u-blox XPLR-IOT-1 IoT explorer kit

The u-blox XPLR-IOT-1 IoT explorer kit is an all-in-one package to test, evaluate and validate IoT applications. Integrating all relevant u-blox technologies and services into a capable prototyping platform with a vast selection of sensors and interfaces as well as cloud connectivity, the multifunctional application board gives users everything they need to prototype low-power IoT use cases such as logistics container trackers, industrial automation, sensor-to-cloud applications and fleet management solutions.

The board’s u-blox NORA-B106 Bluetooth LE 5.2 radio module doubles as its main MCU, hosting the application software and controlling the other modules. The board also hosts an ultralow-power MAX-M10S positioning module capable of concurrently tracking four global navigation satellite system (GNSS) constellations, delivering location data wherever GNSS coverage is available.

The hardware is complemented by a broad selection of sensors commonly used in IoT applications, including accelerometers and gyroscopes, a magnetometer, and temperature, humidity, pressure and ambient light sensors. A power-on switch, LEDs and user buttons make it easy for users to interact with the device.

The product offers engineers an easy way to start working with u-blox’s services offering. It includes a trial of MQTT Anywhere, which delivers ultralow power by communicating data between the device and the enterprise using the MQTT-SN (MQTT for sensor networks) protocol. Tracking applications with stringent power requirements such as freight container trackers can realise long battery life with u-blox’s positioning in cloud service, CloudLocate, while the CellLocate mobile-network-based location service extends tracking beyond the reach of GNSS signals.

Developers working with the kit can use code from u-blox’s ubxlib GitHub repository, a library of software examples for key use cases, to speed up the prototyping of solutions, which can range from wireless sensor networks to indoor and outdoor tracking solutions to industrial or smart building gateways. Because all hardware design files, software, smartphone app and online dashboard source code are shared, the kit can also serve as a starting point for commercial end-product design.