IQRF: revolutionising wireless mesh technology

This article originally appeared in the March'25 magazine issue of Electronic Specifier Design – see ES's Magazine Archives for more featured publications.

What makes IQRF stand out?

1. Uncompromising mesh network reliability

IQRF is designed for environments where communication reliability is critical. The  IQMESH protocol enables networks with up to 255 hops and 1,000+ of nodes to operate smoothly, even in harsh conditions. This deterministic, collision-free message delivery makes IQRF ideal for industrial automation, smart cities, and building management.

Unlike other technologies that require over complex mechanisms, IQRF’s native healing enhances network robustness by definition, improving reliability as more nodes are added.

2. IQRF True Low Power

Energy efficiency is essential for battery-powered IoT devices. The IQRF True Low Power concept minimises energy consumption through scalable power modes. The limiting factor is the battery's own lifespan, not wireless usage. For instance, a sensor transmitting data every minute can operate for over 20 years on a single AA battery, twice the standard battery life.

Devices can remain online with power consumption as low as 15µA in eXtra Low Power  (XLP) receiving mode, making IQRF ideal for wireless environmental monitoring and low-maintenance applications.

3. Open standard and interoperability

IQRF recently introduced a royalty-free open standard, giving manufacturers access to  decades of innovation and expertise tailored to their needs. This promotes independence in production and interoperability between devices from different vendors. Developers benefit from a wide range of compatible hardware, firmware, and cloud services.

4. Security and network protection

Security is a core pillar of IQRF technology. The system follows industrial-grade security standards, featuring encrypted communication, device authentication, and replay protection. These features protect networks from unauthorised access and ensure secure device onboarding, making IQRF suitable for industrial control and mission-critical infrastructure.

5. Simplified integration and development tools

IQRF’s modular architecture and ecosystem simplify product development. The IQRF IDE 5.x provides powerful tools for configuration, debugging, and diagnostics, while certified transceivers reduce regulatory challenges.

Engineers benefit from:

• A library of guides, examples, and tutorials
• Development kits for rapid prototyping
• Ongoing technical support