u-blox is redefining IoT security with a 5G-ready cellular module and chipset for low power wide area IoT applications. The SARA-R5 series of LTE-M and NB-IoT modules for low power wide area (LPWA) IoT applications is the most advanced, secure and highly integrated cellular product. The module, built on the u-blox UBX-R5 cellular chipset and the M8 GNSS receiver chip, offers unmatched end-to-end security and long product availability, making it ideal for IoT applications with long-term device deployments.
The module also features a lightweight and low power pre-shared key (PSK) management system that is tailored to the needs of IoT applications, along with a comprehensive set of security features.
With mobile network operators announcing their plans to roll out 5G networks, 5G readiness is becoming a key factor in selecting cellular communication modules. LTE-M and NB-IoT are forward-compatible with 5G networks and, by implementing key LTE-M and NB-IoT features from 3GPP Release 14, SARA-R5 offers customers a smooth transition towards 5G via software upgrades to already deployed devices.
The SARA-R5 series builds on the new u-blox UBX-R5 LTE chipset and the u-blox M8 GNSS chip, which means that production and product lifetime are not dependent on third-party chipmakers. For customers, this translates into long-term availability, roadmap stability, and technical support down to the silicon level. Core technology ownership enables new features, relevant for positioning, timing, connectivity, and security.
SARA-R5 comes in two product variants. Featuring a built-in u-blox M8 GNSS receiver, SARA-R511M targets mobile applications in the automotive, fleet management, tracking, and telematics sectors. The GNSS receiver’s chip-down design includes a dedicated GNSS antenna interface and can run in parallel with the cellular connection. This assures maximum design flexibility while preserving overall system power consumption.
The second product variant, SARA-R510M, is optimized to deliver the lowest achievable power consumption, drawing less than 1 micro ampere of current in power save mode, making it ideal for metering, smart city, connected health, security and surveillance, remote monitoring and other battery-powered applications. For more information, click here.
