QUECTEL BG77 selected by RBZ to connect new IMXRT SoM family
November 05, 2021 – Quectel Wireless Solutions, a global supplier of IoT modules and antennas, has announced that RBZ, the Spanish hardware and software design house, has selected its BG77 module to provide narrowband IoT (NB-IoT) and Cat M1 communications for its IMXRT system on module (SoM) family. The processors are focused on high-end parts that use external RAM and utilize the M.2 form factor. Some variants will utilize NXP processors and connectivity options include Wi-Fi or cellular connectivity.
Within the range there will be two main variants, the Compact family, which features modules that include the processor, memory and an optional external crypto root of trust, and the Connect family, which in addition offers either Wi-Fi or LTE-M/NB-IoT and GPS connectivity. All devices will have the same connector and pinout and operate at a temperature range of -40°C to 85 °C. Further options include S050 IC, other RAM configuration and a customized form factor and additional peripherals. RBZ has entered into a distribution agreement with Arrow Electronics to market the IMXRT SoM family.
The Quectel BG77 was selected to support low power modes with full power cut off capability for maximized power saving. The module achieves maximum downlink rates of 588Kbps and uplink rates of 1119Kbps. With integrated RAM and flash memory, the BG77 enables ultra-low power consumption, and the ARM Cortex A7 processor (which supports ThreadX) enables up to 70% reduction in power saving mode (PSM) leakage and an 85% reduction in extended discontinuous reception (eDRX) current consumption compared to its predecessor.
The BG77’s highly integrated, cost-effective and compact SMT form factor of 14.9mm × 12.9mm × 1.7mm allows integrators and developers to benefit from its mechanical intensity and low power consumption and design their applications with ease. Its advanced LGA package enables fully automated manufacturing for high-volume applications.
“After several successful projects designed using Quectel modules we decided that BG77 was the right choice for our first SOM. Its connectivity options, GNSS and low power make it ideal for IoT devices. The LTE-M and NB-IoT connectivity offered by the module enables us to use the same module for devices with either mid or low bandwidth requirements”, said Daniel Amor Martín, SOM Manager at RBZ Embedded Logics.
“We’re delighted that RBZ has selected our BG77 NB-IoT and Cat M1 module for its new, IMXRT system on module family,” said Dominikus Hierl, SVP Sales EMEA, Quectel Wireless Solutions. “The low power consumption and small form factor make it ideal for a multitude of use cases and deployment scenarios. It has been a pleasure to collaborate with RBZ on developing this product.”