u-blox SARA-S520M10L 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.

Several factors have contributed to increasing demand for satellite communication to complement standard cellular connectivity within the IoT ecosystem. The need for global, ubiquitous connectivity has been rising steadily for years and has grown significantly since the COVID-19 pandemic. Critical goods in the supply chain must be tracked, although only a small proportion of the Earth’s surface is served by terrestrial cellular networks. In parallel, the 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 IoT module is built around a single, highly integrated, multimode modem system-on-chip (SoC), which reduces size and complexity. The first samples will be available by Q1 2024.