Industrial 5G M.2 Module Enters Series Production

Kontron has announced series production of the IB17M-W 5G M.2 broadband module, designed to provide high-speed cellular connectivity for industrial systems, rail transport platforms, and avionics applications. The module supports the 3GPP Release 17 standard and delivers downlink speeds of up to 4.9 Gbps and uplink speeds of 0.55 Gbps, enabling high-bandwidth wireless communication in embedded and edge computing environments.

Developed in Berlin and manufactured in Düsseldorf, the module integrates into industrial computing systems requiring reliable 5G connectivity across global deployments.

High-Throughput 5G Architecture for Industrial Environments
The IB17M-W uses 4×4 MIMO for downlink and 2×2 MIMO for uplink, improving data throughput and link stability in environments where radio conditions may fluctuate due to interference or structural obstacles. This configuration supports demanding use cases such as remote diagnostics, real-time telemetry, and high-volume industrial data exchange.

The module is based on the Qualcomm SDX72-0 platform, providing high-performance processing for 5G communication. It supports USB 3.1 Gen 2 and PCIe interfaces, enabling integration with industrial computers, embedded controllers, and edge gateways that require high-speed data transfer between communication modules and host processors.

Its M.2 3052 (Key B) form factor allows the module to be installed in existing embedded systems designed for standard M.2 cellular modules. This approach simplifies system upgrades and supports scalable deployment of 5G connectivity in industrial infrastructure.

Global Deployment and Industrial Integration
A single global SKU supports international deployments by enabling compatibility across multiple cellular bands and regional network standards. This simplifies certification processes and reduces logistical complexity for manufacturers deploying connected systems in multiple markets.

The module also incorporates dual SIM capability, allowing operators to switch between network providers or maintain connectivity redundancy in applications requiring continuous communication. Such functionality is particularly relevant for mobile industrial platforms and rail communication systems.

Environmental Robustness and Positioning Capability
The IB17M-W is designed for operation in industrial environments, with an extended temperature range of −40 °C to +85 °C. This specification enables deployment in outdoor infrastructure, transportation systems, and industrial automation equipment exposed to harsh environmental conditions.

For positioning and navigation, the module supports L1 and L5 GNSS frequencies across multiple satellite systems, including GPS, GLONASS, BeiDou, and Galileo. Dual-frequency support improves positioning accuracy and reliability, particularly in dense urban environments or areas with signal reflections.

Security and Long-Term System Support
Security mechanisms form part of the module’s design, including regular firmware and security updates intended to mitigate emerging vulnerabilities. These updates are relevant for industrial deployments where connectivity modules operate as part of long-lifecycle infrastructure systems.

European Development and Manufacturing
Kontron developed the module in Berlin and manufactures it in Düsseldorf. According to the company, maintaining development and production within Germany allows shorter supply chains and supports compliance with European regulatory and security requirements.

The IB17M-W module was scheduled to be demonstrated by Kontron at Embedded World 2026, held in Nuremberg, Germany, from March 10–12, 2026, where the company presented the technology at Hall 3, Booth 159.

www.kontron.com