LARA-R202-03B - LTE Cat 1 / HSPA+ Cellular Module | u-blox
MPN: LARA-R202-03B ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $52.59 | $52.59 |
| 10 | $49.96 | $499.60 |
| 100 | $47.33 | $4,733.00 |
| 500 | $44.18 | $22,090.00 |
| 1,000 | $41.02 | $41,020.00 |
LARA-R202-03B Overview
An LTE Cat 1 cellular module is a 4G LTE category-1 device class that delivers up to 10 Mbps downlink / 5 Mbps uplink over LTE, balancing throughput and power for IoT applications that exceed Cat-M1 or NB-IoT bandwidth but do not need full broadband speeds. Cellular modules sit in the connectivity hierarchy between simple short-range radios (Wi-Fi, Bluetooth) and full smartphone-class LTE modems, and they belong to the broader category of RF transceiver modules that combine RF front-end, baseband processor, and protocol stack into a single pre-certified surface-mount unit. The LARA-R2 family specifically targets industrial IoT, telemetry, and asset-tracking products requiring reliable wide-area connectivity.
Key features include multi-band LTE/HSPA+/GSM support, integrated TCP/IP and UDP/IP stacks, USB 2.0 device interface, UART, and AT-command control via u-blox's well-documented AT interface. The castellation LGA-100 footprint enables standard reflow soldering, while the surface-mount design simplifies manufacturing compared to older module generations that required castellated through-hole assembly. The module is designed for industrial temperature ranges and is pre-certified by major North American carriers, eliminating the need for operator-specific PTCRB/GCF certification when properly integrated into an end device.
Typical applications include asset tracking and fleet management, smart metering, vending machine telemetry, industrial sensor gateways, and connected health devices. The LARA-R202-03B specifically targets US-Cellular and T-Mobile LTE coverage, making it well-suited for North American IoT deployments where those carriers' LTE Band 12 700 MHz spectrum is critical for indoor and rural penetration.
When designing with this module, ensure antenna selection matches the supported frequency bands, and provide adequate thermal relief since the LGA package dissipates heat through the PCB land pattern. The u-blox EVK-R2 evaluation kit accelerates integration, and developers can use u-blox's m-center cellular evaluation software for AT-command testing.
This page synthesizes real-time distributor pricing, LARA-R2 family alternatives, and practical design notes not consolidated in the manufacturer datasheet alone.
Drop-in alternatives for LARA-R202-03B — same package, pin-to-pin compatible. Different-package parts requiring PCB rework are excluded.
Variants in this series
Same-series models that are drop-in compatible with LARA-R202-03B (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Antenna, Mounting Type, Package, LTE Bands, Operating Temperature.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
LARA-R202-02B
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ Specs Unverified✓ In Stock
$33.8 / Unit
View Datasheet →LARA-R202-03B-01
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
LARA-R204-02B
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ Specs Unverified📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
LARA-R211-02B
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ Specs Unverified📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
LARA-R220-02B
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ Specs Unverified📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
LARA-R202-03B Specifications (manufacturer-published)
| Protocol | LTE Cat 1, HSPA+, GSM/EGPRS (multi-mode) |
| LTE Bands | B2, B4, B5, B12 (North America) |
| UMTS/HSPA+ Bands | B2, B5 |
| Peak Downlink Data Rate | 10.3 Mbps |
| Frequency Range | 700 MHz, 850 MHz, 1.7 GHz, 1.9 GHz |
| Antenna | Not included (external required) |
| Package | LGA-100 castellation |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount (castellation) |
| Series | LARA-R2 Multi-Mode |
| Carrier Targeting | US-Cellular, T-Mobile |
| RoHS Status | Compliant |
| Interface | USB 2.0, UART, AT commands |
| Form Factor | LARA compact (26.0 x 24.0 mm typical) |
LARA-R202-03B Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | GND — Main ground reference |
| Pin 2 | GND — Main ground reference |
| Pin 3 | VBAT — Main power supply input |
| Pin 4 | VBAT — Main power supply input |
| Pin 5 | ANT — Main LTE/3G antenna pad (50 ohm) |
| Pin 6 | GND — Antenna ground reference |
| Pin 7 | USB_D+ — USB 2.0 data plus |
| Pin 8 | USB_D- — USB 2.0 data minus |
| Pin 9 | USB_VBUS — USB 5V detect |
| Pin 10 | RESET_N — Active-low reset input |
| Pin 11 | PWR_ON — Power-on assertion input |
| Pin 12 | VCC_1V8 — 1.8V digital I/O reference |
| Pin 13 | GPIO1 — General purpose I/O |
| Pin 14 | GPIO2 — General purpose I/O |
| Pin 15 | GPIO3 — General purpose I/O |
| Pin 16 | GPIO4 — General purpose I/O |
| Pin 17 | UART1_TXD — Main UART transmit data |
| Pin 18 | UART1_RXD — Main UART receive data |
| Pin 19 | UART1_RTS — Main UART request to send |
| Pin 20 | UART1_CTS — Main UART clear to send |
| Pin 21 | UART2_TXD — Auxiliary UART transmit |
| Pin 22 | UART2_RXD — Auxiliary UART receive |
| Pin 23 | I2C_SCL — I2C clock |
| Pin 24 | I2C_SDA — I2C data |
| Pin 25 | SPI_CLK — SPI clock |
| Pin 26 | SPI_MOSI — SPI master out / slave in |
| Pin 27 | SPI_MISO — SPI master in / slave out |
| Pin 28 | SPI_CS — SPI chip select |
| Pin 29 | SIM_VCC — SIM card power |
| Pin 30 | SIM_DATA — SIM card data |
| Pin 31 | SIM_CLK — SIM card clock |
| Pin 32 | SIM_RST — SIM card reset |
| Pin 33 | GND — Ground |
| Pin 34 | STATUS — Module status indication |
| Pin 35 | DTR — Data terminal ready |
| Pin 36 | DSR — Data set ready |
| Pin 37 | DCD — Data carrier detect |
| Pin 38 | RI — Ring indicator |
| Pin 39 | GND — Ground |
| Pin 40 | VBAT — Main power supply input |
| Pin 41 | VBAT — Main power supply input |
| Pin 42 | GND — Ground |
| Pin 43 | GND — Ground |
| Pin 44 | NC — Not connected (per datasheet) |
| Pin 45 | NC — Not connected (per datasheet) |
| Pin 46 | ADC1 — Analog-to-digital input 1 |
| Pin 47 | ADC2 — Analog-to-digital input 2 |
| Pin 48 | GPIO5 — General purpose I/O |
| Pin 49 | GPIO6 — General purpose I/O |
| Pin 50 | GND — Ground |
Typical Applications
LARA-R202-03B is suitable for 6 applications: Asset Tracking and Fleet Management, Smart Metering and Utility Telemetry, Vending Machine and Point-of-Sale Connectivity, Industrial Sensor Gateways, Connected Health and Wearable Monitoring, Security and Surveillance Systems.
Asset Tracking and Fleet Management
LARA-R202-03B is purpose-built for North American fleet telematics, providing LTE Cat 1 with 10.3 Mbps downlink sufficient for over-the-air firmware updates and periodic telemetry bursts. Band 12 (700 MHz) support gives excellent rural and in-building penetration typical of parked trailers and warehouse-staged containers. The LARA LGA-100 castellation package reflows directly onto tracker PCBs alongside GNSS receivers such as the u-blox NEO-M8N, simplifying BOM and assembly. At 5 V VBAT the module draws typical quiescent current below 1.5 mA in PSM (power save mode), which matters for battery-powered trailer trackers that must report position for years without service. Compared to a Cat-M1 module, LTE Cat 1 delivers faster firmware push, cutting logistics costs when re-flashing fleets in the field.
Recommended
Smart Metering and Utility Telemetry
Water, gas, and electric meters deployed across North American utility territory benefit from LARA-R202-03B's Band 12 700 MHz coverage, which propagates through concrete basements and metal meter housings far better than higher-frequency cellular bands. LTE Cat 1's 10 Mbps uplink accommodates periodic firmware upgrades and remote meter reconfiguration without truck rolls. The module's AT-command interface integrates with most AMI head-end protocols, and the LGA-100 footprint supports sealed, conformal-coated meter enclosures rated for outdoor submersion. A typical deployment pairs the module with a sub-GHz RF mesh (e.g., 900 MHz Wireless M-Bus) for last-mile residential connectivity, and the LARA module carries the wide-area backhaul over T-Mobile or US-Cellular LTE.
Recommended
Vending Machine and Point-of-Sale Connectivity
LARA-R202-03B's multi-mode LTE/HSPA+ fallback is critical for vending machines and POS terminals deployed in fringe coverage areas where LTE may be unavailable. The 3G HSPA+ B2/B5 fallback ensures the machine stays online at sites where LTE is weak or undergoing maintenance, protecting revenue and inventory telemetry. The LGA-100 castellation package's compact 26 x 24 mm footprint fits inside small vending controller housings, and the USB 2.0 interface supports cashless payment peripherals. A typical circuit places the module behind a 5 V LDO powered from the machine's 12/24 V supply, with a multiband LTE antenna on the cabinet roof. Compared to a 4G-only LTE module without 3G fallback, the LARA-R202-03B improves coverage resilience and reduces service calls.
Recommended
Industrial Sensor Gateways
Industrial IoT gateways aggregating Modbus, CAN, or analog sensor data over wide areas use the LARA-R202-03B for backhaul to a cloud SCADA platform. The 10.3 Mbps LTE Cat 1 link supports hundreds of sensor updates per minute, while the 3G HSPA+ fallback keeps the gateway online during LTE outages at remote wellheads or pumping stations. The module's industrial temperature grade and LGA-100 surface-mount package suit enclosure-mounted installations. A typical gateway pairs the LARA module with an Ethernet-managed switch for local PLC connectivity, plus the u-blox MQTT Anywhere service for low-overhead sensor uploads. Designers should allocate 200 mA peak current budget for LTE transmit bursts.
Recommended
Connected Health and Wearable Monitoring
Connected health devices such as remote patient monitors and wearable emergency call systems use LARA-R202-03B for reliable wide-area coverage across North American LTE networks. The Band 12 (700 MHz) propagation is ideal for indoor home use where higher-frequency LTE signals attenuate through walls. AT-command control lets the wearable's microcontroller push biometric data on a schedule, with HTTP and MQTT embedded stacks simplifying cloud integration. The compact LGA-100 castellation package fits wristwatch-style enclosures, and the module's power-save mode (PSM) with sub-1.5 mA quiescent current supports multi-day battery life. The LARA-R2 series is widely deployed in medical device families that have passed FDA / IEC 60601 compliance testing at the end-product level.
Recommended
Security and Surveillance Systems
Wireless alarm panels and IP-surveillance hubs use LARA-R202-03B as the primary wide-area backhaul to monitoring centers when wired broadband is unavailable or compromised. LTE Cat 1's 10 Mbps uplink supports periodic video clip upload from camera-equipped alarm systems, and the 3G HSPA+ fallback ensures alarm signals still reach the central station during LTE congestion. The LGA-100 castellation package's reflow compatibility simplifies high-volume panel assembly. A typical alarm panel pairs the module with a backup battery for continued operation during power outages, plus a multiband LTE antenna on the enclosure's top edge for maximum signal. Compared to a 2G/3G-only module, the LARA-R202-03B future-proofs against North American 2G/3G sunset timelines.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for LARA-R202-03B — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | LARA-R202-02B | LARA-R202-03B-01 | LARA-R204-02B | LARA-R211-02B | LARA-R220-02B |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | u-blox | u-blox | u-blox | u-blox | u-blox | u-blox |
| Package | LGA-100 castellation | LGA-100 castellation - same | LGA-100 castellation - same | LGA-100 castellation - same | LGA-100 castellation - same | LGA-100 castellation - same |
| Protocol | LTE Cat 1 / HSPA+ / GSM | LTE Cat 1 / HSPA+ / GSM | LTE Cat 1 / HSPA+ / GSM | LTE Cat 1 / HSPA+ / GSM | LTE Cat 1 (data only) | LTE Cat 1 (single mode) |
| LTE Bands | B2, B4, B5, B12 (North America) | B2, B4, B5, B12 | B2, B4, B5, B12 | B1, B3, B7, B8, B20, B28 (Europe/global) | B2, B4, B5, B12 (data only) | B2, B4, B5, B12 (LTE only, no 3G) |
| Peak Downlink | 10.3 Mbps | 10.3 Mbps | 10.3 Mbps | 10.3 Mbps | 10.3 Mbps | 10.3 Mbps |
| 3G HSPA+ Fallback | Yes (B2, B5) | Yes (B2, B5) | Yes (B2, B5) | Yes (B1, B2, B5, B8) | Yes (B2, B5) | No (LTE single mode) |
| Carrier Targeting | US-Cellular, T-Mobile | US-Cellular, T-Mobile | US-Cellular, T-Mobile | European operators | US-Cellular, T-Mobile (data only) | US-Cellular, T-Mobile (LTE only) |
| PCN Status | Pre-PCN production | Pre-predecessor, older BOM | Post-PCN (UBX-21003301) equivalent MCP BOM | Pre-predecessor European variant | Data-only variant | Single-mode variant |
| Typical Unit Price (qty-1000) | $41.02 | $41.02 (estimate) | $41.02 (estimate) | $44.00 (estimate) | $40.00 (estimate) | $38.00 (estimate) |
Key Differentiators
- Band 12 (700 MHz) coverage for North American rural/indoor penetration (vs LARA-R204-02B)
- Multi-mode LTE / HSPA+ / GSM fallback (vs LARA-R220-02B)
- Voice and SMS capable for telematics use cases (vs LARA-R211-02B)
Design Notes
The LARA-R202-03B LGA-100 castellation package requires a well-designed PCB land pattern with adequate thermal relief vias under the module's central thermal pad. Use a 4-layer PCB with a continuous ground plane beneath the module for optimal RF and thermal performance. Antenna feed trace should be 50-ohm controlled impedance routed clear of digital signals.
The module's VBAT input requires a low-impedance source capable of delivering peak LTE transmit bursts up to ~1 A. Place a 100 uF + 10 uF + 100 nF capacitor network within 5 mm of the VBAT pins. Use a switching regulator with low output ripple and high peak current rating; a TPS54302 or equivalent buck converter is recommended for 12 V to 5 V conversion.
Do not omit the SIM card ESD protection (e.g., u-blox TC2030 or equivalent TVS array) on the SIM_VCC, SIM_DATA, SIM_CLK, and SIM_RST lines. Ensure the SIM socket is rated for the M2M operating environment (high humidity, vibration). Verify antenna placement is clear of metal enclosures and battery packs, which can detune LTE Band 12 by 10+ dB.
At maximum LTE transmit duty cycle the module dissipates up to 2 W internally. The LGA package's central pad must be soldered to a continuous copper pour with thermal vias to inner ground planes. Without adequate thermal relief, junction temperature can exceed 105 C, causing LTE throughput throttling and reduced module lifetime.
Compliance Information
RoHS compliant per u-blox product page and IC Online listing. PTCRB and GCF pre-certified for North American operators. AEC-Q100 not applicable - this is an RF module, not an automotive-grade IC.
