Bench Talk

New Tech Tuesdays

Join Rudy Ramos for a weekly look at all things interesting, new, and noteworthy for design engineers.

Portable USB modems are a convenient and versatile solution for providing internet connectivity to devices such as single board computers (SBCs) and Internet of Things (IoT) modules, which may not have built-in cellular connectivity or may lack reliable Wi-Fi^® access. If you work remotely, a portable USB modem can be a lifesaver allowing you to connect to the internet from anywhere, even if you have no Wi-Fi or wired internet access. When traveling, a portable USB modem can provide reliable internet access regardless of where you are. This is especially useful if you travel internationally and do not want to pay exorbitant roaming charges.

Portable USB modems can also be a backup when your primary internet connection goes down, ensuring you always stay connected. For gamers who need low latency and high-speed internet access, a portable USB modem can provide a dedicated connection that is not affected by other devices on the network. Likewise, if you find yourself in an area with slow or unreliable Wi-Fi, a portable USB modem can provide a fast and stable connection for streaming movies, television shows, and other media..

IoT devices often require a cellular connection to function correctly. This is especially true when the IoT device is deployed in a remote area without Wi-Fi coverage. In this scenario, a portable USB modem offers a cost-effective and flexible solution for connecting to the internet or the cloud. Portable USB modems are also a great way to keep your IoT device secure because they are only connected to the cloud when needed. If you work in the field, a portable USB modem can provide similar reliable internet access for uploading data, accessing files, and communicating with your team.

This week's New Tech Tuesday brings you TE Connectivity’s (TE’s) LEMBAS LTE/GNSS USB modem. If you are looking for a versatile and reliable solution for all your internet connectivity needs, the TE LEMBAS modem is the ultimate choice.

TE’s LEMBAS LTE/GNSS USB modem is designed with state-of-the-art technology. This all-in-one communications solution is a game-changer for engineers and makers alike. It features an LTE CAT4 network and GPS tracking, making it perfect for a wide array of single board computers (SBCs) with Arm^® 32-bit and 64-bit processors running Debian or Ubuntu-based Linux OS.

The LEMBAS modem is a plug-and-play device, allowing for an easy single-command initial setup, enabling instant access to cellular AT&T network connectivity and GPS tracking in a compact package. With an included built-in Pod Group SIM card, it can be easily activated via the Pod Group's Luner platform. Plus, it also doubles as a USB flash drive (mass storage device) and has a limited installation footprint, allowing freedom of placement without obstructing adjacent USB ports on the SBC.

Tested with popular SBCs like Raspberry Pi Model B, Odroid XU4 and N2, ASUS Tinker Board, and the NVIDIA Jetson Nano, the LEMBAS modem is fully compatible with Arm processors running Linux OS. It is end-device RF certified (FCC, PTCRB, AT&T), making it a reliable and secure option for industries and applications like agriculture, medical, industrial automation, consumer products, maker projects, and IoT devices.

Upgrade your internet connectivity to the next level with TE’s innovative LEMBAS LTE/GNSS USB modem, available now at Mouser Electronics and enjoy uninterrupted internet connectivity anywhere, anytime!

TE’s LEMBAS LTE/GNSS USB modem is a game-changing solution for all your internet connectivity needs. Whether you are a remote worker, engineer, maker, or require monitoring of IoT devices in remote areas, this portable USB modem offers a cost-effective and flexible solution to keep you and your applications connected anywhere, anytime. With its easy plug-and-play setup and compatibility with a wide range of SBCs, the LEMBAS modem is the ultimate backup solution to ensure you always stay connected.