EM9291 5G Sub6 GHz M.2 module
- Technology
- 5G modules
- Partner
- Semtech (formerly Sierra Wireless)
The EM9291 5G Sub-6 GHz M.2 module is a high-performance cellular modem designed for demanding IoT and industrial connectivity. Supporting 5G NR (Sub-6 GHz) with peak downloads up to 3.5 Gbps and uploads up to 900 Mbps, it enables data-intensive applications such as real-time video streaming, edge computing, and smart factory automation. When 5G coverage is not available, the EM9291 automatically falls back to LTE-Advanced Pro (Cat-20) or 3G networks, maintaining continuous connectivity for critical devices. Its broad frequency band coverage and pre-certifications with major global carriers allow this module to be deployed worldwide with minimal additional approvals, accelerating time-to-market. An integrated multi-constellation GNSS receiver supporting GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, and BeiDou on dual L1/L5 bands provides accurate location tracking for navigation, telematics, and asset management. The EM9291 uses a standard M.2 interface and is backward-compatible with earlier EM Series modules such as the EM7690 and EM9191, making hardware upgrades to 5G straightforward. Built for reliability, it features secure boot and an extended operating temperature range from -40 °C to +85 °C, making it suitable for harsh outdoor and industrial environments. This combination of speed, flexibility, and ruggedness makes the EM9291 well-suited to industrial routers, gateways, mobile computing devices, and other IoT systems that demand robust high-speed wireless connectivity.
Range features
A high level overview of what this range offers
- 5G Sub-6 connectivity: Delivers up to 3.5 Gbps downlink and 900 Mbps uplink for ultra-fast wireless throughput in demanding applications.
- 4G/3G fallback: Automatically switches to LTE Cat-20 or 3G networks when 5G coverage is unavailable, helping maintain continuous connectivity.
- Global band coverage: Supports extensive worldwide 5G and 4G bands with multi-region certifications to simplify international deployment.
- CBRS private network support: FCC certified for CBRS Band 48, enabling secure private LTE and 5G network deployments.
- Integrated GNSS: Built-in GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, and BeiDou support with dual-band L1/L5 capability for accurate positioning.
- Dual SIM and eSIM flexibility: Supports two external SIM interfaces in single-standby mode plus optional embedded eUICC functionality.
- Secure boot: Helps protect device integrity by ensuring only authorised firmware can run on the module.
- Industrial-grade design: Extended temperature operation from -40 °C to +85 °C supports reliable use in harsh industrial and outdoor environments.
Downloads
for EM9291 5G Sub6 GHz M.2 module
What’s in this range?
All the variants in the range and a comparison of what they offer
Specification | EM9291 5G Sub-6 GHz M.2 Module |
Air Interface | 5G NR (Sub-6 GHz) – fallback to 4G LTE and 3G |
5G NR Category | Sub-6 only (dual-mode 5G SA/NSA) |
5G NR Bands | n1, n2, n3, n5, n7, n8, n12, n13, n14, n18, n20, n25, n26, n28, n29, n30, n38, n39, n40, n41, n46, n48, n66, n70, n71, n75, n76, n77, n78, n79 |
4G LTE Category | Cat-20 (LTE-Advanced Pro) |
4G LTE Bands | B1, B2, B3, B4, B5, B7, B8, B12, B13, B14, B18, B19, B20, B21, B25, B26, B28, B29, B30, B32, B34, B38, B39, B40, B41, B42, B43, B46, B48, B66, B71 |
Peak Download Rate | 3.5 Gbps |
Peak Upload Rate | 900 Mbps |
GNSS (Satellite Systems) | GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, BeiDou (dual-band L1/L5) |
Embedded SIM (eUICC) | Onboard embedded SIM support (optional, user-programmable profiles) |
External SIM Interfaces | Dual SIM support (2× external SIM slots, single standby) |
Host Interface | M.2 (NGFF) connector; USB 3.1 and PCIe Gen3 (1 lane) |
Software Drivers | Windows 10, Linux, Android (RIL) |
Firmware Features | Secure Boot; pre-certified firmware variants |
Dimensions (W×D×H) | 30 mm × 52 mm × 2.38 mm |
Operating Temperature | -30 °C to +70 °C (extended: -40 °C to +85 °C) |
Carrier Approvals | AT&T (FirstNet), Verizon, NTT Docomo, T-Mobile, Telstra, SoftBank |
Regulatory Certifications | FCC, IC, GCF, KCC, PTCRB, EU RED, JATE/Telec |
FAQs
for EM9291 5G Sub6 GHz M.2 module
Yes. The EM9291 supports 5G in both standalone (SA) and non-standalone (NSA) configurations. This allows it to connect to pure 5G networks with an independent 5G core as well as deployments that use LTE as part of the 5G architecture, helping ensure compatibility with both current and evolving 5G rollouts.
The EM9291 automatically falls back to 4G LTE-Advanced Pro (Cat-20) and, where needed, to 3G networks. This helps connected devices maintain service by using the best available network without user intervention.
The integrated GNSS receiver supports GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, and BeiDou. It also supports dual-band L1/L5 reception for improved positioning accuracy and reliability in location-aware applications.
Under ideal conditions, the EM9291 can deliver peak download speeds of up to 3.5 Gbps and upload speeds of up to 900 Mbps on 5G Sub-6 GHz networks. Actual throughput depends on network configuration, carrier support, signal quality, and deployment conditions.
Yes. The EM9291 is designed for industrial-grade operation and supports an extended temperature range from -40 °C to +85 °C. This makes it suitable for harsh environments such as factory systems, outdoor enclosures, and infrastructure equipment.
The module uses the standard M.2 form factor and connects through an M.2 (NGFF) interface. It supports USB 3.1 and PCIe Gen3 (1 lane) for host communication, making integration straightforward for routers, gateways, PCs, and embedded IoT systems.
Yes. The EM9291 supports dual external SIM interfaces in single-standby mode and also offers optional embedded eUICC (eSIM) support. This provides flexibility for carrier selection, provisioning, and backup connectivity strategies.
The EM9291 includes approvals and certifications for broad international deployment, including operator approvals such as AT&T (FirstNet), Verizon, T-Mobile, NTT Docomo, Telstra, and SoftBank, along with certifications including FCC, IC, PTCRB, GCF, KCC, JATE/Telec, and EU RED.
Yes. The EM9291 is designed to be backward-compatible with earlier EM Series modules, including the EM9191 and EM7690, helping simplify migration from existing 4G or earlier 5G designs to newer 5G Sub-6 capability.
