U-blox introduces new LTE-M modules integrated with GNSS to help improve communication capabilities for industrial applications

     U-blox announced the launch of its new family of LTE-M cellular communications modules, SARA-R52 and LEXI-R52, based on u-blox UBX-R52 cellular communications chips, designed to meet the needs of integrated and multi-mode positioning and wireless communications. Typical IoT application scenarios include fixed and mobile applications such as electricity meters and utilities, asset tracking and monitoring, and healthcare.

     The u-blox UBX-R52 chip incorporates a new set of features that eliminates the need for additional components when designing products. SpotNow is a new positioning feature unique to u-blox that provides positioning data to an accuracy of 10 meters in seconds. This feature is designed for intermittent tracking applications, such as waste recycling bins, senior trackers or cleaning devices. The uCPU feature allows users to run their own software within the chip without the need to use an external MCU.

     uSCM(Smart Connection Manager), on the other hand, is designed for automated communication management with the aim of improving performance or reducing power consumption as much as possible, for example when a communication connection needs to be rebuilt after it has been broken.

     The new u-blox R52 series also introduces a new combination module that provides synchronous GNSS and cellular connectivity, which is important for applications that require continuous or circular tracking. The u-blox SARA-R520M10 combination module is equipped with an integrated u-blox M10 GNSS receiver that ensures concurrent tracking at low power consumption, providing better TTFF and RF sensitivity. It is tailored for users looking for a simple, pre-integrated cellular communications and GNSS solution.

     While many LTE-M modules have an RF output power of only 20-21 dBm, the new R52 series has an RF output power of 23 dBm, ensuring stable communication under challenging coverage conditions. The LEXI-R52 has the same functional features as the SARA-R52, but its smaller appearance size (16x16x2 mm) makes it ideal for ultra-small applications such as wearables.