Swarm M138 - 2 Product Overview

2 Product Overview
The Swarm Modem (Model: M138) satellite data modem transmits and receives data to and
from Swarm’s space network and is designed to be embedded into a third-party product. Swarm
backend systems support the delivery of customer data via a REST API or Webhook to the
cloud service of each user’s choice.
The Swarm Modem is a module suitable for a variety of low-bandwidth use cases: from
connecting people and tracking vehicles, ships, or packages to relaying sensor data for
agriculture, energy, and industrial IoT applications.
The Swarm Modem is a Mini-PCI Express Card that can be easily integrated into any new or
existing PCB design. The Swarm Modem communicates via a standard 3.3V CMOS serial
UART interface or a PC interface with a USB-to-serial converter.
Category
Description
Components
GPS, VHF radio with integrated T/R switch, U.FL connector for GPS and
VHF antenna, indicator LEDs, 3.3V serial interface, 3.3V GPIO, 1PPS GPS
Onboard
Sensors
uBLOX GPS (lat/lon/alt), 1 pulse per second signal
Dimensions
and Mass
51.0 mm x 30.0 mm x 5.3 mm, 9.6 g
See detailed description in the Mechanical Specification section.
Power
Mode
Typical
Peak
3.3V
5V
3.3V
5V
Sleep
-
-
70μA
110μA
Receiver Active
26mA
25mA
40mA
42mA
Transmitter On
1275mA
785mA
1600mA
790mA
Protocol
Modified NMEA two-letter command set
Bit rate
1 kbps. Maximum packet size is 192 bytes
Table 2: Overview of the Swarm Modem.
November 2021 Swarm M138 Modem Manual - Rev 1.00 9/77