The Challenger+ RP2350 NB-IoT is a Feather-compatible board combining a Raspberry Pi RP2350 microcontroller with a certified NB-IoT cellular module featuring built-in GNSS, ideal for long-range, low-power connectivity.
This board seems to be a variant of the earlier Challenger+ RP2350 WiFi6/BLE5 board, replacing the ESP32-C6 WiFi 6, BLE, and 802.15.4 module with the STMicroelectronics ST87M01 NB-IoT and GNSS module, while continuing to offer the same features.
Specifications include:
– Microcontroller: Raspberry Pi RP2350A MCU
– Dual-core Arm Cortex-M33 processor @ 150MHz
– Dual-core 32-bit RISC-V processor @ 150MHz
– 520KB internal RAM
– 8KB OTP Storage
– QFN-60 package; 7×7 mm
– Memory: 8MB PSRAM
– Storage: 8MB SPI flash
– Cellular connectivity:
– Module: STMicro ST87M01-1301
– LTE Cat NB2 (NB-IoT), 3GPP Release 15
– Worldwide regional bands coverage
– Data rate up to DL: 127 kbps, UL: 159 kbps
– Low power operation
– GPS L1 and Galileo
– Package size: 12.8 x 10.6 mm (LGA-51)
– Nano SIM card slot
– USB: USB 1.1 Type-C (12 Mbps) port for power, data, and programming
– Expansion:
– 16-pin + 12-pin headers
– Up to 20x GPIO
– 1x SPI, 1x I2C, 1x UART
– Reset and Enable signals
– 2x BConnect connectors: 1x I2C, 1x SWD + UART
– Miscellaneous features: Reset and Boot buttons, Charging LED, user LED
– Power Supply:
– 5V via USB-C or VUSB pin
– 1.25mm pitch JST connector for 3.7V LiPo battery
– Dimensions – 50.8 x 22.9 mm
– Weight – 9 grams
– Certifications – GCF, RED (EU), RED-DA, RoHS
The Challenger+ RP2350 NB-IoT board supports programming with the Arduino IDE and CircuitPython, plus compatibility with Raspberry Pi Pico C and MicroPython SDK. Firmware can be updated over-the-air or via UART. Documentation and code samples are forthcoming.
Applications include asset tracking, smart metering, Smart City infrastructure, Industrial IoT, environmental sensing, and remote alarm systems. It retails for 549 Swedish Kronas (~$60 US) on iLABs store. The board doesn’t come with an antenna, but an LTE antenna is available for purchase.