Quectel Launches BG770A-SN: A Compact Satellite IoT Module Supports LTE NB-IoT and 5G NTN for Global Applications

The Quectel has recently launched BG770A-SN, an ultra-compact, 5G-ready satellite communication module designed for global IoT applications. Measuring just 14.9mm x 12.9mm x 1.9mm, it supports LTE Cat M1, NB1, NB2, and NTN over NB-IoT, complying with 3GPP releases 13, 14, and 17. Featuring ultra-low power consumption, it utilizes advanced power-saving modes like PSM and e-I-DRX and integrates GNSS for positioning using GPS and GLONASS. An extended operating temperature range (-40°C to +85°C), integrated security elements (ISE), DFOTA support, and a rich set of industry-standard interfaces for seamless application are included in the module’s robust design. Its applications span a broad range, including wireless POS, smart metering, asset tracking, wearables, transportation, energy, maritime, and industrial IoT.

Previously, we have seen Sierra Wireless 5G LPWA Module with an ultra-low power 5G cellular+ module for IoT, which also supports 3GPP’s latest releases 15, 16 and 17 for LTE-M/NB-IoT, which will enable it to support evolving network configurations and new features over time. We have also covered Quectel RM50xQ Global 5G Modules, which also adopt the 3GPP Release 15 LTE technology to support both 5G Non-Standalone Architecture (NSA) and Standalone Architecture (SA) modes. However, the BG770A-SN module is slightly different and an upgraded version of these.

Quectel BG770A-SN satellite communication IoT module Specifications:

• 3GPP Compliance: Supports Rel-13/14/17 for LTE Cat M1/NB2 with ultra-low power consumption
• Frequency Bands:
  • LTE-FDD:
    • Cat M1: B1, B2, B3, B4, B5, B8, B9, B10, B12, B13, B18, B19, B20, B25, B26, B27, B28, B66
    • Cat NB2: B1, B2, B3, B4, B5, B8, B9, B10, B12, B13, B17, B18, B19, B20, B25, B27, B28, B66
• Data Transmission Speeds:
  • Cat M1: 600 kbps (DL) / 1000 kbps (UL)
  • Cat NB2: 120 kbps (DL) / 140 kbps (UL)
  • Cat NB1: 62.5 kbps (DL) / 27.2 kbps (UL)
• Interfaces:
  • 1x (U)SIM
  • 3x UART
  • 1x USB 2.0 (FS only)
  • 1x PCM (VoLTE only)
  • 1x I2C (VoLTE only)
  • 2x ADC
  • 2x Antenna (LTE & GNSS)
  • 7x GPIO
  • 2x GRFC
  • 1x NET_STATUS (network status indication)
  • 1x STATUS (power on/off indication)
• Messaging:
  • SMS: Point-to-point MO/MT
  • Cell Broadcast
  • Text and PDU Mode
• Voice: Voice over LTE (VoLTE) for Cat M1
• Electrical Characteristics:
  • Supply voltage range: 2.2–4.35 V
  • Maximum output power: 23 dBm (Power Class 3)
  • Power Consumption (platform-level):
    • PSM: 1.4 μA
    • Sleep Mode:
      • 82 μA @ DRX = 1.28s/2.56s
      • 17 μA @ e-I-DRX = 81.92s
    • Idle Mode:
      • 1.05 mA @ DRX = 1.28s
      • 35 μA @ e-I-DRX = 81.92s
    • Active Mode: TBD
• Misc:
  • DFOTA support
  • SoftSIM (under development)
  • GPS/GLONASS
• Package: LGA
• Environmental:
  • Operating Temperature: -35°C to +75°C
  • Extended Temperature: -40°C to +85°C
• Dimensions: 14.9 × 12.9 × 1.9mm
• Certifications: (Under development/in progress)
  • Regulatory: JATE, TELEC, KC, FCC, CE, PTCRB, GCF, IC, SRRC/NAL/CCC, NCC, RCM
  • Carrier: Verizon, AT&T, Sprint, T-Mobile, Soft Bank, KDDI, NTT DOCOMO, Deutsche Telekom, Vodafone
  • Others: RoHS-compliant

According to the company, a comprehensive range of software protocols, including TCP, PPP, UDP, SSL, MQTT, FTP(S), HTTP(S), LWM2M, IPv4/IPv6, TLS/DTLS, PING, CoAP, and NITZ, are supported by this module, ensuring seamless connectivity for diverse IoT applications. For firmware management, it features upgrade options via UART and DFOTA (Download Firmware Over-the-Air), enabling convenient updates to maintain performance and compatibility.

Additionally, the BG770A-SN leverages a global GEO satellite constellation for worldwide coverage and comes with the optional YECN028AA antenna, offering high-efficiency 5G/NTN connectivity compatible with legacy bands. Size-constrained, power-efficient, and secure IoT deployments are ideal for this module.

The BG770A-SN industrial IoT module is available for purchase through DigiKey and Mouser. At DigiKey, a single unit is priced at $48.50, while Mouser requires a minimum order of 500 units, with a full reel costing approximately $14,375. For further details, you can explore the product page and the official press release.

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