SparkFun LTE Stick - LARA-R6

The SparkFun LTE Stick provides a robust development and prototyping platform for the LARA-R6 LTE Cat 1 module from u-blox™. Supporting both data and voice for North America, it works seamlessly with LTE bands used by mobile networks such as AT&T, Verizon, T-Mobile, and FirstNet. Featuring a nanoSIM card slot, it allows users to select their preferred network. The board includes essential interfaces and connectors for easy integration and prototyping.

The LARA-R6 operates on multiple LTE FDD frequency bands (2, 4, 5, 12, 13, 14, 66, and 71) and is packed with features like over-the-air firmware updates (uFOTA), secure boot/update, jamming detection, and antenna and SIM detection. These features ensure a secure and reliable connection, making it ideal for various applications.

Designed for easy prototyping, the LTE Stick routes UART and I²S interfaces to a 2.54mm-spaced PTH header, along with Reset and Power On signals. It mounts effortlessly onto a breadboard, enabling quick development cycles. With support for both data and voice, you can craft your own communication devices by integrating components like an audio codec, microphone, speaker, and microcontroller.

The board includes two SMA connectors for primary and secondary antennas, where the primary antenna handles both transmission and reception, and the secondary antenna is for reception only. Power is supplied via a USB-C connector or a VIN PTH pin (6V Max), with the board defaulting to the higher voltage input. Advanced users can access test points for the I²C interface, secondary UART, and four GPIO pins (IO1, IO2, IO3, and IO6) for further customization.

Features:

• LARA-R6401 LTE Cellular Module
  • Region: North America
  • LTE FDD Bands: 2, 4, 5, 12, 13, 14, 66, & 71
  • 2x UART
  • USB 2.0
  • I²C
  • 9 GPIO
  • Digital Audio (I²S)
• Nano SIM Card Slot
• Power On & Reset Buttons
• USB-C Connector
• PTH Connections
  • UART
  • I²S
  • Reset
  • Power On
  • Power (VIN, 3.3V, & 1.8V)
• Test Point Cluster Connections (Not Level Shifted. 1.8V Only)
  • GPIO (1, 2, 3 & 6)
  • UART2
  • I²C
• 2x SMA Antenna Connectors
  • Primary Antenna: Transmit & Receive
  • Secondary Antenna: Receive Only

Documents:

• Schematic
• Eagle Files
• Board Dimensions
• Hookup Guide
• Build Your Own Breadboard Telephone Blog Post
• Datasheet - LARA-R6
• Integration Manual - LARA-R6
• Audio App Note - LARA-R6
• AT Command Set - LARA-R6
• m-center Download
• m-center User Guide
• SparkFun u-blox Cellular Arduino Library
• GitHub Hardware Repo

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