OMNIA mXTEND: transforming IoT design with triple-radio solution

This unique three-port component empowers device manufacturers to achieve seamless, simultaneous connectivity across cellular, GNSS, and Wi-Fi/BLE bands. Developed as a surface-mounted passive component, OMNIA transforms the ground plane of a device’s printed circuit board (PCB) into a high-efficiency radiating element, covering a wide frequency range from 400 to 8,000MHz.

This broad frequency capability offers device makers the flexibility to select specific bands without size modifications – an essential benefit for the growing demands of complex, multi-radio applications.

Streamlined integration with full performance

One of OMNIA’s standout advantages is its streamlined approach to antenna integration. It requires a single clearance area, providing greater design freedom compared to three individual components.

Engineered with an advanced multi-block design, this Virtual Antenna solution minimises radio coupling, enhancing performance and simplifying device certification. This is especially beneficial in processes where every dB of signal quality matters, as the design maximises efficiency and supports smoother regulatory approvals.

OMNIA also offers a reduced matching network bill of materials (BoM), which, combined with its ready-to-use design, helps manufacturers lower both costs and development time. This simplified integration makes OMNIA an ideal solution for developers looking to streamline production without sacrificing performance, ultimately accelerating time-to-market for multi-radio IoT devices.

A step towards eco-friendly IoT solutions

OMNIA mXTEND aligns with the shift toward more sustainable IoT design. By consolidating multiple radio functionalities into a single component, OMNIA reduces material needs by up to four times compared to traditional multi-antenna setups.

Device lifespan is another key factor in eco-friendly design. Engineered for high efficiency and optimised power use, OMNIA helps extend battery life and, by extension, the life of the device itself. This longer lifecycle leads to less frequent replacements and ultimately reduces electronic waste.

Additionally, the manufacturing of a single multi-radio component requires fewer resources and generates lower emissions than producing three separate antennas, aligning with global environmental goals, and making OMNIA an ideal choice for the creation of more eco-conscious IoT products.

OMNIA in numbers

Real-world application in smart farming

For its first use case, Ignion collaborated with Nuvathings to integrate OMNIA mXTEND into the HELIUS-TSL datalogger, showcasing the component’s potential. The datalogger supports multiple connectivity options – NB-IoT, LTE-M, GNSS, and Bluetooth – making it ideal for smart farming. With OMNIA mXTEND, the HELIUS-TSL datalogger enables real-time monitoring of essential soil metrics, including moisture levels, pH balance, and nutrient concentrations.

This reliable, continuous multi-radio connectivity allows farmers to fine-tune irrigation practices and optimise fertiliser use based on live data, ultimately leading to enhanced crop yields and more efficient resource use. By reducing water and fertiliser waste, this solution supports sustainable agriculture and helps farmers manage resources more effectively, demonstrating OMNIA’s ability to deliver both performance and environmental benefits.

Conclusion

As a plug-and-play solution, OMNIA mXTEND removes the need for complex RF adjustments, accelerating time-to-market and simplifying multi-radio deployments across diverse sectors, including asset tracking, automotive telematics, and industrial IoT.

Ignion’s OMNIA mXTEND represents a comprehensive solution for IoT innovation – offering robust performance, ease of integration, and a commitment to environmental responsibility. With its unique ability to combine triple-radio functionality in a compact, eco-friendly design, OMNIA mXTEND sets a new standard for IoT connectivity.