World’s smallest 3G module receives technical approval by AT&T

RESTON, Va., Sept. 25, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Swiss u-blox, a global leader in cellular, short-range radio and positioning modules and integrated circuits, announces that its SARA-U260 dual-band 3G/2G module has achieved "AT&T network compatible" status.

The certification allows customers to design SARA-U260 modems into M2M devices operating over AT&T's extensive 3G network in the USA. Typical applications include small tracking boxes, usage-based insurance devices, smart metering, wearable electronics, as well as connected fitness watches.

"u-blox is proud that AT&T certified our SARA-U260 module for its network," said Nikolaos Papadopoulos, President of u-blox America. "Our robust voice and data modules deliver powerful 3G connectivity with 2G fallback in the smallest package on the market, at a price that customers recently paid for a 2G module."

SARA-U260 is a complete 3G/2G voice/data module for applications which still require roaming ability with 2G using AT&T's extensive 3G network coverage.  The SARA-U260 provides full voice and data capability as well as a full suite of IP protocol stacks.  The module features have been selected to give customers specific features they need for telematics units, handheld devices, communications modules, point-of-sale terminals, vehicle "black boxes" and utility meters.

SARA-U260 provides efficient and cost-effective mobile connectivity in a miniature 16 x 26 mm² LGA form factor. The module is pin-compatible with SARA-G3 GSM/GPRS modules, as well as layout-compatible with LISA-U2 (HSPA) and TOBY-L2 LTE modules to support future-proof 4G LTE designs.

All SARA modules share the same form-factor and footprint and are designed based on u-blox' "Nested Design" philosophy. This allows engineers to develop one hardware/software platform to support GSM/GPRS, HSPA, or LTE, depending on their end customer requirements. 

SARA-U260 hosts multiple embedded IP protocols, such as TCP/IP, UDP/IP, HTTP, and FTP.  In-band modem support for automotive emergency calls like eCall and ERA/GLONASS are also integrated. Extremely low power consumption makes the SARA-U260 perfect for battery-powered and handheld devices.

With direct A-GPS support for accelerated positioning and u-blox' unique CellLocate^® hybrid positioning technology, SARA-U260 is designed to perfectly match u-blox advanced GNSS positioning capabilities, including indoor positioning.

For Europe and Asia, u-blox also offers the pin- and software compatible certified version SARA-U270.

RIL software for Android and Embedded Windows is available free of charge from u-blox.

Click here for a high-resolution photo of the u-blox SARA-U260.

About u-blox

Swiss-based u-blox (SIX:UBXN) is a leading provider of wireless and positioning semiconductors and modules for the automotive, industrial and consumer markets. Our solutions enable people, vehicles and machines to locate their exact position and wirelessly communicate via voice, text or video. With a broad portfolio of chips, modules and software solutions, u-blox is uniquely positioned to allow OEMs to develop innovative solutions that enable mobility quickly and cost-effectively. With headquarters in Thalwil, Switzerland, u blox is globally present with offices in Europe, Asia and the USA.
(www.u-blox.com)

SOURCE u-blox