u-blox Introduces a Portfolio of Cost-Efficient LTE Cat. 1 modules for M2M and Automotive Applications

u-blox Introduces a Portfolio of Cost-Efficient LTE Cat. 1 modules for M2M and Automotive Applications

TOBY-R2 and LARA-R2 series support applications requiring longevity on LTE at low cost

THALWIL, Switzerland, September 3, 2015 /PRNewswire/ --

    u-blox, a global leader in wireless and positioning modules and chips, announces a
portfolio of new LTE low data-rate cellular modules supporting LTE Cat. 1 for IoT and M2M
applications in the industrial and automotive markets. Major carriers are rolling out LTE
networks worldwide at an accelerated pace, considering the sunset of their existing 2G and
3G networks. Devices that are expected to operate for years to come need to incorporate
LTE technology in order to ensure longevity.

         (Logo:
http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20150826/261282LOGO )

    The portfolio consists of multi-mode, multi-carrier and of LTE-only modules specific
for large North American carriers. All modules provide long-term LTE technology at lower
speeds, ideal for industrial and connected-car applications (10Mb/s download, 5Mb/s upload)
, at a significantly lower cost than typical LTE Cat. 4 modules. All modules operate from
-40degree(s)C to +85degree(s)C, making them suitable for demanding industrial and
automotive devices. The unique combination of performance and versatility makes these
modules ideally suited for M2M applications, such as telematics and smart metering, as
well as security and surveillance systems with the need for Voice-over-LTE (VoLTE).

    "Building on our philosophy of customer-driven innovation, u-blox is once again
delivering a competitive advantage with cost-effective and long-term solutions for IoT and
M2M applications. The new Cat.1 modules will enable our customers to develop devices
supporting LTE technology at an acceptable cost, because LTE Cat. 1 delivers lower speed
at a lower cost," explains Stefano Moioli, Director Product Management Cellular at u-blox.
"We expect LTE Cat. 1 technology to become the future norm for M2M applications," he adds.

    The u-blox LTE Cat. 1 module portfolio includes the following variants:

       
        - TOBY-R201 (LTE bands 2, 4, 13, 17 and HSPA bands 2, 5) is a multi-mode,
          multi-carrier LTE Cat. 1 module with HSPA fallback for North America. Its form factor
          in a 24.8 x 35.6 mm2 LGA package is the same as the TOBY-L2 Cat. 4 modules designed
          for applications requiring high data rates. The first samples will be available in
          October 2015.
        - LARA-R200 (LTE bands 4, 13) and LARA-R202 (LTE bands 2, 4, 17) are LTE Cat. 1 modules
          for the largest North American carriers, available in a compact 22.0 x 27.5 mm2 LGA
          form factor, and fit on the nested design pads compatible with other u-blox form
          factors. The first samples will be available in early 2016.

    Additional variants for Europe and APAC are planned.

    The modules also follow the u-blox "nested design" philosophy to maintain form factor
and software continuity. This allows customers to easily upgrade their products with each
new generation of u-blox wireless modules without having to change the PCB designs. It
allows for easy migration contributing to maximized investment, simplified logistics and
drastically reduced time-to-market.

    All the modules are expected to be certified soon by major US and Canadian mobile
carriers.

    For more information: http://www.u-blox.com

       
         
        u-blox contact 
        Stefano Moioli, Director Product Management Cellular at u-blox 
        Phone: +39-040-2603-703 
        Cellphone: +39-329-0286-633 
        E-mail: stefano.moioli@u-blox.com  

     

    Photo:
    http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20150826/261282LOGO

Photo:http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20150826/261282LOGO
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Photo:http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20150826/261282LOGO
http://photoarchive.ap.org/
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