Tiny 3G Modem Could Connect Internet Of Things

Intel has produced a 3G modem only a little bigger than a one-cent coin. It’s targeting the connected devices market, otherwise known as “the Internet of Things.”

The 6255 has a total area of around 300 square millimeters, with Intel billing it as the world’s smallest modem. It’s based around what Intel calls “Power Transceiver”, a design that combines the transmitter, receiver, power amplifier and power management in one chip. The design is also said to protect against overheating, voltage peaks and damage from bumps and knocks.

According to Intel, the modem will work even when used in devices with antennas much smaller than those found in cellphones, and will perform well even in locations where a 3G signal is both weak and inconsistent. It claims support for a maximum download speeds of 7.2 Mbps and uploads of 5.6 Mbps.

Intel is pitching to manufacturers of two different types of device. Firstly, it says the modem is ideal for smartwatches and other wearable gadgets that need connectivity in a small form factor, particularly with watches where flat components are inherently limited to a small space.

It’s also hoping to find manufacturers to use the modem in remote sensors. Venturebeat gives the example of a farmer placing ground moisture sensors around his property and wanting to automate the collection of the data from the sensors.

[Image credit Intel]