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| A new developer board sports cellular connectivity and GNSS |
The microcontroller world has a new contender, and it’s not aiming to replace your desktop PC. The freshly announced Challenger+ RP2350 NB-IoT from Swedish hardware maker iLabs brings a surprisingly rich feature set to the humble RP2350 chip. While the RP2350 itself offers limited absolute computing power—don’t expect to speed up your operating system—this board proves that modest silicon can still drive ambitious connected projects.
For developers and makers focused on the Internet of Things (IoT), the Challenger+ RP2350 NB-IoT is a compact yet capable solution. Its name gives away its primary mission: cellular IoT communication. But as a closer look reveals, the board’s capabilities extend far beyond basic connectivity.
Built Around the RP2350, But Far From Basic
Most boards featuring the RP2350 microcontroller stick to a familiar recipe: a few GPIO pins, USB, and maybe Wi-Fi. iLabs has taken a different approach. The Challenger+ RP2350 NB-IoT integrates components that turn it into a standalone data logger, tracker, and communicator.
First, there’s an onboard GNSS module supporting both GPS and Galileo constellations. This allows your projects to record precise location data without any external modules—ideal for fleet tracking, wildlife monitoring, or agricultural sensors. Second, Wi-Fi provides a short-range wireless option for configuration or local data offload.
Power flexibility is another highlight. You can feed the board via a modern USB Type-C port, or detach it from the grid entirely by running on a battery. This makes remote deployments far more practical.
Storage, Programming, and Real-World I/O
The Challenger+ doesn’t skimp on memory, either. An 8MB flash memory module sits on the PCB, giving you ample room for code, assets, or logged sensor data before transmission.
When it comes to programming, iLabs has kept the barriers low. The board works with the Arduino IDE, making it accessible to the massive community of Arduino developers. For those who prefer scripting, MicroPython and CircuitPython are also fully supported. As usual, you’ll find pin headers for connecting all kinds of sensors and actuators—temperature probes, motion detectors, relays, or displays.
Cellular Connectivity That Crosses Borders
Now, the headline feature: NB-IoT (Narrowband IoT). The board can transmit environmental data, location fixes, or alerts not only via Wi-Fi but also through cellular networks. This is a game-changer for projects in areas without reliable Wi-Fi or where long-range, low-power transmission is essential.
Of course, cellular connectivity requires a data plan. iLabs simplifies this by offering a compatible SIM card that is said to work across multiple countries. So whether you’re building a smart agriculture node in rural France or a pollution sensor in Southeast Asia, the Challenger+ has a path to the cloud.
For those ready to dive in, you can check out the official product page here: Challenger+ RP2350 NB-IoT from iLabs. The board itself is priced at roughly $60 (equivalent) , which is remarkably competitive given the integration of GNSS, Wi-Fi, cellular, flash, and battery support.
Who Is This For?
The Challenger+ RP2350 NB-IoT isn’t for everyone. If you’re building a simple LED blinker or a local weather station with Wi-Fi, a cheaper ESP32 or basic RP2040 board would suffice. But if you need:
- Global or regional cellular transmission without a gateway
- Built-in GPS/Galileo for asset tracking
- Battery-powered operation for months
- A familiar programming environment (Arduino, MicroPython)
…then this board starts to look like a steal at $60. The combination of NB-IoT and GNSS on a single, compact RP2350 board is still rare. And with iLabs’ track record of quality designs (their previous Challenger series earned solid reviews), the RP2350 NB-IoT variant is worth a serious look.
Final Thoughts
We’re seeing an exciting trend: microcontrollers like the RP2350 being used as the brain for genuinely useful, real-world IoT deployments—not just tutorial projects. The Challenger+ RP2350 NB-IoT strips away the need for multiple add-on shields (GPS, cellular, flash). It’s a ready-to-deploy solution for smart logistics, environmental monitoring, and remote sensing.
If your next project demands location awareness and cellular backhaul in a low-power package, head over to iLabs to grab one. Just remember to budget for that SIM card—and start dreaming up applications that span countries, not just rooms.
Source: iLabs