Smart metering deployments are entering a new phase. Utilities and infrastructure providers are under increasing pressure to scale deployments, extend device lifetimes and control total cost of ownership while maintaining reliable, secure connectivity across millions of endpoints.
To support these needs, Semtech is expanding its low-power wide-area (LPWA) cellular module portfolio with the HL7900E, a new, cost-optimized variant of the popular HL79 family designed specifically for large-scale, long-lived IoT deployments such as smart electricity, gas and water metering.
Built for the Realities of Large Smart Metering Rollouts
Smart meters place unique demands on cellular connectivity. Devices must operate for years in the field, often on battery power, while delivering reliable data from challenging locations such as basements, meter rooms and underground enclosures. At the same time, module cost becomes a critical factor when deployments scale into the hundreds of thousands or millions of units.
The HL7900E is designed to address these realities directly. It supports LTE-M (Long-Term Evolution for Machines, also known as Cat-M1) and NB-IoT (NB2) connectivity, delivering deep coverage and ultra-low power operation, enabling utilities to deploy connected meters at scale without unnecessary features that add cost or complexity.
Right-Sized Feature Set for Cost-Sensitive Deployments
The HL7900E is part of Semtech’s proven HL79 LPWA module family, sharing a common form factor and core architecture with the HL7900 while offering a more streamlined feature set.
Compared to the HL7900, the HL7900E removes certain advanced capabilities such as Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) that many smart metering deployments simply do not require.
Importantly, while the HL7900E is optimized for cost, it still delivers excellent power efficiency. Although power consumption is slightly higher than the HL7900 due to the use of different memory technology, it remains significantly more power-efficient than previous-generation HL78 series modules, supporting long battery life in real-world metering environments.
Designed for Longevity and Future Network Support
Smart meters are expected to remain in service for a decade or longer. That makes technology longevity just as important as upfront cost.
The HL7900E supports 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) Release 14, aligning with the long-term evolution of LTE-M and NB-IoT within operator roadmaps. These LPWA technologies are expected to remain supported well into the future, making the HL7900E a strong choice for smart metering designs with extended service lifecycles.
The module also supports extended coverage modes which is a critical requirement for utility deployments, enabling reliable communication even in hard-to-reach locations.
Secure, Compact and Easy to Integrate
Like other modules in the HL79 family, the HL7900E is built on Semtech’s compact CF3® form factor (15 × 18 × 2.4 mm), helping reduce printed circuit board (PCB) space and simplify hardware design.
Security is built in from the start with support for Secure Boot, embedded Transport Layer Security/Datagram Transport Layer Security (TLS/DTLS) and secure firmware update mechanisms. The module includes an embedded TCP/IP stack and supports common IoT protocols such as Message Queuing Telemetry Transport (MQTT) and Lightweight Machine-to-Machine (LwM2M), making integration with metering back-end systems straightforward.
For lifecycle management, the HL7900E supports firmware-over-the-air (FOTA) through Semtech’s AirVantage® or third-party servers, enabling utilities to maintain and update devices remotely over their operational lifetime.
A Practical New Option for Smart Metering Designs
The addition of the HL7900E, complementing the existing HL7900, gives customers a broader set of options when balancing cost, power consumption and feature requirements.
The HL7900E also supports eUICC-based SIM architectures and has been validated with SGP.32-compliant SIM solutions, including Semtech’s own connectivity services and third-party providers. This enables device manufacturers to adopt modern remote SIM provisioning frameworks while maintaining flexibility across connectivity providers. As utilities increasingly prioritize long lifecycle management and deployment adaptability, support for emerging standards such as SGP.32 helps ensure smart meter designs remain compatible with evolving connectivity ecosystems.
For utilities and solution providers designing next-generation smart meters, the HL7900E offers a practical path forward:
- LPWA connectivity optimized for deep coverage
- Power efficiency suitable for long battery life
- A cost structure aligned with large-scale deployments
- Long-term network and standards support
By expanding the HL79 family, Semtech continues to support the evolving needs of smart metering and infrastructure deployments, helping customers connect devices more efficiently for the long term.
Learn more about how the HL7900E LPWA module can support your smart metering deployments.
