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, Temperature sensor
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
N/A
22 µA
Receiver Active, 3.3V
30 mA
35 mA
Transmitter on, 3.3V
888 mA
939 mA
Protocol
Modified NMEA two-letter command set
Bit rate
1 kbps. Maximum packet size is 200 bytes
Table 2:
Overview of the Swarm Tile.
October 2020
Swarm Tile Manual - Rev 1.10
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