u-blox has announced its SARA-S520M10L, a cellular and satellite IoT module with accurate, low-power positioning, and connectivity. The module’s communication and tracking capability is ideal 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 u-blox SARA-S520M10L is small multi-mode cellular and satellite IoT (internet of things) module on market. It provides connectivity through terrestrial cellular networks and geostationary (GEO) satellites. Measuring approximately 400 mm2 with LTE-M/NB-IoT (long term evolution for machines / Narrowband-internet of things) , L-band satellite connectivity, and embedded navigation capability, it is pin-compatible with other u-blox cellular-only modules in SARA form factor. The module can provide location fixes using up to four satellite constellations.
This is the initial u-blox module designed with second generation of u-blox UBX-R5 chip, UBX-R52/S52. The S52 variant was developed to support satellite IoT communication alongside LTE-M/NB-IoT cellular standards.
Several factors have contributed to increasing demand for satellite communication to complement standard cellular connectivity within IoT ecosystem. The need for global, ubiquitous connectivity has been rising steadily for years and has grown since COVID-19 pandemic. Critical goods in supply chain must be tracked, although only a small proportion of Earth’s surface is served by terrestrial cellular networks. In parallel, IoT market has expanded at a steady pace, including use cases that need connectivity support in regions where cellular coverage is unreliable or absent.
“The u-blox SARA-S520M10L is our first IoT module that integrates both cellular and satellite connectivity. Comparable solutions on the market require two distinct subsystems, one for cellular and another for satellite connectivity. SARA-S520M10L is built around a single, highly-integrated, multi-mode modem system-on-chip (SoC), which reduces size and complexity. Combining this versatile SoC with u-blox’s GNSS capability offers the perfect solution for mobile and stationary IoT applications in challenging environments such as isolated places, mountains, or in the middle of the ocean.” says Alessandro Bonetti, senior product manager, product centre cellular at u-blox.
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