Thalwil, Switzerland – Swiss-based u-blox, a global leader in wireless and positioning modules and integrated circuits for the consumer, industrial and automotive markets, has introduced the SARA-G350 ATEX, an ultra-compact, low power, surface mount GSM/GPRS modem module certified for use in devices operating in potentially explosive environments such as smart gas meters.
“The SARA-G350 ATEX extends our feature-scalable SARA 2G module series to address devices that must operate in potentially explosive environments such as residential and industrial gas meters, fuel storage facilities, chemical plants and oil platforms,” said Thomas Nigg, Vice President Product Marketing at u-blox, “Our ATEX and IECEx certified modem significantly lowers the hurdle for our customers to ATEX/IECEx certify their end devices.”
The ATEX-95 and IECEx equipment directive are EU and international regulations specifying the safety criteria for electrical equipment used in explosive atmospheres. It requires extensive testing at the module level as well as regular audits at design and manufacturing sites in order to continuously verify adherence to stringent requirements.
Packaged in a compact 16 x 26 mm LGA module, SARA modules provide a solution to a wide range of M2M applications requiring dual or quad-band GSM/GPRS, voice and/or data, optional Internet suite (embedded TCP/IP, UDP/IP, HTTP and FTP), and in-band modem support for eCall and ERA GLONASS vehicle emergency call applications. Extremely low power consumption, less than 0.8 mA in standby mode, makes the SARA-G350 ATEX perfect for portable and M2M communication applications.
The SARA Land Grid Array (LGA) form factor enables compact and supports A-GPS for accelerated positioning used in telematics devices, and u-blox’ unique CellLocate® hybrid positioning technology to facilitate advanced location-aware systems requiring indoor positioning.
RIL software for Android and Embedded Windows is available free of charge.
SARA modules are manufactured in ISO/TS 16949 certified sites. Each module is intensively inspected and tested during production. The modules are fully qualified according to ISO 16750 – Environmental conditions and electrical testing for electrical and electronic equipment for road vehicles to provide high durability and reliability.
Switzerland-based u-blox is a global leader in positioning and wireless semiconductors for the consumer, industrial and automotive markets. Its solutions enable people, vehicles and machines to locate their exact position and wirelessly communicate via voice, text or video. With a broad portfolio of chips, modules and software solutions, u-blox is positioned to enable OEMs to develop innovative personal, professional and M2M solutions quickly and cost-effectively. u-blox has offices in Europe, Asia-Pacific and the USA.
