Global IoT solutions provider Quectel is well-familiar with innovation; after Quectel’s recent introduction of a prepaid, IoT-simplifying connectivity offering for EU markets, its new module releases have included the FGH100M Wi-Fi HaLow module for long-range data transmission and lower power consumption, as well as its CC200A-LB satellite module that utilizes satellite IoT connectivity (provided by ORBCOMM) to provide reliable connectivity and global coverage at a cost-effective price point.
Needless to say, Quectel’s been staying busy.
This brings us to their latest release: Quectel’s KG100S module for Amazon Sidewalk.
The KG100S is, as explained by Quectel, “a low-power, cost-effective module in an LGA form factor which is developed specially to support Amazon Sidewalk applications.” For any unaware, Amazon Sidewalk is a shared wireless network that – via compatible Echo and Ring devices, for example – provides cloud connectivity for IoT.
With the KG100S comes a portfolio of matching antennas that will be fully Sidewalk-compatible, as well; this will make launching and maintaining connected IoT devices an overall quicker, easier, and lower-cost process.
Now, more technicals. Per Quectel: “The KG100S comes equipped with a built-in SX1262 transceiver supporting LoRa and FSK and a high-performance, energy-friendly Silicon Labs EFR32BG21B microcontroller with a 2.4GHz radio transceiver for Bluetooth Low Energy 5.1 and 80MHz ARM (News - Alert) Cortex-M33 microcontroller core.” The module’s compact profile, 96KB of RAM and 1MB Flash, 3.3V and 1.8V power supply and more certainly make it versatile. It’s also suitable for connecting low-data-rate apps like IoT sensor networks and even select smart home devices.
And again, in terms of Sidewalk compatibility, it’s worth noting that Sidewalk modules remove the need for manual onboarding or setup to establish and maintain desired connections. This brings connectivity to daily-use objects inside and outside homes; from consumer kitchen appliances, gas sensors, lawn sprinklers, and even pet trackers and keys (for instance), to streetlights, digital signage, gas and water leak detection, HVAC monitoring, and even smart parking and smart utility metering and more.
“We are thrilled to collaborate with Amazon Sidewalk and the IoT versatility it enables,” said Quectel’s President and CSO, Norbert Muhrer (News - Alert). "With the combination of Quectel's expertise in IoT technology and Amazon Sidewalk's low-bandwidth and long-range network capabilities, we are confident that this collaboration will provide customers with the connectivity they need to diversify and bring their IoT ideas to life.”