8-bit MCU Development Board Connects to 5G LTE-M Narrowband-IoT Networks

­IoT network developers are looking for an easy path to implement a secure cellular connection in their design applications but are faced with design complexities and high deployment costs. To offer a solution for network designers who need the ultimate in location flexibility, low-power consumption and deployment simplicity, Microchip Technology Inc. (Nasdaq: MCHP) today announces the AVR-IoT Cellular Mini Development Board based on the AVR128DB48 8-bit microcontroller (MCU).This solution provides a robust platform to start building sensor and actuator nodes on 5G narrowband IoT networks.  

The AVR-IoT Cellular Mini Development Board is a small form factor board, making it an ideal solution for developers who want to connect IoT devices to an available 5G network. This is an essential feature for devices on the go or located in remote areas with limited availability of Long Range (LoRa®) networks or other Low Power Wide Area Network (LPWAN) solutions. 

Customers can tap into the flexibility and ease of design offered in the latest AVR128DB48 8-bit MCU family, including security protection with Microchip’s ATECC608 CryptoAuthentication device. The ATECC608 device can easily be configured to most major cloud service providers through Microchip’s IoT Provisioning Tool. 

The AVR-IoT Cellular Mini Development Board comes pre-configured to send data from on-board light and temperature sensors to the cloud, viewable using Microchip’s sandbox portal. The sandbox portal provides customers with the ability to track and monitor their device in real time from a remote location. This functionality covers the core requirements of many applications in various industries including agriculture, industrial and energy, as well as consumer spaces such as transportation of goods, alarm systems, building automation and remote monitoring. 

To provide an even easier, more efficient and more cost-effective solution for developers to connect IoT devices to 5G using the AVR128DB48 MCU, Microchip partnered with Sequans to include its Monarch 2 GM02S single-chip radio equipped with 5G LTE-M and narrowband IoT. Microchip also partnered with Truphone to provide the SIM card for cellular service that offers reliable coverage worldwide. 

The AVR-IoT Cellular Mini Development Board is a great solution for makers and hobbyists as it fits the Adafruit Feather form factor. It features a Qwiic/Stemma I2C connector for easy functionality extension, creating a clear path to production. It is also Arduino®-compatible and is supported by Microchip’s Github Library which provides functionality for HTTPS, MQ Telemetry Transport (MQTT), low power and more.   

For more information, visit the Microchip website.