StarChip® What is M2M ?

What is M2M – Machine to Machine?

In the world of cell phone networks, M2M refers to devices other than cell phones using the wireless network to communicate with other devices. Typically, a small device known as an M2M module is embedded in a larger device that needs to communicate over the wireless network. The M2M module contains the same type of radio and data circuits that would be found in a typical cell phone, but nothing else (no display or keypad, etc.).
One of the key elements in such M2M module is the SIM controller to get access to the network as it must cope with extended performances in harsh environments.
The typical applications where StarChip® M2M SIM controllers can be found are described below:

StarChip M2M controllers have been designed to meet the extreme requirements encountered in those applications and the SCM family brings strong differentiators to the market:

Endurance

In the M2M world endurance is a key parameter. As a matter of fact most of the applications will require extensive communications and therefore frequent access and change of data located inside the Flash memory. Such behavior implies a strong endurance to ensure reliability of the system. StarChip®’s proprietary E³ (ECUBE) -Endurance Enhancement Engine algorithm provides global endurance management to overcome traditional flash endurance limitations and supports for up to 2 billion cycles endurance. Note that this technology is fully transparent for the user with no additional software required, minimal timing penalties and no impact on code fetching. StarChip®’s E³ (ECUBE) - provides ultra-high endurance at low cost.

Reliability

M2M modules are very often used in extreme environmental conditions such as high and low temperatures, vibrations, humidity. To endure such conditions over a very long period, the M2M SIM controller has to be reliable. As described above endurance endurance brings a lot regarding reliability but there other key parameters to improve the overall reliability:

Temperature range: StarChip®’s M2M controllers do operate in an extended temperature from -40°C to +105°C.
Data Retention: StarChip®’s SCM family guarantees data retention for more than 25 years.
Package: StarChip®’s packages have been carefully selected and tested to ensure to fulfill industrial requirements according JEDEC norm.

All together those parameters bring best-in-class reliability to provide optimal operation whatever application the system is used in:
Automotive
Metering
Healthcare
Industrial
Payment
Security
Maintenance
Computing
Transportation

Automotive:
Adoption by automotive manufacturers of M2M communications is a reality. Navigation systems and telephone interfaces are becoming a standard for nearly all models. In addition to those already well-known services M2M connectivity provide new and helpful applications:

Localization services
By registering driving distances and habits, Insurance companies develop the “pay as you drive” insurance model. This feature can also be used to track and recover stolen vehicles.
Infotainment
Information and entertainment are to be displayed on a real-time basis inside the vehicle.
Emergency call (eCall)
eCall is a system designed to ensure the best service by sending information directly to the relevant rescue center in case of emergency.
Internet onboard
Gateway 3G-WiFi allows internet connection onboard

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Metering:
In today’s world Energy providers (electricity, water, gas) are facing new challenges like Increased usage demands, pressure on costs, green initiatives. M2M connectivity through the Smart Metering technology provides answers to those new issues thanks to:
• Automatic data collect, diagnostic and status.
• Increased accuracy in measurements.
• Optimum load management vs. demand.
• Savings on processing and personnel costs.
• Environmental pollution reduced as intelligent networks prevent overcapacities and reduce travel related to meter reading.
Smart Metering solution require end-to-end IP connectivity that is secure, maintainable, and open to enhancement. M2M enabled Smart Meters are therefore critical components for such infrastructures.

Health Care:
M2M Wireless connectivity completely transforms the healthcare system we know today.
The majority of medical devices today work as individual units, monitoring and reporting only one specific aspect of a patient's health which doctors and nurses then piece together to get a complete picture. Healthcare industry is moving towards a system in which connected applications aggregate, visualize and manage medical data. This allows easy medical data access for patients, doctors and service providers. M2M Wireless connectivity is the most efficient technology to connect those multiple medical devices and provide:

Ease of use and reliability By incorporating M2M Wireless technology, the all system becomes independent from fixed line networks, eliminating the complicated wired installations and barriers of mobility. Thanks to M2M technology, patient data can be transmitted safely utilizing the latest encryption technologies.

Better Disease Management Integration between homecare, outpatient care and hospital treatment improves medical results while at the same time saving costs. Efficient Tele-monitoring based on M2M Wireless technology gives a well-being sensation to the patients.

Industrial/Tracking:
In the logistics industry, accurate position of all goods/vehicles must be known at all times in order to optimize route and ensure most efficient customer support by providing exact delivery timings. M2M Wireless connectivity provides an easy way to reach those targets.

Payment:
POS Terminals
Latest generation of POS Terminals do use the M2M Wireless technology to address applications where fixed telephone lines are absent. For instance a taxi ride can be paid on a POS Terminal through an M2M communication module.

Vending Machines
Vending machines adopted the M2M technology to ensure the most efficient remote maintenance. Such machines can directly contact their operator when cash is full/empty or when they need to be serviced.

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Security/Emergency:
Traditional fixed line solutions are inconvenient, expensive and vulnerable. M2M wireless communications provide rapid, flexible and easy deployment to address:

Alarm Systems
Such systems can be quickly and easily installed anywhere. They provide the ultimate flexibility as they can be re-dispatched if necessary. M2M Wireless communication allows remote configuration, update and control removing travel related to system maintenance thus reducing overall cost.

Video Surveillance
Such technology has been primarily adopted for building security and access control. It is now heavily deployed in public areas to increase the level of surveillance while reducing the overall cost. Thanks to high-end M2M Wireless connectivity (HSPDA, UMTS) high-quality transmission of images can be achieved allowing video streaming and video surveillance.

Maintenance/Telemetry:
Today there are more and more applications where technical facilities are difficult to access and therefore expensive to maintain. M2M Wireless technology provides the ultimate way to monitor those facilities and ensure that everything is under control. Such remote management/maintenance allows human intervention only when necessary reducing risks for employees.

Computing:
Internet Connectivity
Wireless M2M is the technology of choice to complement WLAN when requiring a wide coverage or on the road. Thanks to M2M wireless technology Internet access is easy as cell phone coverage.

Routers and Gateways
Routers and gateways connect the GSM network to digital and/or analog fixed networks or to VoIP lines. They make flexible and low-cost communication possible in regions where fixed line infrastructure is lacking. As a result, the demand for GSM routers is booming in emerging markets. Additional services like “Cheapest Rate Selection” are available through an optimized SIM management.

Transportation:
Transportation infrastructures like road authorities or railway companies do require wireless solutions that are open, secure and scalable. In addition to cost-effective communications, M2M Wireless connectivity is the right technology for:
• Location and tracking of assets
• Deployment of new services
• Fleet management
• Dispatch optimization
• Large display/electronic billboards maintenance/control

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