M635e setup

The M635e is the satellite-capable member of the M-SoM family. It adds Non-Terrestrial Network (NTN) connectivity on top of the same LTE-M, 2G, Wi-Fi, BLE, and GNSS capabilities as a standard M-SoM, so a single module can operate on cellular or over satellite.

You set up the M635e the same way as any M-SoM, on either a Muon carrier board or an M.2 SoM breakout board. The one difference that matters for satellite operation is the antenna: the M635e requires an external NTN antenna with a clear, outdoor view of the sky.

What's in the box

You will need:

• The M635e module, which ships with the GNSS and Wi-Fi/BLE antennas
• A Muon carrier board or an M.2 SoM breakout board, both sold separately
• The Particle NTN antenna (PARANTCN1EA), available from the Particle store
• A U.FL to SMA adapter. This is included with the M.2 SoM breakout board, but must be obtained separately for Muon.
• A USB cable and power for your board

The NTN antenna

An M-SoM has U.FL connectors for LTE, Wi-Fi/BLE, and GNSS. The M635e has the same connector layout, except that its LTE connector is dual purpose, carrying both LTE and IoT NTN.

NTN uses dedicated satellite bands that the standard cellular antenna does not cover, so satellite operation requires the Particle NTN antenna (PARANTCN1EA). It serves both LTE and NTN, so it replaces the wide-band cellular antenna on the LTE connector instead of adding a second one.

The NTN antenna has an SMA connector, so it connects to the U.FL LTE connector through a U.FL to SMA adapter.

A satellite link needs an unobstructed path to the sky, so the NTN antenna is designed to be mounted outdoors with a clear view overhead. For full specifications, dimensions, and compatibility, see the antenna reference.

Depending on your application, you can also connect the GNSS and Wi-Fi/BLE antennas, exactly as you would on a standard M-SoM.

Using the M635e with Muon

1. Install the M635e on the Muon carrier board. See the Muon setup page for detailed assembly instructions.
2. Fit the U.FL to SMA adapter to the cellular U.FL connector, then attach the NTN antenna to the adapter. Connect the GNSS and Wi-Fi/BLE antennas if your application uses them. The antennas must be connected before you apply power.
3. Power the Muon and connect it to your computer with a USB-C to USB-C cable. A USB-A to USB-C cable cannot power the Muon.

Using the M635e with the M.2 SoM breakout board

1. Insert the M635e into the M.2 socket on the breakout board.
2. Fit the U.FL to SMA adapter to the cellular U.FL connector, then attach the NTN antenna to the adapter. (See the white arrow in the image above.) Connect the GNSS and Wi-Fi/BLE antennas if your application uses them. The antennas must be connected before you apply power.
3. Install the power module on the breakout board.
4. Power the board with the supplied AC/DC power adapter.
5. Plug in the battery.
6. Connect the breakout board to your computer with a USB cable.

Antenna placement and line of sight

Antenna placement is the most common cause of NTN connection problems. A satellite link will not attach without a clear path to the sky.

• Place the NTN antenna outdoors with an open view overhead.
• Keep it away from buildings, roofs and overhangs, dense foliage, metal enclosures, and vehicle cabins, all of which block or weaken the signal.
• A window is usually not sufficient for a satellite connection.

NTN operates from the fixed location you enter during setup and is not designed for use while the device is in motion. For placement guidance and common failure causes, see NTN troubleshooting.

Add to your account

After the physical assembly is done, go to setup.particle.io and follow the guided instructions to add the device to your account. This step installs the eSIM profiles the M635e needs, including the NTN profile for satellite roaming, and it is where you enter the device's fixed location.

Warning:

Once the device has been added to your account, move it outdoors with a clear view of the sky to establish its first satellite connection. The RGB status LED shows its progress:

• Solid green: The device is searching for a satellite. This is normal, and it can take up to 10 minutes on the first connection.
• Solid cyan: The device has connected over satellite and is online.
• Blinking red: The device hit an error and is restarting itself. If it persists, check your antenna connection and sky visibility.

The first connection is the slow one, so give it time with a clear view of the sky before assuming something is wrong. If the LED stays solid green for much longer than 10 minutes, it is almost always antenna placement or sky view. See Antenna placement and line of sight, above.

Next steps

Once setup is complete, continue with the getting started guide to explore the Particle console and program your device.

To learn how Particle NTN works end to end, what it can and cannot do, and how to put a device in the field with the M635e NTN blueprint, see the NTN overview on the Particle developer site.