Connectivity Modules
Cellular LTE-M / NB-IoT Module
Nordic nRF9160 · LTE-M, NB-IoT · Integrated GPS/GNSS · Plug-in module
Drop into any ARG host board. The same Host API works across all ARG comm modules — switch connectivity technologies at production time with zero firmware changes.
ARG Connectivity Modules
Global cellular connectivity. No new wiring. No host changes.
The ARG Cellular Module pairs Nordic’s nRF9160 LTE-M/NB-IoT SiP with integrated GPS/GNSS and a 4MB offline storage buffer onto a 2″ × 1″ plug-in card. It connects to any ARG host board via Samtec headers and exposes the ARG Common Host API — the same UART binary interface used by every ARG comm module.
The ARG Comm Platform
One host board. Any connectivity.
ARG products are designed around a common comm module footprint and a hardware-agnostic Host API. The same host firmware runs unchanged whether the module inside is cellular, Wi-Fi, Power Line, or Modbus — decide connectivity at production time, or swap modules in the field.
Same Form Factor
2″ × 1″ board, Samtec headers on 2mm centers. Every ARG comm module — cellular, Wi-Fi, Power Line, Modbus — fits the same footprint on the host PCB.
Same Host API
A single UART binary protocol — PUBLISH, STATUS_GET, RECEIVED — works identically across all module types. The host sends a payload and receives data without knowing the underlying radio.
Any Technology
Cellular for remote field sites. Wi-Fi for campus deployments. Power Line where wiring exists. Modbus for BMS integration. Select the module for each deployment — the product board never changes.
OTA Firmware Updates
3.5MB NOR flash staging partition allows full over-the-air module firmware updates. The host streams the new image over UART; the modem validates, self-programs, and reboots autonomously.
Capabilities
Production-grade cellular. Built for the field.
The nRF9160 module has been production-deployed across ARG’s own instrument line, including the iAQ-Pro and G360 security controller.
LTE-M & NB-IoT
Nordic nRF9160 SiP. Dual-mode LTE-M (Cat-M1) and NB-IoT (Cat-NB1) with global band support. Hologram embedded eSIM + nano-SIM slot. Up to 1 Mbps DL on LTE-M.
Integrated GPS / GNSS
GPS and GLONASS positioning built into the nRF9160 — no external GNSS chip required. Used for geo-tagged telemetry, asset tracking, and location-based alerting.
Resilient Offline Queue
256KB NVS circular buffer holds approximately 500 full-size messages. Frames queued automatically while offline. Auto-replay oldest-first on reconnect. No data loss during network outages.
Specifications
| Chipset | Nordic nRF9160-SICA SiP (ARM Cortex-M33 + LTE modem) |
|---|---|
| Cellular Protocols | LTE-M (Cat-M1), NB-IoT (Cat-NB1) |
| LTE Bands | B1, B2, B3, B4, B5, B8, B12, B13, B17, B18, B19, B20, B25, B26, B28, B66 (LTE-M); + B71 (NB-IoT) |
| Data Rate | LTE-M: 1 Mbps DL / 1 Mbps UL · NB-IoT: 27 kbps DL / 63 kbps UL |
| Tx Power | Up to +23 dBm |
| GNSS | Integrated GPS & GLONASS |
| SIM | Embedded eSIM (Hologram Global) + nano-SIM card slot |
| Flash Storage | 4MB NOR flash (W25Q32) — 3.5MB OTA staging, 256KB offline queue |
| Supply Voltage | 3.0 – 5.5V DC |
| Sleep Current | <2.5 µA (PSM mode) |
| Form Factor | 2.0″ × 1.0″ (50.8 × 25.4 mm) |
| Connector | Samtec plug-in headers, 2mm pitch (both edges) |
| Operating Temperature | −40°C to +85°C |
| Protocol | ARG Binary Frame Protocol v0.1 |
|---|---|
| Physical | UART, 460,800 baud, 8N1, hardware flow control (RTS/CTS) |
| Signals | TX, RX, RTS, CTS, nRST, PWR_EN |
| Frame Format | SOF (0xAA) + VER + TYPE + LEN[2] + PAYLOAD[0–512] + CRC16-CCITT[2] |
| Max Frame | 519 bytes · Max payload: 512 bytes |
| CPU Burden | Zero — DMA + hardware flow control on both host and modem; CPU wakes only on complete frame |
| Offline Buffering | 256KB NVS queue (~500 messages); auto-replay oldest-first on reconnect |
| Compatibility | Protocol-identical across all ARG comm modules — cellular, Wi-Fi, G3-PLC, Modbus |
Frequently Asked
Cell Modem — FAQ
Common questions about the ARG cellular connectivity module.
What cellular technologies does it support?
LTE-M (Cat-M1) and NB-IoT on the Nordic nRF9160, with integrated GPS/GNSS and global band coverage. A Hologram global eSIM plus a nano-SIM slot are included.
How does it connect to my product?
Over the ARG Common Host API — a binary UART protocol. The host sends application payloads; the module handles the radio, TLS, MQTT, retry, and offline queuing autonomously.
Can I switch to Wi-Fi or power line later?
Yes. Every ARG comm module shares the same footprint and the same Host API, so you can swap between cellular, Wi-Fi, and G3-PLC with no host firmware changes.
Does it support over-the-air updates?
Yes — a NOR flash staging partition lets the module self-program new firmware over the air; it also buffers messages while offline and replays them on reconnect.
Ready to add cellular to your design?
Get pricing for the cellular module, volume orders, and custom integration support.