How Laird Connectivity Offerings Are Pushing the Future of Autonomous Aircraft Communication

Communication integrity is imperative in the aerospace industry, and Laird Connectivity has placed itself as a trusted supplier serving this need for both traditional and next-generation aircraft platforms. Now known as Ezurio, the company is widely recognized for producing high-performance wireless modules, embedded antennas, and edge IoT devices that underpin seamless data transmission and system monitoring.

As such, Ezurio’s technologies are extensively deployed across the aerospace and defense sectors, particularly to aid in the low-latency, high-reliability data exchange demands of autonomous aircraft and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). In this blog, we will explore a selection of this company’s most notable products that are shaping optimal communication performance in autonomous aviation.

Sentrius™ Series

The Sentrius™ Series is engineered to deliver secure, reliable wireless communication across challenging environments. Sentrius RG191 + LTE Gateway and Sentrius BT510 Sensor products support a wide range of IoT and telemetry needs, together presenting a scalable, ruggedized approach to collecting and transmitting vital system data in autonomous aircraft and UAV systems.

Sentrius RG191 + LTE Gateway

The Sentrius RG191 + LTE Gateway enables long-range communication using both LTE cellular and LoRaWAN® protocols, offering a dual-mode platform ideal for Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) UAV operations. Moreover, it maintains constant connectivity between aircraft and ground systems, serving remote or infrastructure-limited regions well. Some of its features include:

• Integrated GPS for continuous asset tracking and telemetry reporting
• Flexible I/O options, including Ethernet, USB, and serial interfaces
• AES-128 encryption to protect critical data
• Industrial-grade housing that is rated for -30°C to +70°C and resistant to shock and vibration

Sentrius BT510 Sensor

The Sentrius BT510 is a battery-powered sensor that communicates via Bluetooth Low Energy 5.0 (BLE 5.0). With real-time condition monitoring, it allows for efficient wireless reporting from areas such as avionics bays, hatch compartments, or environmental control systems. Its design includes:

• A multi-sensor platform capable of detecting temperature, motion, and magnetic contact
• An IP67-rated enclosure, offering full protection from dust and water ingress
• Smart power management, which utilizes event-triggered transmissions or scheduled logging to conserve energy and operate for over five years on a single battery

Revie Flex Series

The Revie Flex Series of ultra-low-profile embedded antennas is well-suited for aerospace and UAV applications requiring discreet internal mounting and minimal weight. Frequently deployed in compact drone assemblies, these antennas facilitate stable data links, navigation signal acquisition, and telemetry, even as airframe orientation shifts during flight. Their core design and performance traits include:

• An ultra-thin PET substrate with self-adhesive backing for easy, secure installation
• An omnidirectional radiation pattern providing consistent connectivity across roll, pitch, and yaw movements
• Multi-band frequency support covering LTE, Wi-Fi, GNSS, and ISM applications
• Integrated coaxial pigtail with U.FL or MHF connectors to simplify RF path integration and reduce system weight

Sterling™ Wi-Fi and Bluetooth Modules

The Sterling Series consists of high-performance embedded wireless modules that facilitate high-throughput data transfer in embedded systems, bolstering autonomous decision-making and system coordination. Moreover, with full driver support and broad OS compatibility, they complement UAVs and small aircraft that rely on stable local area communication.

Comparison of Sterling-LWB5+ and Sterling-EWB Performance Features

Other performance highlights of these modules include:

• Cypress/Infineon chipsets for rapid integration into embedded Linux or RTOS platforms that are commonly used in UAV flight controllers and data management units
• Hardware-based security with WPA3 support, preserving data integrity in shared-spectrum environments
• Compact form factors suitable for tightly packed electronics bays

Proprietary Antennas

While Ezurio boasts a comprehensive catalog of off-the-shelf solutions, its custom antenna design services are instrumental for aerospace developers with unique airframe or electromagnetic constraints, where standard antennas often underperform due to spatial or signal interference limitations. They can offer:

• Frequency tuning in the millimeter-wave and sub-6 GHz spectrums to match military, GNSS, or advanced UAV communication bands
• Tailored radiation patterns for precise beam shaping, essential in phased array applications or directional control uplinks
• Conformal antennas that integrate into aircraft fuselages to reduce drag and radar cross-section

Additional Technologies to Watch

Ezurio also continues to invest in forward-looking technologies that are gaining attention in aerospace and UAV markets, with two notable examples including the:

• eMTC/NB-IoT Cellular Modules: Beneficial for telemetry, diagnostics, and environmental monitoring where some latency is acceptable, these modules support LTE Cat M1 and NB-IoT with global band compatibility. They also offer network fallback, integrated Bluetooth options, and ultra-low power consumption packaged in rugged, compact forms for harsh environments.
• MCU-Based Edge Devices: Built for distributed onboard processing, these units feature integrated microcontrollers that handle sensor fusion, event alerts, and protocol translation directly at the source. By reducing dependence on centralized flight processors, they enable faster, localized responses.

A Trusted Procurement Platform for High-Performance Connectivity and Communication Parts

While other companies such as Gangyuan and Facon present high-quality RF and electromechanical components, Ezurio distinguishes itself with its continued innovation in embedded wireless, antenna design, and edge connectivity to meet the evolving demands of commercial and military aerospace operations. However, regardless of manufacturer, having a dependable source for advanced aircraft project needs is essential.

ASAP Semiconductor, through its website Stacked Electromechanicals, presents an extensive inventory of legacy Laird Connectivity items, alongside many components from other respected manufacturers from around the world. By centralizing access to thousands of essential parts and offering competitive, curated solutions in response to quote requests, Stacked Electromechanicals takes the stress out of the fulfillment process. See why else so many customers depend on us as their go-to procurement platform when you explore our selection and connect with our experts.