Quectel Introduces KCM0A5S Wi-SUN Module for Smart City and Smart Utility Device
Quectel
Wireless Solutions, a global IoT solutions provider, has launched the Quectel
KCM0A5S, a high-performance Wi-SUN module designed for smart applications such
as street lighting, precision agriculture, industrial IoT, smart meters and
smart cities. Based on Silicon Labs EFR32FG25, a sub-GHz low power wireless
System on Chip, and featuring an ARM Cortex-M33 processor with a frequency of
up to 97.5MHz, the module includes built-in 256KB RAM and 2MB Flash memory,
ensuring efficient performance.
The
Quectel KCM0A5S supports the Wi-SUN Field Area Network (FAN) 1.1 protocol and
operates across the 470–928 MHz frequency range. The module utilizes IPv6-based
wireless mesh networking technology, intrinsic to the Wi-SUN communication
standard, to deliver long-range transmission, stable network connectivity and
reliable data transmission. Furthermore, the KCM0A5S offers flexible deployment
capabilities, supporting both router and leaf node configurations in standalone
SoC mode, as well as acting as a border router when paired with a Linux host in
RCP (Radio Co-Processor) mode. This versatility makes it an ideal solution for
a wide range of mesh networking applications in smart city, utility, and
industrial IoT deployments. In addition, the KCM0A5S features strong
anti-interference capabilities and delivers excellent signal penetration which
is of specific value for use cases in hard-to-reach locations. With a minimum
of ten years product lifecycle and cross-version compatibility, the solution
ensures long-term interoperability within Wi-SUN FAN networks.
“We’re
delighted to launch the Quectel KCM0A5S Wi-SUN module,” said Delbert Sun, Vice
General Manager, Product Department, Quectel Wireless Solutions. “Wi-SUN is a
versatile LPWA connectivity technology that is applicable globally to a wide
range of use cases. Its security, scalability and robustness provide compelling
advantages to developers and device designers and the KCM0A5S adds to this with
its ultra-compact form factor, high speed bandwidth and low latency. We look
forward to helping customers to build a smarter world with the KCM0A5S as they
bring the latest Wi-SUN enabled devices to market.”
Flexibility
for developers and designers is assured thanks to the KCM0A5S’s ultra-compact
LCC form factor. Dimensions of 28.0mm x 22.0mm x 3.15mm enable the size and
cost of end products to be optimized, allowing for maximized design options.
The module is also ideal for industrial-grade use cases with an operating
temperature range of -40 °C to +85 °C. The module is available in variants that
support a peak transmit power of 30 dBm—currently permitted in select regions
such as North America, Latin America and some APAC countries—and offers both
OFDM and FSK modulation schemes, subject to regional regulatory allowances.
Wi-SUN
has been gaining traction for connecting IoT devices as a low power wide area
(LPWA) connectivity solution because of its blend of scalability, security,
interoperability and performance. It offers high speed bandwidth at up to
2.4Mbps with OFDM modulation. The technology is easily expandable and can
support thousands of nodes. Wi-SUN’s self-forming and self-healing mesh
eliminates single point of failure networks and simplifies deployment.
The
combination of wide coverage, long distance of several kilometers and the
ability to serve urban scenarios, covered by multi-hop mode is seeing Wi-SUN
adopted for smart metering and smart city applications. For example, a control
management system for street lighting, utilities and parking has been deployed
in London that utilizes 15,000 Wi-SUN devices and 12 Wi-SUN border routers to
enable real-time remote management and provide a future-proof system that can
scale up as the city transitions to new infrastructure.
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