u-blox SARA-R410M, SARA-R412M, SARA-R422, SARA-R422S, SARA-R422M8S Data sheet

UBX-16024152 - R24 C1-Public www.u-blox.com

SARA-R4 series

Multi-band LTE-M / NB-IoT / EGPRS modules

Data sheet

Abstract

Technical data sheet describing the size-optimized SARA-R4 series LTE-M / NB-IoT / EGPRS cellular modules, which are a complete and cost-efficient solution offering multi band data transmissions for Low Power Wide Area solutions in a compact form factor.

SARA-R4

SARA-R4 series - Data sheet

UBX-16024152 - R24 Document information Page 2 of 48 C1-Public

Document information

Title

SARA-R4 series

Subtitle

Multi-band LTE-M / NB-IoT / EGPRS modules

Document type

Data sheet

Document number

UBX-16024152

Revision and date

R24

02-Apr-2021

Disclosure restriction

C1-Public

Product status

Corresponding content status

Functional sample

Draft

For functional testing. Revised and supplementary data will be published later.

In development / Prototype

Objective specification

Target values. Revised and supplementary data will be published later.

Engineering sample

Advance information

Data based on early testing. Revised and supplementary data will be published later.

Initial production

Early production information

Data from product verification. Revised and supplementary data may be published later.

Mass production / End of life

Production information

Document contains the final product specification.

This document applies to the following products:

Product name

Type number

Modem version

Application version

PCN reference

Product status

SARA-R410M

SARA-R410M-01B-00

L0.0.00.00.02.03

UBX-18059854

Obsolete

SARA-R410M-02B-00

L0.0.00.00.05.06

A02.00

UBX-18010263

Obsolete

L0.0.00.00.05.06

A02.01

UBX-18070443

Obsolete

SARA-R410M-02B-01

L0.0.00.00.05.08

A02.04

UBX-19041392

Mass production

SARA-R410M-02B-02

L0.0.00.00.05.11

A.02.16

UBX-20033274

Mass production

SARA-R410M-02B-03

L0.0.00.00.05.12

A.02.19

UBX-20058104

Initial production

SARA-R410M-52B-00

L0.0.00.00.06.05

A02.06

UBX-18045915

Obsolete

SARA-R410M-52B-01

L0.0.00.00.06.08

A02.11

UBX-19024506

Mass production

SARA-R410M-52B-02

L0.0.00.00.06.11

A.02.16

UBX-20033274

Mass production

SARA-R410M-63B-00

L0.08.12

A.01.11

UBX-20006293

End of life

SARA-R410M-63B-01

L0.08.12

A.01.12

UBX-20053055

Initial production

SARA-R410M-73B-00

L0.08.12

A.01.11

UBX-20006294

End of life

SARA-R410M-73B-01

L0.08.12

A.01.12

UBX-20049254

Initial production

SARA-R410M-83B-00

L0.08.12

A01.11

UBX-20027231

End of life

SARA-R410M-83B-01

L0.08.12

A01.12

UBX-20049255

Initial production

SARA-R412M

SARA-R412M-02B-00

M0.09.00

A.02.11

UBX-19004091

Obsolete

SARA-R412M-02B-01

M0.10.00

A.02.14

UBX-19016568

Mass production

SARA-R412M-02B-02

M0.11.01

A.02.17

UBX-20031249

Mass production

SARA-R412M-02B-03

M0.12.00

A.02.19

UBX-20058105

Initial production

SARA-R422

SARA-R422-00B-00

00.10

A00.01

UBX-21007232

Engineering sample 2

SARA-R422S

SARA-R422S-00B-00

00.10

A00.01

UBX-21007232

Engineering sample 2

SARA-R422M8S

SARA-R422M8S-00B-00

00.10

A00.01

UBX-21007232

Engineering sample 2

u-blox or third parties may hold intellectual property rights in the products, names, logos and designs included in this document. Copying, reproduction, modification or disclosure to third parties of this document or any part thereof is only permitted with the express written permission of u-blox. The information contained herein is provided “as is” and u-blox assumes no liability for its use. No warranty, either express or implied, is given, including but not limited to, with respect to the accuracy, correctness, reliability and fitness for a particular purpose of the information. This document may be revised by u-blox at any time without notice. For the most recent documents, visit www.u-blox.com. Copyright © u-blox AG.

SARA-R4 series - Data sheet

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Document information ................................................................................................................................ 2

Contents .......................................................................................................................................................... 3

1 Functional description ......................................................................................................................... 5

1.1 Overview ........................................................................................................................................................ 5

1.2 Product features ......................................................................................................................................... 6

1.3 Block diagram .............................................................................................................................................. 7

1.4 Product description .................................................................................................................................... 9

1.5 AT command support ..............................................................................................................................11

1.6 Supported features ..................................................................................................................................11

2 Interfaces .............................................................................................................................................. 13

2.1 Power management .................................................................................................................................13

2.1.1 Module supply input (VCC) .............................................................................................................13

2.1.2 Generic digital interfaces supply output (V_INT) .......................................................................13

2.2 Antenna interface .....................................................................................................................................13

2.2.1 Cellular antenna RF interface (ANT) .............................................................................................13

2.2.2 GNSS antenna RF interface (ANT_GNSS) ...................................................................................13

2.2.3 Antenna detection (ANT_DET) ......................................................................................................13

2.3 System functions ......................................................................................................................................14

2.3.1 Module power-on ..............................................................................................................................14

2.3.2 Module power-off ..............................................................................................................................14

2.3.3 Module reset ......................................................................................................................................14

2.4 SIM ...............................................................................................................................................................14

2.4.1 SIM interface .....................................................................................................................................14

2.4.2 SIM detection ....................................................................................................................................15

2.5 Serial communication ..............................................................................................................................15

2.5.1 UART interfaces ................................................................................................................................15

2.5.2 USB interface .....................................................................................................................................16

2.5.3 SPI interface ......................................................................................................................................17

2.5.4 SDIO interface ...................................................................................................................................17

2.5.5 DDC (I2C) interface ...........................................................................................................................17

2.6 Audio ............................................................................................................................................................17

2.7 GPIO .............................................................................................................................................................18

2.8 GNSS peripheral input output ................................................................................................................18

3 Pin definition ........................................................................................................................................ 19

3.1 Pin assignment ..........................................................................................................................................19

4 Electrical specifications ................................................................................................................... 24

4.1 Absolute maximum rating.......................................................................................................................24

4.1.1 Maximum ESD ...................................................................................................................................24

4.2 Operating conditions ................................................................................................................................25

4.2.1 Operating temperature range ........................................................................................................25

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4.2.2 Thermal parameters ........................................................................................................................25

4.2.3 Supply/power pins ............................................................................................................................25

4.2.4 Current consumption .......................................................................................................................26

4.2.5 GNSS characteristics.......................................................................................................................27

4.2.6 LTE RF characteristics ....................................................................................................................28

4.2.7 2G RF characteristics ......................................................................................................................30

4.2.8 ANT_DET pin ......................................................................................................................................30

4.2.9 PWR_ON pin .......................................................................................................................................30

4.2.10 PWR_CTRL pin ..................................................................................................................................31

4.2.11 RESET_N pin ......................................................................................................................................31

4.2.12 SIM pins ..............................................................................................................................................31

4.2.13 USB pins .............................................................................................................................................31

4.2.14 DDC (I2C) pins ....................................................................................................................................32

4.2.15 Generic digital interfaces pins .......................................................................................................32

4.2.16 GNSS digital interfaces pins ..........................................................................................................32

4.3 Parameters for ATEX applications ........................................................................................................33

5 Mechanical specifications ............................................................................................................... 34

6 Qualification and approvals............................................................................................................. 35

6.1 Approvals ....................................................................................................................................................35

6.2 Reliability tests ..........................................................................................................................................38

7 Product handling & soldering .......................................................................................................... 39

7.1 Packaging ...................................................................................................................................................39

7.1.1 Reels ....................................................................................................................................................39

7.1.2 Tapes ...................................................................................................................................................40

7.2 Moisture Sensitivity Levels .....................................................................................................................41

7.3 Reflow soldering ........................................................................................................................................41

7.4 ESD precautions ........................................................................................................................................41

8 Labeling and ordering information ............................................................................................... 42

8.1 Product labeling .........................................................................................................................................42

8.2 Explanation of codes ................................................................................................................................42

8.3 Ordering information ................................................................................................................................43

Appendix ....................................................................................................................................................... 44

A Glossary ................................................................................................................................................. 44

Related documentation ........................................................................................................................... 46

Revision history .......................................................................................................................................... 47

Contact .......................................................................................................................................................... 48

SARA-R4 series - Data sheet

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1 Functional description

1.1 Overview

The SARA-R4 series modules are a multi-band LTE-M / NB-IoT / EGPRS multi-mode solution in the miniature SARA LGA form factor (26.0 x 16.0 mm, 96-pin). They allow an easy integration into compact designs and a seamless drop-in migration from other u-blox cellular module families.

SARA-R4 series modules provide software-based multi-band configurability enabling international multi-regional coverage in LTE-M / NB-IoT and (E)GPRS radio access technologies.

SARA-R4 series modules offer data communications over an extended operating temperature range of –40 °C to +85 °C, with low power consumption, and with coverage enhancement for deeper range into buildings and basements (and underground with NB-IoT).

SARA-R4 series modules are form-factor compatible with the u-blox LISA, LARA and TOBY cellular module families and are pin-to-pin compatible with the u-blox SARA-N, SARA-G and SARA-U cellular module families. This facilitates migration from other u-blox LPWA, GSM/GPRS, CDMA, UMTS/HSPA and higher LTE categories modules, maximizing customer investments, simplifying logistics, and enabling very short time-to-market.

With many interface options and an integrated IP stack, SARA-R4 series modules are the optimal choice for LPWA applications with low to medium data throughput rates, as well as devices that require long battery lifetimes, such as used in smart metering, smart lighting, telematics, asset tracking, remote monitoring, alarm panels, and connected health.

Secure cloud product versions are available within the SARA-R4 series modules, including a unique and immutable root-of-trust. This provides the foundation for a trusted set of advanced security functionalities. The scalable, pre-shared key management system offers best-in-class data encryption and decryption, both on-device as well as from device-to-cloud. Utilizing the latest (D)TLS stack and cipher suites with hardware-based crypto acceleration provides robust, efficient, and protected communication.

Furthermore, the SARA-R422 series modules support a comprehensive set of 3GPP Rel. 14 features for LTE Cat M1 and Cat NB2 that are relevant for IoT applications.

The dedicated SARA-R422M8S module is pre-integrated with the u-blox M8 GNSS receiver chip and a separate GNSS antenna interface which provides highly reliable, accurate positioning data simultaneously with LTE communication. In addition, the module offers unique hybrid positioning, in which the GNSS position is enhanced with u-blox CellLocate® data, providing location always and everywhere.

Customers can future-proof their solutions by means of Over-The-Air firmware updates, thanks to the uFOTA client/server solution that utilizes LWM2M, a light and compact protocol ideal for IoT.

SARA-R4 series modules will also support VoLTE over Cat M1 and CSFB over 2G. The flexibility extends further through dynamic mode selection as M1-only/preferred or NB-IoT-only/preferred.

SARA-R4 series - Data sheet

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1.2 Product features

Product version

Region

RAT

Positioning

Interfaces

Features

Grade

3GPP re

lease baseline

3GPP LTE

1.3 Block diagram

Memory

V_INT

VCC (Supply)

USB

DDC (I2C)

SIM card detection

SIM

UART

Power-on

Reset

GPIOs

Antenna detection

19.2 MHz

Cellular BaseBand Processor

Power

Management

SDIO

SPI / Digital audio

ANT

Switch

PAs

transceiver

Filters

Figure 1: SARA-R410M and SARA-R412M modules’ simplified block diagram

☞ The SARA-R410M-01B modules, i.e. the “01B” product versions of these SARA-R4 series modules,

do not support the following interfaces, which should be left unconnected and should not be driven by external devices:

o DDC (I2C) interface o SDIO interface o SPI interface o Digital audio interface

☞ The SARA-R410M-02B, the SARA-R410M-52B, the SARA-R410M-63B, the SARA-R410M-73B,

the SARA-R410M-83B, and the SARA-R412M-02B modules, i.e. the “02B”, “52B”, “63B”, “73B”, and “83B” product versions of these SARA-R4 series modules, do not support the following interfaces, which should be left unconnected and should not be driven by external devices:

o SDIO interface o SPI interface o Digital audio interface

SARA-R4 series - Data sheet

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Memory

V_INT

ANT

VCC (Supply)

USB

DDC (I2C)

SIM card detection

SIM

UARTs

Power-control

GPIOs

Antenna detection

Switch

PAs

transceiver

19.2 MHz

Cellular

BaseBand

Processor

Power

Management

Digital audio

Filters

Figure 2: SARA-R422 and SARA-R422S modules’ simplified block diagram

Memory

V_INT

ANT

VCC (Supply)

USB

DDC (I2C)

SIM card detection

SIM

UARTs

Power-control

GPIOs

Antenna detection

Switch

PAs

transceiver

19.2 MHz

Cellular

BaseBand

Processor

Power

Management

Digital audio

ANT_GNSS

SAW

LNA

UBX-M8

GNSS chipset

TIMEPULSE

EXTINT

ANT_ON

Filters

TCXO

26 MHz

TXD_GNSS

Figure 3: SARA-R422M8S modules’ simplified block diagram

☞ The SARA-R422-00B, the SARA-R422S-00B and the SARA-R422M8S-00B modules, i.e. the “00B”

product versions of these SARA-R4 series modules, do not support the following interfaces, which should be left unconnected and should not be driven by external devices:

o Digital audio interface

SARA-R4 series - Data sheet

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1.4 Product description

SARA-R4 series modules include the following variants / product versions:

• SARA-R410M-01B LTE Cat M1 module,

mainly designed for operation in LTE bands 2, 4, 5, 12

• SARA-R410M-02B LTE Cat M1 / NB1 module,

mainly designed for operation in LTE bands 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 8, 12, 13, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 28

• SARA-R410M-52B LTE Cat M1 module,

mainly designed for operation in LTE bands 2, 4, 5, 12, 13

• Secure Cloud SARA-R410M-63B LTE Cat M1 module,

mainly designed for operation in LTE bands 1, 8, 19

• Secure Cloud SARA-R410M-73B LTE Cat M1 module,

mainly designed for operation in LTE bands 3, 5, 26

• Secure Cloud SARA-R410M-83B LTE Cat M1 / NB1 module,

mainly designed for operation in LTE bands 3, 5, 8, 20, 28

• SARA-R412M-02B LTE Cat M1 / NB1 and 2G module,

mainly designed for operation in LTE bands 2, 3, 4, 5, 8, 12, 13, 20, 28 and 2G 4-band

• SARA-R422 LTE Cat M1 / NB2 and 2G module,

designed for operation in LTE bands 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 8, 12, 13, 20, 25, 26, 28, 66, 85 and 2G 4-band

• Secure Cloud SARA-R422 LTE Cat M1 / NB2 and 2G module,

designed for operation in LTE bands 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 8, 12, 13, 20, 25, 26, 28, 66, 85 and 2G 4-band

• Secure Cloud SARA-R422M8 LTE Cat M1 / NB2 and 2G module, integrating the UBX-M8 GNSS,

designed for operation in LTE bands 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 8, 12, 13, 20, 25, 26, 28, 66, 85 and 2G 4-band

Table 2 summarizes cellular radio access technologies characteristics and features supported by the

SARA-R4 series modules.

☞ See Table 32 and Table 33 for the detailed list of RATs and bands included in each certification

approval of the SARA-R4 series modules product versions.

SARA-R4 series - Data sheet

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SARA-R410M

SARA-R412M

SARA-R422 / -R422S / -R422M8S

Protocol stack

3GPP Release 13

3GPP Release 14

RAT

LTE Cat M1 LTE Cat NB1

1, 3, 4, 6

LTE Cat M1 LTE Cat NB1 2G GPRS / EGPRS

LTE FDD bands

Band 1 (2100 MHz)

1, 4, 7

Band 2 (1900 MHz)

6, 7

Band 3 (1800 MHz)

1, 4

Band 4 (1700 MHz)

6, 7

Band 5 (850 MHz) Band 8 (900 MHz)

1, 4

Band 12 (700 MHz)

6, 7

Band 13 (750 MHz)

1, 6, 7

Band 18 (850 MHz)

1, 3, 4, 6, 7

Band 19 (850 MHz)

1, 3, 4, 7

Band 20 (800 MHz)

1, 4, 6

Band 25 (1900 MHz)

1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7

Band 26 (850 MHz)

1, 3, 4, 7

Band 28 (700 MHz)

1, 4, 6

Band 2 (1900 MHz) Band 3 (1800 MHz) Band 4 (1700 MHz) Band 5 (850 MHz) Band 8 (900 MHz) Band 12 (700 MHz) Band 13 (750 MHz) Band 20 (800 MHz) Band 26 (850 MHz) 8 Band 28 (700 MHz) 8

Band 1 (2100 MHz) Band 2 (1900 MHz) Band 3 (1800 MHz) Band 4 (1700 MHz) Band 5 (850 MHz) Band 8 (900 MHz) Band 12 (700 MHz) Band 13 (750 MHz) Band 20 (800 MHz) Band 25 (1900 MHz) Band 26 (850 MHz) Band 28 (700 MHz) Band 66 (1700 MHz) Band 85 (700 MHz)

2G bands

GSM 850 MHz E-GSM 900 MHz DCS 1800 MHz PCS 1900 MHz

Power class

LTE Cat M1 / NB19:

Class 3 (23 dBm)

LTE category M1 / NB1:

Class 3 (23 dBm)

2G GMSK:

Class 4 (33 dBm) in 850/900, Class 1 (30 dBm) in 1800/1900

2G 8-PSK:

Class E2 (27 dBm) in 850/900, Class E2 (26 dBm) in 1800/1900

LTE category M1 / NB2:

Class 3 (23 dBm)

2G GMSK:

Class 4 (33 dBm) in 850/900, Class 1 (30 dBm) in 1800/1900

2G 8-PSK:

Class E2 (27 dBm) in 850/900, Class E2 (26 dBm) in 1800/1900

Data rate

LTE category M1:

up to 375 kb/s UL, 300 kb/s DL

LTE category NB19:

up to 62.5 kb/s UL, 27.2 kb/s DL

LTE category M1:

up to 375 kb/s UL, 300 kb/s DL

LTE category NB1:

up to 62.5 kb/s UL, 27.2 kb/s DL

GPRS multi-slot class 3310:

up to 85.6 kb/s UL, 107 kb/s DL

EGPRS multi-slot class 3310:

up to 236.8 kb/s UL, 296 kb/s DL

LTE Cat M1: up to 1119 kbit/s UL, 588 kbit/s DL LTE Cat NB2: up to 158.5 kbit/s UL, 127 kbit/s DL GPRS multi-slot class 3310:

up to 85.6 kb/s UL, 107 kb/s DL

EGPRS multi-slot class 3310:

up to 236.8 kb/s UL, 296 kb/s DL

GNSS receiver

SARA-R422M8S only: 72-channel u-blox M8 engine GPS L1C/A, SBAS L1C/A, QZSS L1C/A, QZSS L1-SAIF, GLONASS L10F, BeiDou B1I, Galileo E1B/C

Table 2: SARA-R4 series modules cellular and GNSS characteristics summary

Not supported by the SARA-R410M-01B product version.

Not supported by the SARA-R410M-02B-00 product version.

Not supported by the SARA-R410M-52B-00 product version.

Not supported by the SARA-R410M-52B-01, or SARA-R410M-52B-02 product versions.

Not supported in LTE Cat NB1 by the SARA-R410M-02B-01, SARA-R410M-02B-02, or SARA-R410M-02B-03 versions.

Not supported by the SARA-R410M-63B or SARA-R410M-73B product versions.

Not supported by the SARA-R410M-83B product version.

Not supported by the SARA-R412M-02B-00 product version.

LTE Cat NB1 not supported by SARA-R410M-01B, SARA-R410M-52B, SARA-R410M-63B, or SARA-R410M-73B versions.

GPRS/EGPRS multi-slot class 33 implies a maximum of 5 slots in Down-Link and 4 slots in Up-Link with 6 slots in total.

SARA-R4 series - Data sheet

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1.5 AT command support

The SARA-R4 series modules support AT commands according to the 3GPP standards TS 27.007 [6], TS 27.005 [7], TS 27.010 [8], and the u-blox AT command extension.

☞ For the complete list of all supported AT commands and their syntax, see the SARA-R4 series AT

commands manual [1].

1.6 Supported features

Table 3 lists some of the main features supported by SARA-R4 series modules. For more details, see

the SARA-R4 series system integration manual [2] and the SARA-R4 series AT commands manual [1].

Feature

Description

Network indication

GPIO configured to indicate the network status: registered home network, registered roaming, data call enabled, no service. The feature can be enabled through the +UGPIOC AT command.

Antenna detection

The ANT_DET pin provides antenna presence detection capability, evaluating the resistance from the ANT pin to GND by means of an external antenna detection circuit implemented on the application board.

The antenna supervisor (i.e. antenna detection) feature can be enabled through the +UANTR AT command.

Embedded TCP and UDP stack

Embedded TCP/IP and UDP/IP stack including direct link mode for TCP and UDP sockets. Sockets can be set in Direct Link mode to establish a transparent end-to-end communication with an already connected TCP or UDP socket via the serial interface.

FTP

File Transfer Protocol functionality is supported via AT commands.

HTTP

Hyper-Text Transfer Protocol functionality is supported via AT commands.

Embedded SSL/TLS

With the support of X.509 certificates, embedded SSL/TLS provides server and client authentication, data encryption, data signature and enables TCP/IP applications to communicate over a secured and trusted connection. The feature can be configured and enabled by the +USECMNG and +USECPRF AT commands.

Device and data security 11

Device security: authentication, updates. Data security: PSK, E2E encryption, local encryption. For more details, see the security suite application note [4].

MQTT 12

Message Queuing Telemetry Transport is an ISO standard publish-subscribe messaging protocol designed for lightweight M2M communications over TCP. MQTT allows clients to communicate one-to-one, one-to-many and many-to-one over a long-lived outgoing TCP connection.

BIP 12

Bearer Independent Protocol for Over-the-Air SIM provisioning.

Dual stack IPv4/IPv6

Capability to move between IPv4 and dual stack network infrastructures. IPv4 and IPv6 addresses can be used.

MNO profiles 12

Mobile network operator profiles provide with a powerful and flexible method to configure the SARA-R4 series modules to seamlessly work with the selected mobile network operator. Using the MNO profiles the device is dynamically configured to use the proper bands, RATs, power saving parameters, e-DRX parameters and the protocol stack settings needed to operate on the selected network in full compliance with operator requirements.

Use the +UMNOPROF AT command to select a profile for the network operator.

Firmware update Over AT commands (FOAT)

Firmware module update over AT command interface. The feature can be enabled and configured through the +UFWUPD AT command.

Firmware update Over The Air (uFOTA)

u-blox firmware module update over the LTE air interface client/server solution using LwM2M.

Not supported by SARA-R410M-01B, SARA-R410M-02B, SARA-R410M-52B, or SARA-R412M-02B product versions.

Not supported by SARA-R410M-01B product version.

SARA-R4 series - Data sheet

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Feature

Description

Integrated GNSS receiver 13

SARA-R422M8S modules are pre-integrated with a u-blox M8 GNSS receiver chip-down design, comprehensive of a dedicated GNSS antenna interface, LNA and SAW filter for a highly reliable, accurate positioning data.

The GNSS system is totally independent from the LTE system and can run concurrently to a LTE communication.

External GNSS access and control via modem 14

Full access to external u-blox positioning chips and modules is available through I2C interface. This means that from any host processor, a single serial port can control the SARA-R4 series cellular module and the separated u-blox positioning chip or module.

CellLocate

Enables the estimation of device position based on the parameters of the mobile network cells visible to the specific device based on the CellLocate® database. CellLocate® is available via a set of AT commands for CellLocate® service configuration and position request.

Power Saving Mode (PSM)

The Power Saving Mode (PSM) feature, defined in 3GPP Rel.13, allows further reduction of the module current consumption maximizing the amount of time a device can remain in PSM low power deep sleep mode during periods of data inactivity. It can be activated and configured by the +CPSMS AT command.

e-I-DRX 16

Extended Idle mode DRX, based on 3GPP Rel.13, reduces the amount of signaling overhead decreasing the frequency of scheduled measurements and/or transmissions performed by the module in idle mode. This in turn leads to a reduction in the module power consumption while maintaining a perpetual connection with the base station.

Coverage Enhancements Mode A

Coverage Enhancements (CE) Mode A, introduced in 3GPP Rel.13, is used to improve cell signal penetration.

Coverage Enhancements Mode B 17

Coverage Enhancements (CE) Mode B, introduced in 3GPP Rel.13, is used to further improve cell signal penetration.

Connected Mode Mobility 18

LTE Cat M1 Connected Mode Mobility (CMM) with CE Mode A

Release Assistance Indicator 18

The 3GPP Release Assistance feature allows the module to request for the RRC connection to be dropped as soon as the message has been received by the network. This feature allows a reduction in the module power consumption.

LwM2M with dynamically loaded objects 19

Method allowing dynamically loaded run time objects for customers to configure u-blox modules to define necessary objects, create instances of those objects as appropriate, manage module LwM2M protocol stack to interact with the LwM2M server.

Backup and restore 20 21

This feature allows the modules to autonomously restore the flash file system using the last backup stored on the module itself. For further details about the backup and restore feature, see the +UBKUPDATA AT command description in the SARA-R4 series AT commands manual [1], and the backup and restore technical note [5].

Table 3: Some of the main features supported by SARA-R4 series modules

☞ u-blox is extremely mindful of user privacy. When a position is sent to the CellLocate® server,

u-blox is unable to track the SIM used or the specific device.

Not supported by SARA-R410M, SARA-R412M, SARA-R422, or SARA-R422S modules

Not supported by SARA-R410M-01B, SARA-R422, or SARA-R422M8S product versions

Not supported by SARA-R410M-01B, SARA-R410M-02B-00, SARA-R410M-02B-01, SARA-R410M-02B-02,

SARA-R410M-52B, SARA-R412M-02B-00, SARA-R412M-02B-01, SARA-R412M-02B-02, or SARA-R422 product versions

The feature is disabled on SARA-R410M-01B product versions due to network readiness

Not supported by current product versions

Not supported by SARA-R410M-01B, SARA-R410M-02B, SARA-R410M-52B, or SARA-R412M-02B product versions

Not supported by SARA-R410M-01B, SARA-R410M-02B-00, SARA-R410M-02B-01, SARA-R410M-02B-02,

SARA-R410M-52B, SARA-R412M-02B-00, SARA-R412M-02B-01, or SARA-R412M-02B-02 product versions

Not supported by SARA-R410M-01B, SARA-R410M-02B-00, SARA-R410M-02B-01, SARA-R410M-02B-02, SARA-R410M-52B, SARA-R410M-63B, SARA-R410M-73B, SARA-R410M-83B, SARA-R412M-02B-00, SARA-R412M-02B-01, or SARA-R412M-02B-02 product versions

Considered for SARA-R422, SARA-R422S, and SARA-R422M8S product versions

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2 Interfaces

2.1 Power management

2.1.1 Module supply input (VCC)

SARA-R4 series modules must be supplied through the VCC pins by a DC power supply. Voltage must be stable, because during operation the current drawn from VCC may vary significantly, based on the power consumption profile of the LTE-M, NB-IoT and the 2G radio access technologies (described in the SARA-R4 series system integration manual [2]).

SARA-R412M, SARA-R422, SARA-R422S, and SARA-R422M8S modules, which support 2G radio access technology, provide separate supply inputs over the three VCC pins:

• VCC pins #52 and #53 represent the supply input for the internal RF Power Amplifier, demanding

most of the total current drawn of the module when RF transmission is enabled during a call

• VCC pin #51 represents the supply input for the internal baseband Power Management Unit,

demanding minor part of the total current drawn of the module when RF transmission is enabled during a call

The three VCC pins of the SARA-R410M modules are internally connected to both the internal Power Amplifier and the internal baseband Power Management Unit.

It is important that the system power supply circuit is able to withstand the maximum pulse current during a transmit burst at maximum power level (see Table 12).

2.1.2 Generic digital interfaces supply output (V_INT)

SARA-R4 series modules provide a 1.8 V supply rail output on the V_INT pin, which is internally generated when the module is switched on. The same voltage domain is used internally to supply the generic digital interfaces of the module. The V_INT supply output can be used in place of an external discrete regulator.

2.2 Antenna interface

2.2.1 Cellular antenna RF interface (ANT)

The ANT pin is the cellular RF antenna I/O interface, designed with 50  characteristic impedance.

2.2.2 GNSS antenna RF interface (ANT_GNSS)

☞ The GNSS antenna RF interface is not supported by SARA-R410M, SARA-R412M, SARA-R422, or

SARA-R422S modules.

The ANT_GNSS pin represents the GNSS RF input of the SARA-R422M8S modules, designed with 50  characteristic impedance and with an internal DC block, suitable for both active and/or passive GNSS antennas due to the built-in SAW filter followed by an LNA in front of the integrated high performing u-blox M8 concurrent positioning engine.

2.2.3 Antenna detection (ANT_DET)

The ANT_DET pin is an Analog to Digital Converter (ADC) input with a current source provided by SARA-R4 series modules to sense the antenna presence (as an optional feature). It evaluates the resistance from the ANT pin to GND by means of an external antenna detection circuit implemented on the application board (for more details, see the u-blox SARA-R4 series system integration manual [2] and the SARA-R4 series AT commands manual [1]).

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2.3 System functions

2.3.1 Module power-on

SARA-R4 series modules can be properly switched on by:

• Low level on the PWR_ON pin, which is normally set high by an internal pull-up, for a valid time

period, when the applied VCC voltage is within the valid operating range (see sections 4.2.3, 4.2.9). The PWR_ON line has to be driven by open drain, open collector or contact switch.

• Low level on the PWR_CTRL pin, which is normally set high by an internal pull-up, for a valid time

period, when the applied VCC voltage is within the valid operating range (see sections 4.2.3,

4.2.10). The PWR_CTRL line has to be driven by open drain, open collector or contact switch.

2.3.2 Module power-off

SARA-R4 series modules can be properly switched off, with storage of the current parameter settings in the module’s internal non-volatile memory and a clean network detach, in one of these ways:

• AT+CPWROFF command (see the SARA-R4 series AT commands manual [1])

• Low pulse on the PWR_ON pin for a valid time period (see section 4.2.9)

• Low pulse on the PWR_CTRL pin for a valid time period (see section 4.2.10)

An emergency faster and safe power-off procedure of SARA-R422, SARA-R422S, SARA-R422M8S modules, without proper network detach, can be triggered by:

• AT+CFUN=10 command (see the SARA-R4 series AT commands manual [1])

• Toggling the GPIO input pin configured with the fast and safe power-off function (see section 2.7)

An abrupt shutdown occurs on SARA-R4 series modules, without storage of the current parameter settings and without a clean network detach, when:

• The VCC supply drops below the extended operating range minimum limit

• Low level on the RESET_N pin, which is normally set high by an internal pull-up, for a valid time

period (see 4.2.11). RESET_N line has to be driven by open drain, open collector or contact switch.

2.3.3 Module reset

SARA-R4 series modules can be reset (re-booted) by:

• AT+CFUN=15 command (see the SARA-R4 series AT commands manual [1] for detailed options).

This causes an “internal” or “software” reset of the module. The current parameter settings are

saved in the module’s internal non-volatile memory and a clean network detach is performed.

An abrupt emergency reset (reboot) is triggered on the SARA-R422, SARA-R422S, SARA-R422M8S modules, without storage of current parameter settings and without a clean network detach, when:

• a low level is applied on the PWR_CTRL pin for a valid time period (see section 4.2.10)

2.4 SIM

2.4.1 SIM interface

SARA-R4 series modules provide a SIM interface on the VSIM, SIM_IO, SIM_CLK, SIM_RST pins to connect an external SIM card or UICC chip.

SARA-R410M and SARA-R412M modules support both 1.8 V and 3.0 V types of SIM / UICC, with automatic voltage switch implemented according to related specifications.

SARA-R422, SARA-R422S and SARA-R422M8S modules support only the 1.8 V type of SIM / UICC.

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2.4.2 SIM detection

The GPIO5 pin of SARA-R4 series modules is a 1.8 V digital input which can be configured as an external interrupt to detect the SIM card presence, as intended to be properly connected to the mechanical switch of an external SIM card holder. For more details, see the SARA-R4 series system integration manual [2] and the SARA-R4 series AT commands manual [1].

2.5 Serial communication

The SARA-R4 series provides the following serial communication interfaces:

• UART interfaces: asynchronous serial interface available for the communication with a DTE host

application processor (AT commands, data communication, FW update by means of FOAT)

• USB interface: High-Speed USB 2.0 compliant interface available for communications with a USB

host application processor (AT commands22, data communication22, FW update by means of the FOAT feature22), for FW update by means of the u-blox tool and for diagnostics

• SPI interface

: Serial Peripheral Interface for communications with an external compatible device

• SDIO interface

: Secure Digital Input Output interface for communications with external device

• DDC interface: I2C bus compatible interface available for communications with external I2C

devices

2.5.1 UART interfaces

SARA-R4 series modules include a primary UART interface (UART) for communication with an application host processor, supporting AT commands, data communication, multiplexer protocol functionality, FW update by means of FOAT, with settings configurable by dedicated AT commands (for more details, see the SARA-R4 series AT commands manual [1]):

• 8-wire serial port with RS-232 functionality conforming to ITU-T V.24 recommendation [11], with

CMOS compatible signal levels (0 V for low data bit / ON state, 1.8 V for high data bit / OFF state)

o Data lines (RXD as data output, TXD as data input) o HW flow control lines (CTS as flow control output, RTS as flow control input) o Modem status and control lines (DTR input, DSR output, DCD output, RI output)

• The default baud rate is 115200 b/s

• The default frame format is 8N1 (8 data bits, no parity, 1 stop bit)

☞ The UART is available only if the USB is not enabled as an AT command / data communication

interface: UART and USB cannot be concurrently used for this purpose.

☞ Hardware flow control is not supported by the SARA-R410M-01B or the SARA-R410M-02B-00

product versions, and the RTS input line needs to be set low (= ON state) to communicate over the UART on the SARA-R410M-01B product version.

SARA-R422, SARA-R422S, SARA-R422M8S modules include a secondary auxiliary UART interface (UART AUX) for communication with an application host processor, supporting AT commands, data communication, GNSS tunneling25, FW update by means of FOAT, with settings configurable by dedicated AT commands (for more details, see the SARA-R4 series AT commands manual [1]):

• 4-wire serial port with RS-232 functionality conforming to ITU-T V.24 recommendation [11], with

CMOS compatible signal levels (0 V for low data bit / ON state, 1.8 V for high data bit / OFF state)

Not supported by SARA-R422-00B, SARA-R422S-00B or SARA-R422M8S-00B modules

Not supported by the current product versions of SARA-R410M and SARA-R412M modules. Not available on SARA-R422, SARA-R422S and SARA-R422M8S modules.

DTR, DSR, DCD and RI pins can be alternatively configured, in a mutually exclusive way, as secondary auxiliary UART interface (UART AUX) on SARA-R422, SARA-R422S and SARA-R422M8S modules.

Not supported by SARA-R422-00B modules

+ 33 hidden pages

u-blox SARA-R410M, SARA-R412M, SARA-R422, SARA-R422S, SARA-R422M8S Data sheet

Specifications and Main Features

Frequently Asked Questions

User Manual

Document information

Contents

1 Functional description

1.1 Overview

1.2 Product features

1.3 Block diagram

1.4 Product description

1.5 AT command support

1.6 Supported features

2 Interfaces

2.1 Power management

2.1.1 Module supply input (VCC)

2.1.2 Generic digital interfaces supply output (V_INT)

2.2 Antenna interface

2.2.1 Cellular antenna RF interface (ANT)

2.2.2 GNSS antenna RF interface (ANT_GNSS)

2.2.3 Antenna detection (ANT_DET)

2.3 System functions

2.3.1 Module power-on

2.3.2 Module power-off

2.3.3 Module reset

2.4 SIM

2.4.1 SIM interface

2.4.2 SIM detection

2.5 Serial communication

2.5.1 UART interfaces