The Digi XBee 3 global cellular module is a revolutionary, compact solution engineered for rapid integration of cellular IoT capabilities. It comes with cellular and BLE connectivity and end-device carrier certifications, enabling the creation of secure wireless devices with global connectivity and positioning. The combination of the XBee ecosystem and cellular functionality simplifies data handling over a cellular connection.\n\nCellular LTE-M and NB-IoT are perfect for low-power, low-data applications like asset tracking and smart sensors (less than 5MB of data per month). With the XBee 3 global cellular, global connectivity is instantly available. It features an excellent power-saving mode to extend battery life and deployment time. It doesn't include a SIM card or data plan, but options are available in the related products section.\n\nTo boost cellular IoT development, the XBee 3 package includes a wide range of MicroPython programming resources, the user-friendly XBee Studio tool suite, and a 12-month subscription to the Digi Remote Manager® for each module, allowing for remote software updates and monitoring. The Digi XBee Studio, a powerful tool for accelerating development, production, and deployment, further enhances cellular IoT implementation.\n\n**Features:**\n- **Hardware:** Cellular Chipset: Telit ME310G1-WW; Form factor: Digi XBee® 20-pin through-hole; Antenna options: 1 U.FL cellular, 1 U.FL Bluetooth®, 1 U.FL GNSS; Dimensions: 24.38 mm x 32.94 mm (0.96 in x 1.3 in); Operating temperature: −40 ºC to 85 ºC (−40 ºF to 185 ºF); SIM size: 4FF Nano.\n- **Interface and I/O:** Data interface: UART, SPI, USB; Operating modes (LTE-M): Transparent and API over serial, PPP over USB; Operating modes (NB-IoT): Transparent, API, UDP; Security: Digi TrustFence® security with secure boot and protected JTAG; Configuration tools: Digi XBee Studio® (local), Digi Remote Manager® (OTA); Embedded programmability: MicroPython with 1024 kB flash / 64 kB RAM; I/O: 4 ADC lines (10-bit), 13 digital I/O, USB, I2C; Bluetooth: Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE).\n- **Cellular characteristics:** Transmit power: Up to 23 dBm (LTE-M/NB-IoT), up to 33 dBm (2G); Receive sensitivity (LTE-M): −105 dBm; Receive sensitivity (NB-IoT): −113 dBm; Supported bands: LTE Bands B1, B2, B3, B4, B5, B8, B12, B13, B18, B19, B20, B25, B26, B27, B28, B66, B71, B85; 2G Bands B2, B3, B5, B8; Downlink / uplink speeds (LTE-M): Up to 588 kbps downlink, up to 1 Mbps uplink; Downlink / uplink speeds (NB-IoT): Up to 120 kbps downlink, up to 160 kbps uplink; Downlink / uplink speeds (2G): Up to 264 kbps downlink, up to 210 kbps uplink; Duplex mode: Half-duplex.\n- **Power requirements (at 3.3 VDC input power):** Supply voltage: 3.3 – 4.3 VDC; Peak transmit current: 550 mA with Bluetooth disabled; 610 mA with Bluetooth enabled; Avg transmit current (LTE-M): 1.25 A peak, 410 mA average (GM2 modules); Avg transmit current (NB-IoT): 1.3 A peak, 410 mA average (GM2 modules); Avg transmit current (2G): 2.1 A peak, 320 mA average (GM2 modules); Idle: 200 mA peak, 100 mA average; Power save mode: 20 μA; Deep sleep: 2.65 μA.\n- **Regulatory and carrier approvals\*:** FCC (USA): MCQ-XB3M2; ISED (Canada): 1846A-XB3M2; CE / RED (Europe): Complete; UKCA (United Kingdom): Complete; Japan: Pending; Brazil: Pending; Mexico (NOM): Pending; PTCRB, AT&T and Verizon: Complete.\n\n**Documents:** Datasheet
Using the Digi XBee 3 global cellular module is easy. First, connect it to your device according to the form factor and antenna options provided. Make sure to use the appropriate power supply within the specified voltage range. If you plan to use the cellular connectivity, you'll need to get a SIM card and data plan from the related products section.
When programming the module, you can take advantage of the MicroPython programming resources and the XBee Studio tool suite. The 12 - month subscription to the Digi Remote Manager® allows you to perform remote software updates and monitoring.
Here are some important things to note. Keep the module within the recommended operating temperature range of -40 ºC to 85 ºC. Avoid exposing it to extreme humidity or physical damage. Also, be aware of the power requirements and modes to optimize battery life.
For maintenance, regularly check the connections to ensure they are secure. If you encounter any issues, refer to the datasheet or use the configuration tools like Digi XBee Studio® or Digi Remote Manager® for troubleshooting.
