Quectel RG255G 5G Redcap MediaTek-based module

The Quectel RG255G is a 5G RedCap MediaTek-based module. 5G Redcap, which is short for reduced capability, is a 5G variant defined in 3GPP Release 17 that combines the low latency of 5G with features such as network slicing in a chipset design with a lightweight architecture. RedCap is a suitable option for deployments that would benefit from these attributes but do not need the full capabilities of 5G.

The module, claimed to be the world’s first 5G modem-RF system-on-chip (SoC), includes MediaTek’s 5G RedCap UltraSave capability for low power consumption, as well as Release 17 power saving features. It offers downlink performance of 220 Mbps and uplink performance of 121 Mbps on 256 QAM or 91 Mbps on 64 QAM.

Available in three form factors — LGA, M.2 and Mini PCIe — the module family operates in 20 MHz bandwidth and offers support for LTE Cat 4 as well as GNSS. The modules also offer multiple interfaces, including USB 2.0 and PCIe 1.0.

The module is suitable for applications that include power monitoring, point of sale, industrial automation, smart energy and smart grid, mid-speed mobile broadband and wearable devices. The series will be available alongside a series of antennas, providing developers with the ability to purchase module and antennas at the same time.