MicroPython LTE Communication, Raspberry Pi Pico 2 Compatible Board "MicroCat.1" Released for \13,500

Mechatrax Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Sawara-ku, Fukuoka City, Representative Director: Soichi Nagatoshi, hereinafter "the Company") began sales of the IoT LTE (Cat.1 bis) communication microcontroller board "MicroCat.1" on June 30, 2026. The price is \13,500 (excluding tax). This is the official release following a pre-sale of a pre-release version in December 2025.

MicroCat.1 Overview

MicroCat.1 is a microcontroller board compatible with Raspberry Pi Pico 2, equipped with an LTE Cat.1 bis communication module, and uses the RP2350B, an upgraded version of the RP2350A used in Pico 2, as its MCU. A MicroPython environment equipped with a PPP protocol stack has been built to enable network programming via LTE communication with code equivalent to standard Python, allowing for the development of cellular IoT devices without knowledge of AT commands, etc. Additionally, 16MB of ROM and 8MB of RAM are separately installed to ensure sufficient computing resources for these environments.

By providing stable communication via public LTE networks and a flexible software development and operating environment, MicroCat.1 can support various phases of IoT projects, from PoC to actual operation.

It is also useful as an option when cost reduction, heat countermeasures, and lower power consumption are required during the requirement refinement stage after PoC with high-performance/high-cost SBCs such as Raspberry Pi 5.

IoT LTE (Cat.1 bis) Communication Microcontroller Board "MicroCat.1" - Front IoT LTE (Cat.1 bis) Communication Microcontroller Board "MicroCat.1" - Back

Features of MicroCat.1

1. Compatible with Raspberry Pi Pico 2, leveraging existing assets in both hardware and software

MicroCat.1 is equipped with Raspberry Pi's microcontroller "RP2350B" and adopts pin assignments compatible with Raspberry Pi Pico 2. Existing Pico expansion boards can be used as-is, and MicroPython sample code released for Pico can also be utilized, enabling rapid development from both hardware and software aspects.

2. Implement LTE communication programming with the feel of standard Python

MicroCat.1 adopts a MicroPython environment with a standard PPP protocol stack, allowing LTE communication to be programmed with the same feel as standard Python. Python code for Raspberry Pi and MicroPython code for WiFi microcontroller boards can be easily ported, allowing development to begin immediately while minimizing new learning costs.

3. Stable, low-power communication using extensive LTE networks

LTE Cat.1 bis utilizes the same LTE network as smartphones, making it a standard that ensures stable connectivity over a wide area, including outdoors and in rural areas. It suppresses power consumption while supporting communication speeds of up to 10 Mbps downstream and 5 Mbps upstream, making it suitable for long-term stable operation in IoT applications that do not require high-speed communication, such as sensor data collection and equipment operation monitoring.

Product Overview

Product Name

MicroCat.1

MCU

RP2350B

RAM

520kB (built-in) + 8MB (expansion)

ROM

16MB

LTE Module

SIM7672JP (onboard antenna)

Communication Standard

LTE Cat.1 bis

Interfaces

GPIO Connector (Raspberry Pi Pico 2 compatible)

SIM Slot (nanoSIM)

USB Type-C

Sales Information

Sales Start Date: June 30, 2026

Price: \13,500 (excluding tax)

Sales Location: https://store.mechatrax.com/product.php?id=103

(Mechatrax Online Store Purchase Page) Product Details: https://mechatrax.com/products/microcat1/

(Mechatrax Official Website Product Page)

* Click here for information on past pre-release versions.

Company Overview

Mechatrax Co., Ltd.

Since its establishment in 2005, the company has primarily engaged in hardware development and manufacturing. It specializes in technical fields such as electronic circuits, embedded software, sensors, and mechanisms, and has undertaken a wide variety of projects for various companies, universities, and government agencies. In particular, regarding the utilization of Raspberry Pi for business purposes, the company has developed a wide range of products including expansion boards, prototyping using these boards, and small-lot manufacturing, and has been certified as the first Design Partner in Japan by Raspberry Pi Ltd. (UK).