Quectel helps A&D deliver reliable connectivity for remote patient monitoring with BG770A-GL module
For over 40 years, A&D has contributed to societal development as a manufacturer of weighing and measuring instruments. A pioneer in the medical field, A&D was the first in the world to successfully commercialize the “Oscillometric method” for home electronic blood pressure monitors, a remote patient monitoring technology now used globally.
The company is a leader in medical ambulatory blood pressure monitoring (ABPM) devices and commercial scales, manufacturing and selling over five million home-use blood pressure monitors annually to more than 80 countries worldwide. In 2015, its upper-arm blood pressure monitor was adopted for use on the International Space Station (ISS) for astronaut data collection.
The challenge
A&D’s connected blood pressure monitors and scales are used to transmit measurement data to the cloud for telemedicine services. A key challenge was ensuring stable network connectivity and data transmission, particularly in areas with difficult radio wave conditions or distance from base stations. When connections failed, the ability to quickly diagnose the root cause proved problematic.
The solution
Quectel’s BG770A-GL module is integrated into A&D’s next generation connected remote patient monitoring blood pressure monitors and scales. The devices are designed to store measurement data and related information in real time within the cloud, enabling healthcare providers and patients engaged in telemedicine services to leverage the data seamlessly.
“We selected Quectel’s BG770A-GL module due to its low power consumption, compact component size, and compatibility with both LTE-M and NB-IoT protocols to suit low data transmission requirements. Technical support was a primary factor in the selection, and the model’s overall cost-effectiveness remains a key differentiator. Furthermore, when we faced unexplained network failures, Quectel provided a tool to capture communication logs, enabling us to pinpoint the exact source of the malfunction. This technical support was invaluable.”
Masaru Yokoyama, Global Marketing Manager at A&D
The results
Quectel’s BG770A-GL module resolved connectivity issues in challenging environments, improving remote patient monitoring link stability where other products failed. A&D conducted extensive on-site network testing across various environments and use cases, achieving a level of stable communication quality that serves as a key point of differentiation for their project.
“A&D’s application is a prime example of IoT technology serving a fundamental human need: health,” said Yasu Okada Senior Director Sales for APAC – Japan at Quectel. “By providing a reliable and efficient cellular link, our module helps transform simple measurements into actionable, life-enhancing data streams, which is the core promise of connected health.”
The solution is currently operating in North America, with plans for expansion into Europe, Japan, and other countries worldwide. This enables real-time acquisition of patient blood pressure data for remote monitoring, allowing healthcare professionals to improve efficiency through reduced visit frequency and early detection of abnormal values.
The future
The connected devices are designed for the medical/healthcare industry, specifically for remote patient monitoring in hospitals, clinics, and home healthcare settings. “We look forward to expanding the deployment of our connected health devices with Quectel’s modules into new global markets,” added Yokoyama. “Together, we are enhancing the infrastructure for preventative healthcare and chronic disease management on a worldwide scale.”
