New Module Delivers 10m Location Accuracy and LTE-M for IoT Communications

U-blox, a leading provider of wireless communication and positioning technologies, is now sampling a new line of modules that combine LTE-M cellular communication and GNSS for precise location finding.

The flagship device in this series is the SARA-R520M10, which features an LTE-M and NB-IoT IC (v2 of UBX-R5) along with the company's M10 GNSS receiver IC. This combination allows for concurrent communication and location-finding capabilities, all within a compact 16 x 26 x 2.2mm package.

With global cellular coverage, the module supports LTE Cat M1 and LTE Cat NB2 technologies, incorporating the latest 3GPP Rel. 14 and Rel. 15 features that are specifically designed for IoT applications.

For those who require a smaller form factor without sacrificing functionality, U-blox offers the SARA-R520 variant. This version eliminates the M10 IC while still providing location services through the UBX-R5, utilizing "Assisted GPS" technology. U-blox has branded this feature as "SpotNow."

"SpotNow is a positioning feature unique to U-blox, which provides position data with a 10m accuracy within a couple of seconds," explained a representative from U-blox. "It is meant for occasional tracking applications such as recycling waste dumpsters, elderly trackers, or cleaning machines."

For applications where lower position accuracy is acceptable, the external GNSS antenna can be eliminated, relying solely on LTE cell data for location determination.

In addition to the SARA-R520 series, U-blox also offers the LEXI-R520, which features the same hardware as the M10-less SARA-R520 but in a smaller 16 x 16 x 2mm package.

All modules in this series include an internal manager that automatically adjusts performance to optimize power consumption. This is particularly useful in scenarios where a connection is lost and needs to be re-established.

To further streamline the integration process, user code can be run directly on the internal module processor, eliminating the need for an external microcontroller.

These modules operate within a voltage range of 3 to 4.5V (with a nominal voltage of 3.8V) and can withstand temperatures ranging from -40 to +85°C. They are also qualified according to AEC-Q104 standards.

Sample units are currently available for evaluation, and volume production is scheduled to begin in Q3 2024.