Ultra-compact 3G/2G cellular module

The SARA-U201, currently the smallest cellular module available supporting 2G and 3G, is now available from Alpha Micro Components. The device is pin and form factor compatible with u-blox’s other region-specific 2G and 3G variants, such as the 2G SARA-G350.

Measuring 16 x 26 x 3 mm, the 96-pin SARA-U201 is able to provide 5-band UMTS, quad-band GSM, and has global radio regulatory approvals. Communication is through UART, DDC and USB interfaces.

Suited to industrial, automotive telematics and consumer applications particularly within the IoT space, the voice and data capable SARA-U201 is a single module solution for end devices that are required to operate on all existing worldwide 2G and 3G networks. Example applications include asset tracking, fleet and inventory management.

The SARA-U201 offers CellLocate indoor positioning, plus the pre-integrated AssistNow feature to boost GNSS acquisition performance when used in combination with u-blox GNSS modules and chips. These pre-integrated features, in addition to pin and form factor compatibility, assure a simple migration path for u-blox customers that need to upgrade their existing designs, or have multiple product options using the same design.

The SARA-U201 is qualified at temperatures ranging from –40 to +85°C. Qualified according to ISO 16750, this module meets the environmental and electrical testing criteria for use in road vehicles.