GPS World

Category: Mobile

  • UK startup Focal Point offers smartphone positioning technologies

    UK startup Focal Point offers smartphone positioning technologies

    Focal Point Positioning U.K.-startup Focal Point Positioning has unveiled two new positioning technologies. S-GPS and D-Tail represent step changes in consumer GPS processing and smartphone indoor positioning, the company said.

    S-GPS is a new signal processing, sensor fusion and machine learning scheme that dramatically improves the accuracy and availability of satellite-based positioning signals, the company said. The patent-pending S-GPS technology provides increased sensitivity and multipath mitigation capabilities that allow modern smartphones to maintain accurate GPS fixes deep indoors and in complex urban environments.

    The improvements have the capability to address challenging navigation problems such as locating emergency mobile phone calls, navigating autonomous vehicles through dense urban environments, and improving consumer interaction with location-based services (LBS).

    D-Tail is a human motion modeling system that can accurately track users in three dimensions using the inertial sensors in their smartphone or wearable devices. The result is a precise trace of the user’s motion, better than the detail and accuracy provided by dead-reckoning and Wi-Fi fingerprinting techniques. D-Tail is designed to improve the performance and accuracy of activity tracking apps and LBS analytics.

    The company is starting to engage with chipset manufacturers to deploy the technologies in smartphones, according to founder and CEO Ramsey Faragher.

  • Orolia fortifies resilient PNT with Satelles satellite time and location signal

    Orolia fortifies resilient PNT with Satelles satellite time and location signal

    A strategic alliance announced on Dec. 15 between Orolia and Satelles includes product development and go-to-market activities of positioning, navigation and timing (PNT) solutions provided by the Iridium satellite constellation, independent of GPS/GNSS signals. The companies intend to provide PNT solutions to military, defense, government and commercial customers worldwide.

    Orolia, the parent of GNSS-active companies Spectracom and Spectratime, among others, announced that it has formed a strategic alliance, including an equity investment with Satelles Inc. to develop, market and sell PNT solutions based on Satelles’ satellite time and location (STL) signal technology. STL is a unique space-based PNT technology that provides location and timing data independent from traditional GPS and other GNSS satellite signals. By using STL, Orolia’s Spectracom and McMurdo solutions will, according to the company, be less susceptible to vulnerabilities such as spoofing, interference and jamming that are associated with GPS/GNSS.

    Iridium satellite, courtesy Iridium.
    Iridium satellite, courtesy Iridium.

    Based on the low-Earth orbit (LEO) Iridium satellite constellation, STL signals are up to 1,000 times stronger than GPS/GNSS; this signal strength, due in part to the constellation’s closer proximity to users, helps to prevent jamming and enables signal reach into buildings and other difficult locations. STL’s additional cryptographic security also ensures performance, productivity and security.

    For further background on Iridium, see “Iridium and GPS revisited: A new PNT solution on the horizon?“, the June 2016 Defense PNT column by Don Jewell.

    Projected key applications and use cases include energy/utility grids, enterprise data networks including financial systems, maritime/aviation navigation, fleet/asset tracking management, search and rescue and data center management. Further details on planned projects and products of the Orolia-Satelles partnership will be posted to this site in a follow-up story in coming days.

    Many highly sensitive military, defense, government and commercial applications and operations require accurate and reliable PNT data. Today, these applications rely on signals from GPS/GNSS satellites. There are instances, however, where GPS/GNSS signal strength and security are not sufficient and prone to signal disruption. For these cases, the companies jointly state, STL can be used as a secure signal of opportunity to complement GPS/GNSS, making the applications more accurate and secure and less prone to interference and attack.

    “In today’s increasingly dynamic and mobile world, there is a growing need for precise and robust positioning, navigation and timing information especially in business-critical, high risk and life-saving operations,” said Jean-Yves Courtois, Orolia CEO. “By augmenting Orolia’s market-leading GPS/GNSS-based solutions with Satelles’ STL technology, we will have the industry’s first essentially fail-safe, resilient PNT solution. This breakthrough offering will be ideal for mission critical applications in which the smallest of discrepancies in PNT data accuracy, availability and stability can result in a network outage, a system crash or a loss of life.”

    “Satelles’ pioneering role in STL technology is a perfect fit with Orolia’s proven Resilient PNT strategy,” said Michael O’Connor, Satelles CEO. “We look forward to working together to introduce new products and solutions that will provide our customers with the utmost confidence that their positioning, navigation and timing data is accurate, secure and accessible.”

     

  • New golf rangefinder wearables use u-blox inside

    New golf rangefinder wearables use u-blox inside

    Photo: U‑bloxU‑blox components are at the core of two new GNSS golf products. The golf rangefinder wearables were launched by Voice Caddie, an international brand of rangefinders and trackers based in South Korea.

    The T3 Hybrid Golf GPS Watch uses the compact u‑blox UBX‑G7020‑KT professional‑grade GNSS chip, which links with GPS/QZSS or GLONASS satellite systems.

    The B1 GPS Band uses the u‑blox UBX‑M8030‑KT professional‑grade GNSS chip, which provides navigation sensitivity and low current consumption. It is compatible with GPS, Galileo, GLONASS and BeiDou satellite systems.

    The u‑blox GNSS technology enables the T3 Watch and the B1 Band to automatically detect golf courses and holes, and shows the wearer the driving distance and remaining distance to the hole as well as the distance to the front, middle and back of the green. The T3 Watch also measures short distances.

    “Miniaturization is key to our goal to make truly mobile golfing technology wearables,” said Ho‑Hyeong Lee, director of the Research Center at Voice Caddie parent company Ucomm Technology. “The u‑blox GNSS chips are the ideal solution for our products, because of a combination of their compact size, low power‑consumption and low cost. This has helped us to create advanced, comfortable products at the price points we were targeting.”

    Both companies foresee further collaboration with high precision GNSS and short range solutions.

  • Geneq introduces SXPad 1000P rugged handheld

    Geneq introduces SXPad 1000P rugged handheld

    SXPad 1000P by Geneq.
    SXPad 1000P by Geneq.

    Geneq Inc. has announced the SXPad 1000P, a rugged handheld GPS data collector, which the company says is low-cost.

    The SXPad 1000P is suitable for mobile GIS users in applications ranging from water, electric, gas utilities, transportation, mining, agriculture and forestry.

    The high-performance 1000-megahertz device is designed to give professionals the power needed to work with maps and large data sets in the field. Its waterproof seal (IP67) and surviving 5-foot (1.5-meter) drops to concrete make the SXPad 1000P ideal for the outdoors. Its 3.7-inch color touchscreen (full VGA) is sharp and is sunlight readable.

    Standard features include a battery life of more than 10 hours on a charge, 8-GB internal storage, slots for MicroSD cards and SIM cards as well as Windows Mobile 6.5.

    The SXPad 1000P offers features typically seen in more costly mobile devices, the company said. These include 3.5G cellular modem, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, video capture, a 5-megapixel camera and an internal GPS receiver.

    The SXPad 1000P is optimized for GPS/GIS field data collection using its 1-3 meter accuracy internal GPS receiver or one of Geneq’s high-performance SXBlue GPS receivers for sub-meter and centimeter-level accuracy.

  • Reyax integrates u-blox GNSS and cellular modules into router platform

    Reyax integrates u-blox GNSS and cellular modules into router platform

    The EVA-M8 GNSS module by u-blox.
    The EVA-M8 GNSS module by u-blox.

    Reyax Technology, an industrial and telematics systems provider for aftermarket telematics, has launched a new industrial router platform that incorporates cellular, short range and GNSS modules from u-blox.

    The RYW2000 4G LTE and Wi-Fi hot-spot router platform uses the EVA-M8M, a tiny concurrent GNSS module, a TOBY-L2 cellular LTE module that offers throughput of up to 150 Mb/s with LTE Cat.4, and an ELLA-W131 2.4-GHz Wi-Fi and Bluetooth module.

    “We selected u-blox modules because of their market-leading performance, excellent environmental tolerance characteristics and the fact they develop all of their technology in-house,” said Ritchie Chang, general manager of REYAX Technology. “Our RYW2000 router platform is designed for industrial and telematics applications where performance, reliability and conformance to changing environmental conditions are all critical to the success of our product.”

    Front and back of the Toby L2 module.
    Front and back of the Toby L2 module.

    The new router platform RYW2000 includes a router platform card for Industrial and telematics applications and measures only 50.95mm x 30mm. Its operating condition and power are DC 3.3V-5.5V.

    Ming Chiang, country manager of u-blox Taiwan explains, “This is another example of our on-going collaboration with REYAX Technology and we are excited they have chosen to incorporate three of our modules into their RYW2000 product. Together we have a shared vision for the promotional of IoT and M2M technologies to benefit many industries and applications.”

  • Accident locator launched

    Saphibeat Technologies’ new Adventure Monitor PhiPAL can save lives of outdoor enthusiasts by recognizing when an accident has taken place.

    PhiPAL uses a proprietary machine-learning algorithm for accident recognition. If the user is unconscious, PhiPAL automatically sends a distress message with GPS coordinates to teammates and first responders through a cellphone or satellite connection.

    PhiPAL uses an activity monitor mounted on or integrated into the user’s sports helmet.

  • TerraGo includes Trimble GNSS Direct SDK in mobile products

    TerraGo has joined Trimble’s Developer Partner Program, bringing Trimble GNSS Direct SDK to TerraGo’s mobile solutions. TerraGo Edge and TerraGo Magic now include Direct SDK to deliver high-accuracy positioning data from Trimble survey-grade receivers to iOS and Android mobile devices.

    “We are excited that TerraGo is now part of our developer program. This relationship will enable TerraGo to embed Trimble technology into their products, and deliver GNSS position data that is fully integrated with TerraGo applications,” said Dan Colbert, manager of Partner Programs at Trimble. “The goal of this partnership is to create new opportunities and added value for TerraGo customers desiring to seamlessly bring Trimble GNSS receivers into their existing workflows by providing any level of accuracy they need for the job at hand.”

    “This is great news for customers, resellers and integration partners that want the highest levels of GNSS performance from Trimble combined with the ease of use of TerraGo’s iOS and Android apps,” said Dave Basil, vice president of Product Development at TerraGo. “Many TerraGo Edge customers need better accuracy and richer positioning data than can be achieved with consumer devices. Now they can get the best of both worlds with ‘out-of-the-box’ survey-grade accuracy for all types of demanding applications including survey, utilities, energy and engineering work. At the same time, TerraGo Magic enables organizations to build their own branded, customized apps in minutes that integrate with Trimble GNSS devices, without writing any code.”

    TerraGo Edge and TerraGo Magic including the Trimble GNSS Direct SDK are available today. Download the free iOS or Android app.

    TerraGo is offering a live demonstration of the Trimble GNSS Direct SDK with TerraGo Edge in a Dec. 13 webinar.

  • Microsemi Enhances Software Capabilities for Integrated GNSS Master Portfolio for Mobile Edge Deployments

    Microsemi Corporation has enhanced its Integrated GNSS Master (IGM) software, expanding capabilities and key features in the new version 2.

    The company’s IGM product portfolio enables coverage and capacity at the edge of mobile networks to serve mobile operators preparing for 5G through densification, as well as enterprises seeking enhanced indoor capacity and coverage on LTE and LTE-Advanced (LTE-A) networks.

    “While the first version of our IGM software demonstrated innovative algorithms for indoor operation, the enhancements in v2 enable mobile operators to leverage enhanced management options, more reliability through GPS back up, better scalability with Internet Protocol (IP)v6 and increased client support to facilitate densification,” said Eric Colard, director of business development for Microsemi’s Frequency and Timing division. “By leveraging the newest software release on our entire IGM product portfolio, mobile operators can implement a wide range of deployment scenarios ― indoor, outdoor, in-building and in cabinets and huts ― with small form factor products which are also highly cost-effective.”

    Mobile operators are in the process of deploying phase for LTE and densifying their networks with small cells to enable 4.5G, 4.9G and 5G capabilities. LTE-A and video are driving the need for precise time requirements that are very stringent. The potential for interference in dense deployments also means strict phase specifications for mitigation.

    Finally, spectrum is a precious resource that requires usage optimization leading to a need for precise timing. The new IGM software enables mobile operators to deploy these smaller grandmasters at the edge of their networks, lowering associated costs and enabling them to serve customers with enhanced coverage and performance.

    According to the Global Mobile Suppliers Association (GMSA), LTE has experienced the fastest growth of any mobile infrastructure technology, with 503 networks launched to date in 167 countries and 550 networks expected by the end of 2016. It is estimated that 25 percent of LTE operators have already upgraded to LTE-A, driving the need for Microsemi’s leading phase synchronization technology.

    Market research firm IHS Infonetics forecasts 2.2 million small cell units in 2016, reflecting a growth rate of 54 percent compared to 2015 and totaling $1.6 billion for the market. The firm estimates the market to hit $2.6 billion in 2020 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 15 percent, with more than 5 million units.

    The new software can be loaded on any of the three hardware versions of Microsemi’s IGM product portfolio, the IGM-1100o (outdoor version), the IGM-1100x (with support from external antennas) and the IGM-1100i (indoor version), to support the latest requirements.

    Features include support for IPv6, support for the latest Precision Time Protocol (PTP) profiles (G.8275.2) and increased client count from 16 to 32. It also offers the unique ability to provide backup to GPS in case of outage or jamming by accepting a PTP (1588v2) input that will provide a source of time from the network timing infrastructure already deployed.

    Primary Reference Time Clock (PRTC) compliance is available for IGM 1100x and 1100o as required by ITU, and the system includes cable compensation to address the length of GPS cables.

    IGM-1100o Outdoor Version Availability

    In addition to the software update announcement, Microsemi also announces the availability of its IGM-1100o device to complement the IGM-1100i and IGM-1100x, available since May. IGM 1100o is a carrier-grade 1588 PTP GrandMaster integrated with a GNSS antenna in a form factor to deploy in outdoor environments. The IGM1100o is designed for outdoor deployment where extended temperature ranges of -40 degrees Celsius to 70 degrees Celsius and ruggedization are critical factors.

    The IGM-1100o can be installed at an outdoor location such as on top of a cabinet or hut to serve a cluster of eNodeBs or on locations such as a rooftop. IGM-1100o, like all models in the portfolio, is powered by Power-over-Ethernet (PoE). The integrated device is connected to the network through an Ethernet cable instead of a GPS cable to simplify deployments and lower costs. It also offers a high level of integration and plug-and-play capabilities.

    Microsemi’s new device adds to the recently launched indoor versions, IGM-1100x and IGM-1100i, and each delivers a solution when a cost-effective, precise timing master at the mobile edge is needed. The entire IGM portfolio leverages the same v2 software, delivering consistent behavior and performance for each form factor. The indoor versions of Microsemi’s IGM devices have been adopted and successfully deployed in the past six months by several top mobile operators, with numerous upcoming deployments worldwide.

    The IGM product leverages Microsemi’s broad portfolio for mobile deployment, which includes:

    • TimePictra, a modular web-based synchronization management system that scales and evolves with operational requirements, monitoring the IGM family as well as other Microsemi IEEE 1588 Grand Masters;
    • Indoor managed PoE midspans, which allow upgrading the network to support PoE with virtually no downtime. The family includes products with port densities of up to 24 ports and 60 watts per port, to power small cells and the IGM-1100i; and
    • Outdoor PoE switches, hubs, midspans and surge protectors, a complete outdoor PoE portfolio, essential for the deployment of the IGM-1100o.

    Microsemi’s IGM-1100o, IGM-1100x and IGM-1100i are available now with version 2 software.

  • Ubiqomm and Skyriver team on ‘Wi-Fi in the sky’ BVLOS drone flights

    Ubiqomm has unveils its ubiquitous high-speed data connectivity solution, especially designed for enterprise drone fleets engaged in present line of sight (LOS) and, in the future, beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS) flights.

    “The application for drones is increasing exponentially as companies apply drone technology for surveying and performing emergency operations in remote locations, and other use cases including traffic monitoring in cities, and above stadium live-streaming of sporting events. Consistent high-speed data connectivity between drones and ground control centers is becoming mission critical,” said Saum Vahdat, VP of Marketing and Business Development at Ubiqomm.

    Ubiqomm’s wireless solution encompasses a network of base stations on the ground and communications devices mounted on drones. Each base station is capable of supporting all drones within its 25km+ coverage radius. The seamless handoff with the adjacent base station ensures ubiquitous coverage in a large area while connecting drones to a cloud backhaul.

    Ubiqomm’s unique patented solution uses multiple techniques, such as innovative antenna design for both base stations and drones, mobility management, and interference mitigation, together achieving very high bandwidth efficiency. Vahdat added “Dubbed as “Wi-Fi in the Sky,” Ubiqomm’s solution enables 10x lower CapEx and OpEx as compared to terrestrial LTE networks while enabling very high-data rates of 200 Mbps between drones and base stations.”

    Ubiqomm is partnering with Skyriver, an affiliated company in the Bridgewest Group portfolio of businesses with expertise in wireless broadband network design and deployment, in the millimeter wave and lower spectrum bands. Together, the two companies are offering demonstrations to companies that are interested in leveraging Ubiqomm’s technology for their own products and services.

    The demonstration includes multiple drones flying within a region approximately 25km away from their San Diego base station. Each drone will be transmitting multiple 1080p video streams to the base station, utilizing secure high-speed links (200+ Mbps).

    Ubiqomm and Skyriver are seeking industry partners for development, testing and trials of UAV traffic management (UTM) protocols in addition to the “Wi-Fi in the Sky” network solution, paving the way for BVLOS flight operations.

  • Trimble unveils software GNSS receiver for high-accuracy in mobile devices

    Trimble has introduced Catalyst, a software-defined GNSS receiver that works with select Android mobile handhelds, smartphones and tablets. When combined with a small, lightweight, plug-and-play digital antenna and subscription to the Catalyst service, the receiver provides on-demand GNSS, geo-location capabilities to transform consumer devices into high-accuracy mobile data collection systems.

    The announcement of the new product, designed for GIS professionals, was made at Trimble Dimensions.

    Through smartphone and tablet developments accelerated by the bring your own device (BYOD) to work movement, field workers and consumers increasingly have access to positioning technologies for geospatial data use and collection. The Catalyst software receiver collects data and inspects or manages assets using smart devices. The software-defined GNSS receiver is designed to be integrated into a wide range of applications—providing a dual-frequency, multi-constellation receiver. The mobile device receives dual-frequency signals from the plug-and-play Trimble DA1 digital antenna. The small size and light weight of the antenna makes it possible to store in a car glove box or backpack, available for use on demand. By adding a Trimble Catalyst subscription, users can choose the level of accuracy to suit their application needs from meter level to centimeters.

    Trimble calls its Catalyst service Positioning-as-a-Service. It is available on-demand. Users download applications to suit their business needs, purchase the low-cost DA1 digital antenna and subscribe to the level of service required for the application. For GNSS corrections, the solution automatically selects the best available correction service based on the user’s location and subscription level. Corrections powered by Trimble RTX technology and the Trimble VRS Now networks are supported. Trimble RTX corrections can be received either via IP/cellular connection or L-band satellite. The subscription cost is based on usage, allowing users to scale up/down for projects with minimal capital expense.

    “The addition of Trimble Catalyst expands our portfolio to address the needs of organizations that have adopted a workplace Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) strategy for their businesses and individuals who periodically need accurate positioning to support various work activities,” said Ron Bisio, vice president of Trimble’s Geospatial Division.

    TerraFlex Geospatial Data Collection. The first available application for the Trimble Catalyst service is the Trimble TerraFlex cloud-based mapping and GIS field software, enabling users to achieve up to centimeter-level accuracy. TerraFlex is a scalable cloud-based solution addressing a  variety of field requirements including attribute-rich GIS data collection on consumer devices. With an intuitive interface and streamlined toolset for creating custom digital form templates, TerraFlex keeps the data flow standardized and streamlined from the field to the office.

    TerraFlex provides a common interface for users across a range of common mobile and smart devices to provide robust, high-accuracy GNSS positioning and detailed asset attribution collection. The Catalyst service for TerraFlex provides a new option for a higher level of accuracy for users’ workflows without the upfront investment of traditional hardware GNSS receivers. It enables scaling up to meet specific project demands and allows a workforce to collect high-accuracy location in conjunction with other work tasks.

    Availability. Catalyst service subscriptions and Catalyst DA1 antenna are expected to be available in the first quarter of 2017. In addition, a Software Development Kit (SDK) is expected to be available in the fourth quarter of 2016 for developers who are interested in developing new applications that use the Trimble Catalyst positioning on-demand service. Information and updates.

    TerraFlex is available now.

  • Telit autonomous nav module uses internal sensors, GNSS

    Telit autonomous nav module uses internal sensors, GNSS

    Telit has announced the commercial availability of the SL869-3DR, a GNSS module for global use that leverages information from internal gyros, accelerometers and a barometric pressure sensor to perform dead-reckoning navigation for application areas such as track and trace and in-vehicle systems.

    The module delivers accurate position data either directly from its multi-constellation receiver or from a fully autonomous dead-reckoning system, requiring no connections to external devices or components other than an antenna for satellite signal reception and power.

    The module allows integrators to design zero-installation, in-vehicle navigation and tracking devices for fleets and other commercial or consumer applications that operate perched on the dashboard, connected only to vehicle power.

    Photo: TelitThe SL869-3DR is a flash-memory based module capable of tracking three constellations simultaneously. The module integrates an array of micro electromechanical systems (MEMS) designed to provide it seven degrees of freedom. The innovative design of the internal sensor array in conjunction with the Telit MEMS-only Dead Reckoning (MoDR) software and intellectual property, deliver the host device unparalleled portable, turnkey dead-reckoning performance.

    The Telit MoDR solution ensures that reliable position, velocity and time information is constantly available to the host application even when GNSS coverage is compromised, without the need for connection to the vehicle for wheel-ticks for speed or reverse-gear data. Its standard footprint lets navigation and tracking system integrators reuse existing device designs, eliminating complexity from external sensors and other apparatus, getting to market quickly with updated designs or product innovation.

    “A significant number of the millions of commercial vehicles and fleets on the roads today are still operating with no or unreliable navigation systems because installation costs to connect the device to vehicle sensors are too high and require very specialized skills,” said Felix Marchal, executive vice president of GNSS and Short Range Wireless. “With the SL869-3DR we overcome that barrier because it enables devices that you simply connect to vehicle power and go. Up until now, ‘power-and-go’ navigation systems have largely relied on open-sky visibility, which is not typically where most commercial fleets operate. They are moving through tunnels, urban canyons and other environments where these systems cannot produce a position solution. Reliable MEMS-only dead reckoning, or MoDR as we call it, relies on very complex mathematical modeling and expert design of the sensor array. Developers must therefore, thoroughly scrutinize performance of the different products in the market. I am delighted that the SL869-3DR has outperformed competing products in its class across a wide range of test cases.”

    The SL869-3DR is designed to support GPS, QZSS, GLONASS, Beidou and is Galileo ready. Telit MoDR technology boosts position accuracy in areas with adverse satellite reception conditions like urban canyons, overhead foliage, tunnels and parking garages. It integrates an embedded array of sensors including accelerometers, gyroscopes and a barometer (pressure sensor).

    An antenna ON, antenna sense (open / short circuit) feature, allows the host application to inform the user of problems with the connection to the external antenna. An additional LNA delivers better sensitivity in harsh environments, better enabling devices with integrated antennas. The module also features fast calibration and is pin-to-pin compatible with the SL869, SL869-V3 and SL869-ADR.

    Below is a video where performance the autonomous SL869-3DR MoDR is compared with the SL869-ADR automotive navigation module connected to vehicle sensors (wheel ticks and reverse signal).

    https://youtu.be/H9V0tIM8CDw

  • U-blox cellular module integrates GNSS with LTE modem for IoT

    U-blox cellular module integrates GNSS with LTE modem for IoT

    U-blox has launched the LARA-R3121, a new module comprising a single-mode LTE Category 1 modem and a GNSS positioning engine specifically designed for Internet of Things (IoT) and machine-to-machine (M2M) devices.

    The LARA-R3121 is designed for IoT applications including smart utility metering, connected health and patient monitoring, smart buildings, security and video surveillance, smart payment and point-of-sale (POS) systems, as well as wearable devices, such as action cameras.

    “Most IoT modules on the market use LTE modem technology, developed by handset-focused silicon vendors. They may not provide the best fit for IoT applications, because they focus on features targeted at Tier 1 handset makers, limited by short life cycles. The LARA-R3121 is different with features and qualifications crafted for the industrial markets,” said Andreas Thiel, u-blox co-founder and executive VP, Cellular Products and IC Design. “This is the only cellular module comprising a LTE Cat 1 modem and a GNSS engine, with complete module hardware and software all developed by a single supplier. With our focus on the IoT market, we bring an ‘IoT first’ approach to silicon design.”

    The LARA-R3121 is supplied in the small 24 x 26 mm LARA LGA form factor for compact IoT devices. This standardized package enables straightforward automated manufacturing and is pin-compatible with the u-blox LARA-R2 series, which supports multimode LTE Cat 1 with 2G/3G fallback.

    LARA-R3121 module by u-blox.
    LARA-R3121 module by u-blox.

    According to the company, it is a landmark in u-blox’s long-term strategy to create modules based on the UBX-R3 LTE modem technology platform, an internally developed, flexible, software-defined modem architecture specifically designed for IoT and M2M.

    The essential modem, positioning and module components of the LARA-R3121 are developed in-house, allowing for freedom for innovative feature development, for enabling end-to-end security and giving full control of product quality, while ensuring the long term product availability required by many IoT applications. Because modem and GNSS technologies were all developed in-house, u-blox is also able to provide unparalleled technical support for developers.

    The LARA-R3121 features FOTA, providing customers with a solution to issue firmware over the air updates. It also benefits from end-to-end security features, such as secure boot, secure transport layer, secure authentication, secure interfaces and APIs. Like other cellular modules from u-blox, it complies with a nested architecture, which allows for easy migration, and future-proof, seamless mechanical scalability across cellular technologies.

    As a single mode, LTE-only device, LARA-R3121 takes advantage of the fact that LTE networks are becoming universally available. Increasingly, products do not require fallback to 3G or 2G, which means that non-essential components can be removed, reducing cost and power consumption.

    The 10 Mbits downstream and 5 Mbits upstream maximum throughput of LTE Cat 1 provides data rates sufficient for good quality video streaming.