Arduino Introduces 4G Global Connectivity for Portenta in Mini-PCIe Form Factor

Arduino Pro has introduced a groundbreaking solution for IoT development with the launch of 4G global connectivity for its Portenta board, now available in a compact Mini-PCIe form factor. This innovation enables developers to swiftly create IoT devices with seamless global 4G cellular connectivity and GNSS capabilities.

Arduino made a significant announcement at Embedded World 2024, unveiling expansions to its esteemed Portenta line tailored for professional applications. These extensions integrate cellular connectivity, marking a notable advancement in the capabilities of Arduino’s Portenta platform. The Arduino Pro 4G module provides global cellular coverage and GNSS positioning in a mini-PCIe form factor. The company also unveiled a carrier board targeting its existing Portenta family and the new 4G module.

They introduced two new Arduino Pro 4G modules, each featuring a different system-on-module (SoM) design and adopting the mini-PCIe card form factor. One side of these modules features an edge connector, while the other side includes antenna connectors.

One of the 4G boards is tailored for the EMEA (Europe, Middle East, and Africa) region and incorporates a Quectel EC200A-EU modem. The other 4G board offers global coverage and employs a Quectel EG25-G modem, additionally providing global navigation satellite system (GNSS) positioning. The GNSS support encompasses GPS, GLONASS, BeiDou (COMPASS), Galileo, and QZSS, ensuring comprehensive positioning capabilities.
The Arduino Pro 4G modules support 4G, 3G, and 2G networks, making them versatile for various applications such as remote maintenance, fleet management, smart cities, and smart buildings. With their mini PCI-E card form factor, integration into devices is straightforward. Arduino’s carrier board simplifies prototyping, and the off-the-shelf connector facilitates easy deployment onto custom boards.

The Portenta Mid Carrier combines a Portenta C33, Portenta H7, or Portenta X8 development board with the Arduino Pro 4G module. Together, you can build devices that use Wi-Fi and cellular connectivity. The carrier board for the Arduino Pro 4G modules features numerous connectors and breakouts tailored for Portenta high-density expansion headers. Notably, it includes dedicated connectors for USB-A and Ethernet, enhancing connectivity options for users. It also features JTAG interfaces for debugging and the same connector styles as the Arduino GIGA for a display shield and camera.

All three products are now available from the Arduino Store — the Arduino Pro 4G Global (with GNSS) module at $65 and the EMEA module for €29. Neither comes with antennas, but Arduino offers Antenna Kits for each. The Portenta Mid Carrier costs $65.

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