Quectel Wireless has introduced a satellite communications module to ensure global coverage and a range of antennas covering 4G, 5G, LPWA and GNSS.

The CC660D-LS module’s connectivity options, include L-band, S-band and Band 23 connections. In addition, the module supports 3GPP Release 17 IoT non-terrestrial network (IoT-NTN) connections. It supports two-way communications, and facilitates not only data transmission but also SMS SOS functionality, allowing emergency notifications when needed.

Additionally, the module supports IP and non-IP service networks, ensuring enhanced connectivity and service availability.

Power-saving modes include discontinuous reception (DRX), extended DRX (eDRX) and power-saving mode (PSM), enabling efficient energy management. Measuring 17.7 by 15.8 by 2.0mm, it features Quectel’s enhanced AT commands, supports SIM and eSIM, and offers embedded internet service protocols, enabling low latency satellite connectivity via the uart communications interface.

“We’re delighted to announce the Quectel CC660D-LS satellite communication module, which will provide global coverage to a wide range of connected devices,” said Norbert Muhrer, president of Quectel Wireless. “The module supports IoT-NTN connections enabling efficient data communications for low bandwidth applications anywhere on the planet. We’re proud of the CC660D-LS module’s low power consumption and its capability to support deployments regardless of their location.”

The module is versatile and can be used across various industries, particularly those that traditionally struggle to maintain connectivity due to remote locations such as mining, smart grids, and oil and gas pipeline monitoring. It is also suitable for applications in the transportation sector to enable vehicle, asset, chassis and container tracking and has potential for deployment in smart agriculture, environmental monitoring, heavy equipment monitoring, and construction fleet management. Additionally, it can be used in the maritime sector, including vessel connection and maritime buoys.

Engineering samples are available, and the module is going through CE and FCC certification processes with mass production due towards the end of the year.

The just-announced antenna range comprises:

• YEMN926J1A: Nine-in-one 5G screw mount combo antenna.
• YECW000N1A: External antenna for low power wide area (LPWA) networks.
• YEGT000W8A: GNSS L1 and L5 antenna, for precise positioning and timing.

“We’re proud to launch these three new antennas, which further add to our range of 4G, 5G, LPWA and GNSS antennas,” said Muhrer. “Antennas are often overlooked during device development but it’s important to enable developers with antennas that can be optimised for their specific use cases and provide them with the performance they need to meet their application needs.”

The YEMN926J1A is a nine-in-one 5G screw mount combo antenna optimised for 5G and 4G networks. It includes a GNSS antenna and measures 167 by 57mm. RoHS and Reach compliant, the combo antenna is IP67 and IP69K rated, which means it protects against the ingress of dust and airborne particles as well as against water and liquids including immersion in up to 1m of water. The IP69K rating also means the product can withstand washdown pressure of 80 to 100bar in phases of 14 to 16 litre/min at temperatures of up to +80˚C.

The ultra-wide-band 5G and 4G antenna box provides coverage from 600 to 6000MHz while supporting 3G and 2G networks as well at Cat-M and NB-IoT. The antenna works with various ground plane sizes or in free space for ease of integration. There are nine cable connections and cable length options from 300 to 5000mm, terminated with SMA connectors. The screw mount omnidirectional antenna is easy to install with increased durability and is compatible with Quectel’s RM520x series modules.

The YECW00N1A external antenna is for LPWA connections. With dimensions of 149.73 by 49.91 by 35.5mm, the antenna operates in the 450-470MHz, 700-960MHz and 1710-2690MHz bands. It covers the main LTE bands and is compatible with 3G, 2G and LPWA.

RoHS compliant, it has been designed so it is hardly influenced by the internal environment of devices to which it is connected. This lets it deliver better efficiency, radiation and gain. Flexible installation options include custom cable lengths and different connectors.

The YEGT000W8A is an active GNSS L1 and L5 antenna that supports the 1164-1189MHz and 1559-1606MHz bands. With dimensions of 65 by 45mm, it is RoHS and IP67 compliant.

Developed for 5G RAN timing, the positioning products support single-band or multi-band operation modes to meet various high-precision positioning requirements. Customised connector types and cable lengths can be provided.

Quectel also provides antenna design support which includes simulation, testing and manufacturing for custom antennas to meet application needs.