u-blox AG: u-blox's Cellular Modules with own LPWA Chipset Pass US Certifications and Enter Production

Rhea-AI Summary

u-blox (UBLXF) announces that its SARA-R5 LTE-M/NB-IoT series is now in production and certified by several North American Tier 1 operators. This certification marks a significant milestone as it is the first product family utilizing the UBX-R5 low power wide area (LPWA) chipset to achieve such status. The SARA-R5 targets LPWA IoT applications, emphasizing secure cloud connectivity and long-term support. Its 5G readiness enables future software upgrades for enhanced scalability.

Positive

• SARA-R5 series now LTE-M certified with North American Tier 1 operators.
• First product family based on UBX-R5 chipset to achieve operator certification.
• Targets LPWA IoT applications, enhancing market positioning.
• 5G-ready, allowing future software upgrades for scalability.
• Offers robust security features through hardware-based Secure Element.

Negative

• None.

The SARA-R5 LTE-M/NB-IoT series is now LTE-M certified with several North American Tier 1 operators.

THALWIL, SWITZERLAND / ACCESSWIRE / October 20, 2020 / u-blox (SIX:UBXN,OTC PINK:UBLXF), a global provider of leading positioning and wireless communication technologies and services, has today announced that its SARA-R5 LTE-M and NB-IoT cellular series is now in production and LTE-M certified with several North American Tier 1 operators. The SARA-R5 series is the first product family based on the UBX-R5, u-blox's own low power wide area (LPWA) chipset, to achieve North American operator certification. The UBX-R5 chipset had already achieved MNO certification earlier this year and was also the first IoT chipset to be certified by Global Certification Forum (GCF).

The SARA-R5 series is aimed at LPWA IoT applications, such as industrial automation, sensor applications, connected health, metering, asset and vehicle tracking, as well as telematics. Secure by design, the series offers robust cloud connectivity. Each module offers built-in Secure Cloud functionality with a unique and immutable identity derived from a hardware-based robust root of trust - hosted inside a Secure Element - that forms the basis for a trusted set of advanced security features including the management of encryption keys. Available as u-blox IoT Security-as-a-Service (SaaS), this functionality solves the longevity and safety imperatives of IoT devices for sensitive or confidential applications.

By bringing all the technology building blocks in house and having full hardware and software ownership with its SARA-R5, u-blox can guarantee long-term device availability and provide lifetime support of the entire platform, down to the chipset level. The fact that the SARA-R5 is 5G-ready also means that customers will be able to software upgrade their deployed devices once 5G LTE has been rolled out by mobile operators, greatly improving end-product scalability and lifetime.

"We are thrilled to see our SARA-R5 with our own LPWA chipset now LTE-M certified in the US and entering production," said Samuele Falcomer, Senior Product Manager, Product Center Cellular, u-blox. "The SARA-R5 series is unique for the level of security it brings with a root of trust embedded in a hardware-based Secure Element and a key management system (KMS) that is highly optimized for low bandwidth LPWA applications."

The SARA-R5 series has three product variants, all featuring u-blox Secure Cloud functionality and supporting u-blox IoT SaaS. The SARA-R500S offers LTE connectivity, while the SARA-R510M8S includes an integrated u-blox M8 GNSS and a separate GNSS antenna interface, providing highly reliable and accurate positioning data simultaneously with LTE communication. This makes it ideal for mobile applications such as fleet management, tracking, and telematics. The SARA-R510S, on the other hand, is specifically designed for ultra-low battery-powered applications like metering, smart city, connected health, security and surveillance, and remote monitoring.

About u‑blox

u‑blox (SIX:UBXN) is a global technology leader in positioning and wireless communication in automotive, industrial, and consumer markets. Their smart and reliable solutions, services and products let people, vehicles, and machines determine their precise position and communicate wirelessly over cellular and short-range networks. With a broad portfolio of chips, modules, and secure data services and connectivity, u‑blox is uniquely positioned to empower its customers to develop innovative and reliable solutions for the Internet of Things, quickly and cost‑effectively. With headquarters in Thalwil, Switzerland, the company is globally present with offices in Europe, Asia, and the USA. (www.u-blox.com)

Find us on Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter @ublox and YouTube

u‑blox media contact:
Natacha Seitz
Senior Manager PR and Content Marketing
Mobile +41 76 436 0788
natacha.seitz@u-blox.com

SOURCE: u-blox AG

View source version on accesswire.com:
https://www.accesswire.com/611274/u-blox-AG-u-bloxs-Cellular-Modules-with-own-LPWA-Chipset-Pass-US-Certifications-and-Enter-Production

FAQ

What is the significance of u-blox's SARA-R5 LTE-M certification?

The certification allows u-blox's SARA-R5 series to be utilized by several North American Tier 1 operators, enhancing its market appeal and usability in IoT applications.

What applications is the SARA-R5 series designed for?

The SARA-R5 series targets LPWA IoT applications such as industrial automation, connected health, metering, and asset tracking.

How does the SARA-R5 series enhance security for IoT devices?

It includes a hardware-based Secure Element and robust encryption key management, ensuring a secure cloud connection and device integrity.

Is the SARA-R5 series future-proof?

Yes, it is 5G-ready, allowing devices to be upgraded for enhanced performance once 5G LTE is widely available.

What is the production status of the SARA-R5 series?

The SARA-R5 series is currently in production following its LTE-M certification.