Axiomtek – a world-renowned leader relentlessly devoted to the research, development, and manufacture of a series of innovative and reliable industrial computer products of high efficiency – is pleased to introduce the CEM320, a new addition to its lineup of COM Express Type 10 modules. This pocket-sized embedded module features an onboard Intel Atom® x6000E/RE series or Intel® Celeron® N/J processor (codenamed Elkhart Lake) with integrated Intel® UHD graphics and high-speed interfaces. It comes equipped with integrated onboard 16GB LPDDR4 memory, along with onboard eMMC 5.1 storage. The CEM320, with its power-efficient design, feature richness, and excellent graphics performance, is well-suited for a diverse range of applications, including medical imaging, industrial control, transportation surveillance systems, portable equipment, and automation.

“Axiomtek’s CEM320 is customizable to meet the unique needs of any market, making it ideal for system integrators seeking a robust, flexible, and budget-friendly embedded computing solution. Equipped with Intel® integrated UHD graphics, this COM Express Type 10 Mini module supports dual simultaneous displays via DDI port supporting HDMI/DVI/DisplayPort and single-channel 18/24-bit LVDS. Additionally, the CEM320 features a 2.5G LAN port with Wake-on-LAN and PXE Boot ROM enabled, as well as eMMC storage with up to 64GB memory, ensuring faster data transmission with low latency in automation applications or handheld devices in specific fields,” said Chris Chiang, the product manager of the IDS Division at Axiomtek.

The Intel Atom®-based CEM320 offers a variety of I/O options, including four PCIe x1 Gen3 lances, two USB 3.2 Gen2 ports, eight USB 2.0 ports, one 2.5G LAN port with Intel® Ethernet Controller I226-LM, two SATA 3.0 ports, HD Codec audio, one DDI, one LVDS (eDP optional), one LPC, one SPI, two serial TX/RX, one I2C, and 4-channel GPIO. These features provide customers with various options to address diverse digital connectivity challenges.

Advanced Features of CEM320

  • Intel Atom® x6000E/RE series or Intel® Celeron® N/J processor (Elkhart Lake)
  • 8GB/16GB LPDDR4 onboard memory, up to 3200MT/s
  • Up to 4 lanes of PCI Express Gen3
  • 2 SATA 3.0
  • 2 USB 3.2 Gen2 and 8 USB 2.0
  • eMMC 5.1 and TPM 2.0 onboard

In addition to its flexible I/O expansion, the CEM320 supports a wide voltage input range of +4.75V to +20V, catering to the varying voltage input requirements of automotive or portable applications. It also offers extended operating temperature ranges of -20ºC to +70ºC or -40ºC to +85ºC with a system thermal solution to ensure stable and reliable operation in harsh environments. The CEM320 supports a watchdog timer and TPM 2.0 for enhanced system security.

The COM Express Type 10 Mini module CEM320 is available now. For more product information or pricing, please visit our global website at www.axiomtek.com or contact one of our sales representatives at info@axiomtek.com.tw

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The Raspberry Pi Foundation has rolled out an updated version of its Debian-based operating system, Raspberry Pi OS, tailored for Raspberry Pi single-board computers (SBCs). This new release introduces significant enhancements, including a transition to the Linux 6.6 LTS kernel series, various improvements, and updated components aimed at improving overall functionality and user experience. One of the notable improvements in this release is the refinement of the dark theme and the addition of new settings for headless resolution in the Screen Configuration. Additionally, users can now perform EEPROM updates directly from the raspi-config utility, streamlining the process of managing firmware updates.

While still based on the latest Debian GNU/Linux 12 “Bookworm” series, Raspberry Pi OS now benefits from the enhanced capabilities of the Linux 6.6 LTS kernel, a substantial upgrade from the previous Linux kernel 6.1 LTS version. Furthermore, this update includes the latest versions of Chromium 122 and Mozilla Firefox 123 web browsers, ensuring users have access to the latest browsing features and security enhancements.

Specifically catering to the Raspberry Pi 5 SBC, this release focuses on improving power button handling and introduces new settings for headless resolution within the Screen Configuration tool. Notably, the Wayland headless resolution setting has been removed from the Raspberry Pi Configuration.

Other notable enhancements include improved compatibility with alternative window managers, optimizations to the dark theme for better widget display, and faster access to the Bluetooth and Network menus. Additionally, changes such as replacing popover windows with conventional windows and refining the shutdown assistant contribute to a more streamlined user experience.

Furthermore, the update introduces an alternative mouse cursor for drag-and-drop operations, updates to the WayVNC VNC server for improved compatibility, and enhancements to the raspi-config utility allowing for EEPROM updates.

Despite these advancements, some known issues persist, such as the wireless networks not displaying correctly during the first-run setup wizard on Raspberry Pi 5.

For users eager to experience these improvements, the updated Raspberry Pi OS 2024-03-12 is available for download from the official website, catering to all supported Raspberry Pi models. Existing users can effortlessly update their installations using the graphical updating utility or by executing the sudo apt update && sudo apt full-upgrade commands in a terminal window. A couple of other issues were also fixed, and you can study the full changelog here.

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DietPi, known for its lightweight and adaptable nature, has just rolled out DietPi 9.1, the latest version built on Debian 12.5. One of the key highlights of this update is the addition of new images tailored specifically for Raspberry Pi 5, complemented by updates for other Raspberry Pi models. These fresh images leverage the robust Bookworm’s Linux kernel 6.1 LTS and firmware package from Raspberry Pi Ltd., offering enthusiasts an opportunity to explore enhanced performance and compatibility.

The introduction of the Radxa Rock 4 SE image was a necessary step due to the subtle differences in memory support between the Rock 4’s RK3399 SoC and the RK3399-T’s SoC, making it impossible for a Rock 4 image to boot on the Rock 4 SE. Similarly, the new Raspberry Pi 5 image is still in its early stages and may have rough edges, with features like resolution changes and camera module support not yet functioning. However, these new images are now available for testing purposes.

While DietPi 9.1 brings exciting advancements, some features like screen resolution adjustments and camera module support are still in the works. Despite these ongoing developments, the release signifies DietPi’s commitment to delivering optimized experiences for single-board computer enthusiasts, promising further enhancements and refinements.

DietPi, a lightweight and versatile Linux operating system based on Debian’s stable branch

In addition to the major updates mentioned, DietPi 9.1 includes numerous smaller improvements focused on code performance, stability enhancements, visual refinements, and spelling fixes. While it’s challenging to detail every change here, you can explore the comprehensive list of code modifications for this release on GitHub by visiting MichaIng/DietPi!6921. These continuous refinements reflect DietPi’s dedication to delivering a polished and reliable Linux operating system experience for single-board computer users.

The release also brings a series of bug fixes for general OS-level tasks, such as partition resizing. At an app level, we see bug fixes for Mosquitto (MQTT service), Amiberry (Amiga emulation), Samba (SMBFS) servers, OctoPrint 3D printer web interface, and RealVNC server.

DietPi v9.1 can be downloaded directly from the DietPi website.

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With Tiny Tapeout 6, you can design your custom ICs, get them fabricated, and then receive them on a development board, all for only $300.

Matthew Venn has announced the launch of Tiny Tapeout 6, an educational program designed to assist beginners with their chip design. Participants will have the opportunity to see their designs manufactured into physical chips in partnership with Skywater Technology Foundry.

The new version maintains the same design capacity as the previous one but introduces additional features such as power gating, mixed-signal support, and analog pins.

For those interested in including analog functions in their designs, there’s now the option to add analog I/O pins, with each starting at $40, requiring a minimum use of two tiles. The cost for participating has changed due to updates in chip packaging, with the first 100 individual submissions costing $150 for one tile, the ASIC, and the demo board. After the first 100, or for entries from businesses and universities, the price goes up to $300. Additional tiles can be added for $50 each.

Submitted projects share a single die, to keep costs low — as with this die from Tiny Tapeout 2

Participants advancing to the design phase of the initiative can use Wokwi, a tool for digital design and simulation, or they can create their chip designs using a programming language designed for hardware, like Verilog or Amaranth.

All the chip designs from Tiny Tapeout 6 will be combined into one IC and placed on a development board. Users can control specific projects on this board using Python scripts, enabling or disabling them. This feature simplifies the process of testing and utilizing their designs in real scenarios.

The current project run began on Jan 30, 2024, and will close on April 19, 2024, which means there are only 25 days left for submissions at the time of this note. For additional information and updates, it’s advised to visit the Tiny Tapeout website.

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Atreyo AG-702 industrial OpenWrt gateway

The Atreyo AG-702 is an industrial OpenWrt gateway powered by the MediaTek MT7628 processor, featuring dual Ethernet and WiFi connectivity alongside an integrated LTE and GNSS modem capable of accommodating two SIM cards.

This gateway boasts isolated RS485 and RS232 interfaces for reliable communication, two digital isolated inputs, one relay output, and a USB host port that facilitates connections to peripherals like flash drives or USB converters, enhancing its versatility across different interfaces. Encased in an anodized aluminum enclosure, it offers robust durability suitable for industrial environments.

Furthermore, the Atreyo AG-702 supports a wide input voltage range of 14-60V DC, ensuring compatibility with various industrial power systems and enhancing its adaptability to diverse settings.

AG-702 Interfaces Rear Panel
AG-702 Interfaces Rear Panel

Atreyo AG-702 specifications:

  1. SoC: MediaTek MT7628 MIPS processor at 580MHz
  2. System Memory: 256MB
  3. Storage:
    • 32MB eMMC flash
    • 512MB NAND flash with ExtRoot support (overlay)
  4. Networking:
    • 100Mbps Ethernet WAN port
    • 100Mbps Ethernet LAN port
    • LTE/GPRS with dual SIM and 1x external antenna
    • 2.4 GHz WiFi with 1x external antenna
    • GNSS with active antenna support
  5. USB: 1x USB 2.0 Type-A port
  6. Serial Interfaces:
    • Isolated RS485
    • Isolated RS232
  7. Expansion:
    • 2x isolated digital input
    • 1x relay output
  8. Miscellaneous:
    • LED indicators for system, I/Os, WiFi, SIM card, LTE, and signal strength
  9. Power Supply:
    • 14 to 60V DC via terminal block
    • Passive PoE support
  10. Dimensions: 88 x 87 x 35mm (Aluminium housing with DIN rail mounting option)
  11. Weight: 240 grams

The AG-702 is said to run OpenWrt 23.05 with the Atreyo Environment V1.01b and Linux kernel 5.15.71.

The default firmware installed on the Atreyo AG-702 industrial OpenWrt gateway offers a wide array of advanced features designed to enhance functionality and flexibility. Among these features is robust VPN support, including protocols such as OpenVPN and WireGuard, ensuring secure and encrypted communication over public networks. Additionally, the gateway supports the ModBus protocol, serving various roles like TCP slave, TCP master, RTU master, and RTU gateway, enabling seamless integration with ModBus-enabled devices in industrial environments.

RS485 dual Ethernet gateway
RS485 dual Ethernet gateway

For remote management, the gateway provides multiple avenues such as a user-friendly Web UI for configuration and monitoring, SSH access for secure command-line interface management, SNMP for network device monitoring, and MQTT(s) for efficient communication in IoT applications. These capabilities empower administrators to efficiently manage and monitor the gateway and connected devices, making it well-suited for industrial deployments requiring secure, reliable, and scalable communication solutions. Atreyo also provides an SDK allowing users to develop their application(s) for the gateway. Additional information about the hardware and software can be found on the documentation website.

Atreyo told CNX Software the AG-702 industrial OpenWrt gateway is available now with pricing starting at $125 without cellular and GNSS connectivity. I can also see they have offices in India and Poland, so European companies should also be able to easily source the gateway. More details may be found on the product page.

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The Compex WLE7002E25 is a WiFi 7 module designed in a standard mini PCIe form factor, ensuring compatibility with existing systems using WiFi 4 or WiFi 5 modules. This compatibility simplifies integration for device manufacturers, as they do not need to modify their hardware to accommodate the new generation WiFi 7 module. As a result, development costs are reduced, and time-to-market is accelerated.

One of the key achievements of the WLE7002E25 is its lower power consumption while maintaining impressive transmit power levels. Compared to the high-performance Qualcomm reference design, the WLE7002E25 module offers a 50% reduction in size and significantly lower power consumption with a minor loss in performance. The module boasts a maximum transmit power of 22dBm in the 2.4GHz band and 21dBm in the 5GHz band, with a maximum power consumption of 8.0W.

An important feature of WiFi 7 is Multi-Link Operation (MLO), allowing clients to connect to an Access Point (AP) through multiple bands simultaneously, reducing latency. The WLE7002E25 supports MLO between its 2.4GHz and 5GHz bands and implements MLO signals between adapters, enabling MLO with other WiFi 7 modules such as the Compex WLE7000E6. This MLO capability is crucial for applications requiring low latency, such as games, robotics, real-time translation, and teleconferencing.

The WLE7002E25 also offers open-source Ath12k driver support, ensuring seamless integration with non-Qualcomm platforms like x86 embedded boards. Despite its advanced features, the WLE7002E25 is competitively priced, making it an attractive option for migrating from WiFi 4 and WiFi 5 to WiFi 7 directly, bypassing WiFi 6 development costs. The Compex WLE7002E25 is not just a WiFi 7 mini PCIe module but an investment in the future of wireless connectivity, offering cutting-edge technology, comprehensive features, and diverse application potential.

The Compex WLE7002E25 represents more than just a WiFi 7 mini PCIe module; it’s an investment in the future. With its cutting-edge technology, comprehensive features, and diverse application potential, the Compex WLE7002E25 stands poised to rewrite the rules of wireless connectivity.

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The newly developed System-in-Package (SIP) is a significant advancement for power-efficient cellular projects. It features a 64MHz Arm Cortex-M33 processor, LTE-M/NB-IoT cellular connectivity, and DECT NR+ connectivity, all integrated into a single chip. What sets this SIP apart is its remarkable one-fifth footprint reduction compared to previous solutions. This reduction in size makes it ideal for applications where space is limited but advanced cellular capabilities are required, offering a compact yet powerful solution for a range of IoT and mobile communication projects.

Nordic Semiconductor has announced a new addition to its nRF91 family, introducing the nRF9151 system-in-package (SiP). This innovative SiP integrates a system-on-chip (SoC), power management features, and a radio frequency front end (RFE) tailored for cellular connectivity. Notably, Nordic Semiconductor claims a substantial 20 percent reduction in footprint with the nRF9151, making it well-suited for wearables, sensors, and other compact projects.

A development kit will be offered when the part hits general availability, the company has confirmed

Kjetil Holstad from Nordic Semiconductor highlights that a deep understanding of market demands and customer challenges drove the development of the nRF9151. The goal of the nRF9151 is to streamline the development process, reduce power consumption, and minimize footprint. This strategic addition to Nordic’s cellular IoT portfolio emphasizes its commitment to providing advanced solutions and staying at the forefront of the industry.

The nRF9151 from Nordic Semiconductor is fully compatible with its existing nRF9161 and nRF9131 parts, including the same modem firmware. Compared to the nRF9161, it introduces Power Class 5 20dBm operation alongside Power Class 3 23dBM support, along with a 20 percent reduction in footprint. This makes it ideal for power- and space-constrained designs like wearables. Additionally, it supports 3GPP Release 14 LTE-M and NB-IoT connectivity, as well as DECT NR+, a new technology for non-cellular local wireless connections in the 1.9GHz spectrum, offering low-latency high-reliability connections and support for large mesh networks.

The nRF9151 includes a single 64MHz Arm Cortex-M33 microcontroller core, 256kB of static RAM (SRAM), and 1MB of onboard flash memory outside the radio hardware. This setup provides the necessary computational power and storage capacity for various applications.

In terms of security, the chip supports Arm’s TrustZone security technology which provides a hardware-based security foundation for system software, enabling secure execution environments and protecting sensitive data. Additionally, it features CryptoCell, an embedded security system that targets power-and-area-constrained designs. CryptoCell offers cryptographic acceleration to enhance the performance of encryption and decryption tasks and includes a true random number generator (TRNG) for generating cryptographic keys and ensuring secure communication channels.

The nRF9151 is sampling now, Nordic has confirmed, with no word yet on pricing or general availability. More information is available on the Nordic website.

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The WeAct STM32G4 is a compact development board that utilizes the STMicro STM32G4 Arm Cortex-M4F mixed-signal microcontroller. This microcontroller operates at a clock speed of 170 MHz and comes equipped with DSP (Digital Signal Processing) instructions, making it suitable for a wide range of applications.

Key features of the WeAct STM32G4 board include:

  • Microcontroller: It is based on the STM32G4 microcontroller, which is known for its mixed-signal capabilities, making it ideal for applications such as motor control, building automation, lighting control, digital power meters, and more.
  • Compact Size: The board is designed to be tiny, making it convenient for prototyping and integration into space-constrained projects.
  • High Performance: With a clock speed of 170 MHz, the STM32G4 microcontroller delivers high processing power and efficiency for real-time applications.
  • Mixed-Signal Capabilities: The microcontroller’s mixed-signal architecture enables it to handle analog and digital signals simultaneously, making it versatile for a wide range of tasks.

The WeAct STM32G4 development board is available in two versions, each powered by a different STM32 microcontroller. The first version features an STM32G474CEU6 “Hi-resolution line” microcontroller with 128KB RAM and 512KB flash memory, making it suitable for applications requiring higher processing power and memory capacity. On the other hand, the second version is equipped with an STM32G431CBU6 “Access Line” MCU, offering 32KB RAM and 128KB flash memory, which is more suitable for basic applications with lower memory and processing requirements. Both versions of the board come with a USB-C port for power supply and programming, three buttons for user interaction or control, and two 24-pin headers for connecting peripherals and expansion modules. These features make the WeAct STM32G4 board versatile and adaptable to a wide range of projects, from simple applications to those demanding higher performance and memory capabilities.

WeAct STM32G4 schematics

The WeAct STM32G4 development board is available with two microcontroller options:

  • STMicro STM32G431CBU6: Arm Cortex-M4F MCU @ 170 MHz with DSP instructions, 32KB RAM, and 128KB flash.
  • STMicro STM32G474CEU6: Arm Cortex-M4F MCU @ 170 MHz with DSP instructions, 128KB RAM, and 512KB flash; includes a high-resolution timer and complex waveform builder plus event handler (HRTIM) for digital power conversion applications.

Additional features include:

  • 1x USB Type-C port for power and programming.
  • 2x 24-pin headers with GPIOs, ADC, DAC, I2C, USART, LPUART, OAmp, CAN Bus, timer outputs, etc.
  • 4-pin SWD header for debugging.
  • Compact size: 36.28 x 28.14 mm.
  • Power supply support from 3.3V to 20V DC via USB-C port.
  • MicrOne ME6216A33XG voltage regulator providing 3.3V output.

WeAct Studio does provide the PDF schematics, the STM32G4 datasheet, and TRM, some code samples (Blink, ADC, RTC, MSC, SPI flash), and the WeAct Studio Download Tool (Windows only) to flash the firmware via USB or UART. You’ll find those resources on GitHub for both the value line board and the hi-resolution line board, but most people will need to check the tools and documentation on the STMicro website as well.

The other benefit of those boards is their price, the board goes for $2.92 and $5.79 for the STM32G431CBU6 and STM32G474CEU6 models respectively, including GPIO and SWD headers, but not shipping which adds about $1 in my case. For reference, the official STMicro NUCLEO-G491RE board is sold for $15.

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Los Gatos-based Questwise Ventures has launched a new gadget which aims to deliver Internet of Things (IoT) connectivity without the need to power the transmitting side — by using an energy-harvesting push-button capable of driving its own radio.

Los Gatos-based Questwise Ventures has launched a new gadget that aims to deliver Internet of Things (IoT) connectivity without the need to power the transmitting side — by using an energy-harvesting push-button capable of driving its radio.

Questwise Ventures, based in Los Gatos, has introduced a groundbreaking gadget called the Energy-Harvesting Wireless Transmitter & Receiver. This device is designed to provide Internet of Things (IoT) connectivity without requiring a power source on the transmitting end. It achieves this by utilizing an energy-harvesting push-button that can power its radio transmission.

The key innovation lies in the specially designed button, which features an inventive spring mechanism. When the button is pressed, it efficiently captures and releases energy generated during the press. This energy is then directed to a coil, which in turn powers the transmitter, enabling seamless transmission of a single signal.

The Energy-Harvesting Wireless Transmitter & Receiver represents a revolutionary solution for IoT connectivity, allowing for energy-efficient and self-powered wireless communication.

Questwise Ventures‘ Energy-Harvesting Wireless Transmitter & Receiver builds upon a technology that has already seen use in self-powered door chimes. In this familiar scenario, the button outside the door draws the energy needed for transmission from the physical act of pressing the button, eliminating the need for a power source.

Similarly, Questwise’s device includes a transmitter that harnesses energy from the push-button mechanism. This transmitter is paired with a receiver designed for connection to a microcontroller or another powered device. When the transmitter sends a signal — which can be received from up to a couple of meters away — the receiver can then generate a momentary pulse or a latching toggle signal. This signal can be interpreted and acted upon according to the user’s needs or preferences.

The boards come as a matched pair, and can operate to a range of over six feet. (📷: Questwise Ventures)
The boards come as a matched pair, and can operate to a range of over six feet.

“Using a self-powered transmitter in situations where the receiver needs to be powered can offer distinct advantages, particularly in scenarios where you want to minimize maintenance, increase reliability, or enhance convenience,” the company says, suggesting it could find a use for everything from doorbells to emergency signaling.

The transmitter and receiver are available as a matched pair on the Questwise Ventures Tindie store, priced at $21.30.

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Cellular network giant Vodafone and software-defined radio specialist Lime Microsystems have announced they will be showing off a revamped version of their 5G network-in-a-box device, built around a Raspberry Pi 5 single-board computer.

Cellular network giant Vodafone and software-defined radio specialist Lime Microsystems have announced they will be showing off a revamped version of their 5G network-in-a-box device, built around a Raspberry Pi 5 single-board computer.

Vodafone and Lime Microsystems have collaborated to develop an advanced 5G network-in-a-box solution, which is based on a Raspberry Pi 5 single-board computer. This innovative device represents a significant upgrade over previous designs, offering higher bandwidth, a smaller physical size, and reduced power consumption.

The network-in-a-box device is designed to provide a complete 5G network solution in a compact and efficient package. It leverages software-defined radio (SDR) technology, allowing for flexible and customizable network configurations. This enables faster deployment of 5G networks in various environments, including remote areas, temporary setups, and specialized applications.

By utilizing the Raspberry Pi 5 as the core computing platform, the new network-in-a-box solution benefits from its powerful processing capabilities, versatile connectivity options, and widespread developer support. This makes it easier for developers and network operators to integrate and customize the device according to their specific needs and requirements. The collaboration between Vodafone and Lime Microsystems showcases the ongoing innovation and evolution in the field of 5G networks, providing a glimpse into the future of flexible, scalable, and efficient network solutions.

“Following on from the success of last year’s unveiling of the Raspberry Pi 5G network-in-a-box at Mobile World Congress, Vodafone is introducing a new improved version at MWC24 with numerous use cases, ranging from network coverage extension to 5G network delivery via drone,” says Lime Micro’s Andrew Back.

According to Lime Micro’s Andrew Back, the new system will be fully compatible with Raspberry Pi 5, providing improved compute performance for addressing various use cases, including network coverage extension and 5G network delivery via drones. The project is a continuation of the success seen with last year’s Raspberry Pi 5G network-in-a-box unveiled at Mobile World Congress.

The new system is based on LimeNET CrowdCell, an open radio access network (open RAN) solution that utilizes Lime Micro’s LimeSDR software-defined radio technology. It serves as a small cell network base station for rapid deployment and remote reconfiguration. The latest revision integrates the Raspberry Pi 5, offering enhanced computing capabilities over previous models.

The LimeNET CrowdCell (pictured) is getting a smaller, lower-power successor, powered by a Raspberry Pi 5.
The LimeNET CrowdCell (pictured) is getting a smaller, lower-power successor, powered by a Raspberry Pi 5.

Back mentions that the Lime radio module has undergone further improvements for lower power consumption and a smaller form factor. Optimized drivers for the efficient Amarisoft 5G software stack enable the deployment of a self-contained, plug-and-play network solution for various use cases.

The new model is set to launch in the first half of the year and will be demonstrated during Mobile World Congress (MWC)2024  at Vodafone’s booth in Hall 3, Stand 3E11.

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