SparkFun LTE GNSS Function Board – SARA-R5

The SparkFun SARA-R5 LTE GNSS Function Board is a robust development tool for u-blox’s impressive SARA-R510M8S module designed to work with the MicroMod Ecosystem. The SARA-R510M8S combines u-blox’s UBX-R5 cellular chipset with their M8 GNSS receiver chipset to provide a 5G-Ready wireless IoT device with positioning data all on a single chip. As an asset tracker, the LTE GNSS Function Board offers Secure Cloud LTE-M communication for multi-regional use. It also has an integrated u-blox M8 GNSS receiver for accurate positioning information.

The UBX-R5 chipset supports many different forms of data communication from full TCP/IP sockets and packet switched data, through HTTP Get/Put/Post, FTP (the SARA has a built-in file system), or ping to good old SMS text messaging! The built-in u‑blox M8 GNSS receiver provides accurate and reliable positioning with a separate GNSS antenna interface for an external antenna. The GNSS antenna and LTE connections are made via a pair of u.FL connectors. A nano SIM card slot is also included as well.

Utilizing our handy M.2 MicroMod connector, no soldering is required to connect it to your system. Simply match up the key on your processor and function board’s bevelled edge connector to their respective key on the M.2 connector, then secure them to the Main Board with screws.

This Function Board provides access to the UART (default configuration) with a Processor Board. The USB pins are also broken out to a USB-C connector for diagnostic purposes. Status LEDs for 3.3V, Ring Indicator, LTE ON, and LTE Network Indicator are included. A button is included for LTE Power On.

Note: The SparkFun LTE GNSS Function Board – SARA-R5 uses the “01B” product version of the SARA-R5 module (specifically the SARA-R510M8S-01B).

Get Started with the Micromod SARA-R5 Function Board

Features

• Input Voltage Range
  • 3.7V to 6.0V
  • Typ. 5V via the Main Board’s USB Connector
  • Typ. ~3.7V to 4.2V via the Main Board’s LiPo Battery Connector
  • Reverse Polarity Protection via Schottky Diode
• I/O Voltage
  • 3.3V
  • 1.8V for LTE
• USB Type C Connector
• 6V/2A Resettable Fuse
• ESD Protection Diodes for USB Data Lines
• 3.3V Voltage Regulators
  • AP7361C (Rated 1A) for SARA-R5
  • AP2112K (Rated 600mA) for GNSS Antenna
• u-blox SARA-R510M8S module providing Secure Cloud LTE-M data communication for multi-regional use
  • Please check that your service provider offers LTE-M coverage for your area before purchasing
• Integrated u-blox M8 GNSS receiver for accurate positioning information
• Separate u.FL connectors for LTE and GNSS antennas
• Nano SIM Socket
• I²C Pull-Up Resistors (2.2kΩ)
• I²C EEPROM
• SARA Power On Button
• LEDs
  • Power (3.3V and VCCIO)
  • SARA-R5 On
  • Network Indicator
• Jumpers
  • USB Shield
  • 3.3V LED
  • 3.3V Regulator for GNSS Antenna
  • LTE On LED
  • LTE On
  • LTE Reset
  • Network Indicator LED
  • Network Indicator
  • LTE Power On
  • LTE Ring Indicator LED
  • I²C Pull-Up Resistors
  • EEPROM Write Protection
• Board Dimensions: 37.49mm x 61.00mm
• Weight: 8.05g

Resources

• LTE GNSS Breakout – SARA-R5 Documentation

  • Schematic

  • Eagle Files

  • Board Dimensions

  • Hookup Guide

  • Arduino Library

  • GitHub Hardware Repo

• u-blox SARA-R5 LTE-M / NB-IoT Module Documentation

  • Datasheet

  • AT Command Set

  • System Integration Manual

  • Application Development Guide

  • Internet Applications Development Guide

  • GNSS Integration App Note

  • Firmware Update App Note

• MicroMod

  • Getting Started with MicroMod

  • Designing with MicroMod

  • MicroMod Info Page

  • MicroMod Forums