SparkFun LTE Stick - LARA-R6

The SparkFun LTE Stick provides a development and prototyping platform for the LARA-R6 LTE Cat 1 module from u-blox^™. The LTE Stick uses the LARA-R6401 version, which supports both data and voice for North America and works with LTE bands used by these mobile networks: AT&T, Verizon, T-Mobile, and FirstNet. The board includes a nanoSIM card slot for users to select their preferred network. Check with your network provider for compatibility with the LARA-R6.

The LARA-R6 works on multiple LTE FDD frequency bands (2, 4, 5, 12, 13, 14, 66, and 71) and includes a host of common features users expect from u-blox modules, including uFOTA (over-the-air firmware update), Root of Trust, secure boot/update, jamming detection, antenna and SIM detection, and much more.

The LTE Stick routes the UART and I²S interfaces to a 0.1in.-spaced plated-through-hole (PTH) header along with the Reset and Power On signals, and we designed the board to mount onto a breadboard specifically for easy prototyping. Since the LARA-R6401 supports data and voice, you can use the LTE Stick with the right parts (such as an audio codec, microphone, speaker, & microcontroller) and code; you can make your own breadboard telephone!

The board has two SMA connectors for the LARA-R6's primary and secondary antennas. The primary antenna sends and receives data, whereas the secondary antenna is receive only. Power to the board is provided either over the USB-C connector (recommended) or the VIN PTH pin (6V Max). The board defaults to use the higher voltage input. Lastly, the board also includes test points for advanced users to solder to for the I²C interface, secondary UART, and four GPIO pins (IO1, IO2, IO3, and IO6).

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

Videos