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LEXI-R520-02B

u-bloxLEXI-R520-02B

u-blox
Cellular, Navigation CDMA, GNSS, GPS, GSM, LTE, UMTS Transceiver Module 600MHz, 700MHz, 750MHz, 800MHz, 850MHz, 900MHz, 1.7GHz, 1.8GHz, 1.9GHz, 2.1GHz Antenna Not Included Surface Mount
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Overview

The LEXI-R520-02B is an ultra-compact LTE Cat M1 and NB2 cellular module featuring an integrated GNSS receiver in a 16 x 16 mm LGA package. It provides global multi-band connectivity with extremely low power consumption, including a 0.5 uA deep-sleep mode, making it ideal for battery-operated IoT devices. The module supports a wide supply voltage range from 3.3V to 4.4V and includes comprehensive protocol support for MQTT, HTTP, and TLS security.

Why Choose This Part

The module offers a unique combination of dual-mode LTE Cat M1/NB2 and GNSS in a miniature form factor that reduces PCB area compared to multi-chip solutions. Its 0.5 uA shutdown current and Power Saving Mode (PSM) significantly extend the battery life of remote nodes. Engineers benefit from the extensive u-blox ecosystem, including AssistNow for fast GNSS time-to-first-fix and uFOTA for secure over-the-air firmware updates.

Applications

Asset Tracking
Utilizes integrated GNSS, A-GPS, and CellLocate for precise location tracking of high-value goods globally.
Smart Metering
Leverages LTE NB2 for deep indoor penetration and ultra-low power consumption for long-life water and gas meters.
Wearable Health Monitors
The 16 x 16 mm footprint allows for cellular and GPS integration in space-constrained patient monitoring devices.
Industrial IoT Sensors
Embedded MQTT and LwM2M stacks enable easy cloud integration for remote environmental and equipment monitoring.

Key Specifications

Protocol CDMA, GNSS, GPS, GSM, LTE, UMTS
Data Rate 1.2Mbps
Frequency 600MHz, 700MHz, 750MHz, 800MHz, 850MHz, 900MHz, 1.7GHz, 1.8GHz, 1.9GHz, 2.1GHz
Modulation QPSK
Sensitivity -116dBm
Antenna Type Antenna Not Included
Mounting Type Surface Mount
Package / Case 133-SMD Module
Power - Output 23dBm
Voltage - Supply 3.3V ~ 4.4V
Serial Interfaces ADC, GPIO, I2C, I2S, SDIO, SPI, UART, USB
RF Family/Standard Cellular, Navigation
Utilized IC / Part UBX-R52
Current - Receiving 85mA ~ 195mA
Operating Temperature -20degC ~ 65degC (TA)
Current - Transmitting 85mA ~ 395mA

Getting Started

To evaluate the module, use the u-blox EVK-LEXI-R5 evaluation kit which provides breakout access to the UART interfaces and antenna connectors. Development is typically performed using AT commands or the u-blox m-center software tool for configuration and network testing. Ensure proper thermal management for the 133-pin LGA package and follow the recommended layout for the 50-ohm RF traces to the external antennas.

Also Consider

SARA-R510S u-bloxu-blox - Offers similar LTE-M/NB-IoT capabilities in the larger, more common SARA form factor for designs where space is less critical.
ME310G1-W1 Telit Cinterion - Another small-footprint alternative focused on LTE-M and NB-IoT with integrated GNSS support for compact IoT applications.