With the introduction of the GSMA SGP.32 specification, the IoT Profile Assistant (IPA) has become a key component of the IoT eSIM ecosystem. This also presents new challenges for developers of device-side IPA implementations (IPAd): realistic testing requires seamless interoperability between the IPAd, eUICC, eIM, and SM-DP+.
To address this complexity, COMPRION and STMicroelectronics provide a jointly validated end-to-end test environment based on ST4SIM-300 (ST eUICC) and COMPRION test tools, significantly simplifying the development and interoperability testing of IPAd implementations.
What Is an IPAd?
The IoT Profile Assistant (IPA) is a core component of the GSMA SGP.32 specification, enabling the management of eSIM profiles in IoT devices. Working in conjunction with the eIM, it supports the remote download, activation, deactivation, and switching of cellular profiles—particularly for devices without displays or user interfaces.
The GSMA specification defines two IPA implementation options: the IPAe, which runs on the eUICC, and the IPAd, which runs on the IoT device itself. In both cases, the IPA acts as an intermediary between the eSIM and the eIM. For example, when a new cellular profile needs to be installed remotely or a mobile network operator needs to be changed, the eSIM IoT Remote Manager (eIM) issues the profile download trigger. The IPA connects to the SM-DP+ and handles the profile download to the eUICC, which securely stores the profile.
Why IPAd Testing Is Challenging
Developing an IPAd requires multiple components within the SGP.32 ecosystem to work together seamlessly. For manufacturers of IoT devices, modules, or embedded software developing their own IPAd implementations, this creates significant complexity, as realistic testing depends on reliable interaction among the eUICC, eIM, SM-DP+, and the IoT device itself.
“Many companies are currently developing components for the SGP.32 ecosystem for the first time. The real challenge often lies not in implementing individual functions, but in validating the interaction between the IPAd, the eUICC, and backend systems. This is exactly where our joint solution provides value,” said Dr. Marcus Dormanns, Director Product Management & Business Development at COMPRION.
A Jointly Validated SGP.32 Test Environment
The jointly developed solution combines the COMPRION eUICC Profile Manager with Loader IoT, the COMPRION Network Bridge, and GSMA-compliant SGP.32 eUICCs from STMicroelectronics. Together, these components form a complete end-to-end test environment for developing and validating IPAd implementations.
This collaboration aims to ensure interoperability between the ST4SIM-300 (ST eUICC) and third-party IPAd implementations, whether based on the ST reference implementation or developed from scratch. Both companies have extensively tested the components together, creating a reference environment that provides developers with a reliable foundation for validating their own implementations.
The environment includes a physical ST4SIM-300 (ST eUICC), simulated eIM and SM-DP+ functionality from COMPRION with comprehensive analysis and monitoring capabilities.
“This enables developers to verify interoperability between the IPAd and the eUICC under realistic conditions, identify potential issues early in the development cycle, and reduce integration risks before deployment. This will allow IoT and connectivity makers to bring solutions faster and easier to the market,” said Agostino Vanore, Secure Edge & IoT eSIM Business Unit manager, STMicroelectronics.
In addition, ST provides an IPAd sample implementation that can serve as a starting point for developing and integrating custom IPAd solutions.
Supporting Device Manufacturers and Integrators
The solution is designed for manufacturers of IoT devices, modules, and gateways; embedded software developers; connectivity solution providers; and system integrators building complex IoT applications across industries such as automotive, smart metering, payment, and industrial IoT.
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