As 5G technology continues to advance, the Internet of Things (IoT) sector is on the cusp of a revolution. At the Mobile World Congress (MWC) Shanghai 2023, Fibocom showcased its latest series of 5G RedCap modules, including the newly launched FG131 series and FG132 series. The introduction of these modules signifies a further expansion of 5G RedCap technology in IoT applications, bringing new opportunities to the industry.
The RedCap module is a shorthand for 5G NR light, a new 5G network technology defined in 3GPP Release 17. Compared to full-featured 5G modules, RedCap modules provide a more cost-effective solution for IoT devices by reducing complexity and lowering power consumption while maintaining key 5G features. These modules are particularly suitable for applications that require high-speed data transmission, low latency, and high reliability.
Fibocom's FG131 series and FG132 series RedCap modules offer an ideal wireless solution for cost-sensitive and durable applications with their high performance and ultra-reliability. The FG131 series modules feature a 37mm*39.5mm LGA package form factor, which is pin-compatible with Fibocom's LTE Cat 6 modules FG101 and FG621 series, facilitating a smooth migration from 4G to 5G RedCap.
Cost-Effectiveness: RedCap modules reduce manufacturing costs by simplifying hardware complexity while retaining the high data rates and low latency characteristics of 5G.
Power Consumption Optimization: The optimized power management features make RedCap modules particularly suitable for battery-powered mobile devices, extending the device's usage time.
Compact Size: The dimensions of the FG132 series modules are only half the size of standard 5G modules, allowing for easy integration into various shapes and sizes of terminal devices.
Global Compatibility: Fibocom's RedCap modules support multiple global frequency bands and network standards, ensuring worldwide compatibility and availability.
The prospects for RedCap modules in IoT applications are vast. They can be used in various fields such as smart homes, industrial automation, smart cities, healthcare, and agricultural monitoring. For instance, in smart homes, RedCap modules can be used to connect smart appliances for remote control and data collection. In industrial automation, they can be used for machine-to-machine communication, enhancing production efficiency and safety.
Shawn Zhu, Vice President of Global Marketing at Fibocom, expressed the company's high expectations for the future of RedCap modules. They believe that as RedCap modules are further promoted in the IoT industry, these highly integrated and rapidly deployable modules will help customers fully leverage the high speed, reliability, and energy efficiency advantages brought by RedCap.
RedCap modules represent a significant milestone in the application of 5G technology in the IoT field. They not only provide a cost-effective, low-power solution but also offer great flexibility in the design and deployment of various terminal devices through their compact size and global compatibility. With the continuous push from companies like Fibocom, RedCap modules are expected to become the future standard for IoT device connectivity.
Fibocom showcases the new 5G RedCap modules portfolio including the new FG131 series and FG132 series at MWC Shanghai 2023. By addressing multiple key features of 5G RedCap, the FG131 module series allows the smooth and fast transition from 4G to 5G benefiting from the form factor design, and delivering a highly cost-effective solution for CPE, ODU, mobile hot-spot, USB Dongle users.
Shanghai, China – June 30th 2023 - Fibocom, a global leading provider of IoT (Internet of Things) wireless solutions and wireless communication modules, demonstrates the 5G RedCap module portfolio at MWC Shanghai 2023. Along with the FG132 module series, the brand new FG131 series is introduced to scale up the 5G NR light deployment for use cases such as CPE, ODU, mobile hot-spot, and USB Dongle, etc.
Leveraging ubiquitous cellular coverage, optimized power-saving, and reduced complexity, 5G RedCap is gaining more and more attention within the IoT industry. The newly launched Fibocom 5G RedCap module FG131 series offers a high-performance and ultra-reliable wireless solution for application scenarios that are cost-sensitive and power-enduring. Packaged in LGA form factor at the size of 37mm*39.5mm, Fibocom FG131 is pin-compatible with Fibocom LTE Cat 6 module FG101 and FG621 series that allows smooth migration from 4G to 5G RedCap. Compliant with 3GPP Release 17, it supports 5G SA and reaches peak rates of up to 226Mbps downlink and 120Mbps uplink theoretically. With these key features combined, the Fibocom 5G RedCap module FG131 series delivers a new level of 5G network experience while maintaining high reliability and cost-effectiveness, especially for terminal devices used in mobile scenarios.
Additionally, the Fibocom FG132 series has adjusted to three form factor designs and multiple regional versions that align with customers' requirements to accelerate the deployment of 5G RedCap worldwide. It is worth noting that these compact designs are pin-compatible with Fibocom LTE Cat 4 module NL668 and L716 series, and the dimension of FG132 (29mm*32mm in LGA form factor) account for only half the size of standard 5G module (41*44mm), significantly reducing the complexity of hardware design at the early stage of 5G RedCap adoption into terminals that shaped variously, for example, IP cameras, drones, wearable XR, etc. Moreover, the M.2 and miniPCIe form factors are the popular selections among manufacturing customers as both of them allow flexible connectivity ports while maintaining the compact size, thus making it easier for manufacturing customers to upgrade the existing LTE devices quickly without changing the hardware design. For example, industrial gateways, utility meters, etc.
"5G RedCap offers several advantages that make it particularly appealing for supporting IoT applications, and we are glad to scale up Fibocom's RedCap portfolio with new FG131 series," said Shawn Zhu, VP of Global Marketing, Fibocom. "We are expecting to see RedCap gaining further prominence by providing the highly-integrated and fast-to-deploy RedCap modules across the IoT industry, ensuring IoT customers utilize all possible benefits of high-speed, reliable, power-efficient capabilities enabled by RedCap."
Welcome to visit Fibocom and get to know more about the 5G RedCap module FG131 and FG132 series at stand #B80 in Hall N1 at MWC Shanghai 2023.
