Swiss IoT module maker u-blox has actually revealed 2 brand-new LTE-M cellular module series, the SARA-R52 and LEXI-R52, developed for commercial IoT applications. Both are based upon its UBX-R5 cellular chip and incorporate GNSS placing. The company is pitching them for keeping track of and tracking applications in the energies and logistics markets, along with in the health care sector.
The R52 series presents a brand-new “combination module” to use synchronised GNSS and LTE-M connection– referred to as “essential for applications needing constant or cyclic tracking”. The SARA-R520M10 has an integrated GNSS receiver (M10) for “concurrent low-power tracking, much better time-to-first-fix (TTFF), and enhanced radio (RF) level of sensitivity,” the business stated. “It is customized for users who [want a] pre-integrated cellular and GNSS option,” it included.
The LEXI-R52 offers the exact same functions as the SARA-R52, however in a smaller sized type element (16x16x2 mm)– “perfect for ultra-small applications like wearables”.
A lot of brand-new functions in the UBX-R52 chip have actually been flagged, likewise, meant to ignore extra componentry and decrease the footprint and expenses connected with IoT advancement. The GNSS placing function, called SpotNow, offers a 10-metre repair on an IoT gadget within a “number of seconds”. “It is implied for periodic tracking applications such as recycling waste dumpsters, senior trackers, or cleansing devices,” stated u-blox.
Besides, u-blox has a calculate processing system (‘ uCPU’) that enables users to run their own software application within the chip without utilizing an external microcontroller system (MCU). The company’s connection supervisor (uSCM) software application is developed for “automated connection management [for] either finest efficiency or most affordable power usage”– in case a connection drops, for instance, it stated.
The R52 series provides 23 dBm of RF output power, compared to 20-21 dBm in the majority of LTE-M modules. “This makes sure steady connection in difficult protection conditions.” Samples are readily available now; volume production is anticipated in the 3rd quarter.