Frank-Steffen Russ, Director Market Segments at EBV Elektronik said: “Most of the existing M2M applications are based on 2G or 3G connectivity. Because of the announced obsolescence of those networks, our customers will have to upgrade their devices to the upcoming 4G network. Our Heracles 224G will allow an easy and smooth transition.”

Daniel Pires, Manager EBVchips Program at EBV Elektronik concluded: “With our second generation of the Heracles product, we provide an easy and very cost-effective way to connect a device to the cloud. The new Heracles device enables 2 to 4G with prepaid connectivity for eight years of usage including roaming in 33 European countries.”

Heracles is an all-in-one product that includes connectivity, SIM card and prepaid data package. The module is exclusively available through the EBVchips program. EBV Elektronik also takes care of activating the connectivity of the modules for customers. Users can implement their own product idea cost-efficiently and quickly launch products to the market without having to set up complex payment and tracking processes.

Technical Specifications

The Heracles 224G is the second generation of the already existing 2G Heracles module – introduced to the market in 2017. This new Heracles edition allows a smooth transition between the legacy, proven 2G network and the upcoming 4G low power network including LTE-M and NB-IoT. It supports the mandatory LTE bands allowing a global usage. It embeds also a GNSS localisation system. The device is based on a SIMcom module and will be released in a high quality LGA package with a compact form factor (24 x 27 mm) suitable for SMT assembly. Additionally it is pin to pin compatible with EBV’s first generation of Heracles modules. It will be CE and GCF certified.

The module is available in two packages with prepaid connectivity powered by Orange: a 50 MB package allowing M2M systems occasionally to send data to the cloud, and a 500 MB package made for more demanding applications. The 50 MB is a perfect fit for security applications where connectivity is used, such as for alarms and for predictive maintenance. The 500 MB targets more demanding applications including gateways, bike sharing or outdoor tracking devices with system that require frequent data to be sent to the cloud in order to allow dedicated services.

For more information, visit our booth at electronica in hall C5 / 101 or visit www.ebv.com/heracles.