u-blox SARA-S520M10L cellular and satellite IoT module

u-blox has launched the SARA-S520M10L, a cellular and satellite IoT module with low-power positioning and ubiquitous connectivity. The module’s communication and tracking capability is suitable for asset tracking, fleet management, maritime transportation, mining, utilities and smart agriculture applications. It also serves market segments such as anti-theft systems, industrial monitoring and control, as well as applications that require communication in safety-critical scenarios.

The multimode cellular and satellite IoT module provides connectivity through terrestrial cellular networks and geostationary (GEO) satellites. Measuring approximately 400 mm² with LTE-M/NB-IoT, L-band satellite connectivity and embedded navigation capability, it is pin-compatible with other u-blox cellular-only modules in the SARA form factor. The module can provide location fixes using up to four satellite constellations.

The module is designed with the 2nd generation of the u-blox UBX-R5 chip, the UBX-R52/S52. The S52 variant was developed to support satellite IoT communication alongside LTE-M/NB-IoT cellular standards.

The IoT module is built around a single, highly integrated, multimode modem system-on-chip (SoC), which reduces size and complexity. Combining this versatile SoC with u-blox’s GNSS capability offers a useful solution for mobile and stationary IoT applications in challenging environments such as isolated places, mountains or the middle of the ocean.