Module supports narrowband IoT 3GPP Release 14 features, and upgrade to 5G

Low power consumption means 10+ years operation on a single primary cell, according to the firm.

Called Sara-N3, it is available in two variants: one for China and another that can operate across multiple bands on any NB-IoT network globally.

Features can be added remotely using the uFOTA (U-blox firmware-over-the-air) client/server solution with Lightweight M2M (LwM2M) – For IoT devices, LwM2M is a lighter-weight solution than OMA-DM. “In this way, Sara-N3 can ultimately become 5G compliant,” said the firm. “It also supports the creation of dynamic LwM2M objects, giving customers high levels of feature customisation through the ability of scripting their own configurable objects.”

U-blox intention if for customers to use one device across multiple regions for a IoT and industrial IoT applications such as metering, smart cities, smart homes and industrial trackers – with the knowledge that over-the-air firmware upgrades future-proof the module for some time.

Features and protocols include TCP, HTTPS, CoAP, DTLS and MQTT.

‘Last gasp’ protection allows the module to send one last message should power fail unexpectedly, and there is protection against software attacks by detecting potential jamming signals.

The firm manufactures to ISO/TS16949, including 100% automated x-ray and optical inspections, 100% outgoing test and product traceability. “Together with failure analysis and product qualification criteria ensures that highly reliable products designed for long-term operation are created,” it said.

There is a slightly ponderous video.

See the product on stand 230A Hall 5 at SPS IPC Drives in Nuremberg (27-29 November).