Deploying industrial Edge servers in remote locations, on mobile assets, or in infrastructure with no fixed network? Sfera Labs announces immediate availability of the M.2 LTE Module X2-Series Expansion Board (X2BW10XM2Z), bringing dual-SIM cellular connectivity and GNSS positioning to the Strato Pi Max platform. The board slots directly into the Strato Pi Max XL or XS expansion bay and works with either a Raspberry Pi Compute Module 4 or 5, with no additional hardware or custom integration required.
A solution for remote and mobile industrial deployments
The M.2 LTE Module is designed for the applications that define the IIoT challenge: where wired Ethernet is impractical, Wi-Fi is unreliable, and continuous connectivity is non-negotiable. Typical deployment scenarios include:
- Remote monitoring stations and smart infrastructure in locations without fixed broadband
- Fleet telematics and vehicle gateway applications requiring both cellular uptime and GPS location awareness
- Asset tracking and geo-referenced edge computing where GNSS positioning is integral to the application
- Unattended industrial nodes where cellular serves as primary connectivity or failover to an existing wired link
Technical highlights
- Dual SIM: two Nano SIM slots allow multi-operator configurations or automatic SIM failover, ensuring continuity even when a primary operator has no coverage.
- Telit LN920A compatibility: fully compatible with the Telit LN920A family of M.2 LTE data cards, a widely adopted and industrially qualified modem platform.
- Always-on connectivity: the LN920A supports user-developed applications running directly on the modem, enabling it to operate in combination with the Strato Pi Max’s onboard RP2040 microcontroller – so cellular connectivity and I/O handling can remain active even when the Compute Module is powered down..
- GNSS positioning: the LN920A’s integrated GNSS receiver provides location data for asset tracking, geo-fencing, and geo-referenced data logging without additional hardware.
- Granular software control: dedicated control lines for modem power, reset, RF disable (airplane mode), and GNSS disable give developers precise control over power consumption and operating states.
- Visual diagnostics: front-panel LEDs provide instant feedback on power and network registration status, simplifying field commissioning and reducing on-site troubleshooting time.
From the field
“With the M.2 LTE Module now shipping, the Strato Pi Max becomes a truly self-sufficient industrial Edge server – one that can be deployed anywhere, connect over any network, and report its own location,” says Ulderico Arcidiaco, CEO of Sfera Labs. “From fleet management to remote smart infrastructure, our customers now have a production-ready, plug-and-play cellular solution for the most demanding field deployments.”
