u-blox XPLR-IoT-1 explorer kit from Digi-Key speeds prototyping

The XPLR-IoT-1 explorer kit from u-blox is a “ready-to-use development platform” for the IoT in a variety of use cases and applications. The evaluation system is being stocked exclusively by Digi-Key.

The kit includes GNSS, cellular, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth technology, along with cloud communications services. The idea is for an easy out-of-the-box and setup experience, enabling you to publish data to the cloud and demonstrate a complete end-to-end solution.

A rechargeable battery allows for portable operation and, for position, a low-power GNSS receiver provides data. The explorer kit also has integrated sensors for temperature, humidity, pressure, and ambient light, along with a magnetometer, gyroscope, accelerometer, and battery gauge.

Specifically, the device is controlled with the Nordic Semiconductor nRF5340 wireless System-on-Chip (SoC) in the NORA-B1 wireless MCU module. Features include a dual-core Arm Cortex-M33 MCU with up to 128 MHz / 64 MHz clock frequency and 512 + 64 kB RAM memory and 1024 + 256 kB Flash.

Note that the SoC can host custom applications developed with the Nordic nRF Connect SDK or the Zephyr development environment.

“The XPLR-IoT-1 explorer kit is so much more than an evaluation board in a box,” said Josh Mickolio, wireless and IoT business development manager at Digi-Key. “It has a lot to offer: cellular, short-range, GNSS and cloud.”

“It really is a technology hub that can be used to develop just about any sensor and connectivity application, and is something that engineers can shape to their needs.”

More information about the XPLR-IoT-1 kit can be found on the Digi-Key website. It’s priced at £287.

“Whether it is a sensor on the XPLR-IoT-1 or using the XPLR-IoT-1 to connect to a Bluetooth or Wi-Fi sensor, we are excited to see how customers can shorten their proof-of-concept time and try out our latest technologies,” said Chris Corrado, vp of global distribution at u-blox.

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