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.