Quectel recently unveiled two new 5G RedCap modules, the RM255C-GL for global markets in M.2 format and the RG255C-NA for North America in LGA format. Both modules adhere to the 3GPP Release 17 standard and are designed to fill the gap between LTE Cat 4/6 and fully-featured 5G.
These modules support 5G Sub-6GHz standalone mode with LTE Cat 4 fallback, delivering peak data rates of up to 223 Mbps downlink and 123 Mbps uplink. They are also backward compatible with Release 15/16 networks. Optional multi-constellation GNSS support is provided via Qualcomm IZat Gen 9VT technology. Interfaces include USB 2.0 and PCIe 2.0, with additional options such as UART, SPI, I2C, SGMII, and PCM on the RG255C-NA. Both modules support dual SIM, DFOTA, and embedded protocol stacks, making them ideal for industrial IoT, smart grids, video surveillance, mobile hotspots, wearables, and other medium-speed applications.
RM255C-GL and RG255C-NA Specifications:
Connectivity:
– 5G NR: 3GPP Release 17 RedCap (Reduced Capability) Sub-6 GHz Standalone mode
– Maximum Data Rates: 223 Mbps (DL) / 123 Mbps (UL)
– LTE Fallback: LTE Cat 4 (up to 200 Mbps DL / 105 Mbps UL)
– 5G NR SA Bands:
– RM255C-GL: n1/2/3/5/7/8/12/13/14/18/20/25/26/28/30/38/40/41/48/66/70/71/77/78
– RG255C-NA: n2/5/7/12/13/14/25/26/30/38/41/48/66/70/71/77/78 (focused on NA, fewer global bands)
– LTE-FDD Bands:
– RM255C-GL: B1/2/3/4/5/7/8/12/13/14/17/18/19/20/25/26/28/30/66/71
– RG255C-NA: B2/4/5/7/12/13/14/17/25/26/30/66/71 (reduced global coverage)
– LTE-TDD Bands:
– RM255C-GL: B34/38/39/40/41/42/43/48
– RG255C-NA: B38/41/42/43/48 (no B34/39/40)
– MIMO: 2×2 DL MIMO support
Optional GNSS: Qualcomm IZat Gen 9VT (GPS, GLONASS, BDS, Galileo, QZSS, and NavIC)
USB: USB 2.0 high-speed interface
Audio: Digital Audio (PCM) and DTMF support
Expansion:
– PCIe 2.0 interface
– Interfaces available on RG255C-NA: UART, SGMII, PCM, I2C, SPI, ADC, GPIOs
Miscellaneous:
– DFOTA, (U)SIM Card Detection, eSIM (Optional), VoNR/VoLTE (Optional on RG255C-NA)
Power:
– Supply:
– RM255C-GL: 3.135–4.4 V (3.7 V typical)
– RG255C-NA: 3.3–4.3 V (3.8 V typical)
– Consumption:
– RM255C-GL: 101 μA (Power off), 2.83 mA (Sleep), 21.97 mA (Idle)
– RG255C-NA: 2.5 mA (Sleep), 27 mA (Idle)
Dimensions and Weight:
– RM255C-GL: 30.0 × 42.0 × 2.3 mm, 6 grams (M.2 module)
– RG255C-NA: 29.0 × 32.0 × 2.4 mm, 5.2 grams (LGA module)
Temperature Range:
– RM255C-GL: –30°C to +75°C
– RG255C-NA: –35°C to +75°C
– Optional extended range: –40°C to +85°C
Certifications:
– RM255C-GL: CE, RCM, FCC, IC, GCF, PTCRB
– RG255C-NA: FCC, IC, PTCRB
– Support for major