Particle has released its LTE-enabled, cellular E Series IoT module. This all-in-one cellular solution is the first commercially available LTE hardware module for IoT product creators to future proof their devices as network operates start to retire 2G and 3G networks. Particle's LTE module includes built-in cloud and SIM support, and is certified for the newly available LTE networks designed just for IoT.
Long Term Evolution (LTE) CAT M1 network technologies are optimized for Internet of Things applications for a number of reasons. LTE hardware is less costly, offers longer battery life, and improved connectivity range. These features make novel IoT applications – such as distributed sensor networks for agriculture or hard-to-reach industrial monitoring environments – possible, whereas they were not economically feasible in the past. These features, combined with LTE's superior coverage, will facilitate the next wave of successfully deployed IoT products. Additionally, as US carriers move to eliminate 2G networks and end new 2G/3G device certifications, Particle's LTE E Series provides a much needed transition path for IoT product creators while avoiding costly disruptions.
The LTE modules are part of Particle's existing E Series suite - an enterprise-level collection of cellular IoT solutions (including 2G, 3G, and now LTE models) - that come bundled with the Particle Device Cloud, Device OS, and Particle's extensive collection of developer tools. Particle's pre-integrated cellular solution provides a faster, far less complicated path to market by taking care of the vast majority of the challenges that plague commercial IoT development - not least of which includes the extensive, time-consuming, and costly certifications required of connected devices (e.g. FCC; PTCRB; and Carrier-Specific).
The E Series family of products are based on Qualcomm Technologies' MDM9206 LTE IoT global multimode modem, a purpose-built solution designed to support global multimode capabilities, including both eMTC (Cat M1) and NB-IoT (Cat NB-1), as well as 2G/E-GPRS. The MDM9206 LTE IoT modem is designed to facilitate the development of cost-effective, low-power devices designed for multi-year battery life and greater coverage compared to traditional LTE.
The LTE lineup includes two LTE CAT-M1 models (LTE B13 and LTE B2/4/5/12) and is fully certified, low profile, surface mountable for industrial environments, and powered by Qualcomm's MDM9206 IoT Modem and u-blox's SARA-R410-02B module.
Customers can order a Particle E Series Evaluation Kit which includes an E Series Evaluation Board with LTE global connectivity, a sample IoT sensor (temperature), and accessories to build an industrial proof-of-concept for $89. Customers can also order individual LTE E Series modules starting at $69 per module. Shipping lead time is 6-8 weeks. To learn more about Particle's LTE-enabled E Series modules and learn more about updating your cellular IoT strategy, click here.
