SparkFun LTE GNSS Breakout - SARA-R5

Note - Please read before purchasing!: The SparkFun LTE GNSS Breakout - SARA-R5 uses the "00B" product version of the SARA-R5 module (specifically the SARA-R510M8S-00B-00). LTE NB-IoT Radio Access Technology, and the LTE FDD bands: 66, 71, 85 are not supported by this version. Refer to the SARA-R5 datasheet for more information.

The SparkFun SARA-R5 LTE GNSS Breakout is a robust development tool for u-blox's impressive SARA-R510M8S module. The SARA-R510M8S combines u-blox's UBX-R5 cellular chipset with their M8 GNSS receiver chipset to provide a 5G-Ready wireless IoT device complete with positioning data all on a single chip. As an asset tracker, the LTE GNSS Breakout offers Secure Cloud LTE-M communication for multi-regional use and has an integrated u-blox M8 GNSS receiver for accurate positioning information.

The UBX-R5 chipset supports many different forms of data communication from full TCP/IP sockets and packet switched data, through HTTP Get/Put/Post, FTP (the SARA has a built-in file system), Ping, to good old SMS text messaging! The built-in u‑blox M8 GNSS receiver provides accurate and reliable positioning with a separate GNSS antenna interface for an external antenna. Both the GNSS antenna and LTE connections are made via a pair of SMA connectors.

This breakout routes nearly all of the functional pins on the SARA-R510M8S module to user interfaces (USB or plated-through hole) so you can take full advantage of all of the features available on this impressive LTE/GNSS module. The SARA-R5's UART interface can be configured into one of five variants, providing connectivity over one or two UARTs. A separate USB port provides access to the SARA's trace log for diagnostic purposes. This breakout provides access to all three interfaces (UART1, UART2 and SARA Diag) via three separate USB-C connections. All eight 3.3V serial signals are available on a 0.1"-pitch breakout header. Separate 0.1"-pitch headers break out the SARA's I2C bus, power pins as well as GPIO pins for various functionalities.

  • u-blox SARA-R510M8S module providing Secure Cloud LTE-M data communication for multi-regional use
    • Please check that your service provider offers LTE-M coverage for your area before purchasing
  • Integrated u-blox M8 GNSS receiver for accurate positioning information
  • Nano SIM socket
  • Separate, robust SMA connections for LTE and GNSS antennas
  • Switchable 3.3V power for an active GNSS antenna
  • USB-C connectivity
  • LED indicators for:
    • Power (VIN and 3.3V)
    • SARA-R5 on
    • Network indicator
    • GNSS timing pulse (1PPS)
  • 3.3V plated through-hole (PTH) pins for:
    • SARA on
    • Network indicator
    • UART1
    • GNSS timing pulse (1PPS)
    • I2C bus

SparkFun LTE GNSS Breakout - SARA-R5 Product Help and Resources

LTE GNSS Breakout - SARA-R5 Hookup Guide

July 8, 2021

A guide to get you started with the SparkFun LTE GNSS Breakout - SARA-R5. This breakout features the SARA-R5 module from u-blox.

Core Skill: Programming

If a board needs code or communicates somehow, you're going to need to know how to program or interface with it. The programming skill is all about communication and code.

4 Programming

Skill Level: Experienced - You will require a firm understanding of programming, the programming toolchain, and may have to make decisions on programming software or language. You may need to decipher a proprietary or specialized communication protocol. A logic analyzer might be necessary.
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Core Skill: Electrical Prototyping

If it requires power, you need to know how much, what all the pins do, and how to hook it up. You may need to reference datasheets, schematics, and know the ins and outs of electronics.

3 Electrical Prototyping

Skill Level: Competent - You will be required to reference a datasheet or schematic to know how to use a component. Your knowledge of a datasheet will only require basic features like power requirements, pinouts, or communications type. Also, you may need a power supply that?s greater than 12V or more than 1A worth of current.
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