u-blox launches TOBY-L2, world's fastest 4G LTE modules with 3G, 2G fallback

THALWIL, SWITZERLAND: Swiss u-blox, a leading provider of wireless and positioning chips and modules, introduces the TOBY-L2 and MPCI-L2 modem series, the company's new line of ultra-compact LTE modules with UMTS/HSPA+ and GSM/EDGE, GPRS fallback.

Supporting LTE category 4 speeds up to 150 Mbit/s down and 50 Mbit/s up, they are ideally suited for vehicle infotainment systems, tablets, notebooks, set top boxes, ruggedized mobile terminals, as well as high-speed M2M applications such as digital signage, mobile health, remote security and video systems, where backwards compatibility with 3G and 2G networks is desired.

The TOBY-L2 module in a 152-pin LGA package supports data and Voice-over-LTE (VoLTE) with circuit-switched fallback, as well as in-band modem for emergency call services (e.g. eCall). The MPCI-L2 (mini-PCI Express card) supports data only. Both modules integrate dual IPv4 and IPv6 stacks. Versions for Europe, Asia and the Americas are available.

"Our TOBY-L2 and MPCI-L2 LTE modules broaden u-blox' 4G portfolio to meet customer requirements for embedded connectivity," said Thomas Seiler, u-blox CEO. "Together with our TOBY-L1 LTE-only modules, u-blox provides an attractive, cost-effective range of compact LTE solutions with optional 2G/3G fallback that are perfectly suited for consumer, industrial and automotive applications."

Four versions are currently available: TOBY-L200 and MPCI-L200 for the Americas (bands 2, 4, 5, 7, 17), as well as TOBY-L210 and MPCI-210 (PCISIG-compatible) for Europe and Asia (bands 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20). Versions for China and Japan are planned. The modules provide a rich set of interfaces and operate over -40 to +85 deg. C. All modules are manufactured in ISO/TS 16949 automotive certified production sites.