Enables multi-protocol IoT deployments on a single hardware for smart metering, smart home and industrial applications
Semtech Corporation, a leading provider of high-performance semiconductors, Internet of Things (IoT) systems and cloud connectivity service solutions, today announced its Unified Software Platform (USP) for LoRa Plus devices, leveraging fourth-generation LoRa® technology to enable expanded multi-protocol support.
LoRa USP addresses a critical industry challenge: managing LoRaWAN®, Wireless M-Bus, Wi-SUN FSK and proprietary protocols on a single hardware platform, eliminating the need for protocol-specific hardware variants.
“Protocol fragmentation is a persistent challenge for utilities deploying smart meters at scale.” said Robin Duke-Woolley, CEO of Beecham Research. “Supporting multiple protocols on a single platform addresses a critical need, reducing inventory complexity while giving utilities improved infrastructure stability and the flexibility to deploy the optimal connectivity solution for each environment.”
Shahar Feldman, senior director of product marketing for wireless ICs at Semtech, said:
“With LoRa USP, smart meter manufacturers can achieve economies of scale and network stability while giving utilities the flexibility to choose any microcontroller unit (MCU) partner and maximize the return on their software investments.”
The most important advantages of LoRa USP
LoRa USP follows LoRa Basics Modem as Semtech’s multi-protocol firmware platform for LR20xx LoRa Plus radios with backwards compatible build options for Generation 2 and 3 devices.
- Providing a single SKU – Reducing inventory complexity and manufacturing costs
- Dynamic protocol selection – Network flexibility based on deployment environment
- Investment protection – The open source framework preserves software investments across hardware generations
- Faster time to market – Extensive examples and assessment tools accelerate certification
Market context
According to Global Market Insights, the global smart metering market is expected to grow at an annual rate of 14% to $108 billion by 2034. However, the challenge of protocol fragmentation combined with regional frequency variations and requirements for legacy systems has forced meter manufacturers to maintain separate SKUs, increasing inventory costs and complexity.
According to IDC research, more than 80% of utilities and nearly 70% of meter manufacturers consider openness and interoperability a top priority when selecting metering solutions. The availability of LoRa USP enables European and global utilities to achieve the required backward compatibility for Wireless M-Bus and proprietary protocols used in walk-by/drive-by automated meter reading (AMR), while leveraging LoRaWAN for Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI). It significantly increases the success of energy suppliers through a single product offering from meter manufacturers.
Availability
LoRa USP is now available for LoRa Plus devices.
Semtech will demonstrate dual connectivity for smart meters with dynamic switching between LoRaWAN and wireless M-Bus with partners EMBIT and WEBDYN at Enlit 2025 (November 18-20 in Bilbao, Spain, Stand #1.C42). A second demo presents the Wi-SUN stack with Semtech’s LR2021 IC, which supports both terrestrial and SATCOM networks.
At EnlitAdditionally, Semtech will showcase its comprehensive device-to-cloud cellular and satellite IoT solution, demonstrating end-to-end connectivity for utility and energy applications including:
- HL7900E 5G Low Power Wide Area (LPWA) module – Optimized version of the HL7900 for cost-effective connectivity in smart metering applications
- EM8695 RedCap module – Globally certified mid-tier 5G connectivity for IoT deployments
