Approval Granted for Semtech's HL7900 5G Low-Power Wide Area (LPWA) Module in Japan
The Japanese smart gas meter market, a significant player within the broader Asia-Pacific region, is experiencing growth driven by energy modernisation efforts, smart city initiatives, and rising consumer demand for real-time energy usage monitoring. In this context, Semtech Corporation's HL7900 5G LPWA module has secured Japanese Radio Regulation approval, positioning it as a promising solution for cost-effective, energy-efficient smart gas metering systems.
The HL7900 module, designed for Internet of Things (IoT) applications, boasts minimised battery requirements, with power consumption reduced by up to 80% compared to earlier generation modules. This energy efficiency extends the operational life of battery-powered smart gas meters deployed across large geographic networks, addressing a critical challenge in the deployment of smart metering systems.
Semtech's HL7900 module has demonstrated interoperability with the U-Bus Air Spec.2 protocol, an advanced communication standard defined by the Japan Utility Telemetering Association (JUTA). Furthermore, it integrates sub-GHz and 2.4GHz radios for hybrid connectivity, enabling it to work seamlessly with LTE-M/NB-IoT and short-range IoT protocols such as the U-Bus Air Spec.2.
The HL7900's hybrid connectivity is made possible by Altair's ALT1350 chipset. This integration reduces the system's overall size and optimises cost, making it an attractive choice for utilities and device manufacturers.
Semtech has secured comprehensive global regulatory approvals and an extensive range of carrier certifications, including the three U.S. carriers - AT&T, T-Mobile, and Verizon. The company's commitment to providing globally certified solutions is further evidenced by its recent network certification from KDDI Corporation, a telecom operator in Japan.
Nobuyasu Matsuoka, the vice president of corporate development at Sony Semiconductor Israel Ltd, has stated that the HL7900 solution enhances flexibility and efficiency in IoT applications and plays a pivotal role in driving sustainable, energy-conscious innovations. Michael Buonassisi, the director of LPWA modules at Semtech, has also commented that the Japanese Radio Regulation approval of the HL7900 is a significant milestone demonstrating Semtech's focus on delivering innovative, energy-efficient, and cost-effective IoT solutions.
While specific details on the HL7900's contribution to the Japanese smart gas meter market are not provided, LPWA technologies like 5G are crucial for enabling efficient and reliable data transmission in smart gas metering systems. The use of LPWA modules like the HL7900 can enhance the performance of smart gas meters by providing better connectivity, reducing power consumption, and improving data accuracy. This aligns with the broader trend of investing in smart grid technologies and IoT solutions for advanced metering infrastructure (AMI).
The global smart gas meter market is projected to grow from USD 2.49 billion in 2024 to USD 4.04 billion by 2030, at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 8.5% during the forecast period. While specific growth figures for Japan are not detailed, the region's trends suggest a positive outlook. The residential segment is expected to be the largest contributor to this growth, driven by regulatory mandates and the need for efficient energy management.
In conclusion, the Japanese smart gas meter market benefits from the broader trends in Asia Pacific, with growth driven by regulatory support and technological advancements. Semtech's HL7900 module, by providing reliable and efficient connectivity, can support this growth by enhancing the functionality of smart gas meters.
For more information about the HL7900 LPWA module and its benefits, visit: [www.semtech.com/hl7900-global-5g](http://www.semtech.com/hl7900-global-5g). For support and inquiries in Japan, reach out to Semtech directly at: [www.semtech.com/jp-contact-sales](http://www.semtech.com/jp-contact-sales).
[1] MarketsandMarkets. (2021). Smart Gas Meter Market by Component, Application, and Region - Global Forecast to 2030. [2] Grand View Research. (2021). Smart Gas Meter Market Size, Share & Trends Analysis Report By Component (Hardware, Software, Services), By Application (Residential, Commercial, Industrial), By Region, And Segment Forecasts, 2021 - 2028. [4] IHS Markit. (2021). Smart Gas Meter Market - Global Analysis, Size, Share, Trends, Analysis, Growth, and Forecast 2020 - 2025.
The HL7900 5G LPWA module, designed for Internet of Things (IoT) applications, offers promising solutions for cost-effective, energy-efficient smart gas metering systems in the Japanese market. Semtech Corporation's commitment to providing globally certified solutions, such as the HL7900, demonstrates their focus on delivering innovative, energy-efficient, and cost-effective IoT solutions that align with the trends of investing in smart grid technologies and IoT solutions for advanced metering infrastructure (AMI).