u-blox ALEX-R5 miniature cellular module

u-blox has announced the ALEX-R5 — a miniature cellular module that integrates low-power wide-area (LPWA) connectivity and global navigation satellite system (GNSS) technology into an ultrasmall (14 x 14 mm) system-in-package (SiP) form factor.

The module futureproofs IoT devices and solutions by enabling users to upgrade the software in deployed devices for compatibility with 5G networks, offering a seamless transition to the next generation of cellular technology. It is based on the u-blox UBX-R5 LTE-M/NB-IoT chipset platform with out-of-the-box Secure Cloud functionality and the M8 GNSS chip for location accuracy. Its tiny dimensions make it suitable for size-constrained applications such as asset tracking, wearables and health care.

The module features 23 dBm cellular transmission power, which means that end devices operate effectively in all signal conditions — even at cell edges, underground or in other challenging scenarios. A dedicated GNSS antenna interface enables fully independent, simultaneous operation of the M8 GNSS chip, matching the performance of a standalone u-blox M8 module. u-blox IoT Location-as-a-Service with CellLocate and AssistNow (online, offline and autonomous) further enhances positioning performance.

The product is optimised for power-sensitive and battery-dependent applications, addressing common pain points of size-constrained applications such as wearables and connected medical devices. It achieves this by leveraging the lower-power modes of the UBX-R5 and UBX-M8 chipsets and giving users options to further balance power consumption and performance using GNSS Super-E mode.

Rugged SiP construction makes the device suitable for harsh environments, where moisture or vibration would be a concern for conventional modules. It is rated at moisture sensitivity level 3 (MSL 3), offering reduced handling and device production complexity.

u-blox can provide lifetime support for the entire platform, down to the chipset level. Secure Cloud functionality supporting IoT-Security-as-a-Service based on an internal, hardware-based secure element enables a lightweight pre-shared key management system specifically designed for LPWA devices.