u-blox Announces Ultra-Small RPMA Module, the SARA-S200
May 15, 2017 – Today u-blox announced the availability of its ultra-small RPMA® (Random Phase Multiple Access) module, the SARA-S200. This product is the latest result of the strong partnership between Ingenu and u-blox which was announced in September 2016. In early 2017, u-blox began to offer its first-generation RPMA module, the NANO-S100, which is now followed by the smaller and cost-optimized SARA-S200.
The most obvious difference in the latest RPMA module is the reduced size. The SARA-S200 is 65 percent smaller than the NANO-S100. Measuring at just 16 mm by 26 mm by 2.3 mm, or the size of a small postage stamp, the SARA-S200 enables developers to integrate RPMA technology into a range of IoT devices with smaller form factors. Nevertheless, even with its reduced dimensions, the SARA-S200 still provides the same strong performance, in aspects like power consumption, which have made RPMA the technology of choice for connecting IoT devices.
Another key aspect of this module is that it uses the SARA footprint, which is u-blox’s most popular form-factor. Many 2G and 3G cellular modules with this identical footprint are already widely deployed in IoT devices throughout the world. By matching this form factor, swapping RPMA into these existing IoT devices, which in many cases are being forced to move to new connectivity solutions because of cellular network shutdowns, is greatly simplified.
Industries that can utilize this module include but are not limited to Smart Meter, Smart Building, Oil & Gas, and Agriculture. The smaller module size will also enable the integration of RPMA into a variety of wearable and tracking devices, many of which are currently under production with Ingenu’s ecosystem of IoT device partners.
This announcement marks another important step for Ingenu as it enables a wider variety of devices and applications to incorporate RPMA and operate on its Machine Network throughout the globe. Ingenu and u-blox personnel will be on hand to discuss the SARA-S200 during Internet of Things World in Santa Clara. The first prototypes of the SARA-S200 will be available to developers in June 2017.