u-blox LARA-R6 and LENA-R8 LTE Cat 1 modules

u-blox has announced two additions to its cellular LTE Cat 1 portfolio. The u-blox LARA-R6 is claimed to be the smallest LTE Cat 1 module with global coverage on the market, while the u-blox LENA-R8 includes a GNSS receiver based on the u-blox M10 platform. Offering device makers a futureproof migration path to 4G technology for data streaming applications, the modules provide MQTT Anywhere and MQTT Flex connectivity via u-blox’s Thingstream platform out of the box, enabling low-power connectivity with globally ubiquitous, seamless roaming.

The LARA-R6 professional-grade series features dual Rx (receiver) antennas for signal reception in difficult-coverage areas as well as for use cases that require voice communication over VoLTE. The security-focused module provides a root of trust, secure boot and secure communication with regular security updates. Suitable for telematics, tracking and health applications, as well as for alarm panels, smart meters and point-of-sale devices, it includes a globally certified variant with 18 LTE frequency bands and 2G/3G fallback for universal connectivity; a variant certified by North American mobile network operators; and a multi-regional variant for use in the EMEA, APAC, Japan and LATAM markets.

The LENA-R8 standard-grade series targets users in the tracking and telematics markets seeking to minimise costs. The compact module features a single Rx antenna and primarily targets deployments in the EMEA, APAC and South America regions. It supports a broad range of frequency bands with 2G fallback, providing maximum roaming coverage for global tracking applications using a single stock keeping unit (SKU). A variant of the series comes with an ultralow-power u-blox M10 GNSS receiver for high-performance asset tracking applications, reducing integration effort and time to market. The module can concurrently receive up to four GNSS constellations for maximum position availability.

All variants of the modules support CellLocate, u-blox’s cellular network-based location service, for coarse positioning data even in the absence of GNSS signals. Both modules offer global roaming with a single SKU, which simplifies logistics and supply chain management. The modules’ small size gives product developers design flexibility and the possibility to create smaller form factors.