Memory bottleneck puts IoT module supply under pressure as Astute Group adds REYAX
Shortages of LPDDR4 memory are starting to hit high-end cellular IoT modules. Astute Group’s new agreement with REYAX gives customers another option when cost, lead time or reliance on one supplier is putting a project at risk.
Counterpoint Research reported in April that tighter LPDDR4 supply and rising memory costs were affecting high-end cellular IoT modules. The pressure comes from two directions: memory manufacturers are putting more capacity into high-bandwidth memory for AI servers while reducing output of older products such as LPDDR4.
Prices are moving sharply. TrendForce forecasted a 58–63% quarter-on-quarter rise in conventional DRAM contract prices for the second quarter of 2026. IDC expects DRAM and NAND supply growth this year to remain below historical levels, at 16% and 17% respectively.
This matters because a high-end IoT module may contain an application processor, LPDDR memory and flash storage as well as the radio. A shortage or price rise in any one of those parts feeds through to the complete module.
There is also less room to manoeuvre. Quectel accounted for 34% of cellular IoT module revenue in 2025, according to IoT Analytics. Telit Cinterion remains one of the other large suppliers, while u-blox has left the cellular module market to focus on GNSS, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth.
Changing module still takes work. Engineers may need to revisit the footprint, antenna, power supply, firmware, approvals and certification. That makes an early review far less disruptive than waiting for a part to become unavailable.
Where REYAX can help
Astute Group has signed a new franchise agreement with REYAX Technology, a global leader in wireless connectivity and IoT solutions. The agreement covers key territories across Europe, Asia-Pacific, the Middle East and the Americas, with opportunities elsewhere considered case by case.
REYAX’s range covers LoRa and LoRaWAN, Bluetooth Low Energy, Wi-Fi, cellular and NB-IoT, NFC and RFID, GPS/GNSS, ultra-wideband (UWB), ISM RF, antennas and development tools.
Not every connected product needs a high-end cellular module. LoRa or LoRaWAN may suit a remote sensor sending small amounts of data. Bluetooth or Wi-Fi may cover equipment within a building. GNSS can locate outdoor assets, UWB provides accurate indoor ranging, and NFC or RFID can handle access and authentication.
Choosing the right technology can cut power use, cost and exposure to scarce memory. REYAX’s AT-command-controlled LoRa modules support long-range, low-power links for smart metering, industrial telemetry, environmental monitoring, building automation and agriculture. A private LoRa network can also remove the need for a cellular subscription.
Where cellular remains the right choice, REYAX offers cellular and NB-IoT products, including mini PCIe formats. Astute Group can compare them with the current part, although the electrical, mechanical, software, regulatory and network requirements must still be checked.
Another supply route
REYAX was established in 2008 and is based in Taiwan. It gives organisations looking to reduce dependence on mainland Chinese module suppliers another source to assess. The company says its core technology draws on Taiwan, Japan, Europe and the United States.
REYAX can also customise firmware, integrate peripherals and MCUs, develop PCB assemblies and support finished products, apps and cloud services. This gives customers more scope when a standard module is not quite right or a redesign is already planned.
Astute Group is asking customers to check which designs are exposed, how much confirmed stock they have and whether a second route is practical. Users of Quectel, Telit Cinterion, u-blox and other wireless platforms can send Astute the module number, application, annual demand and main technical requirements for an initial REYAX review.
“REYAX is recognised globally for its high-performance RF and wireless communication technologies, including LoRa®, Bluetooth®, Wi-Fi, GNSS and LTE modules, enabling customers to accelerate product development while reducing design complexity and time-to-market.
The addition of REYAX complements Astute’s strategy of providing customers with market-leading technologies that solve real engineering challenges. Combined with Astute’s experienced technical business development teams, design-in support and global supply chain capabilities, customers can confidently accelerate their next generation of connected products.”
— Jon Sypula, Supplier Business Manager, Astute Group
