Cellular design involves multiple teams and areas of expertise, from hardware designers to software engineers, cloud developers, and outside partners. In a word, the process is complex. Here’s a basic overview.
Designing the Hardware
OEMs must consider all the physical elements of each cellular design, from modem to MCU. Teams of engineers work long hours to develop the chipset or module, get the hardware functioning properly, and ensure a spot-on antenna integration. Additionally, they must optimize their product for multiple connectivity options and get it certified before going to market.
Creating Firmware
Because cellular module development is a highly specialized field, firmware engineers face added complexities. For starters, they need a firmware ecosystem that will support the module or chipset. They are responsible for writing functional AT commands and debugging them inside the driver. They also provide encryption for the device’s memory and a whole host of other tasks. Finally, they have to maintain the firmware during the lifetime of the product.
Developing Cloud Services
Reliable cellular connectivity also demands a robust platform or portal for remote firmware updates and management. The right cloud platform should also provide seamless onboarding, data storage, and recovery fixes. Like other elements of OEM design, cloud development takes time. To engineers under a deadline, it can become a necessary – but frustrating – distraction.
Integrating with Carriers
Though the above elements are time consuming, they are largely controllable. By contrast, working with a carrier or mobile virtual network operator (MVNO) introduces uncertainty to the process. A cellular device may be limited to a native SIM, iSIM, or other SIM type. Then there are the issues of device activation, data usage, and pricing to consider. But the complexities don’t end here.
