Teltonika CALYX is an industrial HAT module that connects directly to Raspberry Pi and provides reliable 4G and 5G mobile connectivity for demanding IoT projects.
Teltonika Networks has recently introduced a brand new product called CALYX, an industrial cellular HAT (Hardware Attached on Top) module designed for Raspberry Pi 4 and 5. The module delivers stable high speed mobile connectivity to Raspberry Pi with industrial grade reliability. Teltonika leverages its proven industrial hardware DNA from the networking sector to bring enterprise grade 4G and 5G connectivity to the world of popular single board computers. CALYX bridges the gap between hobby level prototyping and real world deployment. It transforms the affordable Raspberry Pi into a professional and durable IoT gateway for industrial applications that demand reliability and real time responsiveness.
Reliable connectivity for your Raspberry Pi projects
A common issue when deploying Raspberry Pi in commercial and industrial projects has been unreliable connectivity through USB modems or improvised adapters that compromise the compact size and stability of the solution. Teltonika Calyx eliminates this challenge entirely. The module mounts directly onto the Raspberry Pi via the 40 pin GPIO header, physically integrating with the board and replacing a tangle of cables with a clean compact setup. Data transmission runs through the integrated USB Type C interface which ensures high throughput and low latency suitable even for demanding applications. Thanks to this integrated design unstable dongle modems are no longer necessary and Calyx preserves the minimalist credit card sized footprint and clean installation for use even in harsh environments. The industrial build is a given. The module operates effortlessly across an extended temperature range from minus 40 to plus 75 degrees Celsius and withstands continuous operation in tough environments such as factory floors and outdoor installations.
In addition to its industrial design mobile connectivity offers several advantages over traditional networks. When Ethernet cabling is impractical or too expensive and Wi Fi is unreliable Calyx provides wide area coverage through 4G and 5G networks. Data transmission over the cellular network is isolated and encrypted outside the main LAN infrastructure which keeps sensitive IoT sensor data segmented and better protected from attacks. Remote projects also benefit from strong resilience against connectivity failures. Calyx uses dedicated Raspberry Pi GPIO pins to enable full modem control. If the connection drops or the modem becomes unresponsive Raspberry Pi can remotely restart wake or power cycle the modem through Calyx. This capability significantly improves system uptime and reduces the need for on site maintenance. For mission critical deployments where extended downtime is unacceptable this feature is essential.
Variants for 4G full 5G and efficient 5G RedCap
Teltonika CALYX is available in three versions so you can choose the optimal connectivity technology to match your project needs:
- Calyx 5G - Achieves maximum speed and bandwidth. This version features a full 5G NR modem designed for the most demanding applications with massive data transfers or ultra low latency requirements. Calyx 5G delivers maximum throughput for tasks such as HD video transmission streaming or advanced real time control making it ideal for projects where performance cannot be compromised.
- Calyx 5G RedCap - Efficient trailblazer. This variant introduces a breakthrough in industrial IoT connectivity. 5G RedCap (Reduced Capability) delivers the reliability and low latency of 5G networks without the high cost and power requirements of full 5G. It is ideal for IoT deployments with medium data demands typically sensor heavy projects where efficiency is paramount. Teltonika stands among the first pioneers of 5G RedCap for Raspberry Pi. Currently there is no other Raspberry Pi HAT on the market offering 5G RedCap support. This makes Calyx 5G RedCap a unique solution that fills a market gap and brings a future proof option for the emerging era of 5G powered IoT.
- Calyx 4G - Proven workhorse. The third option comes with a reliable LTE Cat 4 modem providing widespread and dependable 4G connectivity including fallback to 3G and 2G for projects that require low to medium data throughput without the capacity of 5G. Calyx 4G is a cost effective solution suitable for large scale deployments from smart metering to remote sensors wherever reliable signal and coverage are the top priorities.
Key features and advantages of the CALYX module
- Industrial reliability - Each Calyx module uses an embedded modem derived from Teltonika’s proven industrial routers which ensures long term reliability along with compliance with strict EMC and safety standards. The design withstands extreme temperatures from minus 40 to plus 75 degrees Celsius vibrations and continuous operation in industrial environments.
- Compact HAT Plus form factor - Calyx mounts directly onto Raspberry Pi 4 or 5 via the 40 pin connector and draws 5 volts of power from the board. Data communication is routed either through the module’s integrated USB C port into the Pi’s USB 3 interface or via USB communication over the header for advanced Linux integrations. The result is a compact robust platform that does not significantly increase the size of your solution. Calyx matches the footprint of the Pi and can be secured easily using the included mounting kit. This eliminates the need for external modems cables and mounts keeping the system clean and organized.
- Multi WAN and connectivity backup - With mobile network support a Raspberry Pi equipped with Calyx can act as the primary communication channel for your device or as a failover link if another network goes down. This is valuable for Ethernet connected systems that can automatically switch to LTE or 5G through Calyx when issues occur ensuring continuous connectivity.
- Modem control via GPIO - Calyx uses dedicated Raspberry Pi GPIO pins to provide full hardware level control of the modem. In practice application software on the Pi can detect connectivity issues and autonomously reset or wake the modem. This dramatically increases device uptime. The system recovers from outages without requiring physical intervention. For mission critical deployments in sectors such as industry energy or transportation this is a major advantage that saves time and reduces service costs.
- PCM audio support - Teltonika Calyx also includes an advanced PCM audio interface enabling clean digital audio transfer between the modem and Raspberry Pi via GPIO pins. This opens possibilities for integrating voice services like VoLTE or transmitting audio data in IoT applications. Calyx can be used to build SMS and voice gateways smart intercoms alerting systems or other devices that require an audio channel alongside data connectivity while maintaining low latency and lossless quality through direct digital communication.
- Wide network and SIM support - All Calyx variants support a broad range of mobile network bands including European and global LTE and 5G frequencies. The modules include a Nano SIM slot and also support eSIM for remote operator provisioning. Deployment in the field is not limited. The device can connect to any mobile operator based on the needs of the specific country or project.
Practical use cases
- Predictive maintenance (Industry 4.0) - In manufacturing environments a Raspberry Pi equipped with the Calyx module can act as a compact edge AI gateway for machine health monitoring. Sensors such as vibration and temperature collect data from industrial equipment and local artificial intelligence on the Raspberry Pi evaluates it in real time. Calyx 5G RedCap provides reliable mobile connectivity even where Ethernet is unavailable while only critical anomalies for example warnings of imminent failure are sent to the central system instead of continuous raw data streams. This dramatically reduces data transfer and connectivity costs. Its low profile design fits into tight machine compartments and the robust 5G RedCap connection works well in noisy industrial environments. Advanced modem control via GPIO ensures continuous operation because the Raspberry Pi can restart or manage modem power remotely when needed keeping remote factory sensors online without technician intervention
- Digital information panels (Smart City or Retail) - Calyx 5G is also highly suitable for the digital signage sector including smart information displays and advertising screens. Shopping malls often deploy dozens of interactive displays each powered by a small computer typically a Raspberry Pi for content management. Teltonika Calyx brings industrial grade 5G connectivity to these units solving a critical challenge in managing large networks of screens remotely. Raspberry Pi combined with Calyx acts as a local media player with continuous access to the central CMS system. The high speed and low latency of 5G enables instantaneous distribution of new content or firmware to all displays along with continuous remote monitoring of their status. The solution is both scalable and secure. The 5G network provides encrypted communication and central management can cover hundreds of devices. Reliable connectivity eliminates most costly on site maintenance since updates and troubleshooting can be performed remotely rather than at each display individually. With Calyx this architecture keeps digital panels continuously online up to date and fully functional which increases customer engagement while reducing operational costs.
Want to try CALYX? Reserve it with us
Teltonika CALYX represents a major addition to the IoT product landscape and we expect the first units to arrive soon. If this module caught your interest and you want to be among the first to test it in your project feel free to reach out. Reserve your Calyx in advance and we will contact you as soon as it arrives in stock. We look forward to helping you take your Raspberry Pi projects to the next level with this breakthrough innovation from Teltonika. You can reach us via email at sales@sectron.cz or by phone at +420 556 621 020.
