u‑blox has announced the release of world’s smallest quad-band LTE Cat M1 module, the u-blox SARA‑R410M. By enabling remote devices to connect directly to 4G networks, the module will aid the rollout of Internet of Things (IoT) and machine-to-machine (M2M) applications, from smart metering to connected healthcare, and from industrial control and monitoring to smart buildings and cities.
The 16 x 26 mm form factor is the same size as existing u-blox 2G and 3G modules. This means designers can easily migrate from earlier modules to take advantage of LTE Cat M1, without changing their circuit board designs.
The universal design of the SARA‑R410M allows customers to use a single hardware version globally. It broadens its market to multi-regions, depending on the installed software. With the help of quad-band support, the device reaches all of North America including USA, Canada and Mexico (B2/B4/B5/B12) and also markets in South America, Australia and New Zealand (B3/B5/B8/B28). Operators and customers can deliver future firmware updates over-the-air with u-blox’s uFOTA client/server solution that uses LWM2M, a light and compact protocol that is ideal for IoT applications. This will enable them to continue using the same hardware for new band configurations, operator certifications, features and functionalities, which can be added to the module over time.
With IoT and M2M devices required to operate for long periods of time on a small battery, the u-blox SARA‑R410M includes Power-Saving Mode (PSM) and extended discontinuous reception (eDRX) that together deliver battery life of up to 10 years. Having been manufactured in ISO/TS 16949 certified production sites and an extended operating temperature range of –40°C to +85°C makes the module ideal for industrial applications. It also boasts extended range, meaning it can operate within buildings or even basements. Its Maximum Coupling Loss (MCL) of 155.7 dB is 15 dB better than GSM or LTE Cat 1.
With the increasing global demand for connected devices that can operate for years in hostile environments without physical intervention, the u-blox SARA‑R410M is designed to provide device-makers the convenience of a single hardware version that can be used across a number of markets. Combined with its ultra-compact size, quad-band support, extremely low power usage and u-blox’s over-the-air update solution, it can be the perfect future-proof IoT and M2M communications module.
