5G rollout is a huge undertaking to refit the world of connected devices. That said, for smaller IoT devices, the full 5G solution might be overkill, resulting in shorter battery life and higher cost of implementation. It’s in these areas where 5G RedCap will shine best!
At Hardware Pioneers Max 2024, ipXchange chatted with Stewart from SIMCom. To serve the exciting new NTN and 5G RedCap wireless protocols, SIMCom has introduced several new IoT modules. In this interview, we’ll be focusing on the latter, with part 2 on NTN to come soon!
What is 5G RedCap?
As Stewart outlines, 5G RedCap (Reduced Capability) is great for machine-to-machine communications in IoT. When compared to its traditional form, 5G RedCap is a much simpler protocol that still provides fast, reliable data communications while reducing the power consumption.
For peace of mind, SIMCom’s 5G RedCap solution offers up to 220 Mbps downlink and 100 Mbps uplink data rates.
That said, 5G RedCap has not been deployed yet. This is a truly disruptive technology that is still finding its feet. In short, you can design in 5G RedCap functionality, but these networks are not yet in place for you to get a signal in a deployment.
Nevertheless, there is a lot of interest in this technology for future-proofing designs that use Cat 1 and Cat 4 connectivity. With 5G as the future of cellular communications, 5G RedCap looks like an ideal solution for resource-constrained devices that don’t need the full 5G functionality.
SIMCom’s solutions
SIMCom’s solution for 5G RedCap comes in the form of a shielded module. This has been made in the latest Qualcomm form factor (30 x 30 x 2.5 mm). These modules are rated for -40°C to +85°C environments and feature 4G backup. This means that you can create market-ready designs while 5G RedCap technology is still being developed. They also support GNSS functionality. Essentially, SIMCom provides engineers with a very easy way to stay ahead of the technological curve when designing connected devices.
Alternatively, SIMCom offers an M.2 card for slotting 5G RedCap connectivity into existing designs. You can also use this solution for designs where one PCB serves multiple end products. This can be useful to reduce development costs when serving multiple IoT markets.
SIMCom’s products are AT-command compatible. If you ever need to upgrade or change your design, Stewart estimates that it will take only an hour to tweak your configuration for a new connectivity protocol.
Evaluating this technology
SIMCom provides a fully featured EVK for its modules, which is ready to use as soon as you plug in a SIM. It is easily programmable via USB, and SIMCom offers ample support to help you get started.
If you’re interested in trying out this technology for your next commercial project, follow the link below to our user-defined board page. There, you will find a form that ipXchange will use to get you connected with SIMCom and/or its distributors. Just specify “SIMCom 5G RedCap” in your project description.
And don’t forget that there will be a part 2 on SIMCom’s NTN modules coming soon.
Keep designing!