Cellular, enabling IoT devices that work anywhere
eSIM, more secure than SIM cards, plays a role in expanding the IIoT.
Infineon and Tata to Support Manufacturing of eSIM-Based Devices


Automation adoption is on the rise across various industries. Consequently, the adoption of IIoT devices, which implement the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) for facility control and management, is also on the rise. Advances in wireless technology are further accelerating this trend, enhancing convenience and autonomy.

Wireless-based IIoT applications offer greater freedom of deployment than wired counterparts and can be remotely controlled, managed, and updated. Wireless communication methods currently in use include Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, ZigBee, and OpenThread, while cellular technologies like 4G LTE and 5G NR are also being adopted.

To implement cellular technology, each device must have a Subscriber Identification Module (SIM) card inserted. In Korea, this is commonly known as the "USIM (Universal SIM) chip," which is issued for new mobile phone subscriptions and number transfers.

SIM cards are external chips separate from the device, requiring separate space within the device and requiring manual insertion. In 2010, the GSMA devised "eSIM (embedded SIM) technology," which can be embedded in devices, and announced the first standard in 2016. Due to its characteristics, eSIM technology has high usability in not only consumer electronics but also industrial facilities.

We asked Kim Young-wook, Manager of Infineon Korea's Connected Security Solutions Business Unit, about the advantages and potential of eSIM in the IIoT sector and Infineon's strategy in that market.



Q. Various wireless communication methods, such as Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Zigbee, and OpenThread, are commercially available. What are the unique advantages of cellular communication compared to other methods?

A. Cellular is a proven technology that has been widely used worldwide in consumer mobile devices for over 20 years. While other wireless communication technologies have defined ranges, cellular has the advantage of operating anywhere, with a signal.

Cellular is based on comprehensive standardization that ensures interoperability across multiple providers and operators across multiple regions. This allows for easy network expansion and integrates a broad ecosystem of device manufacturers, including chipsets and modules.



Q. What are the advantages of eSIM technology over SIM cards?

A. eSIM technology replaces the SIM card with a GSMA global specification that is connected to the device. The biggest advantage is that it cannot be physically removed from the installed device, ensuring high security. Furthermore, a single SKU (Stock Keeping Unit) can be used globally, and multiple MNO profiles (i.e., Integrated Circuit Card Identifiers (ICCIDs)) can be maintained. Furthermore, it offers high interoperability, is suitable for small modules and harsh environments, and extends the device's operating temperature range, providing a long lifespan.



Q. Do you think eSIM technology will completely replace SIM cards?

A. Infineon believes that SIM cards will be replaced by eSIM technology in the long term. While many mobile network operators (MNOs) were initially hesitant to adopt it, a wide range of smart devices now support eSIM. Furthermore, increasing customer awareness of eSIM is accelerating its adoption across various sectors.

The capabilities enabled by eSIM technology allow large enterprises to manage device pools while simultaneously contracting for data pools. It also offers superior scalability. eSIMs come in a smaller form factor than traditional SIM cards, enabling designers to simplify and miniaturize designs for all sensors, not just those in the consumer sector but also in the IIoT. Furthermore, the flexibility of MNO selection and simplified management support global device deployment.



Q. How does Infineon's OPTIGA™ Connect IoT solution benefit manufacturers developing IoT devices based on eSIM technology?

A. This solution is a turnkey solution with a pre-integrated bootstrap profile that uses cellular for machine-to-machine communication. Device manufacturers only need to handle a single interface, eliminating the need to deal with multiple MNO-related interfaces. This allows for easy and widespread deployment and management of cellular-enabled IoT devices.

IoT device manufacturers can offer devices for global use without having to provide specific versions for each market. This enables economies of scale, simplifying device management, reducing costs, and accelerating time to market.



Q. IoT security is a hot topic, with Arm announcing a new architecture and emphasizing enhanced security measures. What is the security level of OptiGA Connect IoT?

A. The Optiga Connect IoT solution is based on a 32-bit architecture based on Infineon's Arm® SecurCore® SC300, which features enhanced cache and security performance. Designed to exceed industry-required security standards, this Common Criteria EAL5+ certified eSIM hardware supports tamper-resistant features, providing enhanced security against physical attacks. This makes it ideal for long-term field devices.



Q. What role does Tata Communications play in the development of OptiGa Connect IoT?

A. The core of Optiga's eSIM functionality is the ability to swap connectivity profiles throughout the application lifecycle. This functionality is fully managed and serviced by the Tata Communications MOVE™ platform, enabling a complete eSIM experience through the partnership between Infineon and Tata Communications.

Additionally, Tata Communications offers connectivity through the Tata Communications Move platform. Tata Communications Move, the world's first global-local mobile network, provides access to over 640 mobile network operators (MNOs) in over 200 countries and territories, enabling global, network-independent cellular connectivity independent of any mobile network operator (MNO).

All data traffic is handled by the nearest Point-of-Presence (PoP) to ensure the best quality of service, and pre-integrated interconnections with major cloud providers enable secure mobile connectivity over private networks.

The most important advantage of Tata Communications' Move platform is its simplicity and ease of implementation. Currently, Infineon and Tata Communications are conducting pilot projects in Asia, EMEA, and the Americas, including smart mobility with asset tracking systems, smart energy through e-meters, and smart payments.