Official Arduino Portenta CAT.M1/NB IoT GNSS Shield
The Arduino Portenta CAT.M1/NB IoT GNSS Shield enhances your Arduino Portenta applications with robust cellular and precise positioning capabilities. Leveraging the Thales Cinterion TX62 wireless module, this Portenta LTE Shield delivers highly efficient, low-power Cat.M1 and NB-IoT connectivity alongside multi-constellation GNSS (GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, BeiDou).
It's an ideal Arduino GNSS Shield for developing sophisticated asset tracking and remote monitoring solutions in industrial settings, agriculture, and smart cities, combining seamlessly with the edge computing power of the Arduino Portenta.
This Arduino Portenta NB IoT Shield and Arduino Portenta GNSS Module in one is designed for optimized bandwidth and performance.
Features:
Utilizes the Thales Cinterion TX62 module for Cat.M1 and NB-IoT networks
Integrated GNSS supports GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, and BeiDou systems
Designed for energy-efficient IoT applications, extending device field life
Seamlessly integrates with Arduino Portenta and Arduino MKR boards
Supports embedded IPv4/IPv6 TCP/IP stack, MQTT, HTTP, and FTP
Features TLS/DTLS for secure data transmission and secure boot capabilities
Operates reliably in harsh environments from -40°C to +85°C
Provides the option to use eSIM technology for flexible network provisioning
1. How to connect the Arduino Portenta CAT.M1/NB IoT GNSS Shield to a Portenta board?
You can attach the Arduino Portenta CAT.M1/NB IoT GNSS Shield to a compatible Portenta board such as the Portenta H7 by aligning the high-density headers and securing it firmly. Ensure proper alignment of pins to avoid damage and connect the antenna to the u.FL or SMA connector for reliable GNSS signal reception. This stackable design enables seamless integration for mobile IoT applications.
2. How to set up cellular connectivity on the Portenta CAT.M1/NB IoT GNSS Shield?
You should insert a valid SIM card into the slot on the shield and use the Arduino IDE with the provided libraries like Arduino_MKRGSM to initialize the modem. Configure it for LTE-M or NB-IoT networks depending on carrier support, enabling IoT projects with the Portenta CAT.M1/NB IoT shield for low-power, wide-area communication in remote or low-bandwidth environments.
3. How to read GPS data using the Portenta CAT.M1/NB IoT GNSS Shield?
The Arduino GNSS shield uses a dedicated receiver to provide precise latitude, longitude, altitude, and satellite information via serial communication. You can access this data using the Arduino GNSS library to parse NMEA sentences and implement real-time positioning. This capability is essential for location tracking, navigation, or fleet management projects requiring high accuracy.
4. How to transmit IoT data through the Portenta CAT.M1/NB IoT GNSS Shield?
Once registered on an LTE-M or NB-IoT network, the Arduino Portenta CAT.M1/NB IoT Shield can securely send sensor or device data to cloud platforms such as Arduino IoT Cloud, AWS IoT, or custom MQTT brokers. This enables remote monitoring and real-time analytics for distributed systems, leveraging low-power cellular connectivity for long-term deployments without Wi-Fi dependency.
5. How to integrate the GNSS shield with sensors or external modules?
You can combine the Portenta CAT.M1/NB IoT GNSS Shield with onboard sensors or external modules connected via I2C, SPI, or analog pins on the Portenta board. This integration allows advanced projects like asset tracking, environmental monitoring, or smart agriculture by correlating location data with environmental readings such as temperature, humidity, or soil moisture.
6. How to power the Arduino Portenta CAT.M1/NB IoT GNSS Shield?
The shield receives power through the connected Portenta board via the pin headers, drawing from its regulated power rails. You should ensure the main board has a stable voltage supply, either from USB, battery, or external DC, to support the power demands of both GNSS and IoT communication functions, especially during modem transmission bursts.
7. How to troubleshoot connectivity issues on the Portenta CAT.M1/NB IoT GNSS Shield?
If experiencing issues, you should check the SIM card activation status with your provider, verify antenna placement for clear sky visibility and cellular signal strength, and confirm network coverage for LTE-M or NB-IoT in your region. Updating the firmware and Arduino libraries ensures the Portenta CAT.M1/NB IoT Shield maintains compatibility and operates reliably in your IoT projects.
8. How to use the Arduino Portenta CAT.M1/NB IoT GNSS Shield for remote tracking applications?
By combining GNSS data for positioning with IoT connectivity for communication, the Arduino CAT.M1/NB IoT shield enables real-time tracking of vehicles, assets, or personnel across wide geographic areas. Its low-power operation supports extended battery life, making it ideal for long-term deployments in logistics, agriculture, or environmental monitoring where wired power is unavailable.
1. What is the Arduino Portenta CAT.M1/NB IoT GNSS Shield used for?
The Arduino Portenta CAT.M1/NB IoT GNSS Shield adds cellular connectivity and GPS positioning to your Portenta boards, enabling standalone IoT and tracking applications. You can deploy it in remote areas where Wi-Fi isn’t available, relying on LTE networks for data transmission and real-time location updates.
2. Which Portenta boards are compatible with this GNSS shield?
The ASX00027 shield is fully compatible with all Arduino Portenta boards, including the Portenta H7 and Portenta X8, ensuring plug-and-play integration. You can stack it directly onto the board for immediate access to cellular and GNSS functions. It’s designed for seamless operation within the Arduino Pro ecosystem.
3. Can this shield connect to global cellular networks?
Yes, it supports CAT.M1 and NB-IoT networks, providing low-power, wide-area connectivity across global carriers. You can use it for international deployments where reliable, long-range communication is essential. This makes it ideal for remote monitoring and mobile asset tracking.
4. How does the GNSS feature work on the shield?
The GNSS functionality delivers accurate latitude, longitude, altitude, and time data by connecting to multiple satellite systems like GPS, GLONASS, and Galileo. You get precise positioning even in challenging environments such as urban canyons or dense foliage. It’s perfect for real-time tracking and geofencing in IoT applications.
5. What are the power requirements for the Portenta CAT.M1/NB IoT GNSS Shield?
The shield draws power directly from the connected Arduino Portenta board, eliminating the need for external power adapters. You can run both cellular communication and GNSS tracking efficiently with stable power delivery. This simplifies deployment in battery-powered or solar-reliant remote systems.
6. How do I program the shield with my Portenta board?
Attach the shield to your Portenta board, insert a compatible SIM card, and use the Arduino IDE or Arduino Pro tools to write and upload code. You can access cellular and GNSS libraries to manage data transmission and location services. This streamlined workflow accelerates development for connected IoT projects.
7. What types of projects benefit most from this shield?
This shield is ideal for asset tracking, smart agriculture, logistics, and remote monitoring systems that require both global cellular connectivity and precise GNSS positioning. You can build solutions that report location and sensor data from anywhere with cellular coverage. It’s a powerful tool for scalable, real-world IoT deployments.
This product comes with a 1-year manufacturer warranty from the date of purchase, covering manufacturing defects only.
Warranty Void If:
The product shows signs of physical damage, mishandling, exposure to water/moisture, fire, natural calamities, unauthorized repairs, improper storage near heat or direct sunlight, or alteration in any way.
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