Iridium 9603 Module

Iridium 9603 Module

Ultra-Compact Satellite Transceiver for Global Two-Way Messaging

The Iridium 9603 Module is the smallest commercially available satellite module,
offering truly global two-way messaging with the reliability of the Iridium
satellite constellation and the low latency of Short Burst Data (SBD).

  • 🌍 Truly Global Two-Way Messaging
  • 📡 Supports Iridium Short Burst Data (SBD)
  • 📦 Smallest Commercial Satellite Module
  • ⚡ Lightweight & Low Power for Flexible Integration
  • 🔗 Designed for Seamless Integration into Embedded Systems

Description

Overview

Iridium 9603 is the smallest commercially available satellite transceiver module, designed for embedded IoT and M2M applications requiring reliable global communication. Operating on the Iridium® satellite network, it provides true pole-to-pole connectivity using Short Burst Data (SBD) technology for low-latency, two-way messaging. Its ultra-compact size, lightweight design, and low power consumption make it ideal for space-constrained and battery-powered systems.


Key Features

  • Global satellite coverage (pole-to-pole connectivity)
  • Supports Short Burst Data (SBD) communication
  • Smallest commercial satellite module available
  • Ultra-compact and lightweight design
  • Low power consumption for embedded systems
  • Single-board module for easy integration
  • No SIM card required (device-based activation)
  • Supports integration with GPS and external systems
  • Fully compliant with international standards (RoHS, FCC, CE)

Applications

  • Asset tracking and fleet management
  • Maritime and offshore monitoring
  • Remote equipment monitoring
  • Environmental sensing systems
  • UAV and drone communication
  • Industrial IoT and M2M solutions

 

Additional information

Mechanical Specifications

Dimensions: 31.5 × 29.6 × 8.1 mm (L × W × H)
Weight: 11.4 g

Power Parameters

Supply Input Voltage: 5.0 V ± 0.5 V DC
Supply Voltage Ripple: < 40 mV (peak-to-peak)
Idle Current (Peak): 156 mA
Idle Current (Average): 34 mA
Transmission Current (Peak): 1.3 A
Transmission Current (Average): 145 mA
Receive Current (Peak): 156 mA
Receive Current (Average): 39 mA
SBD Transfer Current (Average): 158 mA
SBD Transfer Power (Average): ≤ 0.8 W

RF Interfaces

Frequency Range: 1616 – 1626.5 MHz
Duplexing Method: TDD (Time Domain Duplex)
Input/Output Impedance: 50 Ω
Multiplexing Method: TDMA / FDMA

Interfaces

Control Interface: UART (logical level asynchronous serial)
Command Interface: AT command set
Connector: Single header connector (power, on/off control, UART, network availability)

Environmental Specifications

Operating Temperature: -40°C to +85°C
Storage Temperature: -40°C to +85°C
Operating Humidity: ≤ 75% RH
Storage Humidity: ≤ 93% RH

Regulatory & Compliance

Certifications: FCC (US), CE (EU)