u-blox, a global wireless and positioning module and chip company, has announced its new SARA-R410M-02B, a configurable LTE Cat M1/NB1 multi-mode module with worldwide coverage. The company said it is the smallest module available in the market today, at just 16x26 mm, that can offer both LTE Cat M1 and Cat NB1 in a single hardware package, as well as software-based configurability for all deployed bands. The SARA-R410M-02B multi-mode global module supports ultra-low power consumption and cost-optimized solutions for the development of LPWA IoT applications.
Single hardware for global use
The module is designed to allow customers to use a single hardware version globally, providing efficiencies in logistics and SKU management so customers can respond to changes in business or market conditions more easily. The flexibility extends further with the ability to select modes dynamically between Cat M1and Cat NB1 as either single or preferred connection.
"The innovations included in the u-blox SARA-R410M-02B provide customers with the potential to dramatically expand market reach, to differentiate their products and maximize their return-on-investment using this single, versatile, global solution," said Patty Felts, Principal Product Manager, Cellular, u-blox. "SARA-R410M-02B provides new and inventive ways to broaden horizons and to realize economies of scale that simply were not possible or feasible until now. It is an exciting advance in u-blox's leadership position in cellular IoT connectivity."
Future proof
Critical firmware updates will be delivered via the u-blox proprietary uFOTA (firmware over the air) client/server solution that uses LWM2M, a light and compact protocol for IoT applications. SARA-R410M-02B also comes with the hardware readiness for future support of voice functionality via VoLTE over Cat M1.
Low power consumption and extended range
It has an extended temperature range of -40 to 85°C, and supports Power Save Mode (PSM) and Extended Discontinuous Reception (e-DRX), which can extend battery lifetime up to 10 years.
3GPP Coverage Enhancement permits the module's connectivity to reach deeper into buildings and basements, and underground.
Edited by
Ken Briodagh