u-blox SARA R412M LTE Cat M1 and NB-IoT multimode module

u-blox has announced the SARA‑R412M, an LTE Cat M1, NB-IoT and quad band 2G (EGPRS) module with worldwide coverage. Measuring 16 x 26 mm, the module provides both LTE and quad band EGPRS support in a single design. The flexibility extends further with dynamic system selection as Cat M1, NB-IoT and EGPRS in single mode or as a preferred connection that does not require a module reboot to switch between modes.

It has a rich feature suite optimised for LPWA (low-power wide-area) IoT applications that require the assurance of 2G connectivity to guarantee broad geographic coverage, even in areas where LTE Cat M1 and NB-IoT are not widely available yet. IoT devices deployed in the field today can activate on existing 2G networks and still leverage the benefits of LTE Cat M1 and NB-IoT technology once it becomes available.

The series covers a whole host of IoT applications, especially those reliant on long-term, low power use or requiring connectivity deep within buildings. Examples include gas, water and electricity metering, city street lighting, building automation, HVAC, industrial monitoring and control, telematics, insurance, asset and vehicle tracking, security systems, alarm panels, outpatient monitoring and consumer wearables.

The module enables global solutions based on a single hardware version, allowing developers to select their own desired frequencies and operator configurations. It ensures data integrity between applications via secure communication protocols, notably including two-way authentication between client and server.

The product has an extended temperature range of -40 to +85°C and supports Power Save Mode (PSM) and Extended Discontinuous Reception (e-DRX) for LTE Cat M1 and NB-IoT connectivity, which can extend battery lifetime for up to 10 years. 3GPP Coverage Enhancement allows the module’s Cat M1 connectivity to reach deeper into buildings and basements, and even underground with NB-IoT, when compared to other air interface technologies such as GSM or Cat 1.