2 Product Overview
The Swarm Tile (Model: TILE01) 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 to the cloud service of
each user’s choice.
The Tile 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.
Tile is a Surface Mount Technology (SMT) module that can be easily integrated into any new or
existing PCB design. The Tile communicates via a standard 3.3V CMOS serial UART interface
or a PC interface with a USB-to-serial converter.
Category
Description
Satellite data
Maximum latency will be <1 min (95% of the time)
Components
GPS, VHF radio with integrated T/R switch, U.FL connector for GPS and
VHF antenna (SMD interface also available), indicator LEDs, 3.3V serial
interface, 3.3V GPIO
Sensors
Onboard GPS (lat/lon/alt), 1 pulse per second signal
Dimensions
and Mass
58.7 mm x 27.4 mm x 6.0 mm, 14g
See detailed description in the Mechanical Specification section.
Power
Mode
Average
Peak
Sleep, 3.3V
19 µA
20 µA
Receiver Active, 3.3V
28 mA
31 mA
Transmitter on, 3.3V
888 mA
939 mA
Protocol
Modified NMEA two-letter command set
Data rate
1 kbps. Maximum packet size of 200 bytes
Table 2:
Overview of the Swarm Tile
June 2020
Swarm Tile Manual - Rev 1.00
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