Quectel Wireless has launched a series of multi-mode smart LTE modules equipped with wifi and Bluetooth capabilities.

Designed to support multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) technology to improve performance and reliability, the SC696S LTE Cat 4 modules empower a wide array of applications with their built-in Linux operating system.

Using the Qualcomm QCM6125 system-on-chip (SoC) for IoT, accompanied by a built-in Adreno 610 GPU, this series delivers processing capabilities and can enhance the efficiency of diverse IoT use cases.

In addition, the adoption of MIMO technology enables the concurrent use of multiple antennas at the receiver end on the same frequency, which reduces bit error rate and optimises data speed, improving communication quality. The modules also support a multi-constellation GNSS receiver for applications that require fast and accurate positioning.

“We’re delighted to launch the Quectel SC696S series of multi-mode modules which offer outstanding performance for a wide range of applications that demand high quality communication,” said Norbert Muhrer, president of Quectel Wireless. “The modules are ideal for a wide variety of industrial and consumer applications that require high data rates and rich multimedia functions. We’re proud to bring the high-performance processing power of the Qualcomm QCM6125 SoC plus the graphics processing capability of Adreno 610 GPU to purchasers of the SC696S series of Quectel modules.”

The modules have been designed to support applications ranging from smart cash registers and point of sale (PoS) devices to tax control machines, on-board equipment, robots, smart home devices, industrial handheld equipment, wearables, vending machines and other smart hardware. To support these use cases, they offer LCM, camera, touch panel, uart, USB, I²C, I²S and SPI interfaces and can support up to six cameras, two of which can be working concurrently.

“The Quectel SC696S series of multi-mode modules featuring the Qualcomm QCM6125 SoC is able to support use cases for consumers and enterprises alike, with improved communication quality and advanced processing capabilities,” said Dev Singh, vice president at Qualcomm. “As Quectel and Qualcomm have done in the past, this technology will continue to drive innovation across many different industries and a plethora of verticals.”

By leveraging the security features inherent in Quectel modules and Qualcomm SoCs, device OEMs can ensure the integrity and protection of data, safeguarding against potential vulnerabilities and threats.

With a form factor of 43 by 44 by 2.85mm, the SC696S comes in three variants. These are the SC696S-EM, SC696S-NA and SC696S-WF, which supports only wifi and Bluetooth. The modules also operate in temperatures from -35 to +75˚C, making them suitable for difficult environments.