlined industrial monitoring, optimized supply chains and tracked assets in real time, ensuring every product arrived on time and operations ran smoothly during the busiest season. By enabling smarter factories and faster deliveries, LoRa is driving efficiency that keeps businesses competitive and makes customers happy.

Success Stories: Impact That Lights the Way

Across the world, LoRa and LoRaWAN innovation illuminated 2025 in every sense of the word. From renewable energy to smart cities, customers turned technology into transformation:

PVH’s Intelligent Solar Tracker boosted renewable energy efficiency

WM102-LF Temperature & Humidity Logger safeguarded critical environments

SL712-LF Pressure Sensor enhanced visibility and safety in industrial operations

CITiLIGHT’s Smart Street Lighting brightened Indian cities while conserving energy

Termite Damage Monitoring protected heritage structures through early detection and prevention of infestations

Green Stream’s Flood Sensor Monitoring delivered real-time alerts for coastal communities

Smart Livestock Monitoring empowered ranchers with real-time cattle tracking and health insights

Each story reflects a simple truth: LoRa connects more than devices, it connects communities, sustainability and progress.

Global Adoption: Where Innovation Met Impact

In 2025, from Barcelona to Bilbao, Semtech and our sales team took LoRa to the world stage, showcasing how it powers smarter cities, sustainable utilities and next-gen connectivity. Through live demos, thought leadership panels and customer success stories, we turned innovation into action and inspired adoption across industries.

These events weren’t just meetings, they were milestones where Semtech and our customers shaped the future of IoT:

Embedded World: LoRa Plus™ announced, opening new possibilities for connectivity

India Smart Utility Week: Smart metering initiatives took center stage

IoT Solutions World Congress, Barcelona: LoRa Gen 4 showcased speed and flexibility for next-gen IoT

ACE, Denver: First satellite-connected LoRaWAN water meter redefined utility connectivity

IOTE Shanghai & Shenzhen: Demonstrated LoRa’s role in automation, sustainability and AI

The Things Conference, Amsterdam: CEO Hong Hou inspired developers and partners with LoRa’s evolution and future vision

Electronica India, Bangalore: “Wall of LoRa & LoRaWAN Devices” showcased, reflecting strong IoT momentum

Enlit, Bilbao: Connected with energy innovators to show how LoRa is shaping smarter grids and sustainable infrastructure

Empowering IoT Innovation with LoRa Gen 4

Semtech’s LoRa Gen 4 portfolio is designed to enable smarter, faster and more efficient IoT solutions. The LR2021 transceiver delivers data rates up to 2.6 Mbps for multi-protocol sub-GHz and 2.4 GHz applications, driving next-generation connectivity. The LR2022 and LR2012 derivatives bring enhanced LoRa and S1G support at a more accessible cost, allowing broader adoption across diverse IoT use cases. To simplify development and accelerate time-to-market, the Unified Software Platform (USP) for LoRa Plus offers a streamlined integration experience, ensuring solutions are future-ready and reliable.

Telling the LoRa Story

This was the year of telling the LoRa story, from global press releases and event highlights to the launch of the LoRa Customer Newsletter, connecting our ecosystem through product updates, success stories, blogs and insights from across the globe. Because innovation might be the engine, but storytelling is the spark.

Every device deployed means less energy wasted, fewer resources consumed and more lives improved.

Key milestones:

450 million-plus devices deployed, including 125 million LoRaWAN devices and growing

LoRa Gen 4 launched

Eight global events

LoRa Newsletter debut

As we Unwrap 2026…

Cheers to the innovators who turned LoRa into solutions that light up cities, protect homes, connect farms and safeguard health. Because at Semtech, innovation doesn't take a holiday, but it does take a community.

From all of us at Semtech: Thank you for making 2025 a year of innovation, connection and collaboration.

Now go enjoy your holiday break.

Happy Holidays from the entire Semtech team!

P.S. Not subscribed yet? Join our community and stay inspired through every season with the LoRa® Customer Newsletter.

Semtech®, LoRaWAN®, LoRa®, LoRa Alliance®, LoRa Connect™, LoRa Plus™ and the Semtech logo are registered trademarks or service marks of Semtech Corporation and its affiliates. Other product or service names referenced herein may be trademarks of their respective owners.

One-Channel Hub: A Compact LoRaWAN® Access Point for Cost-Effective Internet of Things (IoT)

Anagha A A — Fri, 12 Dec 2025 01:16:33 GMT

Semtech’s One-Channel Hub reference design enables affordable LoRaWAN® sensor networks, meeting the needs of smart homes and small setups with only a few connected devices. This solution suits homeowners, Internet Service Providers expanding connectivity, insurance companies managing risks, property managers seeking better control, and security system operators developing cost-effective home options.

A Day in a Connected Home: How the One-Channel Hub Keeps the House Safe and Smart

Coming Home to Intelligence

It's a calm Saturday afternoon when Mira and Tia approach their front door. Something magical happens—the house recognizes them.

The moment they step inside, their home springs to life. Lights adjust automatically. The temperature shifts to their preferred setting. Ventilation systems optimize air flow. When Tia rushes upstairs to her bedroom, the lights brighten and the temperature adjusts to her personal comfort level.

This isn't just automation—it's adaptation. Environmental sensors maintain the perfect balance of temperature and humidity throughout the house. CO₂ and air quality monitors in Tia's room ensure she always breathes fresh, clean air. Even the pool temperature sensor is quietly preparing the water for an evening swim.

All of this happens seamlessly, orchestrated by the compact One-Channel Hub that connects every corner of their home.

Security That Works in Silence

As Aarav pulls into the driveway, the garage door sensor detects his car and opens automatically. A gentle ping on Mira's phone confirms his arrival. The smart camera at the front door recognizes him as a trusted user, unlocking just as he reaches the porch. No keys needed, no fumbling—just seamless access.

Later in the day, the mailbox sensor sends a notification when the mail carrier drops off a package. If someone lingers near the gate, the system quietly logs the activity. There's no panic, no delays—just steady, reliable security powered by LoRa® technology and the One-Channel Hub.

Protection You Can't See But Can Trust

In the kitchen, Aarav's sister Nina starts preparing dinner. As she cooks, a gas detection sensor silently monitors the air quality. When a faint leak occurs—too small for human senses to detect—the sensor responds within seconds. Nina's phone flashes a warning while the central gas valve automatically shuts off, preventing any danger.

Down in the basement, another guardian stands ready. A leak detection sensor positioned near the washing machine constantly monitors for even the smallest drops of water. When a leak begins, the hub instantly alerts the system, preventing flooding and protecting appliances from hidden water damage.

In the cozy guest cottage behind the main house, Grandma Emma enjoys her evening tea. She wears a simple LoRa-enabled fall detection band connected to the hub. When she slips near the kitchen, an instant alert reaches Aarav and Mira's phones. No shouting for help, no waiting—just immediate notification when assistance is needed.

A Home That Never Sleeps

As dawn breaks, the house awakens gently. Lights illuminate only occupied rooms. Fans adjust airflow automatically. Smart plugs power the water heater and purifier exactly when needed. LoRa-connected thermostats balance comfort with energy efficiency throughout the day.

When night falls and the family settles in, the house grows quiet—but the LoRa sensors never rest. They continue listening, learning, and protecting. Even in stillness, the home pulses with quiet intelligence.

The Connected Future, Today

Security. Safety. Sustainability. All seamlessly connected through LoRa technology and managed by one powerful hub.

This is more than a smart home—it's a home that truly cares.

Reference Design

The One-Channel Hub reference design provides LoRaWAN network connectivity using the most cost-effective solution available. It combines Semtech’s LoRa Connect™ sub-GHz transceivers with a low-cost Espressif SoC that acts as a packet forwarder and provides Wi-Fi backhaul.

When implemented with LR1121, the hub can detect a LoRa preamble over two spreading factors (SFs) and trigger the demodulation upon positive detection. This capability enables greater network versatility, minimizing time-on-air and power consumption for indoor sensors while maximizing the supported range for remote sensors.

One-Channel Hub Reference design: LRWHUB1EVK1A

Customer Platforms (Wi-Fi Backhaul)

1. Seeed Studio SenseCAP Indicator

Customer Platforms (Wi-Fi Backhaul)

2.Seeed Studio Xiao

Hardware: XIAO ESP32S3 & Wio-SX1262 Kit for Meshtastic & LoRa 

Software: GitHub – XIAO ESP32S3

Ready to get started?

Implement the One-Channel Hub in your smart home project and tap into the extensive LoRaWAN ecosystem of devices for a diverse and cost-effective solution. To learn more about Semtech’s One-Channel Hub solution, visit our website.

Semtech, LoRaWAN®, LoRa®, LoRa Connect™, and the Semtech logo are registered trademarks or service marks of Semtech Corporation and its affiliates. Other product or service names referenced herein may be trademarks of their respective owners.

Advanced Surge Protection for Industrial 24V DC Systems

Anindita Bhattacharya — Wed, 10 Dec 2025 01:45:28 GMT

Protecting the 24-Volt Direct Current (DC) System – The Backbone of Industry 4.0

Industrial automation is rapidly evolving from rigid, standalone systems into interconnected, intelligent networks that define Industry 4.0. Modern industries are not just automated - they’re hyperconnected with thousands of sensors, controllers and many sophisticated devices. The fusion of digital technologies — particularly the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT), with its sensor-generated real-time data streams — powers this transformation by facilitating predictive maintenance and dramatically cutting unexpected equipment failures. In the world of modern manufacturing, where precision sensors, complex logic controllers and interconnected devices drive production, there is one constant across multiple architectures – the power source which is a 24-volt direct current (DC) system.

24V DC has emerged as the global standard for powering industrial control systems because it strikes the right balance between safety, reliability and compatibility. It is low enough to minimize the risk of electric shock to operators, yet high enough to provide sufficient power for sensors, actuators, controllers, and communication modules used in automated systems. This voltage level is also less susceptible to noise compared to lower-voltage logic signals, making it ideal for long cable runs common in industrial environments. Furthermore, 24V DC power supplies and components are standardized globally, ensuring interoperability across equipment from different vendors. As a result, 24V DC serves as the backbone of power management of modern manufacturing automation, supporting both operational safety and system efficiency.

Figure 1. Powering the industrial devices

When Milliseconds Mean Millions: The Cost of Electrical Disturbances

Modern industrial automation relies on sophisticated 24V DC-powered sensors and controllers to coordinate production processes. However, these sensitive electronics must coexist with powerful 3-phase AC equipment—including motors, pumps, compressors, and heavy machines, all sharing the same electrical infrastructure shown in Figure 1. The frequent switching of these high-power loads generates continuous electrical disturbances, creating surges and electrical overstress (EOS) conditions throughout the power system.

Today's hyperconnected factories, equipped with thousands of sensors, actuators, controllers, and smart devices, face a critical vulnerability. A single electrical transient can damage sensors or crash controllers, triggering expensive production stops. Manufacturing downtime costs potentially reach hundreds of thousands of dollars per hour. So implementing robust EOS protection has become essential for ensuring operational reliability and maintaining production efficiency. This article explores how Semtech's TDS2621LP from its SurgeSwitch® family provides an effective solution for protecting 24V DC power lines against these persistent electrical threats.

Electrical Overstress and Why we Can’t Ignore It

Electrical Overstress or EOS refers to a condition where a device experiences electrical parameters (voltage, current or power) beyond its absolute maximum ratings. This deviation from the specified safe operating area (SOA) initiates permanent physical changes within the device's structure. The consequence of EOS is typically displayed through two primary failure modes that pose significant challenges to the device's lifecycle and reliability. The first and most immediate mode is a catastrophic failure, characterized by abrupt and complete device malfunction. This can involve phenomena such as thermal runaway leading to junction burnout or any mechanical damage to internal interconnects like bond wires due to excessive current flow. Such failures are typically easy to diagnose during production testing due to their noticeable nature. The second which is arguably more deceptive is the latent damage. In this scenario, the affected device often keeps working immediately after an EOS event. Instead of a dramatic shutdown, the device may only experience a small shift in parameters — like slightly increased leakage current or weakened semiconductor junctions. But the device continues operating normally until the stress accumulates and finally it pushes it to the failure point. When the failure eventually happens, it often appears like a random breakdown, or a manufacturing defect. Only testing the circuits under high-end microscopes or sending them to failure analysis labs can determine the actual cause of failure. Otherwise, it is difficult for the operators to link the problem back to an EOS event that occurred weeks or months earlier.

Three Faces of Electrical Overstress

Depending on the source of stress, EOS encompasses various transient and sustained electrical events that exceed a component's specified operating limits.

Electrostatic Discharge (ESD): When an object with a higher charge comes in contact with another object with a lower charge, electrons flow from one object to another. This sudden redistribution of charges may lead to a rapid flow of high current for a very short period (~60 ns) and a catastrophic ESD event occurs.
Electrical Fast Transient (EFT): This is characterized by a series of fast, high-frequency pulses that can be generated by switching devices, such as relays, contactors or circuit breakers, as they turn on or off in the industrial environment.
Surge: A surge is a short-lived, high-energy voltage and current spike. They can range from a few microseconds to milliseconds. Unlike ESD and EFT events, surges persist longer and contain higher energy levels. It is more dangerous than these other forms of EOS events. Surges can occur due to direct lightning strikes or indirect lightning effects through electromagnetic coupling. Surges can happen due to power supply switching, load changes in power distribution systems or when a transformer or a large motor starts up in a power line.

ESD and EFT are fast rise-time events; they have a rise-time on the order of one nanosecond (often less than one nanosecond). Surge events are slow rise-time lightning induced pulses as shown in Figure 2. These waveshapes are generally microsecond events holding much higher energy than ESD or EFT, with voltages in kilovolts and currents in kiloamps. Surges combine high voltage, high current and long duration, so the stress on junctions are considerably larger. Surges are capable of destroying sensors, actuators, relays, power supplies, motors, and copper traces. As modern electronic systems become smaller, faster and more connected, the susceptibility of circuits to surge-induced overstress rises significantly, emphasizing the critical need for advanced, fast-responding surge protection solutions such as Semtech’s SurgeSwitch to ensure system-level robustness and long-term dependability.

Figure 2. Types of Electrical Overstress (EOS) events

A Smarter Approach to Surge Protection

As mentioned earlier, industrial automation systems have been consistently using 24V DC power distribution. However, these systems face constant threats from voltage transients, ESD events and power surges. Traditional transient voltage suppressor (TVS) diodes have served this role for many years, but they often fall short when it comes to low clamping voltages at high surge currents and also at high temperature. Semtech’s TDS2621LP is an innovative SurgeSwitch that addresses this gap with a surge-rated field-effect transistor (FET)–based architecture (Figure 3) that provides stable clamping and superior transient handling even in the harsh industrial environment.

Figure 3. Functional diagram of TDS2621LP (left), Package diagram (right)

The maximum working voltage of TDS2621LP is 26.4V and the minimum breakdown voltage is 31V. Because of this working voltage and breakdown voltage, TDS2621LP is ideally suited for the 24V DC industrial systems, providing adequate margin for normal voltage variations while ensuring reliable protection during transient events.

Semtech’s TDS2621LP at a Glance

Max working voltage (V_RWM): 26.4V
Breakdown voltage (V_BR): 31V (Minimum)
Peak pulse current (I_PP): 24A (tp=8/20µs)
Clamping voltage (V_CLAMP): 35V at 24A (Maximum)
Dynamic resistance (R_DYN): 32mΩ

Robust Protection Capabilities

Surge compliance: ±1kV per IEC 61000-4-5
ESD immunity: ±20kV contact/ ±25kV air per IEC 61000-4-2
840W peak pulse power
Operating temperatures from -40⁰C to 125⁰C

Beyond Conventional TVS: The SurgeSwitch Advantage

Constant Clamping Voltage when it Matters Most

Conventional TVS diodes are PN-junction devices with the total clamping voltage determined by the reverse breakdown voltage, peak pulse current, and dynamic resistance. The clamping voltage rises with increasing peak pulse current (Ipp), accompanied by a rise in dynamic resistance. Higher dynamic resistance leads to significantly elevated clamping voltage compared to the reverse breakdown voltage. SurgeSwitch offers nearly constant clamping voltage across the rated peak pulse current range shown in Figure 4. The clamping voltage of a traditional TVS diode increases with the peak pulse current, whereas the SurgeSwitch's clamping voltage remains almost constant till the maximum peak pulse current. The on-resistance of the MOSFET in a SurgeSwitch is controlled inversely with the peak pulse current. So, the product of the on-resistance and the peak pulse current, which is basically the clamping voltage, remains nearly constant throughout the range.

Figure 4. Peak pulse current vs clamping voltage of TDS2621LP

Tighter Margins, Better Protection

Clamping voltage is the voltage that the system will be exposed to during a surge. So, the lower the clamping voltage, the less chance that the protected system will see failures due to transient EOS events. A lower clamping voltage indicates better protection, as it creates a larger safety margin for other components in the system. This advantage becomes critical when the clamping voltage approaches the absolute maximum ratings of input circuitry—exceeding these limits causes system failures regardless of the TVS diode's current shunting capability. A higher clamping voltage requires choosing components that can handle those higher levels. So basically, higher clamping voltage pushes designers to either specify components with elevated voltage ratings or implement parallel protection configurations to manage worst-case scenarios. Both approaches increase costs and consume valuable board space. Therefore, optimal protection design prioritizes TVS diodes with sufficiently low clamping voltages to maintain robust protection while avoiding the penalties associated with over-specified components. Conventional TVS diodes typically exhibit high clamping voltages—often 1.5 to 2 times their working voltage—which limits their effectiveness in protecting sensitive modern electronics in the industrial systems.

Figure 5. Clamping Voltage waveform at Ipp=24A

Figure 5 shows the clamping voltage waveform of TDS2621LP at Ipp=24A (t_p=1.2/50µs). The clamping voltage of the SurgeSwitch is about 30% less than the clamping voltage of conventional TVS diodes.

Performance that Doesn't Fade Under Heat

Temperature dependence of a conventional PN junction TVS diode increases the challenges described in the previous section by increasing both breakdown voltage and dynamic resistance, degrading clamping performance precisely when thermal stress is highest. The power dissipation capability of a conventional TVS diode follows a steep derating curve with temperature, typically dropping 50% to 80% from 25°C to 125°C as shown in Figure 6 below. Whereas for a SurgeSwitch, the drop is around 20% only.

Figure 6. Pulse derating curve comparisons between a conventional TVS diode and SurgeSwitch (TDS)

Figure 6 shows the typical pulse derating curve shown in the datasheets of the conventional TVS diodes with similar ratings of TDS2621LP. As an example, let us consider that the conventional TVS diode’s peak pulse current capability is 24A at room temperature (25⁰C) similar to TDS2621LP. At 75⁰C the peak pulse current capability decreases to 14.4A, and at 125⁰C it decreases to 4.8A. This creates a critical design concern such as protection circuits validated at room temperature against IEC 61000-4-5 standard, may fail at elevated operating temperatures. According to Figure 6, the peak pulse current for TDS2621LP at 125⁰C is around 19.2A.

Figure 7. Ipp vs clamping voltage of TDS2621LP at different temperatures

Figure 7 shows the peak pulse current vs clamping voltage of TDS2621LP at different temperatures. We can clearly see that the clamping voltage remains nearly constant at different temperatures for the entire surge range. At the same time, we can see that the Ipp at 125⁰C is around 20A.

Protecting what Powers Production

As Industry 4.0 continues to transform manufacturing through hyperconnectivity and intelligent automation, the vulnerability of sensitive 24V DC control systems to electrical overstress has never been more critical to address. With production downtime costs reaching hundreds of thousands of dollars per hour, the stakes of inadequate surge protection are simply too high to ignore. Semtech's TDS2621LP SurgeSwitch represents a fundamental advancement beyond conventional TVS diode technology. For design engineers, the TDS2621LP offers a compelling value proposition: superior transient suppression that safeguards sensors, actuators, and controllers, reduced system-level costs through lower component stress margins, and the confidence that protection performance won't degrade when thermal conditions are most challenging.

Visit www.semtech.com/products/circuit-protection/surgeswitch/tds2621lp to know more about SurgeSwitch TDS2621LP.

Contact your Semtech representative for your next design support.

Semtech®, the Semtech logo, and SurgeSwitch® are registered trademarks or service marks of Semtech Corporation or its affiliates. Other product or service names mentioned herein may be the trademarks of their respective owners.