Blues Wireless for OPTA Datasheet
The Blues Wireless for OPTA Expansion Module adds cellular capability to any OPTA micro PLC.
Product Overview
The OPTA comes in three flavors, providing either Ethernet, Bluetooth, or WiFi capabilities. The Blues Wireless for OPTA expansion module allows customers to add cellular connectivity via a pluggable module that uses the standard AUX expansion port on the OPTA, and can be daisy-chained with other expansion modules. The OPTA communicates with the Wireless for OPTA Expansion and its Notecard via I2C and can leverage either the Arduino IoT Cloud SDK or Blues' note-arduino library for configuring the Notecard and its backhaul.
The Blues Wireless for OPTA features dual connectivity options with automatic failover from cellular to WiFi. Available in variants for North America (LTE Cat 1) or EMEA (LTE Cat 1), the expansion module provides 500MB of pre-paid data and 10 years of service in over 139 countries with no activation fees or monthly commitments. The 500MB will last until consumed, or until the 10 years of service ends, whichever comes first.
Product Images
| Front | Right Side | Left Side |
|---|---|---|
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Key Features
- Voltage: 12...24 V Supply Voltage.
- Cellular: Cellular communications powered by the Notecard (LTE Cat 1 North America or LTE Cat 1 EMEA) including 500 MB of data and 10-years of service with no activation fees or monthly commitments. External SIM slot for bringing your own Cellular connectivity.
- Cloud Integration: Network backhaul via Blues Notehub cloud service, with support for Arduino IoT cloud, AWS, Azure, GCP and dozens of other cloud services.
- Onboard Components: Communication test button and Neopixel for connectivity status.
- Programming/Debugging: USB C port for direct Notecard programming and debugging.
- Power Backup: Power outage detection and notification via an integrated Lithium-Ion Capacitor.
Product Benefits
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Turnkey Wireless Connectivity
The Blues Wireless for OPTA enables you to connect your OPTA micro PLC to the cloud with just a few lines of code.
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Effortless Data Routing to Any Cloud
Route your data to any cloud, including the Arduino IoT Cloud, AWS, Azure, GCP, Snowflake, and more, using Notehub’s intuitive "no code" interface.
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Fast-Track Your Time to Market
With pre-provisioned connectivity and an intuitive, low-code JSON interface, the Wireless for OPTA reduces your time to market from years to months.
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Industry-Leading Security
Industry-leading security from device authentication through an integrated secure element to encrypted "off-the-internet" communications and private VPN tunnels.
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Power Outage Detection To Reduce Downtime
An onboard backup power supply allows the Expansion to detect outages and send operators outage alerts, ensuring rapid response and uninterrupted operations.
Typical Application
| Build | Integrate | Configure |
|---|---|---|
| Connect the Wireless for OPTA Expansion to your OPTA PLC via a 10-pin AUX connector. | Set up the Expansion in minutes using the Notecard's award-winning hardware and firmware interface. | Create bi-directional dataflow from your PLC through Notehub to your cloud app. |
Technical Specs
| Characteristics | Details |
|---|---|
| Input | AUX Serial input for OPTA to Expansion communication and configuration over I2C |
| Backup Power Supply | Vinatech VEL13353R8257G Lithium-Ion Capacitor with 250F @ 3.8V |
| Processor | STM32U575OIY6QTR ARM® Cortex®-M4 core up to 160 MHz |
| Antennas | 2 x SMA connectors with 2 LTE antennas included |
| Connectivity | LTE Cat 1 (North America or EMEA) and second SIM slot feature (bring your own connectivity) |
| Security | Integrated STSAFE Secure element on Notecard |
| Memory | 2 MB of Flash, 768 KB of SRAM on Notecard |
| Supply Voltage | 12...24 V DC |
| Clock | Clock time set and managed by Notecard via network communication |
| Expandability | AUX Serial Port exposing UART and I2C communication interfaces enabling the connection of additional expansions in daisy chain. |
| Operating Temperature | -40 °C to +90 °C |
| IP Protection | IP20 |
The Blues Wireless for OPTA is compatible with the following OPTA micro PLCs.
Certifications
CE
CE certification indicates that a product complies with the essential requirements of relevant European health, safety, and environmental protection legislation. It is a mandatory conformity mark for products sold within the European Economic Area (EEA).
European Union (CE RED)
This Notecard is CE-marked for the EU/EEA in accordance with the Radio Equipment Directive (RED) 2014/53/EU, as documented in an EU Declaration of Conformity (DoC). Compliance with RED is demonstrated through conformance to applicable harmonized standards covering radio performance, EMC, safety, and cybersecurity.
warningEN 18031-1:2024 is the harmonized standard defining cybersecurity requirements for network protection. The conformity assessment was performed via manufacturer self-declaration supported by third-party testing.
This compliance assumes Notecard data is routed off-internet via the Blues-provided secure network path using the embedded SIM and Blues Notehub. Customers must not enable configurations that bypass that path. Specifically: do not use a secondary SIM for alternate cellular connectivity and do not enable WiFi transport for data traffic (WiFi may be used for WiFi Triangulation only).
| Certification | Date |
|---|---|
| EN 55032: 2015/A11:2020 Class B | March 2025 |
| EN 55032: 2015/A1:2020 Class B | March 2025 |
| EN 55035: 2017 | March 2025 |
| EN 55035: 2017/A11:2020 | March 2025 |
| EN 55032: 2015/A11:2020 Class B | March 2025 |
| EN 301 511 V12.5.1 | February 2025 |
| EN 301 908-1 V13.2.1 | February 2025 |
| EN 301 489-1 V2.2.3 | March 2025 |
| EN 301 489-17 V3.3.1 | March 2025 |
| EN 301 489-52 V1.3.1 | March 2025 |
| EU RoHS (2011/65/EU & 2015/863) | February 2025 |
| EU REACH (1907/2006) | February 2025 |
| EU Declaration of Conformity | January 2025 |
| UK Declaration of Conformity | March 2025 |
| UK PSTI Statement of Compliance | January 2025 |
FCC
FCC certification indicates that a product complies with the regulations set forth by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) in the United States. This certification ensures that electronic devices do not emit electromagnetic interference that could disrupt other electronic devices and communication systems.
FCC IDs: XMR202008EG91NAXD
| Certification | Date |
|---|---|
| 47 CFR FCC Part 15, Subpart B Class B: 2023 | March 2025 |
| 47 CFR Part 15 Subpart C | February 2025 |
| 47 CFR Part 22 Subpart H | February 2025 |
| 47 CFR Part 24 Subpart E | February 2025 |
| 47 CFR Part 27 Subpart L | February 2025 |
| 47 CFR Part 90 Subpart S | February 2025 |
| 47 CFR Part 11.1320 | July 2020 |
| 47 CFR Part 2.1091 | September 2019 |
| 47 CFR Part 1.1310 | September 2019 |
| FCC Declaration of Conformity | March 2025 |
PTCRB
PTCRB certification is a certification process for mobile and cellular devices that ensures they meet the necessary standards and specifications for operation on North American cellular networks. PTCRB (PCS Type Certification Review Board) was established by North American cellular operators to define test specifications and methods to ensure device interoperability.
Download the PTCRB Certificate of Compliance
Ordering Information
Terms and Conditions
Visit Blues Hardware Terms & Conditions.
Revision History
| Author | Date | Summary |
|---|---|---|
| Rob Lauer | 12 AUG 2024 | Initial version |
| Brandon Satrom | 03 APR 2026 | Added Certifications |
Contact Information
Blues Inc.
https://blues.com
50 Dunham Ridge Suite 1650
Beverly, MA 01915
support@blues.com